Minister of Environment Inspects Largest Floating Water Barges Worldwide in Yanbu

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Minister of Environment Inspects Largest Floating Water Barges Worldwide in Yanbu

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli conducted an inspection tour of the "Environment system" in Yanbu Governorate, located in the Madinah region.
During the visit, the minister closely monitored several projects and their progress, while also receiving updates on the services being delivered to the residents of the governorate.
Eng. Al-Fadhli commenced his visits by engaging with citizens, farmers, and fishermen at the Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (YNBCCI) premises. He attentively heard their requests and addressed their inquiries regarding the services offered by the ministry, according to SPA.
During the meeting, the minister emphasized his commitment to backing development projects that provide environmental, water, and agricultural services to the citizens. He also expressed his determination to spare no effort in supporting the strategies, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Eng. Al-Fadhli was briefed on the operations of the floating water barges in Yanbu, which play a vital role in meeting the water demand. The Kingdom possesses 3 giant barges, recognized as the largest globally, with a combined production capacity of 150,000 cubic meters per day.
Additionally, the minister held discussions with several leaders from the "Environment system" and examined the noteworthy accomplishments at the governorate level.
They explored avenues for further development and presented strategies for the environment, water, and agriculture sectors, all in alignment with the objectives of sustainable development and the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.



Thick Fog Disrupts Some Flights on One of the UK’s Busiest Weekends for Travel

 Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
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Thick Fog Disrupts Some Flights on One of the UK’s Busiest Weekends for Travel

 Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)

Travelers flying to or from the UK faced further disruptions Saturday as thick fog and low visibility restricted air traffic on one of the year's busiest weekends.

Gatwick Airport in London warned that some flights may be delayed throughout Saturday and apologized for the inconvenience. Flights were delayed by up to three hours late Friday because of poor weather conditions, and at least 40 flights from the airport, mostly short haul to Europe, were delayed Saturday morning.

Heathrow Airport, one of Europe's busiest, also advised passengers to check with their airlines regarding potential delays.

The UK's weather forecasters, the Met Office, said thick fog patches could reduce visibility to just 100 meters (328 feet) in some areas across the country. It said travelers should allow “a little bit longer” for journeys and warned drivers to be extra careful.

Conditions are expected to improve Sunday, the Met Office said.

The country's main air traffic control organization said the restrictions would remain in place in areas with low visibility.

“Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety," it said. “Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimize disruption.”

The restrictions came at a busy time of year when many people travel following the Christmas holiday and ahead of the New Year.