Riyadh Space Fair Paves Way for Generation Interested in the Universe

An astronaut suit on display at the fair.
An astronaut suit on display at the fair.
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Riyadh Space Fair Paves Way for Generation Interested in the Universe

An astronaut suit on display at the fair.
An astronaut suit on display at the fair.

The Riyadh City Royal Commission launched on Sunday the Riyadh Space Fair, a first-of-its-kind event displaying models of rockets launched from space shuttles and the equipment used on space missions.

Also featured are astronaut suits, pressure and oxygen measuring devices, and food and beverage preservation equipment.

The Fair offers visitors of all ages the chance to enjoy interactive educational experiences and learn about space hands-on. Visitors can expect to learn about the relationship between man and the universe, explore the secrets of space, and learn about the immense recent achievements that have greatly enhanced man’s understanding of the universe.

The Fair is home to seven stations for live experiences that offer fun, adventure, and a wealth of information.

Visitors are taken on a gripping journey in which they learn about the development of astronomy, cosmology, and modern scientific theories about the nature of the universe through entertaining and informative games, interactive simulators like “Walk on Mars.”

They can also experiment with techniques used to study the universe, such as telescopes, satellites and others. Visitors will have all their questions about space answered in interactive sessions about space and its wanders.

Haifa Al-Idrisi, who runs the Fair, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the exhibition seeks to provide an introduction to anyone without a background in space.

“We also hope that the experience will open the doors of space science to young people, whom the exhibition will inspire to enter these fields.”

The fair is being held at the King Salman Science Oasis and runs until February 20.

Saudi Arabia intends to expand its space science research by launching the Saudi Space Commission, which will qualify and train Saudis and launch flights into space, the first of which will take off this year.



Saudi Reef Targets Producing Two Billion Roses Annually by 2026

Saudi Reef Targets Producing Two Billion Roses Annually by 2026
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Saudi Reef Targets Producing Two Billion Roses Annually by 2026

Saudi Reef Targets Producing Two Billion Roses Annually by 2026

The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during its participation as a co-sponsor in the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum, currently being held in Taif Governorate.
The program highlights its efforts to develop this vital sector in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in enhancing food security, improving rural areas, and enhancing agricultural production efficiency, SPA reported.
Saudi Reef Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication Majed Al-Buraikan stressed that the program’s participation in the forum aligns with national efforts to empower rose and aromatic plant farmers and aims to promote the program’s initiatives in this field. He noted that the Saudi Reef is a strategic partner in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, especially in regions known for producing Taif roses and aromatic plants such as Jazan and Aseer.
Al-Buraikan pointed out that the program supports more than 400 farmers and has recorded a 34% increase in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually. It aims to achieve an annual production of two billion roses by 2026, boosting the Kingdom’s position in regional and global markets as a leading producer of roses.