Saudi Arabian Airlines Launches Beta Version of 'Ahlan Wasahlan' Online Magazine

Saudi Arabian Airlines Launches Beta Version of 'Ahlan Wasahlan' Online Magazine
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Saudi Arabian Airlines Launches Beta Version of 'Ahlan Wasahlan' Online Magazine

Saudi Arabian Airlines Launches Beta Version of 'Ahlan Wasahlan' Online Magazine

Saudi Arabian Airlines, Saudia, launched on Saturday the online beta version of its "Ahlan Wasahlan" magazine, which is available to guests on all its domestic and international flights. Access has been expanded, and anyone can now browse the magazine online, at any time and from anywhere.

This step comes as an extension of a 15-year partnership between Saudia and the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), which are jointly publishing the magazine.

Khaled Tash, head of marketing in the Saudi Airlines Group, indicated that the site is part of an ambitious plan to develop the magazine in 2022.

"We aim to transform Ahlan Wasahlan into a digital platform that enhances the exposure and marketing of the Kingdom’s cultural and touristic attractions. The platform will use various digital solutions and provide interactive digital services," he said.

He added that Saudia "will work, in the coming months, to cooperate and coordinate with all concerned parties, as well as experts and specialists in the fields of media, culture and tourism. It will take their opinions and suggestions into consideration, to build various partnerships and to develop ideas for the content, publishing techniques, and innovative services."

Since its launch in 1977, Ahlan Wasahlan, in all its 492 issues, has showcased the extraordinary developments unfolding in Saudi Arabia, providing crucial information about the Kingdom’s rich heritage and giving valuable guidance about its touristic destinations in order to help travelers make the best use of their visits.

SRMG Labs, the group’s technology and digital platform developer, has finished developing the online version of Ahlan Wasahlan.

Saudia has invited readers and guests to check the new website and submit their comments and suggestions online.

This step comes as part of the ambitious transformation strategy of the Saudi national carrier, Wings of Vision 2030, as Saudi Airlines seeks to contribute to achieving the Kingdom’s goals at all levels, among the most important of which are the transport, tourism and culture sectors by 2030.



Peru Scientists Unveil Crocodile Fossil Up to 12 Million Years Old

Paleontologists unveil the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years discovered in Peru. Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP
Paleontologists unveil the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years discovered in Peru. Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP
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Peru Scientists Unveil Crocodile Fossil Up to 12 Million Years Old

Paleontologists unveil the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years discovered in Peru. Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP
Paleontologists unveil the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years discovered in Peru. Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP

Paleontologists unveiled on Wednesday the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years that was discovered in a Peruvian desert.
The fossil of the gharial -- or fish-eating -- crocodile, around three meters long (nearly 10 feet), was discovered late 2023 in perfect condition in Peru's Ocucaje desert, around 350 kilometers (190 miles) south of the capital Lima, AFP said.
"This is the first time we found a juvenile of this species, that is to say, it had not reached its maximum size yet. It died before that," vertebrate paleontologist Mario Gamarra told a news conference.
The skull and jaws of these specimens differed from that of today's crocodiles and alligators, according to Gamarra, who headed the reconstruction of the fossil.
"They had an elongated snout and their diet was entirely piscivorous, feeding on fish," said Gamarra.
"The closest current relative to this crocodile would be the Indian gharial," he added.
The discovery was made jointly by Peru's Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute and the La Union school.
Peru's Ocucaje desert is rich in fossils, such as four-legged dwarf whales, dolphins, sharks and other species from the Miocene period -- between 5 and 23 million years ago -- that were previously discovered there.