Latest news with #Safawi
Leaders
6 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Early Date Harvest Underway in Madinah Region
The first wave of date harvesting has begun in the Madinah Region, with local markets now receiving early-season varieties such as Luna Musaed, Rabia, and Ajwa. These initial yields originate from farms situated in the western parts of the region. A spike in market activity has accompanied the arrival of these dates, with prices currently elevated due to limited early supply. However, the outlook for the season remains positive, with forecasts pointing to a strong overall harvest expected to meet domestic demand and stabilize availability in the coming weeks. Harvesting typically begins in farms on the region's outskirts, particularly in hot, mountainous areas. The process gradually expands through agricultural valleys and their surroundings, especially in the west. Madinah boasts one of the earliest date seasons in the Kingdom, with some farms starting as early as June. Peak production generally occurs during July and August, while later-ripening varieties like Anbara and Safawi are usually harvested toward the end of August. Spanning from early June to September, Madinah's date season lasts about three months and marks one of the busiest periods in the region's agricultural calendar. Throughout the season, authorities closely monitor quality and supply chains, reinforcing Madinah's role as a key hub for date production and trade across the Kingdom. Related Topics: Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations Riyadh Global Health Exhibition to Bring Together Int'nal Healthcare Experts Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Governor New Chapter Unfolded: Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Intensive Care Unit Short link : Post Views: 7
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Safawi unfazed by 'foreign presence' in national team
KUALA LUMPUR: More and more foreign-born players are coming into the national football team. Do Malaysian-born players find it more and more difficult to get places in the first XI? Winger Safawi Rasid, when asked about this, said he is not affected by the influx of heritage players into Harimau Malaya. In fact, the 28-year-old feels that the healthy competition — arising out of this situation — will improve the quality of the national team. The latest batch of foreign-born players reportedly added to Harimau Malaya for the Asian Cup qualfiier again st Vietnam on June 10 were Rodrigo Holgado, Jefte Betancor and Jon Irazabal. Safawi said that as a local player, he does not see their presence as a threat to his position in the national team. He said all the players must give full commitment in every training session, regardless of their status as local or heritage players. "For me, it's good for the team. There will be healthy competition in training. So I have no problem with this," he said. Safawi added that he sees the presence of foreign-born heritage players as an opportunity to challenge himself to raise his game and increase competitiveness among local players. "We, as local players, must see this as a healthy challenge. This kind of competition will help the team become stronger." Malaysia fielded the Dutch-born midfielder Hector Hevel in the 2-0 win over Nepal in an Asian Cup qualifier on March 25, and the Spanish-born winger Gabriel Palmero in the 2-2 with Cape Verde last week.
Observer
15-03-2025
- Health
- Observer
Why dates hold a special place in the Arab world
Dates—those enchanting fruits, cherished primarily in the Arab world, are bursting with remarkable medicinal benefits. They serve as a daily vitamin supplement and are especially popular during the holy month of Ramadhan. Following the tradition of the Prophet Mohammed (May Peace Be Upon Him), who broke his fast with a simple dry date alongside friends, Muslims worldwide share this time-honoured practice when breaking their fast. In essence, dates are nature's treasure trove, filled with nutrients that promote robust health. They are particularly beneficial for maintaining strong bones, packed with copper, magnesium, selenium, and manganese, along with a good amount of calcium—making them excellent for the health of both bones and teeth. Let us introduce you to Bappan Kutty Haji, a dedicated vendor of dates and date products for the past 28 years, starting his journey at the historic Mawaleh Central Fruits and Vegetable Market and now thriving at Silal Market in Barka. Hailing from Areekkulam in Kerala's Malappuram district, Haji has established himself as a veritable authority on dates. When asked about different varieties, their nutritional content, and medicinal values, he becomes animated, effortlessly sharing his extensive knowledge. 'By demand, Khalas is the most popular variety of date in Oman. Other noteworthy types include Khaneeji, Battashi, and Kasab. Additionally, we enjoy varieties such as Lulu, Makhsili, Khudri, Safawi, Sagai, Mabroom, Ajwa, Fardh, Khalas, and Sukkari,' he shares, illuminating his expertise. While Sagai and Khudri dates predominantly hail from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the Safawi dates hold a special place in the hearts of Omanis. Makhsili is often transformed into dry dates in various Asian countries, where they are sun-dried to perfection. Khaneeji dates are recognised for their sweetness, while Barni and Fardh are milder options suitable for those with diabetes. Other imported varieties such as Sakkai, Sagai, and the medicinal Ajwa also grace our markets, alongside the larger Majdool and Iran's Zahidi, each adding unique flavour to the local scene. 'The date industry in Oman is flourishing, not only catering to local palates but also exporting to countries like India. However, local production is currently insufficient, and it's crucial that farmers receive the support needed to focus on date cultivation; we must also attract the younger generation to this vital agricultural pursuit. The government's initiative, the One Million Date Programme, promises to significantly bolster date farming,' Haji explains, recounting his journey from the Seeb market to his present venture at Silal market. He emphasises the myriad medicinal properties that dates offer, advocating for their daily consumption to reap substantial health benefits. 'If you suffer from colds or allergies, incorporating dates into your daily diet can enhance your immune system, helping ward off such ailments. They aid in controlling cholesterol levels, supporting weight loss, and even regulating melanin production in the skin, providing anti-ageing benefits. Truly, the medicinal virtues of dates are boundless,' Haji concludes, proudly representing his Omani brand, Assafa Dates, which is well-regarded in the market.
