A total of 42,960 women in different Yemeni governorates have benefited from the project
Updated 05 September 2024
SPA
ADEN: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided professional equipment to 24 women being trained in sewing and embroidery, hairdressing, and cosmetology in Yemen’s Aden governorate.
The donation comes as part of a joint project with the UN Population Fund to help vulnerable women and girls in the country develop livelihoods.
A total of 42,960 women in Aden, Shabwa, Lahj, Mahra, Marib, and Hadramout governorates have benefited from the project, which offers vocational and professional training programs, as well as social services and protection for victims of gender-based violence.
Elsewhere, the center recently distributed 900 food baskets in Ad Dabbah in the Northern State of Sudan, benefiting 5,280 people affected by torrential rains. The aid was part of the food security support project in the country.
Renowned Ramsi tomatoes still a staple on Saudi tables
Local farmers have been growing the crop for centuries
Used in salads, stews, sauces, and the famous Kabsa dish
Updated 6 sec ago
Hind AlKhunaizi
DHAHRAN: Nestled in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, Qatif is celebrated for its fertile soil, inviting climate, and rich agricultural heritage.
One of the region’s most prized crops is the Ramsi tomato, which is native to Saudi Arabia.
It is also the main product of Mohammad Al-Ghawy’s Ramsi Tomato Farm, which spans 45,000 sq. meters in Al-Awamiyah and produces other seasonal delights including local watermelon and cantaloupe.
Ramsi tomatoes have been a staple in Qatif for centuries due to the region’s significant role as a major agricultural producer. (AN photo by Hind Alkhunaizi)
The succulent tomatoes are celebrated nationwide for their vibrant color, firm texture, and sweet-tangy flavor.
They are grown using traditional farming methods, which involve careful nurturing and attention to detail.
Saeed Sulail, a farmer from Qatif, told Arab News: “In terms of the harvest, the growing season lasts for more than three months, from December to the beginning of April.”
FASTFACTS
• The succulent tomatoes are celebrated nationwide for their vibrant color, firm texture, and sweet-tangy flavor.
• Despite their popularity, production faces challenges, including climate change, desertification, water scarcity, and soil degradation.
He added: “If we add the duration of planting seeds and nurseries (the greenhouses), it is approximately eight months. The soil in Qatif is enriched with nutrients and minerals that foster robust growth.”
He highlighted the importance of proper fertilization. “These are the industrial fertilizers that trees and plants need to grow well, but they must be in specific ratios for each stage of the plant’s life.”
The result of this labor of love is a delicious product packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
Ramsi tomatoes have been a staple in Qatif for centuries due to the region’s significant role as a major agricultural producer. Their popularity has spread throughout the Kingdom, making them a staple in many Saudi households.
Today, Qatif remains the primary producer of Ramsi tomatoes, with many local farms dedicating their land to their cultivation. Ramsi tomatoes hold a special place in Saudi culture, particularly during the summer months when they are in season.
They are often served as a refreshing side dish, sliced and dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper.
In many households, Ramsi tomatoes are used in traditional dishes including salads, stews and sauces, as well as the famous Saudi Arabia dish, Kabsa, which consists of meat, spices and vegetables.
Despite their popularity, production faces challenges, including climate change, desertification, water scarcity, and soil degradation.
Local farmers and authorities are working together to implement sustainable farming practices, such as drip irrigation and crop rotation.
Kiswa on display at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
Offers unique perspective of Kiswa manufacture and phases of Islamic art over centuries
Updated 22 sec ago
SPA
JEDDAH: The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, at King Abdul Aziz International Airport’s Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, is hosting a unique event where the Kaaba’s complete Kiswa is being displayed for the first time outside Makkah.
This exceptional experience at the biennale’s “Al-Bidaya” (The Beginning) section, offers visitors an opportunity to examine the aesthetics of Islamic craftsmanship, in particular the Kiswa’s gold and silver embroidery.
The display of the Kiswa is a part of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s efforts to promote awareness of the rich history and cultural legacy of Islamic art, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The biennale offers an immersive journey in the making of the Kiswa, including the selection of the finest silk, hand-weaving, as well as the gold and silver embroidery. (SPA)
The biennale offers an immersive journey in the making of the Kiswa, including the selection of the finest silk, hand-weaving, as well as the gold and silver embroidery.
Additionally, the biennale is screening a film outlining the evolution of the Kiswa across different eras and the artistic techniques used in its ornamentation, narrating a story of innovation and dedication over centuries, the SPA reported.
It also has a selection of rare artifacts from Makkah and Madinah, alongside contemporary artworks that highlight the spiritual aspects of Islamic art.
The “Al-Bidaya” section offers an interactive experience that blends visual and auditory elements, through light shows and soundscapes, that unveil the symbolic meanings behind the Kiswa’s inscriptions and ornamentation.
The display of the Kiswa not only showcases its artistic beauty but also highlights Saudi Arabia’s leading role in serving the two holy mosques.
This show serves as a significant milestone in the exploration of Islamic art, spreading cultural awareness and deepening appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the making of the Kiswa, the SPA reported.
Prince Turki highlighted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the Air Warfare Center in 2019, with a vision to make it a world-class facility
Updated 31 sec ago
SPA
RIYADH: The Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force Lt. Gen. Prince Turki bin Bandar attended the closing ceremony of the “Victory Spears 2025” exercise at the Air Warfare Center in Dhahran on Thursday.
The exercise involved the Saudi Armed Forces, Ministry of National Guard, Presidency of State Security, National Cybersecurity Authority, and forces from 15 nations.
Prince Turki also laid the foundation stone for the first expansion of the center, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The exercise included various air and maritime operations, demonstrating a high level of readiness in planning, preparation and execution by the armed forces, the SPA added.
Prince Turki highlighted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the Air Warfare Center in 2019, with a vision to make it a world-class facility.
Prince Turki emphasized the inclusion of cyber warfare as a new dimension of the exercise, underscoring the air force’s commitment to developing the center.
He thanked Saud Arabia’s leadership for continuing to support initiatives that have enabled the Royal Saudi Air Force to achieve the highest levels of combat readiness.
Visitors to the festival can choose from a wide variety of honeys, including sidr, qitad, salam, samra, doum, dhahyan, talh, marrar, majra, sahah and others
Updated 37 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The 10th edition of the Jazan Honey Festival, held at the Cultural Center Square in Al-Edabi Governorate, gave local beekeepers the opportunity to display more than 50 tonnes of the finest honey varieties.
Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in the region in cooperation with Al-Edabi Governorate, the aim of the festival is to boost the local economy, develop the beekeeping and honey production sector, support the honey industry and preserve a long-standing profession in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Visitors to the festival can choose from a wide variety of honeys, including sidr, qitad, salam, samra, doum, dhahyan, talh, marrar, majra, sahah and others.
The region is renowned for producing about 15 types of honey throughout the year, with an annual production exceeding 1,000 tonnes.
The festival is one of the most important events of the Jazan Winter Season 2025, with honey sales exceeding SR12 million ($3.2 million) over the past nine editions.
The SPA reported that the festival will run until Nov. 11 and is expected to attract a large number of visitors and shoppers, with sales this season expected to exceed SR3.5 million.
Saudi Arabia’s aid agency provides medical aid in Syria
Aside from medical care, the Saudi Amal Volunteer Program will provide training and educational programs, and offer economic empowerment for people in Syria
Updated 44 sec ago
SPA
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center launched three volunteer medical programs in Damascus on Thursday.
The programs cover cochlear implants, auditory rehabilitation, pediatric tumors, and osteoporosis and are part of the Saudi Amal Volunteer Program to help the Syrian people, which began Feb. 5 and will run until Feb. 12.
Within the first 48 hours, medical volunteers had successfully performed 22 oncology surgeries, 12 cochlear implant surgeries, four pediatric surgeries, five pediatric orthopedic surgeries, and six orthopedic and joint replacement surgeries.
Aside from medical care, the Saudi Amal Volunteer Program will also provide training and educational programs, and offer economic empowerment for people in need in several Syrian cities. More than 3,000 volunteers have signed up to help.
