Local News
The 'Saudi Gap' brand covers 95% of milk production in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Environment announced that 95% of milk production in Saudi Arabia has obtained the 'Saudi GAP' mark, which enhances food safety and supports achieving self-sufficiency within Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a significant achievement in the Saudi dairy sector, with 95% of raw milk production in the Kingdom now bearing the Saudi GAP quality mark. This figure reflects producers' commitment to implementing the highest quality and food safety standards and confirms that local products conform to national and international standards, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading center for sustainable food production.
Historical background of the dairy sector in Saudi Arabia
This achievement culminates a long journey of development in the Saudi dairy sector, an inspiring success story in achieving food security. After being heavily reliant on imports, the Kingdom has transformed itself over the past decades to achieve complete self-sufficiency in fresh milk and dairy products, and has even become a major exporter in the region. This was made possible thanks to continuous government support, massive investments in infrastructure, and the adoption of the latest global technologies in specialized dairy farms, which have transformed the desert into advanced production oases.
The importance and impact of the "Saudi Gap" brand
The “Saudi GAP” label, based on Global Good Agricultural Practices (GGP), is more than just a logo on a product. It is a certification that assures consumers that the product has been produced according to strict standards encompassing all stages of production, from the health and nutrition of the cows, through milking and storage methods, to transportation and distribution. This initiative aims to establish the concept of sustainable agriculture, improve the management of natural resources, and increase the efficiency of agricultural input use.
Official figures for 2024 showed that raw milk production in specialized dairy farms exceeded 2.7 billion liters, with approximately 233,000 dairy cows in these farms. The Riyadh region led production with 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern Province with 1.1 billion liters, highlighting the scale of this vital sector.
Local and international impact of the achievement
Domestically, this achievement boosts consumer confidence in national products and supports public health by providing safe, high-quality food. It also aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance food security and diversify the national economy. Regionally and internationally, obtaining globally recognized quality certifications for Saudi products opens export opportunities to new markets, enhances their competitiveness, and solidifies the Kingdom's reputation as a reliable producer of high-quality food products.
The ministry continues its efforts through awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of adopting good agricultural practices, supporting farmers and technicians to develop their skills, and encouraging innovation to ensure the sustainability and growth of this vital sector.
Local News
Execution of a man in Asir for killing his father... Interior Ministry statement
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the execution of a citizen in the Asir region after he was convicted of murdering his father. Learn more about the case and the concept of retribution in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the execution of a citizen in the Asir region after he was found guilty of murdering his father. This incident underscores once again the strictness of the Kingdom's judicial system and its application of Islamic law in cases of premeditated murder.
In an official statement, the Ministry explained that the perpetrator, Manahi bin Mudhakkir bin Muhammad bin Manahi Al-Shahrani (a Saudi national), murdered his father by stabbing him with a sharp instrument, resulting in his death. The statement added that security forces apprehended the perpetrator immediately, and after conducting the necessary investigations, he was formally charged with the crime.
The judicial context and the application of the principle of retribution
Judicial rulings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are based on Islamic Sharia law, and retribution (qisas) is a fundamental principle in cases of murder and physical assault. It means "retribution in kind." This principle aims to achieve justice for the victim and their family and serves as a strong deterrent to anyone contemplating committing such crimes. Al-Shahrani's case went through all the stages of litigation stipulated in the legal system. It was referred to the competent court, which issued a verdict finding him guilty and sentencing him to death by way of retribution. The verdict was then upheld by the Court of Appeals and subsequently by the Supreme Court, becoming final and enforceable after a royal decree was issued.
The social and religious significance of the issue
The murder of a parent, especially one's parents, carries grave implications in Islamic and Arab societies, where it is considered a major sin that violates the most sacred of human bonds. This incident underscores the societal and state view of such crimes as an attack not only on the individual but also on the family unit and society as a whole. The implementation of Islamic law in such cases sends a clear message of zero tolerance for crimes that threaten the security and stability of society, particularly those committed within the family and known as "blood feuds.".
The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by affirming the Kingdom's government's commitment to maintaining security, achieving justice, and implementing God's rulings against all who transgress against the innocent and shed their blood. It reiterated its warning that the prescribed legal punishment will be the inevitable fate of anyone who dares to commit such criminal acts, emphasizing that the authorities will not hesitate to pursue criminals and bring them to justice to receive their just punishment.
Local News
Makkah's Improved Neighborhoods Program: Comprehensive Development of Slums and Vision 2030
The Royal Commission for Mecca launched the Improved Neighborhoods Program to address informal settlements. The program aims to improve quality of life and infrastructure in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites announced the launch of the “Developed Neighborhoods” program, a strategic initiative aimed at comprehensively addressing the situation of informal settlements in the Holy City. This ambitious program is part of ongoing efforts to rebuild and develop the city’s urban area, in line with its religious significance and the national development goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Historical background and urban context
For decades, the city of Mecca has witnessed rapid population and urban growth due to its status as the heart of the Islamic world and a destination for millions of pilgrims annually. This rapid expansion has led to the emergence of unplanned neighborhoods lacking basic infrastructure and integrated services, creating social, environmental, and security challenges. The “Developed Neighborhoods” program is a well-considered response to these challenges, aiming to transform these areas into model residential neighborhoods that provide a dignified and safe environment for their residents.
An integrated strategy with human and spatial dimensions
The Royal Commission explained that the program is based on a comprehensive strategy with two fundamental dimensions: human and spatial. The human dimension places the residents of these neighborhoods at the heart of the development process, focusing on improving their quality of life by providing health, education, and social services, enhancing economic empowerment opportunities, and fully integrating them into the city's social fabric. The spatial dimension aims to replan these neighborhoods to create integrated and attractive urban environments by strengthening infrastructure networks such as water, electricity, and sanitation, widening roads, providing green spaces and public facilities, and repurposing land to achieve maximum sustainable development.
Importance and expected impact
This program is of paramount importance on multiple levels. Locally , it will raise the standard of living for thousands of residents, reduce visual pollution, and enhance the urban landscape in harmony with Makkah's architectural identity. It will also contribute to stimulating economic development by engaging the private sector in development projects and creating new investment opportunities. Nationally , the program represents a practical application of the Vision 2030 goals of improving quality of life and building vibrant communities. Internationally , the development of Makkah will positively impact the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers, and present a shining example of the Kingdom's efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques and developing holy cities according to the highest international standards.
Local News
Saudi Arabia launches the Global Quality of Life Index in cooperation with the United Nations
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib announced the launch of a global index for quality of life in cities, in cooperation with the United Nations, with the aim of improving the well-being of cities within the objectives of Vision 2030.
In a move reflecting its commitment to achieving the highest standards of urban well-being, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed Al-Khatib, announced the launch of a new global index to measure the quality of life in cities. This significant announcement was made during a panel discussion titled “Quality of Life in 2030 and Beyond: Innovations Shaping the Future of Cities,” held at the Saudi Pavilion on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The Minister emphasized that this initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
The initiative's context is within the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This initiative is not a product of a vacuum, but rather a natural extension and practical application of one of the most important pillars of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places "quality of life" at the heart of its strategic objectives. Since the launch of the Vision, the Kingdom has worked to establish the "Quality of Life Program" as one of its key executive programs, aiming to improve the lifestyle of individuals and families and build a society where its members enjoy a balanced way of life. The program seeks to make Saudi cities more attractive and among the best cities to live in the world, through the development of comprehensive infrastructure and services in the cultural, recreational, sports, and environmental fields.
The importance of the index and its expected impact
Minister Al-Khatib explained that the new index will rank cities according to comprehensive criteria and leading international practices, aiming to bridge an existing global gap in tools for measuring urban well-being in an integrated manner. Locally, the index will provide decision-makers and government agencies with accurate data to identify gaps and direct investments toward the sectors and regions most in need, thus ensuring balanced and sustainable development. Internationally, the partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) lends the index global credibility and makes it a valuable tool that other cities around the world can utilize, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of countries contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, which focuses on “making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.”.
Towards human-centered future cities
Al-Khatib emphasized that the design of future cities must be based on principles that suit both residents and visitors, achieving a delicate balance between quality of life, availability of services, and a diversity of economic and tourism activities. This indicator is not limited to measuring physical aspects such as infrastructure and facilities, but extends to include social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, making it a comprehensive tool that reflects Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision for building cities where people are at the center, and where the highest levels of well-being and prosperity are achieved.
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