Latest news with #Asir
Arab News
a day ago
- General
- Arab News
Traditional weapon fires up celebrations in Asir
RIYADH: In Al-Namas, a governorate in the Asir region known for its historic mud and wooden palaces, tradition lives on through the centuries-old craft of making 'Al-Maqmaa,' a heritage weapon once used for defense and now central to local celebrations. Crafting Al-Maqmaa begins with selecting high-quality wood for the body and forging an iron barrel, Saudi Press Agency reported. Key components include the safha, a compartment for storing gunpowder, and the darrab, used to compact it. The final stage is decoration, with artisans adorning the piece in brass, silver, and intricate engravings. Fahd Al-Shehri continues a legacy inherited from his father, who opened one of the first Al-Maqmaa repair shops in Al-Namas. His father modernized the craft using advanced tools while preserving its authenticity. Today, Fahd adapts the weapon for a younger generation, producing lighter, more compact versions. In Asir, no celebration is complete without Al-Maqmaa and the zahab, a cross-body leather belt studded with metal and used to carry gunpowder cartridges for ceremonial firing. The production of traditional black powder is part of this heritage. It involves mixing salt from specific soils, natural sulfur, and charcoal made from slow-burning branches. The compound once was used not only in weapons but also in blasting rocks and excavating wells. Researcher Saleh Abu Arad noted in his work that Al-Maqmaa remains a powerful symbol of Asir's identity, passed down through generations as a proud expression of the region's culture.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi authorities crack down on tourism violations
RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism intensified inspections targeting tourism service providers across key summer destinations in cities and regions throughout the Kingdom. Over the past month, inspection teams carried out around 2,750 field visits, detecting some 170 violations, according to a Saudi Press Agency report. These visits aimed to ensure that tourism entities are licensed by the ministry, safeguarding the rights of both domestic and international tourists as part of the Saudi Summer program. In Asir, more than 420 inspections uncovered over 25 violations. In Taif, more than 360 visits revealed around 25 violations. Jeddah recorded over 1,680 visits, revealing more than 110 violations. In the Baha region, more than 280 inspections resulted in five violations. The ministry emphasized that all tourism service providers — including travel agencies, consultancy offices, and event organizers — must comply with tourism regulations and bylaws to protect tourists' rights. It also urged the public to report any concerns about tourism services via the unified call center at 930.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Arab News
Asir's 2,400m-high Fog Walk attracts tourists seeking to beat the heat
RIYADH: The Fog Walk promenade, at more than 2,400 meters above sea level in Saudi Arabia's southern Asir region, has become a major attraction for those wanting to beat the heat this summer. Located in the Al-Namas governorate, it is 7 km in length and has panoramic views of the Tihama plains coastal area, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. The region's climate is typically foggy and mild in summer, with temperatures rarely going above 30 degrees Celsius, while other parts of the country are averaging above 40. There are also towering mountains and dense forests for visitors to enjoy. The promenade has wide paths, seating and rest areas, as well as food trucks, cafes and stalls selling handicrafts and traditional food from the region. The annual Summer of Al-Namas festival includes folk art performances, sports competitions, an International Sculpture Forum, and a range of open cultural evenings. Recent developments from the local authorities at the promenade include night lighting, improved green spaces and additional support services to promote the tourism industry. The Asir Development Authority aims to attract 8 million tourists to the region by 2030. A SR1.3 billion ($346.5 billion) entertainment complex is being developed and slated for completion in 2025. Its offerings will include arcade games, theme park rides, cinema, indoor golf course, bowling, and go-kart track. As a part of Vision 2030, an additional SR6 billion will be invested into the region's tourism industry. The Asir Development Authority is aiming to increase this to SR9 billion.
Arab News
23-07-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia ramps up coffee production with new initiative
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has launched an initiative to increase high-quality coffee seedling production using tissue culture technology as part of the Kingdom's push to develop its coffee sector and promote sustainable agriculture. Led by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, or Saudi Reef, in cooperation with the National Centre for Research and Development of Sustainable Agriculture, also known as Estidamah, the project will plant 50,000 seedlings and boost the productivity of coffee trees by 30 percent by the end of 2025. Majid Al-Brikan, spokesperson for Saudi Reef, said the initiative began with selecting six elite genetic samples from coffee trees in Jazan, Asir and Baha. These were supplied to labs, producing 17,000 somatic embryos and 4,000 plants, now undergoing the rooting phase. So far, 1,200 plants have been transferred to greenhouse facilities for acclimatisation, and another 400 seedlings are in the hardening stage. A bioreactor growth accelerator has also been installed to speed up production and reduce reliance on manual labor. According to Al-Brikan, the project has yielded significant scientific breakthroughs, including the re-evaluation of 82 genetic patterns, now grouped into 12 genetic groups based on morphological similarities. Seedlings are also being produced through cuttings of selected genotypes, with 1,000 rooted cuttings prepared to yield traceable, high-quality plants. A key focus of the initiative is the development of disease-resistant and drought-tolerant coffee varieties, supporting the Kingdom's goals for climate-resilient agriculture. Fourteen knowledge-based agricultural products have also been developed to promote best practices across coffee farms. The program includes development of a reference book for local farmers on cultivation and post-harvest practices. To support knowledge transfer, at least 109 farmers have participated in domestic and international study tours, and more than 200 stakeholders have received training through workshops and seminars. The program has also engaged with global coffee events to promote Saudi Arabia's growing presence in the international market.
Arab News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
3 Saudi cities to host film criticism forum
RIYADH: The Film Commission has announced the launch of the third annual Film Criticism Conference and its related events, under the theme 'Cinema: the Art of Place.' This year's conference will be held at three cultural enters: Asir in August, Qatif in October, and Riyadh in November, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The event reflects the commission's commitment to creating a critical landscape beyond traditional events, establishing an interactive knowledge platform for critics, researchers, filmmakers, and emerging Saudi talents. The program includes informative sessions, practical workshops, and specialized art exhibitions, the SPA added. This edition opens dialogue on the relationship between cinema and place, viewing it as a means of identity, narrative, and visual reflection that enriches both historically. It will explore place in cinema as a symbol, a mirror of reality, or a window into imagination, inviting diverse critical and philosophical perspectives. The conference continues to strengthen its role as a platform celebrating cinematic criticism in the region, according to the SPA. Last year's event attracted more than 10,000 visitors from more than 30 countries, with participation from more than 35 local and international entities, along with prominent critics, directors, and researchers.
