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Arab News
23-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia's deserts
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's landscapes are brightened each year by a dazzling array of wildflowers that bring bursts of color and life to its deserts and valleys. Among the most iconic are Bassia eriophora, Senecio glaucus (locally known as Zamlouq), and Tribulus omanense (commonly called Zahrah). These species are celebrated not only for their natural beauty but also for their ecological, historical, and cultural significance. In the Northern Borders Province, the desert is seasonally transformed into a living canvas by the arrival of Zamlouq, one of the region's most striking wildflowers. Once near extinction, this annual herbaceous plant is now enjoying a revival. Also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, Zamlouq germinates rapidly after rainfall and can grow up to 20 centimeters tall. It is easily recognized by its elongated, strap-like leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that enrich the desert with vibrant color. Zamlouq emits a distinctive, aromatic fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies, playing a vital role in pollination and supporting ecological balance. It typically blooms from late winter into spring, carpeting the desert floor with natural ground cover that boosts soil fertility and provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife. It also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion — especially in open desert areas. 'This annual herb thrives in sandy plains and open rangelands, blooming in spring,' Ghalia Aljeddani, associate professor of plant ecology at the University of Jeddah's Department of Environmental Sciences, told Arab News. 'It serves as valuable forage for livestock and contributes to soil stabilization and ecological beautification.' Another native species creating a breathtaking spectacle during the blooming season is the Ramth shrub (Haloxylon salicornicum), particularly in the valleys of the Northern Borders, such as Wadi Arar and its tributaries. Recent thunderstorms and rainfall have triggered renewed floral activity in these regions. Ramth is a perennial, evergreen shrub known for both its ecological and pastoral value. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of nature reserves, have helped restore this once-declining species and expand Saudi Arabia's green cover. Highly valued by herders as a key 'Hamad' (palatable pasture shrub), Ramth typically grows to around 1 meter tall and can spread across several square meters. Its scale-like, tubular leaves retain moisture, allowing it to thrive in extreme desert conditions. When protected from grazing, Ramth demonstrates a remarkable capacity to regenerate. In mid-summer, its foliage produces tiny granules of pure white sugar — a unique feature in its ecological profile. Ramth is 'commonly used as camel forage and firewood,' said Aljeddani. 'It is also a natural source of salt for camels and has uses in cleaning products and some medicinal applications. Its ability to thrive in saline and arid environments makes it a promising solution for combating desertification.' Among the diverse Tribulus species found across the Arabian Peninsula, Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage. • More than 800 types of wildflowers have been recorded across the Arabian Peninsula. • After rainfall, the deserts, rocky mountains and gravel plains burst into life with greenery. • Despite their relatively small sizes, wildflowers in Saudi Arabia are remarkably resilient. • Bedouin have long used wild plants to treat infections and for health-boosting properties. This trailing plant thrives in loose sands and high desert dunes and can grow up to 80 centimeters tall, adding a dramatic splash of color to otherwise barren terrain. Belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, Zahrah is distinguished by its star-shaped flowers with five delicate petals and its spiny seed capsules. Its deep green, pinnate leaves and sprawling stems enhance its ornamental appeal, while its winter bloom transforms the desert into a radiant sea of yellow. Zahrah serves as an important food source for desert ungulates like gazelles and oryx, as well as for domesticated animals. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Zahrah is exceptionally adapted to harsh conditions, tolerating extreme heat, drought, and sandy soils. Its water-saving mechanisms make it indispensable to desert ecosystems. Beyond its ecological value, Tribulus omanense is revered as a symbol of endurance and vitality — mirroring the resilience of the desert and the spirit of the people who call it home. Yet environmental pressures such as climate change, overgrazing, and urban expansion threaten the resurgence of these plants. Authorities are working to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving native vegetation to preserve biodiversity and protect the Kingdom's natural heritage. These measures will help maintain ecological balance without excessive strain on water resources, enhance natural resistance to drought and desertification, and support the development of resilient and sustainable ecosystems. 'These wildflowers are not merely natural adornments of the land,' said Aljeddani. 'They play vital environmental, cultural, and economic roles and significantly contribute to national initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Northern Borders Region Sees Honey Production Boom, Investment Potential
Honey production has emerged as a promising sector on Northern Borders Region's local production map, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Several environmental experts have stressed that the region possesses unique natural features, such as seasonal vegetation, a variety of wildflowers, and a dry climate, all of which contribute to producing pure, high-quality honey, making the region an ideal environment for developing this sector. Enthusiasts noted that the honey production season in Northern Borders Region typically peaks during the summer when the weather is relatively moderate, SPA reported. Director of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture's branch in Northern Borders Region Bandar Al-Hadiyah stressed the ministry's efforts to develop this sector by improving bee strains and adopting the best agricultural practices to boost productivity and achieve sustainable economic returns. He also praised the ambition of the region's youth and their ability to compete regionally and globally in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030. The ministry's regional branch has launched several training programs in beekeeping to raise awareness of proper practices and implement the latest technologies in hive management. These initiatives also aim to empower and qualify young people to enter and thrive in this vital and growing sector.
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Northern Borders Region Sees Honey Production Boom, Investment Potential
Honey production has emerged as a promising sector on Northern Borders Region's local production map, according to SPA. Several environmental experts have stressed that the region possesses unique natural features, such as seasonal vegetation, a variety of wildflowers, and a dry climate, all of which contribute to producing pure, high-quality honey, making the region an ideal environment for developing this sector. Enthusiasts noted that the honey production season in Northern Borders Region typically peaks during the summer when the weather is relatively moderate. Director of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture's branch in Northern Borders Region Bandar Al-Hadiyah stressed the ministry's efforts to develop this sector by improving bee strains and adopting the best agricultural practices to boost productivity and achieve sustainable economic returns. He also praised the ambition of the region's youth and their ability to compete regionally and globally in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030. The ministry's regional branch has launched several training programs in beekeeping to raise awareness of proper practices and implement the latest technologies in hive management. These initiatives also aim to empower and qualify young people to enter and thrive in this vital and growing sector.
Arab News
18-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Hajj volunteers on duty at Arar border crossing
RIYADH: The Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region continues to welcome Hajj pilgrims arriving from Iraq, with volunteers from various government and charitable organizations providing support. Teams from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority offer medical services and health education to ensure the safety of pilgrims, delivering urgent care when needed, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Volunteers from the Northern Borders Health Cluster perform medical examinations and monitor health conditions, safeguarding pilgrims' well-being from arrival to departure. Volunteers from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development help organize pilgrim movement, oversee transport and provide logistical support. They also assist the elderly and people with disabilities, ensuring smooth and accessible mobility, the SPA reported. Teams from the Ministry of Sport offer guidance at entry points and educate pilgrims on organizational procedures. Students from Northern Borders University assist with translation, facilitating communication with non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims. Volunteers from various associations guide pilgrims on entrance and exit routes to ensure smooth movement. Saudi volunteers ensure pilgrims have a straightforward and enriching Hajj journey, working tirelessly in several sectors to maintain top-level service, according to the SPA. The annual Islamic pilgrimage — required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so — will begin in Makkah on June 4 and end on June 9.
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia welcomes first Hajj pilgrims of the year from Iraq
RIYADH: The first group of pilgrims from Iraq arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday ahead of this year's Hajj. A total of 192 buses from the country passed through the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the north of the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Authorities said that officials under the supervision of the governor of the Northern Borders Region, Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan, are working to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims and provide them with a comprehensive range of services, including medical assistance, preventive care and awareness information. The annual Islamic pilgrimage, which every Muslim who is physically and financially able to do so is obliged to undertake at least once in their life, will begin in Makkah June 4 and end on June 9.
