Mayor of Riyadh Opens 'FoodSphere' as Part of Riyadh Oases

Spanning 11,000 m², FoodSphere features three indoor zones - SPA
Spanning 11,000 m², FoodSphere features three indoor zones - SPA
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Mayor of Riyadh Opens 'FoodSphere' as Part of Riyadh Oases

Spanning 11,000 m², FoodSphere features three indoor zones - SPA
Spanning 11,000 m², FoodSphere features three indoor zones - SPA

Mayor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf inaugurated on Wednesday "FoodSphere," a pioneering first phase of the Riyadh Oases project. This collaborative initiative between Riyadh Holding and the Riyadh Region Municipality aims to create vibrant, interactive community spaces centered on food, heritage, and sustainability.
Located on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, FoodSphere offers unique, immersive experiences that explore the future of nutrition while celebrating Saudi culinary heritage. Visitors can discover the interconnectedness of food, culture, and environmental responsibility through engaging exhibits and activities, SPA reported.
Spanning 11,000 m², FoodSphere features three indoor zones: The Apiary, The Biosphere, and The Oasis. Outdoor areas include beautifully landscaped gardens, cafes, restaurants, and walk courses.
Riyadh Oases is designed as an edutainment center, making science accessible and engaging for all community members. It fosters partnerships with various entities to develop and showcase practical, innovative models.
This project aligns with the Quality of Life Program, a main pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, demonstrating Riyadh's commitment to cultural preservation and future-forward development.
FoodSphere is the first of eight planned oases, which will be strategically located throughout Riyadh in the coming years. It welcomes visitors on February 26 and 27 from 10 am to 10 pm. Ramadan hours are from 8:30 pm to 2:30 am.



KAUST Study: More Large Mammals Roamed Arabian Peninsula than Previously Thought

According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
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KAUST Study: More Large Mammals Roamed Arabian Peninsula than Previously Thought

According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA
According to KAUST, the study serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. SPA

A new study by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), published in the Journal of Biogeography, has identified 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula over the past 10,000 years - three times more than previously recognized.
According to KAUST, this study offers the most comprehensive list to date of large mammals from this period and establishes a benchmark for rewilding efforts in the region. It also serves as a key scientific reference supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, as well as the programs of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
"Restoration is not just about plants, for animals play a key role in vegetation communities. In highlighting which large mammals became extinct, we are providing information that will help governments decide which mammals to reintroduce in the future,” said KAUST senior project manager and contributor to the study Christopher Clarke.
During the study, researchers analyzed thousands of petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings) collected during field expeditions as well as from shared social media content, which gave researchers access to a large collection of petroglyphs unknown to the scientific community.
The study revealed that most of the 15 mammal species come from Africa, including lions and cheetahs, and identified two species never previously recorded in the Arabian Peninsula: the greater kudu and the Somali wild donkey.
This study aligns with national efforts to restore ecological balance, particularly in light of the pioneering initiatives launched by NCW, including the reintroduction programs for the Arabian oryx and the cheetah.