Mangoes are not only Pakistan’s national fruit, they are also part of culture
Updated 13 August 2019
Fahad Chaudhary
In the 19th century Mirza Ghalib, the great Urdu/Persian poet, immortalized the mango in his beautiful verses, describing it as the “king of fruits” and extolling qualities such as its exotic aroma and its honey-sweetness. It shines at every feast, for rich or the poor alike.
Mangoes are not only Pakistan’s national fruit, they are also part of culture, a networking tool, an instrument of social bonding and a diplomatic emissary worthy of being gifted to dignitaries all over the world.
At this time of the year, the renowned Chaunsa variety has arrived in the Kingdom, following on from the Sindhari, which ripens earlier. They are just two of 1595 known varieties of mangoes known. Other commercially produced varieties in Pakistan include Langra, Dasehri, Anwar Ratool, Samar Bahisht and Desi.
Pakistan's “king of fruits”. (Shutterstock)
The Chaunsa mango is known as one of the best in the the world. It is now grown in a number of places around the world, but originated in Rahim Yar Khan and Multan in Punjab. It is unusually sweet, with a wonderful fragrance, and has delicious, soft, succulent flesh with the a minimum of fiber. From the outside it might not look like a thing of beauty — it usually has a pale, matte-yellow appearance — but inside the thin peel lies a delight waiting to be discovered.
While the Chaunsa is considered by many to be the best mango, any Pakistani variety tastes sublime. It is also a very versatile fruit. Eaten with a paratha, it makes for a complete meal. A mango lassi (curd shake) in the morning provides an energy boost that will help to see you through the day. A mango salad for lunch and another lassi in place of afternoon tea will pep you up if you start to flag. Mangoes are also used to make ice-cream, squashes, juices, chutneys, pickles, puree and are sold sliced in syrup.
You don’t have to travel all the way to Pakistan to enjoy Pakistani mangoes; they are readily available in most food stores in the Kingdom. Pakistan produces nearly a million metric tonnes of mangoes a year and ranks as the fourth-largest exporter in the global market.
Pakistani mangoes are primarily consumed in the ethnic (Asian) consumer segment, but there is a growing trend of exports to North America and Europe, premium import markets with a 62 percent share in global mango imports.
The export potential of mangoes continues to grow, thanks to improvements in the cultivation, harvesting, packing and marketing processes.
Israel approves plan aiming to double annexed Golan population: statement
Updated 51 sec ago
AFP
JERUSALEM: The Israeli government on Sunday approved a plan to double the population of the occupied and annexed Golan Heights, following the fall of Bashar Assad in Syria, the prime minister’s office said.
The government had “unanimously approved” the 40 million shekel ($11 million) “plan for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said. Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights since 1967 and annexed that area in 1981 in a move recognized only by the United States.
“The immediate risks to the country have not disappeared and the latest developments in Syria increase the strength of the threat — despite the moderate image that the rebel leaders claim to present,” Defense Minister Israel Katz told officials examining Israel’s defense budget, according to a statement.
The Golan is home to 24,000 Druze, an Arab minority who practice an offshoot of Islam, Levine said. Most identify as Syrian.
Over 1,000 industry experts expected at exhibitions summit, say organizers
Event will explore investment opportunities in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector in Saudi Arabia
Updated 35 min 47 sec ago
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: Around 1,000 industry experts from some 73 countries are expected to attend the first edition of the International Summit for Exhibitions and Conferences, which takes place from Dec. 15-17.
Hosted at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City and organized by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, the three-day event will explore investment opportunities in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector in Saudi Arabia, welcoming dozens of local establishments and global event organizers.
Fahd Al-Rasheed, SCEGA chairman Fahd Al-Rasheed told Arab News: “Those participating (in) the event are meeting at the right place, because the MICE sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is bound to grow far beyond that in the next few years. The reason is Vision 2030, the blueprint for socio-economic transformation throughout the Kingdom.
“The MICE sector brings people together to trade to exchange ideas, to build their sectors, to promote their destinations, to build trust, to build partnerships, so to achieve Vision 2030 we have launched 1,064 initiatives.”
He added: “More interestingly, 86% of these initiatives are on track. How can we do 1,064 initiatives simultaneously at any one time? The only reason is because we can scale due to our partnerships.
“Vision 2030 is one of the most important opportunities for our sector in decades. More than $653 billion giga projects are being deployed all around the country. Many of these giga project leaders are in this room, and they bring with them the entire infrastructure we need to flourish, from meeting spaces to hotel rooms to airports and beyond.
“Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly the right place to hold this summit. Bringing together the right people, at the right time, in the right place, creates a great opportunity to expand our industry’s horizons.”
In his keynote address at the IMS24, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb outlined Vision 2030 and its significant impact on the MICE sector, emphasizing its role in driving qualitative transformation and enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness.
He also highlighted the role of strategic investments and tourism growth in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global MICE destination.
Speaking at the summit, Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abba emphasized the crucial role of patience in shaping industries like MICE.
“There are things we shouldn’t rush,” he said. “At times, gaining experience is essential. However, content remains the cornerstone of any successful industry.”
Addressing misconceptions held about the Kingdom, he added: “Many still hold outdated perceptions of the Kingdom. Some can’t believe we’re building futuristic cities today because they still think we’re trapped in the past.”
He highlighted MICE as a powerful tool for transforming global perceptions.
“For over 1,400 years, we’ve hosted Hajj, a testament to our deep-rooted tradition of hospitality.,” he said. “Saudi Arabia has moved from being excited about having one major event a year to embracing a continuous stream of events.”
Abbas added the introduction of tourist visas had already begun to shift perceptions: “Many visitors have shared with me how amazed they were by the Saudi Arabia they encountered — far more positive than they had ever imagined.”
Prominent speakers during the event include Lord Stephen Carter, CEO of Informa PLC; Brian Britton, COO of RX Global; Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe Munich; Lisa Hannant, CEO of Clarion Events; and Wolfram Diener, CEO of Messe Dusseldorf.
The summit also features workshops highlighting new technologies in the sector and opportunities for discussion with leaders of government entities.
SCEGA is the official body that oversees the development and regulation of the Kingdom’s exhibitions and conferences sector. Established by royal decree in 2018, it aims to amplify the sector’s economic impact by crafting strategic policies, establishing globally aligned regulations, issuing licenses, promoting investments, and cementing Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a premier destination for international events.
PIF’s Dan Co. to launch resort in Al-Ahsa to boost Saudi tourism sector
Updated 59 min 20 sec ago
Reem Walid
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth with the announcement of a new resort project in Al-Ahsa by Dan Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.
The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance the tourism industry and elevate hospitality standards across the country.
The resort will integrate sustainability, innovation, and high-quality service, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. By focusing on these key principles, the project aims to enhance the appeal of Al-Ahsa as both a local and international tourism destination.
This move is also aligned with the Kingdom’s ambitious goal of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030 and increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the national gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent.
Saad Al-Kroud, chairman of Dan Co., highlighted that the resort will leverage Al-Ahsa’s unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The project will promote rural, recreational, and ecotourism, offering visitors a variety of experiences that showcase the region’s diverse landscapes and agricultural legacy.
“By focusing on the natural environment and cultural heritage, this development will offer distinctive experiences that cater to a wide range of interests, further solidifying Al-Ahsa’s position as a key destination in Saudi Arabia’s tourism map,” Al-Kroud said.
As part of PIF’s broader vision to transform the Kingdom’s tourism landscape, Dan Co. is committed to promoting agritourism, adventure tourism, and ecotourism.
These initiatives aim to deepen the connection between visitors and nature, while creating economic opportunities for local communities and fostering sustainable development.
Through this project, Dan Co. aims not only to enhance Saudi Arabia’s tourism offerings but also to help diversify local economies and support the growth of thriving businesses in the region.
Conference sector ‘offers more opportunities than ever,’ says authority chair
Experts from various sectors spoke to Arab News about how investing in the Saudi exhibitions and conferences sector is crucial to achieving goals of Vision 2030
Updated 15 December 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: The conferences sector “offers more opportunities than ever,” the chair of Saudi Arabia’s conventions and exhibitions authority said during an event in Riyadh on Sunday.
“The world is more fractured and divided than ever. Yet, this sector offers more opportunities than ever. The world needs you as much as you need the world,” Fahd Abdulmohsen Al-Rasheed, chairman of the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, said during his opening remarks during the International MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) Summit.
Experts from various sectors spoke to Arab News about how investing in the Saudi exhibitions and conferences sector is crucial to achieving the ambitious goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Khalid Al-Rammah, chairman of the board of Qualitative Knowledge Company for organizing exhibitions and conferences, said that investing in international expertise in the exhibitions and conferences sector is an essential element to driving the sector’s growth and achieving excellence at the regional and global levels.
Khalid Al-Rammah, chairman of the board of Qualitative Knowledge Company for organizing exhibitions and conferences. (Supplied)
He added that an international presence in the Saudi sector will raise standards, increase global competitiveness, strengthen international relations and the local economy, and grow economic returns.
Saudi Arabia is playing a pioneering role in the exhibitions and conferences industry, he said.
“The region is rich in opportunities for the growth of the exhibitions and conferences sector, benefiting from its geographical location and the smart infrastructure of new cities,” he added.
Al-Rammah said that Saudi Arabia is confidently advancing to be at the forefront of the global exhibitions and conferences industry.
“Through sustained investment in infrastructure, harnessing modern technology and fostering international cooperation, the Kingdom possesses all the elements to become a distinguished global hub for this industry in the future.”
The Kingdom’s burgeoning exhibitions and conferences sector is poised for significant international growth, with experts highlighting the crucial role of quality of life in driving its success.
Saudi Arabia recorded a remarkable 15 percent growth in the sector between 2022 and 2023, fueled by a series of high-profile events, according to Salman Al-Khattaf, GM of business development at the Quality of Life Program.
Salman Al-Khattaf, GM of business development at the Quality of Life Program. (Supplied)
“This growth is directly linked to major events and conferences that the Kingdom has either launched or hosted in recent years,” he told Arab News.
The summit serve as a platform for experts, investors and companies to exchange insights and shape the future of the sector. In runs from Dec. 15-17.
Al-Khattaf highlighted the link between the MICE sector and quality of life, adding that summits are key attractions for visitors and tourists.
“They are directly connected to the tourism sector, including hospitality units, restaurants and cafes,” he added.
“The city’s infrastructure and transportation systems significantly impact the visitors’ experience, especially with the growing international tourism trends directly related to exhibitions and conferences across various fields.”
Al-Khattaf highlighted the importance of robust infrastructure in supporting the growth of the MICE sector: “The MICE sector cannot grow effectively without strong infrastructure to support it, as it is a crucial part of enhancing the global appeal of cities.
“Successfully preparing to host major global events like Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup hinges on fostering the growth of the MICE sector, which will play a crucial role in the preparations for these landmark events.”
Digital marketing plays a pivotal role in amplifying the reach and impact of MICE events. Abdullah Al-Harbi, CEO of Eye of Riyadh, highlighted the transformative power of digital marketing.
Abdullah Al-Harbi, CEO of Eye of Riyadh. (Supplied)
“Digital marketing revolutionizes event promotion and management by reaching broader audiences and engaging participants in real time,” he said.
“At Eye of Riyadh, our primary objectives are to expand our network, share insights, and showcase the innovative strategies and events we have implemented on a global level,” Al-Harbi said.
“Eye of Riyadh aims to connect with global leaders, explore potential collaborations and position Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for exhibitions and conferences, driving growth and contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.”
He added: “Global partnerships are crucial for growth, bringing diverse perspectives, advanced technologies and best practices. Collaborating with international stakeholders enhances our capabilities and creates more impactful events.”
“These alliances drive innovation, boost global competitiveness, and ensure sustained growth and success in the exhibitions and conferences industry,” he said.
ISLAMABAD: Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has said that trade corridors from Pakistan were a “need of the hour” for Central Asian countries, while access to Pakistani ports could help increase bilateral trade between the two sides.
Khan said this during his meeting with Kazakhstan Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin who called on him in Islamabad on Saturday, according to the Pakistani privatization ministry.
The two figures held a detailed discussion regarding investment, commerce and trade corridors between the Central Asian republic and Pakistan.
“Pakistani products are the best option for Central Asian countries,” Khan said. “In order to raise the trade graph of industrial products, display centers should be established for the foreign business community where we can keep these products for sale under one roof.”
Pakistan, which has been facing an economic crisis, wants to position itself as a regional trade hub and to leverage its strategic geopolitical position and enhance its role as a pivotal trade and transit hub connecting China and Central Asia with the rest of the world.
Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-largest country by land area and the largest landlocked country. There has been a flurry of visits, investment talks and economic activity between officials from Pakistan and the Central Asian nations in recent weeks.
The privatization minister said Pakistan wanted better road infrastructure to increase investment, which was a top priority of his government to improve the economy.
Ambassador Kastafin said that excellent trade and economic relations with Pakistan were in the wider interest of Kazakhstan and hoped that there would be “visible progress” in this regard in the coming days, according to the Pakistani privatization ministry.
