Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence

Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence
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Salsola tetrandra plays a critical role in providing sustenance for animals, stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, contributing to the sustainability of natural pastures. (SPA)
Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence
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Salsola tetrandra plays a critical role in providing sustenance for animals, stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, contributing to the sustainability of natural pastures. (SPA)
Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence
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Salsola tetrandra plays a critical role in providing sustenance for animals, stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, contributing to the sustainability of natural pastures. (SPA)
Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence
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Salsola tetrandra plays a critical role in providing sustenance for animals, stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, contributing to the sustainability of natural pastures. (SPA)
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Updated 28 February 2025
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Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence

Salsola tetrandra shrub reappears in Northern Borders after decades-long absence
  • Disappearance of plant in 1990s due to overgrazing
  • Considered a crucial food for wildlife and livestock

ARAR: A vital pastoral shrub once widespread in the Hamad area of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region has reappeared after a decades-long absence, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Environment authorities have attributed the near extinction of the plant in the 1990s due to overgrazing.

Recently, the presence of the Salsola tetrandra shrubs had been reported in inaccessible, rocky areas, signaling the plant’s potential for recovery.

The plant is considered a crucial food source for wildlife and livestock. It also plays a critical role in preventing erosion, contributes to the sustainability of natural pastures, and reflects the Kingdom’s rich environmental diversity.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to enhance pasture rehabilitation programs and combat overgrazing, aiming to restore the plant to its previous ecological status.

National environmental protection efforts are expected to facilitate the broader return of the Salsola tetrandra in the coming years, bolstering environmental sustainability, and restoring balance to natural ecosystems in the Northern Borders.

The Kingdom has been at the forefront of a global campaign to restore the planet’s ecological balance, with an ambitious plan to plant 10 billion trees and shrubs.

Since the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, the Kingdom has planted 100 million trees and shrubs and rehabilitated 118,000 hectares of degraded land.


Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo to bring together sector’s leaders in May

Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo to bring together sector’s leaders in May
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo to bring together sector’s leaders in May

Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo to bring together sector’s leaders in May
  • SEA Expo returns for seventh year, attracting over 15,000 industry professionals, 300 local and global exhibitors

RIYADH: The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo is set to return for its seventh year from May 20-22 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, bringing together the world’s top entertainment and amusement brands, and showcasing the latest advances in the sector.

SEA 2025 will run alongside the Saudi Light and Sound Expo and will showcase innovation and industry trends, bringing together global experts and sector leaders.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 ambitions and positions itself as the nexus of the global entertainment and amusement landscape, the expo serves as a central platform where industry leaders, investors, and visionaries from across the world converge to actively shape the future of entertainment.

From theme parks to experiential tech, local and global brands are finding new ways to be part of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and amusement scene.

Sarkis Kahwajian, associate vice president at organizers DMG Events, said: “The SEA Expo exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the entertainment sector.

“SEA Expo is fueling this shift in the entertainment and amusement sector, providing a sought-after platform for businesses to connect, collaborate, and innovate, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the wider Middle East’s fast-evolving entertainment landscape.”

Featuring over 300 local and global brands with the latest ingenuity in amusement, theme parks, entertainment tech and more, the expo is set to welcome over 15,000 entertainment industry professionals, opening the door for vital international collaborations and multi-billion-dollar investments.

Co-located with the SLS Expo, it doubles the opportunities and experiences, bringing together two distinct industry events at one venue. The co-location allows attendees to explore a diverse range of products, solutions, and innovations — not just in entertainment and amusement, but also in professional lighting design, technology, and audio advancements.

The SLS Expo will showcase the latest sound, lighting, and audiovisual innovations.

Kahwajian added: “SLS Expo 2025 is the perfect stage for professionals to see how new-age technology is propelling the Kingdom’s professional lighting and sound sector to new heights. We truly believe this expo is an accelerator for the industry in the region.”

As Saudi Arabia’s pro-light and sound industry grows in line with Vision 2030’s goals of economic development, entertainment expansion, and infrastructure advancement, SLS Expo plays an essential role in this progress, he said, adding that with major investments in awe-inspiring venues and ingenious event tech, it will showcase innovations shaping the future of professional lighting and sound in the Kingdom.

SLS Expo is the ideal meeting hub for suppliers, venue operators, and event organizers to engage with 200 local and global brands.

Beyond the exhibition, the dedicated SLS summit will host over 25 speakers across 10 conference sessions covering a wide range of topics, including captivating event technologies, sustainability in production, and the role of smart tech in live shows.


King Salman, crown prince exchange Ramadan greetings with Islamic nations

King Salman, crown prince exchange Ramadan greetings with Islamic nations
Updated 28 February 2025
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King Salman, crown prince exchange Ramadan greetings with Islamic nations

King Salman, crown prince exchange Ramadan greetings with Islamic nations
  • Greetings reflect Kingdom’s commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Islamic nations

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday extended their congratulations to the leaders of Islamic countries on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In line with their annual tradition of strengthening ties with fellow Islamic nations, the Saudi leadership sent cables of congratulations, praying for the acceptance of good deeds and for the Islamic world to experience continued prosperity, unity, and empowerment during Ramadan, SPA added.

In return, King Salman and the crown prince received messages of congratulations from leaders across the Islamic world.

The exchange of greetings reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Islamic nations, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan.


Crescent moon sighted, start of Ramadan on Saturday in Saudi Arabia

Crescent moon sighted, start of Ramadan on Saturday in Saudi Arabia
Updated 28 February 2025
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Crescent moon sighted, start of Ramadan on Saturday in Saudi Arabia

Crescent moon sighted, start of Ramadan on Saturday in Saudi Arabia
  • Ramadan, 9th month of Islamic Hijri calendar, will begin on March 1, Supreme Court announced
  • The crescent sighting was observed across the Kingdom in observatories including Sudair and Tumair

RIYADH: The crescent moon signaling the start of Ramadan on Saturday has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, the moon sighting committee has announced.
Following the sighting of the crescent moon on Friday evening, the holy month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, will begin on March 1, Saturday, the Supreme Court announced.
The crescent sighting was observed across the Kingdom in observatories including Sudair and Tumair.
The Supreme Court on Thursday called on all Muslims in Saudi Arabia to sight the Ramadan crescent on Friday evening.
The court has said anyone who sights the Ramadan crescent with their eyes or through binoculars should notify the nearest court to their location and record their testimony there, or contact the nearest center so that they can be directed to the nearest court.
Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee usually observes the moon in the days leading up to the expected start date of Ramadan, but they have encouraged other Muslims who wish to sight the moon to do so as well.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset as part of the Islamic ritual that aims to encourage patience, charity, and community welfare.
It is the month of blessing in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Month-long fasting, from dawn to dusk, is one of the five pillars of Islam.
On the auspicious occasion of Ramadan, Muslims mark a turning point of their life where they aim to improve their spirituality, break bad habits instead of putting them on pause, supplicate, heal, give charity, sleep less, pray more and increase imaan – or faith – during this month of forgiveness.


Ramadan Crescent moon sighted; first day of holy month on Saturday

Ramadan Crescent moon sighted; first day of holy month on Saturday
Updated 29 min 17 sec ago
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Ramadan Crescent moon sighted; first day of holy month on Saturday

Ramadan Crescent moon sighted; first day of holy month on Saturday
  • Lunar Islamic calendar, based on the sighting of the crescent moon, determines the beginning of the new month

RIYADH: The crescent moon signaling the start of Ramadan on Saturday has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, the moon sighting committee has announced.

Following the sighting of the crescent moon on Friday evening, the holy month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, will begin on March 1, Saturday, the Supreme Court announced.

The crescent sighting was observed across the Kingdom in observatories including Sudair and Tumair.

The Supreme Court on Thursday called on all Muslims in Saudi Arabia to sight the Ramadan crescent on Friday evening.

The court has said anyone who sights the Ramadan crescent with their eyes or through binoculars should notify the nearest court to their location and record their testimony there, or contact the nearest center so that they can be directed to the nearest court.

Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee usually observes the moon in the days leading up to the expected start date of Ramadan, but they have encouraged other Muslims who wish to sight the moon to do so as well.

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset as part of the Islamic ritual that aims to encourage patience, charity, and community welfare.

It is the month of blessing in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Month-long fasting, from dawn to dusk, is one of the five pillars of Islam.

On the auspicious occasion of Ramadan, Muslims mark a turning point of their life where they aim to improve their spirituality, break bad habits instead of putting them on pause, supplicate, heal, give charity, sleep less, pray more and increase imaan – or faith – during this month of forgiveness.


Saudi Arabia rejects parallel government in Sudan, reaffirms support for stability

Saudi Arabia rejects parallel government in Sudan, reaffirms support for stability
Updated 28 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia rejects parallel government in Sudan, reaffirms support for stability

Saudi Arabia rejects parallel government in Sudan, reaffirms support for stability
  • Kingdom reaffirmed its unwavering support for Sudan’s security, stability, and territorial integrity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday rejected any unilateral steps taken outside Sudan’s official institutions that could threaten the country’s unity, including recent calls to establish a parallel government.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that such actions do not reflect the will of the Sudanese people and could further destabilize the war-torn nation.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its unwavering support for Sudan’s security, stability, and territorial integrity.

Saudi Arabia urged all Sudanese parties to prioritize the national interest over factional divisions and to work toward preventing further fragmentation and chaos. The Kingdom also reiterated its commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and achieving peace in Sudan, in line with the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023.

The statement comes as several members of the UN Security Council voiced concern over the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces’ decision to declare a parallel government.

The move, announced Sunday by RSF rebels and their allies, has sparked diplomatic tensions between Sudan and Kenya, where the agreement was reportedly signed behind closed doors.

US Representative John Kelley warned during a Security Council meeting on Wednesday that the formation of a rival administration in RSF-controlled areas risks deepening the conflict and could lead to the de facto partition of Sudan.

Kenya, which has been accused of recognizing the RSF’s proposed government, has denied any such endorsement.

The ongoing war between Sudan’s Armed Forces and the RSF has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands killed and millions displaced. Saudi Arabia has been actively engaged in mediation efforts alongside international partners to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis.