Saudi High Order to Establish Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve in Asir, Jazan, Makkah Regions 

A high order has been issued to establish the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A high order has been issued to establish the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi High Order to Establish Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve in Asir, Jazan, Makkah Regions 

A high order has been issued to establish the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A high order has been issued to establish the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

A high order has been issued to establish the "Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve", spanning three administrative Saudi regions: Asir, Jazan and Makkah, and extending to the Kingdom's territorial waters in the Red Sea.

The reserve will be the eighth Saudi royal reserve and the result of the wise leadership's commitment to preserving environmental and biological diversity, achieving sustainable ecosystems, improving plant productivity, and protecting endangered species.

The reserve will be under the supervision of the Council of Royal Reserves, chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The 30,152.7-square-kilometer reserve includes sea, coastlines, peaks, plains, deserts and valleys, as well as rich animal, fish, and plant resources. It is culturally distinguished by its arts, architecture and folklore.

The reserve will be the third largest in the Kingdom, and one of the most diverse in terms of ecological and geographical features.

The reserve will contribute to the goal, stipulated in Saudi Vision 2030, of protecting and enhancing the natural environment in the Kingdom by adopting a comprehensive approach to preserve valuable ecosystems, and environmental and natural elements, reintroduce wildlife in each region, ensure water balance and biodiversity, combat desertification, and sustain wildlife.

The reserve will increase the percentage of royal reserves in the Kingdom from 13.5% to 14.9%, helping achieve the Saudi Green Initiative goal of ensuring the protection of 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.

It will preserve and restore natural ecosystems and biodiversity. It will boost the heritage and the history of the areas within the reserve; it boasts over 100 heritage villages, and is bound to contribute to sustainable national economic development, engage and support local communities through job opportunities, promote volunteer work, and provide exceptional eco-tourism experiences.

Crown Prince Mohammed said the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve is just one of several royal reserves that have been developed and supported in the Kingdom.

"These reserves are important contributors to national development, providing solutions to numerous environmental challenges experienced worldwide. They help achieve environmental balance, preserve natural sites and the wealth of the Kingdom's lands, support scientific research in various fields, strengthen the tourism and entertainment sectors, protect and sustain natural resources, and achieve environmental balance," he added.

He revealed that the reserve's biological diversity will support all life forms within it, improving human health, ensuring clean air, reducing the impact of climate change, and increasing resistance to natural diseases. These benefits will help the development of societies that prioritize the well-being of human beings and their cultural identity while preserving the environment.

"We are determined to boost the quality of life in Saudi Arabia by developing natural resources, improving infrastructure, promoting sustainability of non-oil economic resources, and increasing job and investment opportunities within the Kingdom," he stressed.

The Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve aims to carry on the Kingdom's efforts to conserve the natural resources of its extensive lands and have a positive impact by following the best international practices. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of the environment for current and future generations by improving the natural surroundings, plants and wildlife, and promoting their growth and development.

The wise leadership is committed to providing its citizens and residents the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful country. The land lies on public property, according to the relevant regulations and instructions.

The Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve will be the largest in the Kingdom in terms of a wide variety of plants. It expands the total area of the royal reserves to approximately 300,000 square kilometers, together with other reserves such as the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, the Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, and King Khalid Royal Reserve.



Syria's Sharaa in Qatar to Deepen Bilateral Relations

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Doha, Qatar, April 15, 2025. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Doha, Qatar, April 15, 2025. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
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Syria's Sharaa in Qatar to Deepen Bilateral Relations

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Doha, Qatar, April 15, 2025. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Doha, Qatar, April 15, 2025. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa in Doha on Tuesday, state media reported.

This is Sharaa’s first official visit to the Gulf state since he took power in Damascus after the fall of the former Syrian regime on December 8.

Sharaa and Sheikh Tamim discussed key regional and international developments and exchanged views on ways to enhance security and stability in the region, Qatar’s official news agency, QNA, said.

They tackled bilateral relations between their countries and ways to support and develop them, especially in the political and diplomatic fields.

Sheikh Tamim hoped Sharaa’s visit would help in advancing cooperation between their countries to broader horizons.

For his part, Sharaa emphasized his country’s keenness to develop bilateral ties and boost joint coordination to serve the interests of their countries and peoples.

The talks in Doha were attended by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani.

On December 15, Qatar reopened its embassy in Syria after it was closed for more than 13 years due to the war and a week after Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power.

Days later, the first high-level Qatari delegation headed by Minister of State Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi arrived in Damascus.

On December 30, an airplane carrying humanitarian aid provided by Qatar Fund for Development Fund (QFFD) arrived at Damascus International Airport.

On January 30, Sheikh Tamim visited Damascus where he met with Sharaa. Sheikh Tamim's visit was the first by a head of state to the Syrian capital since Assad was toppled.