Latest from Arab News
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia's quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority
JEDDAH: At dawn over the Arabian Peninsula, the sky comes alive with birds tracing ancient migratory paths through Saudi Arabia — a natural crossroads linking East Asia, Europe and Africa. They are more than mere travelers. They serve as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in seed dispersal, plant pollination and insect control — all essential for maintaining ecological balance. Among the many species passing through is the small but mighty quail. Though modest in size, quails carry outsized environmental and cultural significance, deeply woven into the region's heritage. 'Quail' is a general term referring to various genera of small, ground-dwelling birds in the order Galliformes — the same group that includes chickens, leading Saudi ornithologist and biodiversity expert Hany Tatwany told Arab News. Globally, quails are classified into two groups: Old World quails and New World quails, with around 130 species found across Europe, Asia and Africa. 'Quails are similar in size to doves, and their rounded shape resembles that of a partridge,' said Tatwany. 'They typically live in social groups called coveys, especially outside the breeding season.' These coveys often include a breeding pair and their young, sometimes merging with other families during key times of the year. 'This behavior reflects their gregarious nature and cooperative instincts,' Tatwany added. Quails are omnivores, feeding on grains, plant buds and insects. They breed in Europe and Central Asia before migrating south to Africa for the winter. Saudi Arabia serves as a critical stopover on both legs: 'They cross the Kingdom on both journeys,' said Tatwany. Upon arrival, quails settle in fields and wild areas with dense grass cover, where they hide during the day and continue migrating by night. Saudi Arabia's geography places it on one of the world's most critical bird migration routes. The Kingdom acts as a seasonal refuge for hundreds of species, with 550 recorded to date — including 219 breeding birds, 280 migratory species, and 51 vagrants. Of these, 27 are listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Thirteen bird species — including various quails — are found nowhere else other than in or near the Arabian Peninsula, further underlining the region's biodiversity. Tatwany, widely recognized as Saudi Arabia's first wildlife veterinarian, with over 36 years of experience, highlighted how quails call and crow nonstop while hiding, 'indicating their presence in the area' to other birds. 'They do not flush except when approached very closely,' he said. 'If alerted, the rapid flapping of their wings produces a distinctive sound. They usually flee a short distance and stay in the area, especially if the grass is dense and thick.' Unfortunately, these traits have made quails vulnerable to hunters. Along migration routes, they are often targeted using firearms, nets and devices that mimic quail calls to lure them into traps. Rising threats have prompted Saudi Arabia to introduce laws to protect both quail species. 'In the Kingdom, hunting quail is illegal,' said Tatwany. The fine for failing to comply is SR1,500 ($400) per bird, while the estimated compensation value is SR3,000 for the common quail and SR7,000 for the harlequin quail. 'In Saudi Arabia, two species of quails have been recognized: the common quail, known scientifically as Coturnix coturnix, and the harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei,' said Tatwany, who co-founded the Kingdom's ungulate breeding program and has led major wildlife reintroduction efforts. The common quail measures 16-18 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 centimeters and a weight of 70-155 grams. It is both a migrant and partial breeder in Saudi Arabia. 'This species occurs throughout the Kingdom during migration seasons in March-April and September-October,' said Tatwany. 'It also overwinters in some areas and breeds in patches, particularly in the central regions. The best place to see the common quail is in Haradh.' The harlequin quail, slightly larger at 16-19 cm and weighing 49-95 grams, is a resident breeder. 'It is best observed in the southern Tihamah grasslands and in Sabya in the Jizan Area,' said Tatwany. Quails nest on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with grass and leaves. The male defends the territory while the female builds the nest and cares for the eggs and chicks. A female typically lays between eight and 13 eggs, which hatch after 17 to 20 days. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and begin flying about 19 days later. Known for being extremely cautious, quails are more often heard than seen. The male frequently produces a rhythmic series of calls that repeat every few seconds. Quails have a long history of interaction with humans, especially as a food source. Today, they are farmed domestically. Quails live in 'coveys,' social groups of adult pairs and their young that flock together in dense grasslands. They respond to each other's calls, a behavior exploited by illegal hunters using calling devices. Commercial quail farming began in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s, initially to feed falcons and later as a culinary delicacy. While several species have been domesticated worldwide, the common quail remains the primary type used in farming. Due to their size and high egg yield, Coturnix quails are highly valued in poultry production. 'This breed has more meat and lays more eggs than the others,' said Tatwany. 'The poultry industry in the Kingdom started around the late 1970s to early 1980s, mainly as feed for falcons used in falconry, serving as a preferred substitute for pigeons. 'This also marked the beginning of quail meat and eggs becoming available in commercial outlets within the Kingdom for human consumption. Additionally, quail recipes have become increasingly popular in Saudi cuisine.' Quail eggs, in particular, have gained favor in Saudi kitchens. Their small size, delicate flavor and high nutritional value make them a staple ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes. They appear in appetizers and salads, adding both taste and nourishment. In main courses like kabsa and mandi, quail eggs often top rice and meat dishes, lending color and flavor. They are also featured in dishes such as masabeeb and qursan and are popular as boiled or fried snacks. Nutritionally, quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table. Efforts to protect quails are part of a broader initiative led by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife. Its Bird Management Division surveys bird species and their distribution across the Kingdom, focusing on protected and proposed conservation areas, biodiversity hotspots, and wetlands. By studying migration routes, species abundance, and spatial distribution, the division aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia's avian biodiversity.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Child labourers among 19 dead in Egypt road accident: state media
CAIRO: A road accident in northern Egypt killed 19 people on Friday, most of them teenage girls working as day laborers, state media reported. A truck collided with the minibus carrying the laborers to their place of work from their home village of Kafr Al-Sanabsa in the Nile Delta, some 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Cairo, state-owned newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm reported. According to a list of the names and ages of the dead published by another state-owned daily, Al-Ahram, most of the workers were teenagers — two of them just 14. Egyptian media dubbed the girls 'martyrs for their daily bread.' Road accidents are common in Egypt, where traffic rules are unevenly enforced and many roads are in poor repair. Accidents often involve underage laborers traveling to work in overcrowded minibuses in rural areas. At least 1.3 million minors are engaged in some form of child labor in Egypt, according to official figures.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Shifting tourism from preservation to regeneration
Since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, tourism has rebounded rapidly. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, it is expected to hit record levels in 2025. But this growth demands an urgent reassessment of how tourism impacts the natural world. This is especially critical in coastal regions, which attract nearly half of all international travelers and are home to some of the planet's most vulnerable ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. A new model is emerging: regenerative tourism. Rather than focusing solely on preservation, it aims to restore and enhance these ecosystems. Rooted in science, innovation and careful planning, regenerative tourism offers a new relationship between people and place — one that strengthens biodiversity, supports communities, and creates lasting value. At Red Sea Global, this approach is applied across every stage of development, using data, design and ecological insight to show how tourism can contribute to long-term environmental recovery. Regeneration begins not with restoration, but with rethinking how we design and build from the start. The Red Sea and AMAALA, two of our flagship destinations, are developed with this question in mind: How can we leave a place healthier than we found it? In Al-Wajh Lagoon, for example, development is limited to just 22 of more than 90 islands, with nine designated as conservation areas. At AMAALA, development is capped to accommodate no more than 500,000 guests per year to protect delicate habitats from overuse. At Shebara, overwater villas were built directly above the sea, avoiding sensitive beach zones and using marine-safe materials. The Desert Rock resort was carefully integrated into the landscape, preserving the natural contours of the mountains while minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment. And at AMAALA's organic farms, sustainable food production operates entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy and integrated into the local ecosystem. Together, these projects reflect our broader goal of delivering a 30 percent net conservation benefit across The Red Sea and AMAALA by 2040. Our environmental restoration programs go beyond conservation — they aim to rebuild ecosystems at scale and boost their long-term resilience. We have launched an extensive seagrass restoration initiative, recognizing the critical role these underwater meadows play in nurturing marine biodiversity, from dugongs to sea turtles. Seagrasses also improve water quality and act as efficient carbon sinks. At the same time, our coral gardening program has transplanted more than 100,000 corals across the Red Sea, achieving survival rates that exceed global benchmarks. These efforts help reestablish reef habitats that support a wide range of marine life. Perhaps most ambitious is our mangrove regeneration program. Supported by a nursery of 1 million sq. meters, we have planted more than 3 million mangrove trees across our destinations. These trees stabilize coastlines, support fisheries, filter pollutants and store significantly more carbon than tropical rainforests. Rooted in science, innovation and careful planning, regenerative tourism offers a new relationship between people and place. Rashid Alhatilah To ensure long-term impact, we have partnered with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and other stakeholders to protect and expand these efforts. At Red Sea Global, technology is a core part of the infrastructure for regeneration. From real-time marine sensors to nature-based solutions, innovation helps us make smarter, faster decisions and expand our impact across sectors. Our marine environments are monitored using AI-powered sensors that track water quality, biodiversity and environmental changes in real time. This enables rapid response, reduces reliance on human divers and improves data accuracy. We also invest in technologies that mimic or enhance natural systems — often called nature-based solutions. These span construction, clean energy, agriculture and water treatment, offering practical ways to cut costs, boost efficiency and restore ecosystems. This approach redefines how we value the natural world. Ecosystems are no longer seen as passive scenery or extractable assets, but as active participants in a regenerative economy. The Corallium Marine Life Institute lies at the heart of our regenerative approach. As both a research center and visitor experience hub, Corallium enables marine species to reproduce in controlled environments that replicate the Red Sea's natural conditions. These 'living laboratories' allow us to test and refine ecological interventions before applying them in the wild. Collaboration is key to our progress. We work closely with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform, and innovation platforms such as WAVE — an initiative launched by Princess Reema bint Bandar — to support ocean-positive solutions. These partnerships bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and conservationists to align innovation with environmental impact. Looking ahead, global platforms such as The Ocean Race 2027, which will celebrate its Grand Finale at AMAALA, will bring international attention to the urgent need to protect ocean health. Through sport, science and storytelling, such events help catalyze public engagement and drive meaningful change. At Red Sea Global, we are building destinations where guests play an active role in regeneration. Through education, immersive experiences and hands-on restoration efforts, tourism becomes a practical tool for protecting natural systems. There is growing recognition that environmental health and economic resilience are deeply connected. Regenerative tourism offers a realistic way to align development with long-term ecological and social value. The path forward depends on collective commitment, thoughtful design and a willingness to rethink how development, nature and people coexist. The opportunity is clear: to make regeneration the baseline — setting a new standard for tourism to build smarter, travel better, and help restore what has been lost. • Rashid Alhatilah is the group head of environment at Red Sea Global
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Hilal fly the flag for Asia in Club World Cup
NASHVILLE, Tennessee: Al-Hilal will be the sole representatives from Asia in the knockout stages of football's glittering Club World Cup in the US. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Riyadh club held Real Madrid to a draw in their opening match and won a decisive clash with Pachuca of Mexico in their last group-stage game, to ensure finishing second behind the Spanish giants and progressing to the last 16 of the tournament. All but three of the teams through to the final stages are from Europe and South America. The exceptions are Al-Hilal, Monterrey from Mexico, and Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi leads a side filled with former Barcelona stalwarts. Egypt's Al-Ahly and Tunisia's Esperance brought plenty of fans to create atmosphere in the large US stadiums, but went home disappointed. 'The moment you drop a little bit your level against this quality of opponents, you pay a price,' Al-Ahly coach Jose Riveiro said. 'But the players had the opportunity to showcase their talent and a fantastic platform to do it. It's a special occasion, for sure.'
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
UN peacekeeping chief ‘very, very worried' about future of Lebanon-Israel peace framework if UNIFIL withdraws
NEW YORK CITY: The future of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which governs the ceasefire and peacekeeping framework between Lebanon and Israel, would be at risk without the continuing presence of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, the UN's top peacekeeper warned on Thursday. Jean Pierre Lacroix, the organization's head of peacekeeping operations, expressed his deep concern during a press conference following visits to Lebanon and Syria. He told Arab News he would be 'very, very worried' about the future of the resolution if UNIFIL was withdrawn. 'UNIFIL is not an end in itself, and UNIFIL is not something standalone,' he said. 'It's a tool for supporting implementation of Resolution 1701, so the two are inextricably linked. 'I would be very, very worried about the future of Resolution 1701 if there is no UNIFIL on the ground to support the implementation of that resolution.' UNIFIL, established in 2006 to monitor the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel and prevent hostilities in Lebanon's volatile southern border region, continues to play a crucial role in providing support for the Lebanese army presence in areas south of the Litani River. The peacekeepers assist in tasks such as mine clearance and rehabilitation efforts, serve as liaisons between Lebanese and Israeli forces, and help with deconfliction efforts. Despite progress in enforcing the provisions of the resolution, Lacroix said that violations persist and more work is needed to ensure it is fully implemented. During his trip, Lacroix met senior Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, the prime minister, the speaker of the parliament, and the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. All of them, he said, reiterated the critical need for UNIFIL to maintain its presence in the country, and Lebanese authorities have formally asked the Security Council to extend the mission's mandate. However, UNIFIL faces severe financial constraints. Lacroix said contingency planning is underway amid liquidity shortfalls and uncertainties about the funding commitments of UN member states, particularly in light of potential US opposition to extension of the mandate. 'To the best of my knowledge, there is no final position expressed by Israel or the United States,' he said in response to reports of possible opposition to the continued deployment of UNIFIL. 'But we expect consistency from member states; they give mandates and then are expected to pay on time and in full.' Lacroix stressed that in the absence of UNIFIL, practical and symbolic support for Resolution 1701 would erode, potentially escalating tensions in a region where stability remains fragile. 'The interlocutors in Lebanon were concerned and expressed the need for UNIFIL's presence to help mitigate and reduce tensions that remain quite high in the region,' he said. The Security Council is scheduled to review UNIFIL's mandate in August. The mission currently comprises about 10,000 troops from more than 40 countries.
