Riyadh Safari: Africa’s Jungles in the Saudi Capital

The extremely rare golden tiger has garnered a great deal of attention (Photo: Meshal al-Qadeer)
The extremely rare golden tiger has garnered a great deal of attention (Photo: Meshal al-Qadeer)
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Riyadh Safari: Africa’s Jungles in the Saudi Capital

The extremely rare golden tiger has garnered a great deal of attention (Photo: Meshal al-Qadeer)
The extremely rare golden tiger has garnered a great deal of attention (Photo: Meshal al-Qadeer)

Offering a journey with lions, rare birds and elephants, Riyadh Safari is divided into two parts, Safari Park and Safari Experience. Each of them offers independent events, in addition to hosting several international restaurants and cafes, a variety of stores, parks, farms, theaters, games and children’s areas.

Riyadh Safari Project Director Abdulrouf Ghurab tells Asharq Al-Awsat that the zone’s capacity has been increased by 40 percent since last year, as strong demand compelled the organizers to develop it further and give visitors unique experiences.

He went on to say that the zone is home to an array of rare and endangered animals, like the golden tiger, white tigers and ligers, stressing that the highest standards of care, nutrition and comfort are provided to them.

Ghurab added that the zone hosts around 800 animals and 35 species, including 250 of the rarest birds in the world, which visitors can see as well as enjoying the activities held throughout the day, including a wide variety of games and theatrical performances.

Safari Park also hosts performances for children and adolescents, an 18-meter tall tree with a telescope with which the entire zone can be seen at the top, and, below it, children’s games. There is also an open-air theater where concerts and plays are held, an adventure area, a safari gift shop, and water games.

For its part, Safari Experience offers open tours where visitors get to see the various wild animals that are not normally found in the region, like tigers, deer, hippopotamuses and elephants, up close. They can also get a glimpse of the golden tiger, one of the world’s 35 living members of the endangered species.



Saudi Space Agency Launches 'Space Future Center' to Strengthen Innovation in Space Sector

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field. (SPA)
The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field. (SPA)
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Saudi Space Agency Launches 'Space Future Center' to Strengthen Innovation in Space Sector

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field. (SPA)
The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field. (SPA)

The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) announced on Sunday the launch of the Space Future Center, the first of its kind within the network of Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers affiliated with the World Economic Forum.

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in the global space sector and foster growth in economic development, research, and innovation in this vital field.

The center introduced its board of directors, comprising a distinguished group of international experts. Leading the board is Chairman of the Space Future Center and Deputy Minister of Economy and Planning Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi. Other prominent members include Managing Director of the World Economic Forum Eng. Ammar Nagadi, CEO of the World Economic Forum Jeremy Jurgens, CEO of the Neo Space Group Martijn Blanken, Co-Founder and CEO of Axiom Space Kam Ghaffarian, and Founder of Spaceport Sarabahi Susmita Mohanty. The board’s membership reflects the expertise and strategic vision necessary to achieve the center's ambitious goals.

Al-Tamimi emphasized that the center represents a significant addition to the global space sector. He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening a sustainable space economy, advancing knowledge, and fostering international partnerships.

The launch of the center will boost Saudi Arabia’s role both regionally and globally, enabling humanity to responsibly explore and capitalize on the opportunities offered by space, he stressed.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader ambition to become a leader in space exploration and innovation, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of the rapidly evolving space industry.