Latest news with #ArabianLeopard
Asharq Al-Awsat
15-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's RCU, Arabian Leopard Fund Partner with Smithsonian to Protect Arabian Leopard
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Arabian Leopard Fund announced a strategic partnership with the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to support international efforts to protect the Arabian leopard, one of the world's most endangered big cats. The agreement includes the loan of a pair of Arabian leopards to Washington, D.C. as part of a scientific program designed to enhance conservation efforts, promote genetic diversity, and raise global awareness about this rare species. The initiative is part of the RCU's broader strategy to expand its international collaboration network in environmental conservation, with the Arabian Leopard Fund playing a pivotal role in coordinating global efforts and directing joint scientific endeavors. The partnership combines the Smithsonian Institution's extensive scientific expertise with the breeding program for the Arabian leopard overseen by the commission, significantly enhancing the chances of survival for this critically endangered species and establishing a population outside its native habitat. Additionally, the collaboration will drive advanced scientific research on the Arabian leopard and facilitate the creation of the first exhibit of its kind for these big cats in the United States. It will help share their story with a global audience and stimulate community support for conservation programs. The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, reflecting the significant challenges it faces in its natural environment. The strategic project represents a practical and effective response to safeguard the future of this species, which is cherished in Saudi Arabia as an essential part of its natural heritage and environmental identity.
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
RCU, Arabian Leopard Fund partner with Smithsonian to protect Arabian leopard
ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Arabian Leopard Fund have partnered with the Smithsonian Institution to support international efforts to protect the Arabian leopard, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday. Under the agreement, RCU will lend of a pair of Arabian leopards to Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute as part of a scientific program designed to enhance conservation efforts, promote genetic diversity, and raise global awareness about this rare species. The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is considered one of the world's most endangered big cats, with approximately only 120 left in the wild, including about 20 that are confined mostly to the Kingdom's isolated southwestern mountains of Asir and the Hijaz. At the RCU wildlife conservation facility in AlUla, there were 27 Arabian leopards as of last year, a senior official of the commission was quoted by a special Arab News report as saying In partnering with Smithsonian, the RCU aims to bolster its Arabian leopard breeding program and significantly "enhance the chances of survival for the critically endangered species and establishing a population outside its native habitat." The collaboration is also hoped to drive advanced scientific research on the endangered animal and facilitate the creation of the first exhibit of its kind for these big cats in the United States and "stimulate community support for conservation programs."
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia steps into global spotlight at Arabian Travel Market
RIYADH: At the unveiling of its new Saudi Land pavilion during this year's Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and AlUla in particular have turned heads. Held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Center, AlUla's presence at ATM is highlighting its rapid transformation and new partnerships with industry leaders. The appearance follows the success of AlUla's first international marketing campaign under the theme 'Forever Revitalizing,' which began in early 2024. Aimed at reintroducing the world to AlUla's deep historical roots and natural beauty, the campaign ran across nine countries in six languages. Melanie de Souza, executive director of destination marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said the city's global profile has grown significantly thanks to the campaign. 'Expanded airline connectivity, more hotels and a packed events calendar have all helped us keep up with growing interest,' she said in a statement. The campaign highlighted the city's ancient ruins, striking desert landscapes and growing cultural offerings through dramatic films, rich imagery and storytelling. The ancient oasis city-turned-cultural tourism hotspot welcomed more than 286,000 visitors in 2024, 72 percent of them domestic and 28 percent international. Online interest in AlUla surged, with website visits up 8.5 times and bookings climbing 220 percent, leading to a 240 percent jump in revenue. AlUla is also investing in the future. By the end of 2025, it plans to expand its accommodation capacity to more than 1,400 rooms, while committing to Vision 2030's sustainability goals. De Souza added: 'Our focus remains on developing a destination premised on sustainability and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. At ATM, we will showcase why AlUla stands out as one of the most purposeful and forward-thinking destinations globally.' Visitors to AlUla's stand at ATM can experience a number of attractions. At the Arabian Leopard experience, guests can learn about local wildlife conservation efforts and vote to name a future leopard cub for a chance to win a two-night trip. Names are being transliterated into the ancient Dadanite script at the Echoes of AlUla attraction, while the Rawi storytelling section is a space to listen to traditional tales passed down through generations. The Saudi Tourism Authority is also showcasing the Kingdom's rich diversity at ATM, from coastal escapes to mountain retreats and world-class sporting events. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the authority, said in a statement: 'We are thrilled to return to ATM, opening the doors to Saudi Land, and welcoming our valued partners from around the globe.'
Mid East Info
29-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
AlUla Showcases Authentic Handicrafts at Arabian Travel Market with Spotlight on Madrasat Addeera - Middle East Business News and Information
The luxury heritage destination of AlUla is hosting a special pop-up from Madrasat Addeera, the city's first arts and design centre, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) until 1 May. Located at stand at ME #1720, Dubai World Trade Centre, the pop-up features a curated collection of handcrafted pieces, such as stone carved decorations, ceramics, traditionally weaved Sadu fabric, embroidered purses and more, celebrating the artistry of local artisans and the living heritage of AlUla. This year's showcase gains special significance as 2025 has been declared The Year of Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia, an initiative that recognises the importance of preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship as a vital part of the Kingdom's cultural identity. In this context, Madrasat Addeera stands as a powerful driver of cultural continuity and innovation. Located at the heart of AlUla's AlJadidah Arts District, Madrasat Addeera champions traditional crafts and contemporary design through community-driven creativity. Each creation displayed at ATM, many of which have been made by women artisans trained through Madrasat Addeera's Vocational Training Programme, tells a story. Madrasat Addeera is one of many ways AlUla is reviving ancient arts, crafts and culture, and also empowering the local community through skills development and economic opportunity. Visitors to the AlUla stand at ATM can also engage with the stories behind the pieces, gaining insight into how the destination is redefining authentic tourism through immersive cultural experiences. AlUla invites visitors to experience its stand at ME #1720, Sheikh Saeed Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, during the Arabian Travel Market. A range of engaging activities will offer guests an immersive glimpse into the wonders of AlUla – right in the heart of Dubai. Another available experience at the stand is the 'Echoes of AlUla', where visitors can have their names transliterated into ancient Dadanitic script, once used by the Lihyanite and Dadanite kingdoms that thrived in AlUla – offering a unique way to connect with the city's rich heritage and take home a symbolic piece of its history. Adding a personal touch, two Rawi, AlUla's traditional storytellers and tour guides, will be on hand to engage with visitors, sharing authentic stories, insights, and perspectives from the destination they call home. Additionally, at the Arabian Leopard section, guests can discover AlUla's sustainability efforts, including the reintroduction of the Critically Endangered Arabian Leopard into the wild. Visitors will also have the chance to vote on a name for a future leopard cub and enter a draw to win a two-night trip to AlUla, including flights and accommodation. About AlUla: Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman's conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE. In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages, which has been recently listed on the UNESCO's memory of the World Register. Also AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, which has been selected as one of the World's Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by the UNWTO.
Leaders
08-04-2025
- Science
- Leaders
World's First De-extinction: Dire Wolf is Back After 10,000 Years
In an unprecedented scientific breakthrough, the US-based biotechnology company, Colossal Biosciences, has brough back the dire wolf after being extinct more than 10,000 years ago, according to CNN. By using ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology, scientists announced on April 7 that they altered the genes of a gray wolf, and the process resulted in three puppies: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi. Dire wolf petrous bone The researchers have extracted the ancient DNA from two dire wolf fossils and assembled two high-quality Aenocyon dirus genomes. Dire Wolf Then, the team conducted a concise comparison between the genomes with those of living canids such as wolves, jackals and foxes. Therefore, they were able to specify the genetic variants for the special features of dire wolves, such as white coats and thick fur. Through the data of the genetic analysis, scientists eventually altered gray wolf cells and conducted 20 edits in 14 genes. Consequently, they cloned the most significant cell lines and turned them into donor eggs. SOUND ON. You're hearing the first howl of a dire wolf in over 10,000 years. Meet Romulus and Remus—the world's first de-extinct animals, born on October 1, 2024. The dire wolf has been extinct for over 10,000 years. These two wolves were brought back from extinction using… — Colossal Biosciences® (@colossal) April 7, 2025 'Healthy developing embryos were then transferred into surrogates for interspecies gestation,' with three pregnancies that led to births of the first de-extinct species, Colossal said in its statement. Dire Wolf Importantly, the company noted that it depended on domestic dogs like surrogates, which are large, mixed-breed hounds. As a result, two male dire wolf pups were born on October 1, 2024, while a female pup was born on January 30, 2025. Wolf pups 'So, when I saw them born and they were white, I was like, we've done it. Those are dire wolves,' Beth Shapiro, Colossal's chief scientist, told ABC News. Related Topics: Genetic Breakthrough: KACST Constructs First Arabian Leopard Genome KFSHRC Detects 267 Fetal Genetic Disorders Through Prenatal Care University of Hail launches an introductory program for the Saudi genome Short link : Post Views: 193
