As part of ongoing efforts to protect the natural resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority announced the detection of a number of environmental violations, reflecting the firmness in applying regulations to ensure the sustainability of the environment for future generations.

Details of observed violations

The Authority's monitoring and protection teams detected 21 environmental violations in various locations within the reserve. These violations were geographically and by type as follows:

• Rawdat Khuraim: 12 violations were recorded, mainly focused on unauthorized camping, which is considered an encroachment on areas designated for the rehabilitation of vegetation cover.
• Al-Kasr Al-Muzayri’ area: 9 violations were observed, including lighting fires in undesignated places, in addition to vehicles entering protected meadows and gardens, causing direct damage to the soil and wild plants.

Context of protection and system application

The Authority affirmed that it is working in close and continuous coordination with security and relevant authorities to rigorously enforce the provisions of the Environmental Law and its implementing regulations. These efforts are not limited to the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve but also extend to the King Khalid Royal Reserve. These measures aim to protect vegetation from overgrazing, logging, and over-trampling, and to preserve the rich biodiversity of these natural areas.

The strategic importance of royal reserves

These monitoring campaigns are part of a broader national context, where the wise leadership has given great attention to royal reserves, establishing a Royal Reserves Council aimed at preserving, propagating, and developing the natural environment, plants, and wildlife. The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve and the King Khalid Reserve are considered cornerstones in restoring ecological balance in the Riyadh region, contributing to mitigating the climate and combating desertification.

Alignment with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative

The authority explained that these field efforts are fully aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , specifically regarding improving quality of life and protecting the environment. They also directly contribute to achieving the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative , which seeks to increase vegetation cover and reduce carbon emissions. Preventing vehicles from entering floodplains helps protect the seeds of annual and perennial plants from damage, while prohibiting fires prevents risks that could threaten perennial trees and wildlife.

The authority concluded its statement by emphasizing that the legal penalties will be applied to violators without leniency, and renewed its call to all park visitors and tourists to adhere to environmental instructions and regulations, in recognition of national responsibility and to preserve the Kingdom’s natural resources.

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for today (Wednesday), indicating the continuation of unstable weather conditions across most regions of Saudi Arabia. The center predicted the continued impact of active winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility in several vital areas. This necessitates caution from citizens and residents, especially drivers on highways.

The meteorological department explained in its detailed statement that the weather conditions include active winds and dust, in addition to chances of rainfall in scattered parts of the Kingdom. The forecast covers the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Al-Qassim, Madinah, and Makkah regions, extending to the capital, Riyadh, with the effects also reaching parts of the Eastern Province. This widespread weather pattern reflects the transitional weather patterns characteristic of the Kingdom at this time of year.

Accompanying weather phenomena and fog formation

In addition to wind and rain, the National Center of Meteorology drew attention to the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours. This forecast is particularly focused on the coastal areas of the southwest of the Kingdom, which could cause zero or near-zero visibility in those coastal regions, requiring extra caution from coastal road users and fishermen.

Climate context and the importance of monitoring

These forecasts are based on the Kingdom's natural climate, as Saudi Arabia's diverse geography directly influences weather patterns. Dust-laden surface winds are a common phenomenon that periodically affects open areas and major cities, highlighting the crucial role of the National Center for Meteorology in early monitoring and issuing timely alerts to protect lives and property.

Public safety recommendations

Given these forecasts, weather experts and relevant authorities advise following public safety guidelines. Those with respiratory conditions and asthma are advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and remain indoors as much as possible during periods of high winds. Drivers are also urged to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when driving in areas experiencing heavy dust or rainfall, and to stay away from wadis and floodplains in rainy areas to ensure their safety.

The Saudi Royal Court issued an official statement announcing the call by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - to hold the prayer for rain throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, the 24th of Sha’ban, 1447 AH, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

The statement called upon all Muslims to increase their repentance, seek forgiveness, and return to God Almighty, and to be diligent in showing kindness to others through charity and relieving their distress. The statement emphasized the importance of these good deeds as means of invoking God's mercy and bringing rain. The statement also urged those who are able to perform prayers in designated prayer areas and mosques, as a demonstration of their dependence on God and their earnest supplication.

A confirmed tradition and a great Islamic heritage

The prayer for rain (Istisqa') is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), performed when rain is scarce and the land and its people are in need of water. It consists of two rak'ahs (units of prayer) in which the imam recites aloud, followed by a sermon in which he admonishes the people, urging them to repent and abandon sins. He then turns his cloak inside out as a symbolic gesture of hope for a change from drought to abundance and from hardship to prosperity. Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently observed this ritual, reflecting the leadership and people's adherence to Islamic identity and their reliance on God in times of both ease and hardship.

The importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness to receive divine mercy

In Islamic thought, the supplication for rain is closely linked to the state of the worshippers and their closeness to God. Seeking forgiveness is considered a key to sustenance and the descent of rain, as confirmed by Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions. Hence, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' call to emphasize the spiritual and social aspects of this supplication, advising Muslims, before going out to prayer, to purify their hearts, return what is owed to its rightful owners, and show compassion towards one another, for God's mercy towards His servants necessitates their compassion in return.

On such occasions, the mosques and prayer halls of the Kingdom witness the influx of crowds of citizens and residents, led by the princes of the regions and officials, in a scene of faith that embodies unity and supplication to the Almighty Creator, asking the Lord to grant relief to the country and its people, and to make what He sends down a message for the present and the future.