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1 year ago
The number of dairy cows at specialized agricultural cow farms in Saudi Arabia reached 234,000 and these cow farms produced a total of 2.8 billion liters of raw milk during the year 2023, according to the statistical figures released on Wednesday by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Riyadh ranked first in terms of raw milk production, with 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern Province with 1 billion liters. Across the Kingdom, there are 22 million heads of sheep, of which 19.3 percent are rams and 80.7 percent ewes, and 2.2 million heads of camels, of which 32 percent are aged less than four years and 68 percent are four and older. The publication also showed that over 1.1 million tons of broiler chicken are produced in the Kingdom; Riyadh topped the list with 282,000 tons, followed by Makkah with 185,000 tons, and Hail with 171,000 tons. The production of table eggs reached 7.9 billion, with Riyadh leading with 3 billion eggs, followed by Makkah with 1.4 billion, and the Eastern Province with one billion. The GASTAT’s Livestock Statistics Publication presents the latest data on livestock, poultry, and birds in both traditional and specialized holdings, including information on organic […]
1 year ago
An Iranian pavilion introduced into a key Saudi entertainment and tourist festival is attracting visitors with a highly prized spice on display. Saffron and its products are capturing the attention of visitors to the Boulevard World, a major stop in the ongoing Riyadh Season with its high quality and aroma wafting through the place, the Saudi news agency SPA reported. A variety of saffron products are provided. Visitors have a unique experience of tasting its flavours used in tea and sweets, and learn about its various culinary uses. The pavilion is part of Riyadh Season’s efforts to acquaint visitors with different aspects of world cultures in the popular Boulevard World Zone. Saffron is called “red gold” due to its high value and status as one of the world’s most expensive spices. It is also known for its health benefits including improved mood. The current fifth edition of the Riyadh Season kicked off on October 12, and has attracted 6 million visitors in five weeks, organisers said. This year’s edition features 14 zones, 11 world championships and 10 exhibitions. Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its oil-reliant economy and promote its tourism industry. In March last year, Iran and Saudi Arabia […]
1 year ago
Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations in operations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The General Directorate of Border Guard thwarted an attempt to smuggle 939 kg of hashish, 82,409 amphetamine pills, 291,499 regulated tablets, and 103 tonnes of qat. The smugglers included 456 Ethiopians, 269 Yemenis, a Somali, a Sri Lankan and 23 Saudi citizens. They were arrested in Tabuk, Jazan, Asir and Najran. Meanwhile, in Jazan, Border Guard patrols foiled attempts to smuggle 90 kg and 140 kg of qat in Al-Dayer and Al-Arda, respectively. In the Al-Raboah sector of Asir, patrols arrested five Yemenis and Ethiopians attempting to smuggle 120 kg of qat. The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested an Ethiopian in Al-Makhwah, Baha, for smuggling hashish and amphetamines, and four Saudi citizens in Jazan for smuggling 5.4 kg of hashish. Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information concerning drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions. Individuals with information may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or through email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. Information will be treated […]
1 year ago
Opener Abdul Waheed went through a bittersweet experience as his maiden T20I century proved in vain as Saudi Arabia lost to Bahrain in their first match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. Waheed, who almost single-handedly led Saudi Arabia’s chase of 189 runs, was caught out on the last ball as the Kingdom ended three runs short of Bahrain’s total. Saudi Arabia ended on 185-9 in reply to Bahrain’s 188-5 in 20 overs. Saudi Arabia needed 11 runs to win off Bahrain player Imran Anwar’s last over, with Waheed off the strike. Usman Najeeb ran a bye to give the talisman his chance. Waheed then ran a couple on the second ball. Anwar then bowled two dots in the next two balls as Waheed felt the pressure. With eight required off the last two balls, Waheed scored a boundary on the penultimate ball. But his shot on the final ball failed to beat the fielder and Saudi ended up losing the match. Anwar, under pressure, bowled a full toss that Waheed clobbered toward the long-off region but it failed to clear the boundary. Waheed’s innings ended on 110 runs, which included […]
1 year ago
Saudi labour authorities have said a worker, who is suspended from duty, is not allowed to have his/her employment transferred until this status is reversed. “The service of a worker whose status is suspended from work, cannot be transferred. To amend the worker’s status, it is necessary to get approval of the current employer,” the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources said. The ministry was responding to a query from a Saudi employer, who said he wants to transfer a suspended worker to his establishment. Saudi Arabia is home to a large community of expatriate workers. In recent years, the kingdom has introduced a series of labour reforms to make its job market more attractive and competitive. To this end, the Saudi government had earlier this year approved a host of substantial labour changes to preserve contractual rights. A notice for terminating an employment contract with non-specific duration is now put at 30 days if the notice comes from the worker, and 60 days on the employer’s side. The changes also obligate the employer to shun acts that could undermine or weaken implementation of the principle of equal opportunities among workers. According to these amendments, maternity leave has increased from 10 […]
1 year ago
Indonesia defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Group C match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday. Marselino Ferdinan scored on either side of halftime, securing a historic victory that puts Indonesia level on six points with Saudi Arabia and China PR. Australia, also on six points, was set to face Bahrain later on Tuesday. Indonesia nearly opened the scoring in the first minute when Ivar Jenner’s well-timed through ball sent Marselino Ferdinan through on goal. Marselino’s shot beat Saudi keeper Ahmed Al Kassar but ricocheted off the right post. The hosts continued their aggressive start, with Rizky Ridho’s long ball finding Ragnar Oratmangoen in the fifth minute. Oratmangoen’s effort was blocked by Hassan Tambakti, and subsequent attempts by Sandy Walsh and Marselino failed to find the net. Indonesia’s relentless pressure exposed Saudi Arabia’s defense repeatedly. In the 32nd minute, Ragnar Oratmangoen burst down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cutback to Marselino, who powered his shot past a stunned Al Kassar to break the deadlock. Despite pushing for an equalizer, Saudi Arabia failed to capitalize on opportunities. Faisal Al Ghamdi tested Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes, but missed chances from Nasser Al […]
1 year ago
The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has launched an initiative to position Saudi Arabia as a top global destination for cultural tourism by attracting visitors worldwide to explore the library’s diverse branches, both within and outside the Kingdom. This project aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by strengthening national identity, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development. Through its efforts, the library seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, folk arts, and traditions, while deepening citizens’ connections to their cultural roots and contributing to economic diversification. The library’s general supervisor, Faisal bin Muammar, affirmed its commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s cultural and tourism objectives. The library’s cultural tourism approach goes beyond traditional collections, offering access to historical and rare manuscripts, art and more.
1 year ago
Qualification for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka, is in full swing. From Nov. 19-28, Doha takes center stage for Asia Sub-Regional Qualifier Group B. With seven nations taking part it looks set to be an exciting competition, with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand and the UAE joining hosts Qatar. The teams are competing for the last two places in the Asia-East Asia-Pacific regional final, to be held in Malaysia in August 2025. Malaysia and Kuwait emerged successfully from the Asia Group A qualifier, while Samoa and Japan won the East Asia-Pacific A and East Asia-Pacific B qualifiers, respectively. Nepal, Oman and Papua New Guinea have already qualified by virtue of taking part in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies. The seven teams competing for these last two places will play in a round robin league, with the top two teams in the table progressing to the next qualifier. Saudi Arabia are familiar with their rivals after taking part alongside them all in T20 tournaments this year. These matches were in either the Asia Cricket Council T20 Challenger Cup in Thailand or the ACC Premier Cup […]
1 year ago
Dog lovers need to mark their calendar. An international dog festival is set to kick off early next month in Riyadh as part of a famed annual entertainment and tourist event, organisers have said. “The International Dog Festival is back with five championships, thrilling shows, and exciting activities,” Head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Al Alsheikh said. He added in an X post that the event, part of the ongoing Riyadh Season, will be held on December 2-7. The dog festival will feature a Saluki race, an IGP dog competition (a sport testing the working potential of a dog), agility shows, a dog beauty contest and entertainment dog shows. More than 250 dogs from around the world competed in the categories of the festival last year. The current fifth edition of the Riyadh Season opened on October 12, and has attracted 6 million visitors in five weeks. This year’s edition features 14 zones, 11 world championships and 10 exhibitions. Popular zones include the “Venue” ; “Boulevard City”; the “Zoo”; “Boulevard World”; and “Seweidi Park”. Al Alsheikh had earlier said the fifth edition of the season is set up on more than 7.2 million square metres with 4,200 […]
1 year ago
The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Yemeni Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, hosted a cultural celebration of the Yemeni Orchestra at the King Fahad Cultural Centre in Riyadh. The event was attended by Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Altouq and Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Moammar Al-Eryani. According to a press release issued by the Culture Ministry, the event showcased the Yemeni musical and cultural heritage, blending traditional melodies with contemporary compositions. Famous Yemeni artists delivered captivating performances that highlighted the abundant musical traditions of Aden, Sana’a and Hadhramaut, alongside Saudi musicians, revealing the two nations’ shared cultural legacies. The orchestra, conducted by known Yemeni composer Mohamed Al-Ghoom, performed in two 45-minute sets. Captivating audiences, the first segment opened with the lively rhythms of Mizmar Al-Habish, followed by beloved songs such as Nabdh Al-Madhy and Ma Alina. The second segment began with Amwaj Alliqa, transitioning seamlessly to songs that trailed including the Yemeni Medley and Ghaddar Allayl. The celebration concluded with a medley of Saudi songs, comprising classics such as Watani AlHabeeb and Anta Malek. The show ended with a heartfelt rendition of Yemen’s national anthem, Watan. In addition to the musical performance, the event […]
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