Madinah Expands Green Cover with Over 230,000 Trees Planted in 2024

Madinah Municipality noted that the increase in tree planting supports its broader goals of enhancing the city’s urban landscape and visual identity - SPA
Madinah Municipality noted that the increase in tree planting supports its broader goals of enhancing the city’s urban landscape and visual identity - SPA
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Madinah Expands Green Cover with Over 230,000 Trees Planted in 2024

Madinah Municipality noted that the increase in tree planting supports its broader goals of enhancing the city’s urban landscape and visual identity - SPA
Madinah Municipality noted that the increase in tree planting supports its broader goals of enhancing the city’s urban landscape and visual identity - SPA

In 2024, a total of 237,942 trees were planted in Madinah as part of ongoing efforts to combat desertification, improve vegetation cover, and promote environmental sustainability.

According to SPA, Madinah Municipality noted that the increase in tree planting supports its broader goals of enhancing the city’s urban landscape and visual identity across streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces, as well as expanding green areas along pedestrian pathways and within public facilities.

The municipality emphasized its ongoing commitment to creating an ideal urban environment that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.



Pamplona Holds Opening Bull Run during San Fermín Festival

Participants run ahead of bulls during the first "encierro" (bull-run) of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2025. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)
Participants run ahead of bulls during the first "encierro" (bull-run) of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2025. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)
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Pamplona Holds Opening Bull Run during San Fermín Festival

Participants run ahead of bulls during the first "encierro" (bull-run) of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2025. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)
Participants run ahead of bulls during the first "encierro" (bull-run) of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 7, 2025. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP)

Thousands of daredevils ran, skidded and tumbled out of the way of six charging bulls at the opening run of the San Fermín festival Monday.

It was the first of nine morning runs during the famous celebrations held in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona.

The bulls pounded along the twisting cobblestone streets after being led by six steers. Up to 4,000 runners take part in each bull run, which takes place over 846 meters (2,775 feet) and can last three to four minutes.

Most runners wear the traditional garb of white trousers and shirt with red sash and neckerchief. The expert Spanish runners try to sprint just in front of the bull's horns for a few death-defying seconds while egging the animal on with a rolled newspaper.

Thousands of spectators watch from balconies and wooden barricades along the course. Millions more follow the visceral spectacle on live television.

Unofficial records say at least 15 people have died in the bull runs over the past century. The deadliest day on record was July 13, 1980, when four runners were killed by two bulls. The last death was in 2009.

The rest of each day is for eating, drinking, dancing and cultural entertainment, including bull fights where the animals that run in the morning are slain in the bull ring by professional matadors each afternoon.

The festival was made internationally famous by Ernest Hemingway’s classic 1926 novel “The Sun Also Rises” about American bohemians wasting away in Europe.