Latest news with #Al-Khail
Arab News
27-04-2025
- Arab News
A closer look at the Great Reef off Jeddah's coast
RIYADH: The Great Reef, just 24 kilometers off Jeddah's coastline, is a marine heritage site known for its stunning coral formations. Covering almost six sq. km, the reef showcases the diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the heart of the Red Sea. The reef is shaped not only by natural coral structures but also by cavities and openings formed by marine organisms and through weathering processes, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Despite pressure from sea currents, tides, and human activity, waters around the reef remain strikingly pure, providing an ideal environment for coral growth and marine life to flourish. • Covering almost six sq. km, the Great Reef showcases the diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the heart of the Red Sea. • It offers a key anchorage for small vessels, and is also a nesting and breeding site for numerous seabird species. According to Saudi Geological Survey's spokesperson Tariq Al-Khail, the Great Reef offers a key anchorage for small vessels, and is also a nesting and breeding site for numerous seabird species. The reef has a growing reputation as a tourism destination, and has become increasingly popular for swimming, recreation, diving, and underwater exploration, he said. Conservation efforts have focused on raising environmental awareness among visitors to preserve this natural landmark for future generations, Al-Khail added.
Saudi Gazette
21-04-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
150 caves in Saudi Arabia hold exceptional research value, says SGS
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) has confirmed that the caves and geological features spread across various regions of Saudi Arabia are rare natural treasures. They constitute a fundamental pillar for supporting scientific research and promoting sustainable ecotourism, which the country is currently focused on exploiting. More than 150 caves hold exceptional scientific value. Some of them are documented natural records of the Earth's history and its geological and climatic transformations throughout the ages. The SGS is making great efforts to discover and study these sites. These studies reveal precise scientific evidence reflecting the environmental transformations the region has undergone over thousands of years, along with rare plant and animal remains, some of which have become extinct as a result of natural changes. The official spokesperson of SGS, Tariq Aba Al-Khail, explained that SGS provides an opportunity for researchers and specialists in the fields of earth sciences, archaeology, and paleo biology to benefit from these caves and sites and conduct in-depth studies within an organized scientific approach, the SPA reported. He noted that the SGS commitment to its role as a reference in providing accurate geological data and building effective partnerships with academic and research institutions, with the aim of establishing a solid knowledge base and raising community awareness of the importance of these natural Al-Khail pointed out that the authority has already discovered hundreds of caves scattered throughout Saudi Arabia and is currently focusing on investing in those with promising scientific or economic potential, ensuring maximum benefit from cave expert Eng. Mahmoud Al-Shanti described the geological diversity of caves in Saudi Arabia as exceptional and unique, as they include limestone caves formed in ancient marine environments, basalt caves within volcanic lava fields, and sandstone caves spread across various regions of the country.A specialized team from SGS has discovered a large number of caves, and exploration work continues at an accelerated pace. Initial indications point to the presence of caves extending over four kilometers below the Earth's surface. Details are expected to be announced later as part of a series of scientific discoveries that the authority is working to document and share with the public.
Arab News
13-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia assumes presidency of global anti-corruption network
VIENNA: Saudi Arabia, through its Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), has officially assumed the presidency of Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network). Spain handed over to the Kingdom the leadership of the network during a ceremony at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, Austria, the Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday. Nasser Aba Al-Khail, Nazaha's deputy for international collaboration, was installed as chairman of the committee, with Boni de Moraes Soares, Brazil's national solicitor for international affairs, as vice chair. Saudi Arabia was unanimously elected to chair the GlobE Network's Steering Committee for the 2025–2027 term during a high-level meeting last year in Beijing, China. Its election to lead the international network underscores member states' recognition of the Kingdom's commitment to fighting corruption. Established in 2021, GlobE Network includes more than 229 law enforcement agencies from over 124 countries, as well as numerous international organizations. Al-Khail emphasized that Saudi Arabia aims to enhance collaboration among member states to combat corruption in alignment with the United Nations Convention against Corruption. As chair of the network, Saudi Arabia "seeks to create new strategies for asset recovery and initiate a secure communication platform to facilitate quicker and more efficient information exchange among member states," Al-Khail said in a statement carried by SPA. "This will enhance international cooperation and empower governments to tackle emerging challenges in combating corruption, refine asset recovery processes, and more effectively trace illicit funds across borders,' he said. Since its creation, the network has had a positive impact on the efforts of member to combat cross-border corruption. During a recent meeting of the network, representatives from Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, China, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and Indonesia shared insights on various cross-border investigations, including joint efforts to uncover embezzlement of EU grant funds, the use of the Network's Secure Communication Platform (SCP) to advance investigations as well as operations targeting large-scale VAT fraud. Presenters also highlighted examples of swift action in asset recovery, successful extraditions, and effective collaboration between agencies to track and freeze offshore assets obtained through corruption, according to the network's official site. For its part, the Nazaha had made great strides in combatting corruption in the Kingdom since its creation in 2016. During the month of December 2024 alone, the authority have arrested 145 citizens and residents — among them government employees — accused of various crimes such as bribery and abuse of authority.
