Vibrant Ahneh plant thrives in Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve

Rafha, Teucrium oliverianum, commonly known as "Ahneh," is a captivating native plant flourishing in the Arabian Peninsula. Renowned for its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves and striking blue-violet flowers, this member of the Lamiaceae family has become an iconic symbol of the region's flora. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is home to a thriving population of Ahneh, a testament to its resilience and adaptability. Abdullah Al Barrak, a wild plant expert, highlighted the plant's role as a valuable source for honeybees and its potential for ornamental use. With its ability to reproduce rapidly through seeds and maintain its beauty for over three months with proper care, Ahneh is a prized addition to any landscape. The reserve itself has witnessed remarkable ecological progress since its establishment in 2018. Vegetation cover has surged from 1.5% to an impressive 6.7%, showcasing a thriving ecosystem. The reserve now boasts over 179 plant species, includi ng 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Vibrant Ahneh plant thrives in Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve

Rafha, Teucrium oliverianum, commonly known as "Ahneh," is a captivating native plant flourishing in the Arabian Peninsula. Renowned for its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves and striking blue-violet flowers, this member of the Lamiaceae family has become an iconic symbol of the region's flora. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is home to a thriving population of Ahneh, a testament to its resilience and adaptability. Abdullah Al Barrak, a wild plant expert, highlighted the plant's role as a valuable source for honeybees and its potential for ornamental use. With its ability to reproduce rapidly through seeds and maintain its beauty for over three months with proper care, Ahneh is a prized addition to any landscape. The reserve itself has witnessed remarkable ecological progress since its establishment in 2018. Vegetation cover has surged from 1.5% to an impressive 6.7%, showcasing a thriving ecosystem. The reserve now boasts over 179 plant species, includi ng 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties. Source: Bahrain News Agency

National Cybersecurity Authority Holds Cybersecurity Awareness Session for SPA Employees

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) organized a cybersecurity awareness session today for Saudi Press Agency (SPA) employees as part of their ongoing efforts to raise awareness among national entities. The session aimed to increase awareness, foster a strong cybersecurity culture, and promote the importance of preserving national security. It also emphasized the significance of preserving national security and its role in achieving a secure and reliable cyberspace in Saudi Arabia, promoting growth and prosperity. The session covered a range of topics, including the importance of cybersecurity, the most prominent risks and threats encountered in cyberspace, the crucial role of individual users in enhancing cybersecurity, and other relevant subjects aimed at building a robust cybersecurity culture to tackle challenges and risks effectively. As the Kingdom's cybersecurity authority, the NCA aims to enhance cybersecurity, protect national interests, ensure national security, safeguard critical infrastru cture, and prioritize sectors, as well as government services. The authority also specializes in cybersecurity awareness, policy development, governance mechanisms, frameworks, controls, guidelines, and their dissemination to relevant entities in the Kingdom. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Real Estate Registry Wins Esri Award for GIS Excellence

The Saudi National Real Estate Registration Services Company (Real Estate Registry - RER) received the 2024 Special Achievement in Geographic Information Systems (SAG) award from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). This award acknowledges RER's exceptional and innovative use of geospatial information systems (GIS) at the Esri User Conference in San Diego, US. At the conference, Esri President Jack Dangermond presented the award to Mohammad Al-Suliman, CEO of the Real Estate Registry, for the company's outstanding work in GIS, its utilization of spatial technologies, and its inductive analysis of geospatial data supported by artificial intelligence. The Real Estate Registry has been acknowledged for creating a precise geospatial map incorporating real estate information and data in the Kingdom using ArcGIS and Esri technologies. Dr. Al-Sulaiman emphasized that the award validates the advanced technology and development the Real Estate Registry has achieved in realizing its vision of establis hing a comprehensive registry for all real estate data and information in the Kingdom. The geospatial survey stands as the cornerstone for the physical registration of real Source: Saudi Press Agency

Rawiyah, Survival Tool Used by Bedouins for Water Transportation

In the past, desert dwellers relied on various tools to meet their daily needs and complete household tasks. One such tool was the Rawiyah, a container-like tool designed for efficiently transporting water across the arid terrain on the backs of camels and other animals. Made from durable camel skin or rubber, the Rawiyah was crafted to preserve water and withstand transportation challenges. Available in diverse sizes, it was specifically tailored for easy carriage on the backs of camels. Khalaf Al-Ghufaili, a tour guide and enthusiast of ancient heritage, shared insightful details with a Saudi Press Agency reporter. According to him, a camel could typically carry two Rawiyahs, one on each side. He also shed light on subsequent innovations such as the Qurba, crafted from goatskin and utilized for cooling water, and the Shenna, smaller than the Qurba and made from lambskin. Additionally, the desert dwellers relied on the Akkah, made from goatskin, to preserve ghee. These tools symbolized the desert dwellers ' resourcefulness and adaptability, showcasing their innovative solutions for handling the challenges of their environment. Source: Saudi Press Agency

King Fahd Medical City and Boston Oncology Sign MoU for Localization of Gene and Target Cell Therapy

King Fahd Medical City and Boston Oncology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a project to localize gene and target cell therapy. The project will be held at King Fahd Medical City, one of the components of the Riyadh Second Health Cluster. The MoU was signed by King Fahd Medical City Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fahad AlGhofaili and Boston Oncology Chief Executive Director Dr. Abdullah Bajaaj. The Vice Minister for Planning and Development Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih attended the signing ceremony at the Saudi Ministry of Health. Dr. AlGhofaili affirmed that this MoU aligns with the Medical City's plans towards the objectives of the Saudi Transformation Program in Healthcare Sector, which contributes to the enhancement of advanced healthcare services provided through the localization of modern techniques in treatment. Dr. AlGhofaili said: "The localization of therapeutic technology in the Kingdom is one of our main goals, which aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 regarding health transformation programs. Therefore, we seek to develop local capabilities in the field of advanced medical treatment and technologies by enhancing cooperation with national and international institutions." Dr. Bajaaj stated that the MoU will enrich the efforts in the scientific fields and reflect the practical revitalization achieved by the Kingdom. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi Arabia Constitutes Center for Promoting Moderate Islam, Says North Macedonia Mufti

Islamic Union President and Republic of North Macedonia Mufti Sheikh Hafiz Sakir Fetahu stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become a center for promoting the values of moderate Islam worldwide and serves as a model, especially in eastern European countries. In a press statement, he noted that the signing of the memorandum of understanding and cooperation between the Islamic Union and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance yesterday was a result of strong relations between the union and the ministry. He expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their sincere efforts to serve Muslims worldwide and defend their causes. The president praised the Kingdom's government for its significant and extensive services to the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims and Umrah performers, and for i ts great concern for their safety and comfort. Source: Saudi Press Agency