KSA

Saudi Arabia witnesses first onager birth

Saudi Arabia has witnessed the first birth of an onager, one of the world’s rarest wild equids, on its soil in more than 100 years, marking a milestone in efforts to restore species that disappeared from the Arabian Peninsula.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve said a male onager (Equus hemionus) was born in June 2025 as part of its Arabian rewilding programme, which aims to reintroduce 23 native species to their historic habitats.

The reserve announced the birth only after the animal successfully completed its first year, a period considered critical for survival, with mortality rates among young onagers often exceeding 50 per cent.

The birth represents the return of a species that vanished from Arabia’s deserts more than a century ago. The reserve said it expects two more onager births this winter, underscoring the success of ongoing breeding and conservation efforts.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, fewer than 600 onagers remain in the wild, and the species was upgraded to Critically Endangered status in 2025 amid projections of a steep population decline by mid-century.

The reserve is expanding its breeding programme to strengthen genetic diversity, including the planned introduction of a female onager from Jordan later this year. The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental strategy to restore biodiversity and revive native wildlife populations across the kingdom.

Books

King Fahad National Library Selects Face to Face with ISIS as “Book of the Day”

The King Fahad National Library in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has selected Face to Face with ISIS, authored by Lebanese journalist and researcher Rola Al Khatib, as its “Book of the Day”—a recognition highlighting works that contribute to knowledge and public awareness on issues of strategic importance.

The book draws on Al Khatib’s years of firsthand field reporting from the frontlines of the war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, combined with extensive academic research examining the international campaign against the terrorist organization.

One of the book’s central arguments is that military action, while necessary, is not sufficient on its own to defeat terrorism. Rather, it should serve as the first step in a broader strategy that must be followed by intellectual, educational, social, economic, and security measures aimed at addressing the root causes of extremism and preventing its resurgence.

The selection by King Fahad National Library reflects the growing recognition of research that bridges field experience and academic analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of terrorism and more comprehensive approaches to countering violent extremism.

Medica contact

Rola Al Khatib

Rola.alkhatib82@gmail.com

KSA

Saudi Arabia begins planning for 2027 Hajj season

Saudi authorities have begun early preparations for the 2027 Hajj season, with officials recommending stronger operational planning, closer coordination among agencies and greater preparedness to further improve services for millions of pilgrims.

The recommendations emerged from a series of three-day discussion sessions organised by the Mecca Principality Agency for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, in cooperation with the Hajj Projects Management Office of the Pilgrim Experience Program. Representatives from 60 government entities involved in serving pilgrims at the holy sites took part.

The sessions were held under directives from and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, and under the supervision of Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of Mecca .

Participants reviewed the outcomes of the 2026 Hajj season and developed recommendations aimed at building on its achievements. The proposals focused on enhancing operational plans, strengthening proactive measures, improving integration and coordination among participating agencies, and promoting a clearer understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities.

The discussions also examined ways to achieve the highest levels of operational readiness, including mechanisms to anticipate and address potential challenges while maintaining high standards of service for pilgrims.

KSA

Saudi bans travel to 3 African countries over Ebola

Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and halted the issuance of visas and entry for travellers arriving from the three countries as part of precautionary measures against the spread of the Ebola virus.

The measures also apply to travellers arriving through third countries if they have stayed in any of the three affected countries during the 21 days before entering the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Thursday.

The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) said Saudi Arabia’s health surveillance and epidemic response system was operating continuously in coordination with domestic and international authorities to protect public health and help prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.

Saudi Arabia has also stepped-up precautionary measures for travellers arriving from neighbouring countries affected by the outbreak, including Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Republic of Congo, by enhancing health screening at entry points, disease surveillance and early response procedures.

Weqaya said the overall public health situation in the kingdom remained stable and that no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases had been recorded since the preventive measures were introduced.

The authority said it would continue monitoring regional and international epidemiological developments around the clock and update its recommendations as the outbreak evolves, while maintaining all necessary health measures to strengthen preparedness and safeguard public health.