Farm To Table Israel is transforming the traditional dining experience into a hands-on journey.

“People want to see and experience where the food comes from,” says Farm To Table owner Yakir Knafo. “I like to introduce guests to the small, ‘romantic’ farms where they get a personal feel for connection to the land.”

And you can hardly get more personal with the land than pulling carrots out of the ground yourself; carrots that you’ll watch a chef cook a little while later for lunch. Or standing under a tree peeling a juicy orange you plucked off a branch a second ago.

An hour in the field is followed two hours of a 7-course meal filled with the genuine flavors of Israeli food. It might be cooked then and there on the farm, to be eaten in the open air. Or you might head back to the Alhambra deli in Jaffa, where Farm To Table Israel guests feast at a communal table. You’ll enjoy a meal that’s as much about storytelling and community as it is about fresh, local flavors, and where every ingredient comes from local sources – even the salt.

Culinary tours include visits to an olive oil press, followed by a meal where every dish features a different local olive oil; or to a vineyard and boutique winery that shows how Israeli wines have gained international recognition. Or a group may visit one of the local dairies. A tour of an apiary and honey tastings in the works for the near future.

Each tour ends with a meal freshly cooked by Yakir and chef Aviel Elbaz, with the participation of any guests who like to cook. There’s a story behind every dish, even behind every ingredient. Guests leave the table enriched with history, a sense of connection with the land, and naturally, the lingering wellbeing that’s the gift of a delectable meal shared with friends.

Related: Ada’s home-roasted coffee in Jaffa

And that’s just one of the culinary experiences offered by Farm To Table Israel. Groups can also book hands-on cooking workshops for groups of friends and for business groups on a day out. Workshop themes include pickling and fermentation, seasonal cooking, and making pasta. Yakir told us that they will create a workshop focused on a special theme too, if requested.

Then there’s Alhambra, the Jaffa base for Farm To Table’s culinary workshops. It’s a café by day and wine bar by night, as well as a delicatessen offering Israeli gourmet specialties.

All of this was born of Yakir and Aviel’s vision to make food the connection between people and the land. Yakir has an enormous love of nature, the farmer, and the goodness of Israel’s sustainable foods. His enthusiasm overflows in spontaneous talk as visitors harvest, cook, and eat together.

Jaffa, close to Tel Aviv, is the mixed Jewish-Arab neighborhood where Alhambra operates, and where Yakir lives with his family. He interacts comfortably with close-by Arab businesses:

“We live together, after all. I get fish from Ibrahim, orange juice from Salem, and kitchen equipment from Abu Avram. We respect each other,” he says. His voice softens as he says that seaside Jaffa is very much like the Moroccan port town of Essaouira, where his grandfather was chief rabbi.

Alhambra is kosher under rabbinical supervision, dairy/fish. The partners offer cooking workshops there, but a group may also book a workshop near home.

::Farm To Table
::Deli Alhambra 
30 Jerusalem Blvd., Tel Aviv
+972 523 255 370

Traveling to Jaffa in the near future?

Read our green guide to Jaffa

The post Farm To Table Israel Connects People To The Land appeared first on Green Prophet.

Balat is not a neighborhood you would visit on a standard tour to Istanbul—the kind that shuttles you between giant mosques like Hagia Sophia. If you want a real taste of the city and the people who live there, wander a smaller neighborhood. Balat is my favorite for its cobblestone lanes, record shops, cafés, second-hand clothing stores, colorful stairs, textiles and towel shops—and the cats. Cats rule Balat, and much of Istanbul.

Be prepared to lose yourself wandering around this village-like part of the city. I’d spend half a day in Balat, much of it in wanderer mode. This is one of Istanbul’s most quietly enchanting quarters, where cultures overlap not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing fact.

For centuries Balat has been home to Jews, Greeks, Armenians, and Muslims, and that mosaic still shapes the streets. You’ll pass the Ahrida Synagogue, Orthodox churches, and modest mosques within minutes of each other. Unlike grand Sultanahmet, Balat’s diversity feels intimate and domestic—it’s history at human scale you can still touch and feel. Homes and cafés are built among crumbling walls and old fortifications, and the vibe among the people is good. As my Uber driver said arriving in Balat, “In Istanbul we love our cats, and hate our mayor.”

Balat has recently become a magnet for vintage lovers and collectors (some say it happened when Coffee Department opened in 2010), but it hasn’t lost its edge and grit.

Find old record players spinning Turkish tunes, bent silverware, Anatolian rugs, colorful caftans, postcards, rusted tools, and ceramic cups poking out from tiny shops that are halfway between a flea market and a time capsule. We saw men dancing in the street and attractive local couples (lovers?) having intense coffee conversations in the late sunny morning—on a weekday.

The prices in the second-hand clothing shops are not what they once were (here is our old guide to second hand clothing shops in Istanbul around Istiklal street), but the items are well-curated. And the second-hand shops in Istanbul will still offer you eastern garb such as cloaks and overcoats, plus colorful wool sweaters. The stairs and buildings in Balat are colorful too.

The joy of being in Balat—or in Istanbul in general—is not ticking off addresses and sites of interest. It’s letting curiosity pull you down side streets where eye contact can lead to a conversation.

Three Cafes Worth Lingering In

Velvet Cafe – A Balat institution. Mismatched furniture, plants everywhere, and the feeling that time has agreed to slow down. Looks like a place to join a revolution—or start one.

Naftalin Kafe – Nostalgia perfected: old family photos, radios, and Turkish coffee that tastes like it belongs to the room. Cats rule the café. Notice our top photo taken recently outside Naftalin on one of the main tourist streets, where the cat is telling the waitress who to serve next.

Coffee Department in Balat – A more modern stop with excellent coffee, popular with locals and creatives without breaking the spell of the neighborhood. Believed to be the café that opened Balat up to becoming a prime tourist destination.

This is cat country, and humans know it. Cats lounge on stoops, café chairs, shop counters, and car hoods with total confidence and airs of superiority. They do let you touch—on their terms. Bowls of food appear mysteriously. Some cats even drop down on a rope from the sky (or the top-floor apartment). People have built cat houses for their furry friends, and non-profits exist to help foreigners send a beloved Balat street-cat back home with quarantine and papers (see Paws of Hope if you are interested in the adoption process). This is far from the Erdoğan-style Turkey that has called for the culling of millions of Turkish street dogs.

In Balat, cats are not a feature. They are the management.

Explore your faith in interfaith

Balat wears its interfaith history casually. As you wander, the names surface naturally: the Ahrida Synagogue and Yanbol Synagogue, quiet and inward-looking, echo Balat’s once-thriving Jewish life. Then the call to prayer drifts from neighborhood mosques like Ferruh Kethüda, Tahta Minare, and Balat Çavuş; and church bells mark time at St. George (Aya Yorgi), St. Mary of the Mongols, and the iron-clad St. Stephen Church by the water. Holding time are the crumbling Byzantine walls—cracked, vine-covered, and indifferent to faith—reminding you that in Balat, coexistence was a daily habit.

Follow the slope down toward the historic Golden Horn and you’ll find fishermen casting lines for small fish, chatting here and there while watching the water—and making sure the crows and the cats don’t fish the tiny fish out of the buckets.

Second hand clothing and vintage shops in Balat, Istanbul

Istanbul is known for its curios and second-hand clothing shops. You will get a taste of it all in Balat as you wander the streets. We came across a few vintage and second-hand clothing shops. The prices were not cheap (a T-shirt was priced around 25 Euros), so if you are in the business of bargain-basement shopping, better shop elsewhere in America or Canada at church thrift shops.

Ayca Vintage

Ayca vintage has a great vibe, with African drumming and song beckoning you to come in. We guessed it was the owner who peeked at us from under her hat—cat nearby—journaling. The shop is stocked with vintage caftans and colorful sweaters. She’s taken the selection job out of your day.

Ayvansaray mahallesi sultan çeşmesi cad. no:83A BALAT Fatih / istanbul

Twobavintage

Around the same area is Twobavintage, which stocks mainly kitschy kitchen items and relics from another era. There is a small selection of clothes in the back.

Ayvansaray Mahallesi Sultan Çesmesi Sokak No 94 Balat

Kulis vintage

Expect to pay a pretty penny for thrifted T-shirts and second-hand, western style here at Kulis Vintage. We found the same in Berlin when we were there 2 months ago. Highly curated, high prices—which is the way of the world for curated vintage in cities. Kensington Market in Toronto has been like that for decades.

Exploring the streets and finding colorful umbrellas and painted stairs in Balat is a must. Some parts are tourist traps, demanding you buy food before you enter. Some coffee shop owners say they have the best rooftop views of the Golden Horn. We can’t confirm.

We found an excellent towel and blanket shop with great prices. Where you can still find a deal is if you are looking for high-quality Turkish cotton towels. We found a shop, pictured below, where we bought a few high-quality towels for 200 LR each, about $5 USD. We didn’t bother bargaining because the price was fair and the seller was very nice.

His shop was down the street from Ayca Eastern Design. We didn’t get the full name, so show this man’s photo around the neighborhood and the locals will point out the way.

Off the Path: Working-Class Istanbul

Another face of Balat reveals itself when you leave the “Instagram streets.” Wander toward Cibali, where workshops still hum—metalworkers, repair shops, small factories—and life feels practical. This is also where you brush up against literary history.

Nearby lived Orhan Kemal, one of Turkey’s great writers of the working class. Kemal was the chronicler of laborers, factory hands, and the urban poor. He worked near the old Cibali Tobacco Factory (today part of Istanbul University), quite close to his former home, and wrote about the very people you still encounter here.

His presence lingers not as a plaque-heavy attraction, but as a spirit. We walked past his modest corner house that holds a plaque to his name. Impressive wooden houses nearby are for sale, and we dream about being a writer from his vantage point in this now-charming location.

Balat isn’t polished, and that’s exactly the point. It rewards slow walking and making mistakes. Tune into a few landmarks that interest you and wander toward them, noticing what you meet, smell, and hear along the way. On one of our meanderings we came across three schoolboys “cat-napping” a cat in their backpack to take home.

We also appreciated that some of the local artisans, like the owner of ilitya, are opening their studios for hands-on experiences. He is a graduate of design school and, unlike the thousands of traditional pottery studios in Turkey, he sells modern functional-ware. Made in molds and glazed in the studio, you can buy—or study and make your own—your choice.

We took a taxi to Balat from our hotel, but plenty of buses and trams run right to this neighborhood.

Green Prophet’s trip to Istanbul was sponsored by the United Religions Initiative, an interfaith network for peace and reconciliation. Their travel grant allowed us to tour Istanbul’s heritage independently to witness and report on the city’s diversity and heritage.

The post Explore Balat in Istanbul for a perfect day of coffee, cats, and second-hand clothing shops appeared first on Green Prophet.

As our twins enter their last year of high school, we are acutely aware of the passage of time. We feel a strong pull to linger and savour our moments together. So at the end of the summer, with our national airline in Canada on the verge of a strike, we booked a 10-day trip to Morocco.  Looking to slow down our experience of time, we wanted to learn from people with different stories and life paths.

We focused on doing and learning.  We crafted with master artisans – carving wood, etching plaster and stamping copper. We cooked tagines and couscous with a local family, baked bread in the community oven, and walked the winding pathways of medina streets in Marrakesh and Fez. We travelled by train and car while delighting in raw landscapes, beautifully spiced food, colourful architecture, and connecting deeply with the people we met.

Between Marrakesh and Fez, we booked 2 nights in the small mountain village of Imlil, in the High Atlas Mountains, to experience nature and life outside Morocco’s more urban centres. Despite its proximity to and easy travel from Marrakesh, Imlil felt dramatically different. We stayed at the Kasbah du Toubkal which is much more than a boutique hotel.

The Kasbah du Toubkal

The Kasbah du Toubkal is set high on a hilltop overlooking the village of Imlil with North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, behind it. Unique in its approach to tourism, the Kasbah was founded upon and reflects an intentional set of ethical principles that aims to promote Berber values of hospitality, community connection, environmental preservation and cultural harmony.

The Kasbah is grounded in a story of true partnership and friendship between two people, British and Berber, which is infused into every aspect. Mike McHugo and Hajj Maurice met in 1978 and the Kasbah opened in 1995, with the shared belief that the Kasbah be built in collaboration and connection with the local Berber community.

Hajj Maurice and his wife Hajja Arkia (who welcomed us with a hug) along with their team from the local community, manage the day to day operations. A core value of the Kasbah is to share the beauty of Toubkal National Park with anyone who respects it, thereby offering a range of accommodation and pricing to ensure it is widely accessible to a diverse group of guests.

The arrival

Only 1.5 hours from Marrakesh, up winding pink mountainous roads, we arrived at the Berber village of Imlil in anticipation of the mystery that awaited us. After a warm greeting, we began our walk up a steep rugged trail to the Kasbah, passing by families from the local communities and towering gnarled walnut trees, grateful to the mule accompanying us, our bags strapped to her back. After 15 minutes, we reached the dark etched wooden doors of the Kasbah eager to experience what lay beyond them.

The Kasbah’s doors opened into a mystical realm of intricate stone pathways, arched doorways and hidden alleyways. Nature surrounds, with mature fruit trees, colourful flowers, looming mountains, villages and waterfalls dotting the landscape. Large sitting areas with colourful traditional decor and fireplaces, interspersed throughout, offer panoramic views and facilitate connection among guests.

We were welcomed with fresh mint tea and nuts which we enjoyed while sinking into colourful pillows, the imposing mountains ablaze with the bright afternoon sun. We could hear the soulful call to prayer being sung from the village mosques further grounding us in this spiritual moment. Our kids sat at the edge of the newly built infinity pool looking out on the multi-coloured rock, still processing the previous days’ experiences in Marrakesh.

We ate dinner on the upper terrace as the sun set across the valley, the sun illuminating the towering peaks surrounding us. Dinner, prepared in house, included warm fresh bread with butter, black and green olives, potato soup eaten with long wooden ladles, fresh dates, and chicken tagine with preserved lemons, potatoes rice and carrots – beautifully presented on clay dishes.

That night we went to sleep in our family suite to the cacophony of sounds from the surrounding villages echoing across the valley, of children playing, and animals bellowing, making the mountains feel alive and comforting in the darkness of the night.

The Kasbah offers many types of accommodation from en-suite rooms, to full private self-contained houses. We stayed in a two-level family suite with colourful decor, hand-woven carpets and carved wooden doors. Upstairs there was a full kitchen, living room, dining room, indoor fireplace, and an outdoor terrace overlooking fruit-laden fig trees. The Kasbah also offers its guests the opportunity to sleep under the stars on carpets and under blankets which we hope to experience someday.

Mount Toubkal and Trekking

The next morning, we woke up early for a guided hike arranged by the Kasbah. We fueled up with breakfast from a display of wooden bowls filled with nuts, dried fruits (prunes, figs, apricots), cereal, and yogurt. The warm bread and crepes were served with butter, cheese, honey, hardboiled eggs, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

We set off with our guide, Abdul, on a half day rigorous hike. Following a stream, we eased in with a tour of local villages, then up a steep climb through the Toubkal National Park. Mountain trails took us through turquoise, red, orange and purple boulders where we spotted elusive squirrels darting in and out of the rocky cracks. We passed bee hives, apple orchards, and snacked on wild blackberries. We descended steep stairs built into the rocks to waterfalls, where families splashed in swimming holes and enjoyed tagines cooked on open coals.

Our guide told us stories of village life and explained the nature all around us. He told us his father used to ski between villages in winter until global warming took away most of the snow and that before electricity arrived in 1997, people used to communicate by yelling across the valley. These few hours only gave us a taste of the potential to explore this rugged region. The Kasbah offers multi-day treks including the ascent of Mount Toubkal.

That afternoon, we swam in the Kasbah’s new infinity pool, that holds a 270-degree vista of the surrounding mountains, villages and valleys. This pool was added during a major rebuild after an earthquake in September 2023 devastated the area and destroyed parts of the Kasbah. It is a beautiful addition that can be enjoyed by families. We met other guests from England and Wales who were resting up by the pool before commencing their multi-day trek up Mount Toubkal.

After our swim, we visited the traditional Hammam on the grounds of the Kasbah. Wooden doors enclose a room full of hot steam heated by wood fire. We covered ourselves with black soap and an exfoliating glove softened our skin. We felt even more alive after the cold plunge in the marbled mosaic tile bath under the high arches and windows to the sky.

Connection to the local community

A core principle of the Kasbah is to ensure that it operates in harmony with and of benefit to the surrounding communities recognizing that it is itself a guest of the local Berbers and seeking to learn. A 5% levy is charged on the Kasbah’s services which is then directed to the Imlil Village Association to fund community projects including: building the first community hammam (bath house), creating a garbage disposal system, initiating the first two ambulances to serve the area, improving water safety in surrounding villages, and the creation of the organization Education For All to promote access to secondary education for girls from the High Atlas mountains including the building of a home for girls to board while attending school away from their families.

The founders’ longstanding commitment to education emanated from when they began leading educational tours in Morocco for school and college students long before the Kasbah was built.

Sustainability

The Kasbah was created in accordance with the principles of responsible tourism and sustainability. Highly conscious of the risk of greenwashing, the founders have intentionally sought to ensure the Kasbah benefits the community and also protects cultural traditions. Built before there was electricity in the region, workers from the surrounding villages used traditional building techniques (without electrical tools) and local materials, carried in by hand or with the assistance of mules. The fresh spring water is safe for drinking, and the Kasbah encourages the use of re-usable water bottles rather than plastic ones. The fruits, vegetables and meat are all locally sourced.

Standing on the terrace staring out at the mesmerizing landscape as the sun set behind High Atlas mountains, I reflect upon the passage of time in our parenting journey. Words cannot capture the mystery of the Kasbah du Toubkal – the magic of which must be experienced.

Walking well-trodden mountain pathways, eating fresh local food, and learning about the transformative work embedded in the Kasbah’s approach to tourism has now been imparted to our children. We hope, in turn, these experiences will serve to inform their contributions in the world as they continue to grow. Don’t wait, Morocco is on everyone’s bucket list. Growth and change are inevitable.

::Kasbah du Toubkal website

Karen Spector lives in Toronto with her husband, three kids, and three cats. She loves to engage in slow travel with her family, explore nature, and learn about local crafting and colourful textiles.

The post Travel Morocco with teens at the Kasbah du Toubkal’s magical mountain retreat appeared first on Green Prophet.

Investors should require independent KPIs: energy intensity (kWh/m³) for desal plants, verifiable renewable MWh, biodiversity baselines, and public reporting aligned with GRI/SASB—rather than relying on glossy pledges.

Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a once-in-a-century transformation. Vision 2030 is pushing the Kingdom to diversify away from oil through massive investment in tourism, logistics, manufacturing, and technology—while developing renewable power and modernizing water infrastructure. For investors, the upside is real: multibillion-dollar project pipelines, incentives in special economic and industrial zones, and a government willing to co-invest. The risks are real too: execution delays on gigaprojects, policy uncertainty (e.g., the regional HQ mandate), and reputational scrutiny around sustainability and governance.

Tourism is Vision 2030’s marquee growth engine. Saudi Arabia surpassed 100 million visits in 2023 and is now targeting 150 million by 2030, according to UN Tourism and official statements. Can it be the new Bali or Phuket? The Government website notes that about 20 million tourists come to Mecca every year as holy Hajj pilgrims, however. So numbers don’t reflect traditional western style tourism.

In 2024 the Kingdom counted roughly 116 million domestic and inbound trips; in early 2025, authorities reported triple-digit growth in international arrivals off a relatively new base. On the ground, luxury coastal destinations led by Red Sea Global are opening in phases (e.g., St. Regis and Six Senses islands), positioned around net-zero energy claims, mangrove restoration, and stringent construction controls.

See on-the-ground Green Prophet reporting: Red Sea Islands: Luxury Tourism & Sustainability, Shebara Resort, Shebara pod hotel pricing, Sheybarah sea pods. The Financial Times frames the broader tourism pivot (>US$1 trillion ambition) and its contradictions (e.g., alcohol policy, social norms).

Industrial Parks, Special Economic Zones, and the HQ Mandate

Knowing that its oil days are limited, Saudi Arabia is courting manufacturers and service firms into MODON industrial cities and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with land, infrastructure, and fiscal incentives. Explore MODON’s official resources: MODON portal, Industrial Cities list, Cost of Industry.

Regulatory leverage is also in play: since 2024, companies seeking Saudi government contracts must hold a regional headquarters in Riyadh. Reuters and policy trackers have covered the mandate and its enforcement. BNY Mellon, Goldman Sachs and others have obtained RHQ licenses as the King Abdullah Financial District gains tenants—yet analysts still flag competition from Dubai and the need for continued legal and regulatory clarity. Dubai or Riyadh? This source explains that in Saudi Arabia your business taxes will be about 20% and you will need to pay a 2.5% religious tax called zakat.

Despite progress, FDI inflows have been uneven: net FDI dipped in Q1 2025 and officials acknowledge the stretch target of US$100 billion annually by 2030.

NEOM: Visionary Scale Meets Delivery Reality

NEOM anchors the northwest “giga-project” slate: The Line (urban spine), Oxagon (industrial hub), Trojena (alpine resort), Sindalah (island), Jaumur marina community, plus a world-scale green hydrogen complex. Recent reporting also notes write-downs and re-phasing across giga-assets at PIF—important context for timelines and returns.

• NEOM is Saudi’s mega-green Gotham city
• “15-minute city” life critique
• Jaumur marina resort
• World’s largest green hydrogen plant at NEOM

Power, Water, and the Energy–Water Nexus (Why It Matters to Investors)

Saudi electricity is still dominated by oil and gas, but the renewables build-out accelerated in July 2025: ACWA Power, Badeel (PIF) and Aramco Power signed US$8.3 billion worth of PPAs across five solar and two wind projects (15 GW). Foreign-press and official releases confirm the scale and strategy.

Why this matters: water. The Kingdom is the world’s largest producer of desalinated water via SWCC; policy is shifting from thermal (MSF) to high-efficiency RO, reducing energy intensity and easing integration with solar. Official reports and technical papers outline the capacity and technology pivot.

Green Prophet coverage offers investor-friendly context on water modernization and finance: US$650M desalination modernization, Yanbu-4 clean-energy desal, Japanese RO tech at Shoaiba.

Successes Worth Noting

• Tourism delivery: Early Red Sea openings (LEED Platinum claims, 100% solar operations, mangrove planting) and steady AlUla programming point to credible, phased execution that can scale if flight capacity, visas, and service standards keep pace.
• Grid transition: Utility-scale renewables and fast-growing battery storage are now central to capacity planning; financing costs and Chinese supply chains have helped unlock low PPA prices.
• Mega-events and place-branding: Expo 2030 company (PIF) was stood up to deliver venues and operations—an important governance signal for schedule discipline.

Challenges and Friction Points

• Execution risk on gigaprojects: PIF’s 2024 annual report reflected an ~US$8 billion write-down across flagship projects, underlining re-sequencing and scope changes. Investors should model delays and phasing.
• FDI momentum vs. mandates: The regional HQ rule is working for some global banks and managers, yet overall FDI remains below 2030 ambitions. Expect continued incentive sweeteners—and compliance checks on local presence and spend.
• Social norms & market access: Policy changes—alcohol bans, content and attire rules, and due-process concerns—can affect Western consumer sentiment and partner risk committees. The FT analysis is a useful primer for brand and events teams.
• Higher taxes, at 20% and a mandatory religious tax called zakat of 2.5%.
• “Green PR” vs. measurable sustainability: Saudi spends heavily on global design and comms. Investors should require independent KPIs: energy intensity (kWh/m³) for desal plants, verifiable renewable MWh, biodiversity baselines, and public reporting aligned with GRI/SASB—rather than relying on glossy pledges. See Saudis killed and family jailed during The Line construction.

Due-Diligence Checklist for Investors

1. Water–energy math: For hotels, industrial tenants, and data centers, model electricity demand and indirect water footprint (power cooling + desal). Track the grid mix where your load interconnects.
2. Local-content & HQ policy: Budget for the RHQ requirement (governance, staffing, leases) to access government contracts.
3. Zone incentives vs. obligations: In MODON and SEZs, confirm land tenure, utility tariffs, import rules, arbitration venue, and exit mechanics.
4. Tourism demand realism: Separate Muslim pilgrimages to Mecca, VFR, and true international leisure segments when forecasting ADR/RevPAR in Red Sea or AlUla corridors.
5. ESG verification: Ask for third-party audits on energy, water, waste, and nature impacts; evaluate desal technology (RO vs. thermal) and brine handling. Current Middle East developers and investors, and compliant architects in the Middle East are easy to tout “eco-successes” when none in fact are in place. See our article on the Aga Khan Prize and the ever-present greenwashing in the Middle East.

Want to invest in the Middle East? Jump Into the Free Green Prophet Archive—Saudi & Regional Context

• Saudi Arabia’s $650M bet on desalination
• Saudi digitizes 100,000 trees
• Red Sea tourism & sustainability
• Shebara Resort profile
• Shebara pod pricing
• Sheybarah sea pods
• Yanbu-4 clean-energy desal
• Wild plant survey (NCVC)
• How degraded is the Saudi desert?
• Ibex Protected Area/Green List
• Maraya mirror hall, AlUla
• AlUla/Hegra visitor guide
• Glamping on dead volcanoes
• “Dream of the Desert” luxury train
• David Popa at Hegra
• Heatherwick Jeddah museum (ex-desal plant)
• NEOM overview (critique)
• NEOM “15-minute city” life
• NEOM Jaumur marina
• NEOM green hydrogen plant
• RedSea Farms scales in KSA
• RedSea hot-climate greenhouses
• RedSea expands to Egypt
• Aramco invests in RedSea Farms
• Saudi wins Expo 2030
• The Mukaab (“new Kaaba”)
• Shoiaba RO membranes

The post Choosing Riyadh over Dubai? What Investors Should Know appeared first on Green Prophet.

Tourism is an economic powerhouse, but over-tourism has strained many beloved destinations, leading to environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and declining quality of life for locals. To counteract these issues, various hotspots have introduced regulations to curb excessive visitor numbers. Many have also developed eco-volunteering opportunities and sustainable lodging options for travelers who want to give back. Below, we explore the measures being taken in different locations and how visitors can engage in meaningful, sustainable tourism.

Ibiza, Spain

To address the influx of cruise tourists, Ibiza has introduced new regulations limiting the simultaneous docking of cruise ships to no more than two at a time. This measure aims to ease congestion and reduce environmental strain.

Eco-volunteering opportunities in Ibiza:

• IbizaPreservation: Works on marine and land conservation efforts.
• Plastic Free Ibiza & Formentera: Dedicated to reducing plastic waste on the islands.
• GEN-GOB Ibiza: Focuses on biodiversity conservation and sustainable farming.

Sustainable Lodging in Ibiza:

• Cas Gasi: A boutique eco-hotel focusing on organic farming and renewable energy.
• Finca Can Marti: A rustic retreat offering organic food and sustainable living.
• La Granja Ibiza: A farmstead that embraces permaculture and community-driven experiences.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru has implemented a strict ticketing system requiring visitors to arrive within designated time slots, preventing overcrowding and ensuring sustainable site management.

Eco-volunteering opportunities in Peru:

• Conservamos por Naturaleza: Supports conservation initiatives across Peru.
• Inkaterra Asociación: Engages in biodiversity conservation and research.
• Centro de Rescate Amazónico: Works on Amazon rainforest preservation and wildlife rehabilitation.

Sustainable Lodging in Machu Picchu:

• Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: A leading eco-lodge with conservation programs.
• Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel: A luxury lodge promoting Andean traditions and sustainability.
• Tierra Viva Machu Picchu: A sustainable hotel using eco-friendly practices.

Santorini & Mykonos, Greece

The Greek government plans to limit cruise ships to mitigate the effects of overtourism on the Cycladic Islands, preserving their natural beauty and cultural integrity.

Eco-volunteering opportunities in Greece:

• Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary: Protects marine ecosystems in the Aegean.
• Archelon – The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece: Focuses on sea turtle conservation.
• Hellenic Ornithological Society: Protects bird species and their habitats.

Sustainable Lodging in Santorini & Mykonos:

• Santorini Eco Retreats: Offers sustainable stays with renewable energy sources.
• Mykonos Earth Suites: Built with eco-friendly materials and solar power.
• Eros Keros: An off-grid retreat on Koufonisia near Mykonos.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is taking drastic measures to curb overtourism, including limiting river cruises, banning new hotels, reducing annual visitor numbers by 271,000, and capping overnight stays at 20 million.

Eco-volunteering opportunities in Amsterdam:

• Plastic Whale: Organizes plastic-cleaning boat trips on the canals.
• Stichting De Noordzee: Works to protect the North Sea ecosystem.
• IVN Natuureducatie: Focuses on nature education and conservation projects.

Sustainable Lodging in Amsterdam:

• Conscious Hotel Westerpark: A fully sustainable hotel powered by green energy.
• Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam: Built with sustainable materials and featuring an indoor rainforest.
• Ecomama Hotel: A boutique eco-hostel with a strong focus on social responsibility.

Menorca, Spain

Residents of Binibeca Vell have set time restrictions for tourists, only allowing visits between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. to prevent noise pollution and overcrowding.

Eco-volunteering opportunities in Menorca:

• Menorca Preservation Fund: Supports local conservation efforts.
• GOB Menorca: Focuses on environmental protection and sustainable agriculture.
• Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca: Promotes sustainable tourism initiatives.

Sustainable Lodging in Menorca:

• Torralbenc: A luxury eco-retreat using sustainable farming methods.
• Agroturismo Son Vives: A rural eco-hotel supporting organic agriculture.
• Hotel Rural Biniarroca: A boutique hotel committed to sustainable tourism.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has reduced cruise dockings to seven per day and removed a popular bus route to Parc Güell to discourage peak-season tourism.

Eco-volunteering opportunities in Barcelona:

• Projecte Boscos de Muntanya: Works on forest conservation.
• Rezero: Focuses on waste reduction and sustainability.
• Surfrider España: Engages in marine conservation and beach cleanups.

Sustainable Lodging in Barcelona:

• Hostal Grau: A carbon-neutral eco-hotel.
• Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel: Focuses on sustainable energy and community projects.
• EcoZentric Hotel: Uses renewable energy and eco-friendly products.

Sustainable Travel: A Collective Effort

While governments enforce new regulations, travelers also play a key role in ensuring sustainability. Opting for eco-volunteering experiences and choosing eco-friendly accommodations provide a more meaningful connection to a destination while actively contributing to its preservation. By making mindful travel choices, we can ensure that these breathtaking places remain vibrant and welcoming for generations to come.

The post The Battle Against Over-Tourism: How Destinations Are Fighting Back appeared first on Green Prophet.

Tel Aviv’s seaside marathon set for February 28, 2025

The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality announced that the Tel Aviv Marathon, Israel’s largest sporting event, will take place for the 16th time on February 2025. Early registration at a discounted rate is now open for all runners—both amateur and professional—across various race categories until December 1, 2024. Marathons in the Middle East are best enjoyed in the winter when the weather is cool. Get our best marathons guide here.

Over 40,000 runners are expected to participate in one of the five scenic urban routes throughout the city, including along the iconic coastline: Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21 km), 10K Race, 5K Race, and a Kids’ Mini Marathon on February 26, 2025 (800 meters and 1.2 km).

“The 2025 Tel Aviv Marathon will return with full force in February 2025,” says the city’s mayor Run Huldai. “This marathon is an important event for our city, a city that breathes and lives sports. In these times, we need to remind ourselves that sport is not only for physical health but also as a remedy for the soul. Through sports, we allow ourselves to both feel pain and find comfort, and we remember that both body and spirit have enabled us to overcome many challenges before.

“This time too, we will succeed and rebuild, and we are proud to continue hosting this unique marathon that unites the entire nation. I invite everyone to join us, and I hope we will soon see our hostages back with us, together.”

How the Tel Aviv Marathon will be Sustainable

• Reducing bottle usage by over 60% by using of biodegradable cups at water stations along the course, The empty 1.5-liter bottles used for refilling will be collected and recycled after the race.
• Recycled non-woven fabric bags will be used for race kits. During registration, participants will have the option to either purchase an official running shirt from a leading brand or receive a discount on the registration fee, thereby reducing demand on the global textile industry. If the plastic non-woven bags are the ones they are mentioning, note that these bags are not green at all and usually take more plastic with them to landfill.
• “Pay It Forward” a social green project will also take place as part of the marathon, inviting all participants to bring sports clothing (excluding shoes) for donation on race day. The donated items will be laundered, folded, and given to charities for distribution to those in need
• Reducing print as part of its green initiative, runners will receive the marathon guide in digital format, and all promotional signage along the course will be recycled at the end of the event.

There are so many ways to do sustainable tourism in the Middle East. Get our Middle East marathon guide here.

The post Is the Tel Aviv Marathon the greenest in the world? appeared first on Green Prophet.

Scarlet red, a pigment made from insects, is used to make frappacinos pink at Starbucks but it was the dye of choice to make the color scarlet in ancient Biblical times. A piece of ancient scarlet-colored cloth was found in a cave in Israel and was recently studied.

The color of the rare 3,800-year-old textile was produced from the oak scale insects, which the researchers identify with the biblical “Tola‛at Hashani” (scarlet worm).

The color scarlet worm is mentioned 25 times in the Bible, often alongside blue (holy Tekhelet) and purple (Argaman – see King Davi’d cloth), which are considered the most precious and prestigious colors in the ancient world.

It is mentioned in the context of luxurious clothing, in the use of Tabernacle textiles, and in other cultic contexts.

The rare textile, which is less than 2cm in size was discovered in 2016 in the “Cave of Skulls” during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Hebrew University as part of a broad Heritage Project to save heritage finds in the Judean Desert caves from antiquities theft.

The excavation, led by Dr. Eitan Klein, Dr. Uri Davidovich, Roi Porat and Amir Ganor, uncovered a tiny red textile, which was sent for further research along with dozens of other textiles found in the cave. Despite its small size, the textile’s color caught the researchers’ attention.

Using analytical equipment, they identified the origin of the dye, finding that oak-scale insects produced the red dye used for the woolen weft threads while the warp threads, made of linen, remained uncolored. The textile was dated to the Middle Bronze Age (1767-1954 BCE) using carbon-14 analysis.

The research was led by Naama Sukenik from the Israel Antiquities Authority, Prof. Zohar Amar and Prof. David Iluz from Bar-Ilan University. Like most archaeological research, it takes years to sift through findings and analyze results: The research results were published this week in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

Related: how to join an archeology dig

“In ancient times, the dye was produced from the female scale insect, which lives on the kermes oak tree (Quercus coccifera),” said Sukenik: “Collecting these kermes was done in a very short window of time – one month out of the year, in the summer, after the female laid her eggs but before they hatched— when the amount of dye was greatest.

The short period in which the kermes could be collected, the difficulty in finding them due to their small size (between 3–8 mm), and their camouflage colors, that make it difficult to locate them, as well as the small amount of dye that can be produced from them — and on the other hand, the beautiful red hue (scarlet) that can be produced from them for dyeing textiles, made their use highly prestigious.”

The red dye from kermes was mentioned in ancient trade documents, such as in cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia, dating back to 1425 BCE.

“In the Bible, the dye extracted from oak scale insects is referred to as “scarlet worm,” says Amar of Bar-Ilan University. The term “worm” in ancient times was a general term for various insects and their developmental stages. The biblical association of this color with a living creature demonstrates impressive zoological knowledge, considering that female scale insects lack legs and wings, to the extent that some Greek and Roman naturalists even mistook them for plant granules.

Throughout history, various species of scale insects have been used to produce red dye. To this day, in South America, another species of cochineal scale insect, which lives on certain species of cacti, is used for dyeing textiles.

According to Prof. David Iluz from Bar-Ilan University: “Although it was discovered that Israel has a native species of scale insect living on Palestinian oak (Quercus calliprinos), capable of producing a red-orange color, the analytical results indicate that in the case at hand, the species of scale insects is Kermes vermilio which lives on the kermes oak tree (Quercus coccifera).

Related: 10 eco tourism trips in Israel

“This tree species is common in the central and eastern Mediterranean region, including Spain, France, and other areas, but is not found in the Land of Israel.”

Despite the wealth of written historical evidence about the widespread use of dyeing with scale insects in the ancient world, until today, very few textiles dyed with kermes insects that predate the Roman period have been found worldwide.

The red textile from the “Cave of the Skulls” in the Judean Desert represents, as far as we know, the earliest evidence of woolen textile dyed with kermes.

“Although it is difficult to know how this textile arrived in this desert cave, it is significant evidence of ancient knowledge in dyeing wool fibers using scale insects to achieve the red color as early as the Middle Bronze Age — about 3,800 years ago,” says Uri Davidovich, an excavation director at the Cave of the Skulls on behalf of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

More articles on Biblical dye:

King David’s Purple Discovered

Ancient blue recreated in Portugal

The lost biblical blue “techelet” is found

The post Biblical red dye found in a cave in Israel appeared first on Green Prophet.

Vast swathes of the Middle East were either once seas, or explosive volcanoes or both. Now that Saudi Arabia’s ruling family has decided to open up Saudi Arabia to the Western world, it is opening up some of the most untouched places on earth including their ancestral home, a palace made from mud. One of the new sites to open to tourists at the spectacular region of Alulu is the Khaybar Volcano Camp. Sleep under the stars, for $500 a night.

The luxury glamping site, being marketed as an eco-lodge, opened in December late 2022 and it’s situated on the landscape of an ancient, dormant volcano called the Harrat Khaybar. It is being touted as one of the most untouched places on earth. If you are new to Saudi Arabia and Alula, start here. 

Archeologists are rushing into the area to study ancient and near history in the Khaybar Harrat area and are forming new theories of civilization from the region. They found desert kites created by ancient trappers, and strange burial mounds meant for travellers. If you are an aspiring archaeologist, Saudi Arabia is the place to rush in.

The Khaybar Volcano Camp is at the heart of it all, at one of the rarest lava fields in Saudi Arabia which has seen traces of people living there over the years. The region is full of monumental archaeological evidence, prehistoric monuments (see the desert kites), rare geological landmarks, lush oases, and lava caves that have existed with and without us for millions of years.

Think Saudi Arabia doesn’t have a history? Think again. Meet it along with locals at the Khaybar Volcano Camp. Started there the region will be accessible to travelers who desire nature and history, over let’s say fake moons and flying taxis (another tourism direction for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.)

Cultural activities, mythical storytelling, evening stargazing, wellness programming, balloon flights (tethered), and trekking to geological wonders and touring the ancient ruins are some of the activities offered at the volcano resort. Cost? About $1000 USD for a couple for 2 nights, including meals.

Ten luxury tents with ensuite bathrooms (which is now known as glamping) feature upscale furnishings and creature comforts. Natural, local ingredients make up the meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As for “eco” credentials beyond the organic food –– you can look into it when you are there. How do they get their power, where does water come from? Where does waste go? What are the hiring and work policies at the resort? These are some questions you can ask when you go. 

Saudi Arabia isn’t the first to start volcano travelling. Costa Rica and Sicily both have active volcanoes and an active group of tourists who flock to these places for some geological action. Over in Israel, Beresheet Hotel, is a luxury hotel overlooking the Ramon crater formed by a retracting sea. That’s what NASA says, after theories of meteorites and volcanoes were quashed. You might need a trust fund however to afford staying at this place. 

Another nature option for the budget traveller is to sail across the Red Sea to Sinai, Egypt and hike and trek to God’s mountain with a local Bedouin guide who will bring tents and a full camp/semi-glamp experience for a fraction of the price.

More on Harrat Khaybar

Harrat Khaybar is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest volcanic fields, covering an area of more than 10,000 square miles, and found north of Medina. An 80 mile vent system contains felsic lava domes, tuff rings, the Jabal Qidr stratovolcano, and numerous small basaltic cones. At least seven of the ancient lava flows are young at less than 4,500 years old, and another eight are less than 1,500 years old. An eruption was reported in the early Mohammedan times during the 7th Century.

More to explore in Alula, Saudi Arabia:

Maraya, the largest mirrored building and in the desert!

Historical tourism begins in Alula

These ancients built graveyards for travellers

House of Saud is a Palace built from Mud

The post Glamping on dead volcanoes in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Green Prophet.

In contrast to eco tourism in other countries in the Middle East, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, there is an extremely active Ecotourism Committee in the Egyptian Tourism Federation, which makes eco tourism in Egypt especially diverse, authentic, and unique. You can find high-end, and low end –- all satisfying experiences based on your budget. We offer some examples below.

Since 1997 Egypt’s Ecotourism Committee, which is the most active of all of the Egyptian Tourism Federation’s committees, holds over 14 meetings a year that include top environmentalists, cabinet ministers, scientists, and ecotourism professionals.

They do important work, including protecting natural areas and cracking down on illegal hunting. The Committee also produces a weekly half-hour program in cooperation with Egyptian satellite television called Misr Ard Al Jamal (Egypt the Land of Beauty) which features Egypt’s protected areas, ecotourism activities, eco-lodges, and indigenous tribes of Egypt’s three deserts.

The passage of a law in 1983 has also led to the declaration of 27 Protected Areas in Egypt that represent most of the habitats and ecosystems in Egypt. But the Committee isn’t willing to stop there – they want to increase the number of Protectorates to 40 by the year 2017. Consider nomad travel insurance when booking a trip to Egypt. To ensure peace of mind while traveling or living abroad, we recommend getting health insurance. SafetyWing’s Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. Their Complete plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country.

So what’s an eco-loving, sustainability-touting tourist to do in Egypt? Here are some great options:

Adrere Amellal Ecolodge

This high-end, off-grid Adrere Amellal Ecolodge in the Siwa Oasis includes 40 rooms constructed out of mud, salt, and palm leaves with traditional Siwan methods, and is located 12 miles away from Siwa, an Egyptian oasis. Today this most isolated settlement is home to a small population of Berbers and one of the world’s most interesting hotels.

There are ancient olive and palm groves nearby, and the traditional cuisine offered at the lodge is prepared with organic herbs and vegetables picked the same day. The entire lodge is telephone (hide your cell phone!) and electricity free, with candles and torches used for lighting.

Low-key sustainability comes with a hefty price-tag unfortunately, starting at about $500 USD a night for a single room. Budget-minded folks are better off heading to Sinai’s beaches of Bir Sweir or Nuweiba, to get an authentic, spiritual desert experience.

Shali Fortress, Tombs of Jabal el Mawta, the Oracle of Amun, the Temple of Um Ubeydah, Cleopatra’s water spring, Fantasy Island, Jabal Dakrour sandbaths, and Bir Wahed – a natural jacuzzi in the desert – are some nearby eco-highlights.

Al Karm Ecolodge

The Al Karm Ecolodge is a Bedouin owned and operated lodge in the St. Katherine Protectorate.

Like Adrere Amellal, it has no electricity but uses solar panels to heat water for the showers, and has sanitary compost toilets. The small hotel has only seven double rooms. We have tried to contact the lodge to see if they have recovered from Covid but we have no updates and find no dates available for rooms online. If you are an eco-tourism researcher, this paper outlines the sustainability efforts put into place while building the Al Karm Ecolodge.

Ras Muhammad National Park

Ras Muhammad National Park: This natural protectorate in southern Sinai is protected by law and has a variety of beautiful natural features for the eco tourist’s viewing pleasure. In addition to its stunning coral reefs which attracts snorkelers and divers, the park has an eel garden and is a great spot to watch migratory birds.

Sinai Bir Sweir Beach Nuweiba/Taba

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Australia is a land of beauty and adventure. Its rich culture, history, and heritage topped with scenic roads, long stretches of white sandy shorelines, sparse deserts, and diverse fauna and flora make it a place to visit at least once in your lifetime. 

If you have plans to visit this beautiful country, naturally sustainable in all it has to offer, we have good news for you. Although Australia covers a vast expanse on the globe, it is easy to navigate. The picturesque driving routes, adventurous tracks, and guided tours offer you the real taste of this gorgeous country. 

Here, we have shared the best five ways to explore Australia sustainably. 

Take guided tours

Australia is a land of culture and history. Every hidden gem in Australia has a story to tell, and what could be a better way to unearth the history than taking guided tours? 

A guided tour in Australia will introduce you to the real side of this country. The guides will take you to the places you never knew existed and share the most interesting and goosebump-inducing history about the Aboriginals. 

Moreover, going for a guided tour will liberate you from the stress of planning the itinerary. 

Walk trails 

Australia is blessed with natural beauty. You will find breathtakingly beautiful views as far as your eyes can see. A great way to witness the true natural beauty of Australia is by taking your own trails. 

Australia has hundreds of national parks with diverse sceneries. Plan a trail traversing the gorgeous coastlines, dense forests, and rugged landscapes of Australia. 

Visit any national park and explore it on foot to witness the real beauty of Australia. 

Romance the roads 

The open roads of Australia can take your breath away. Right from the Great Ocean Road to Nullarbor Plain, Great Alpine Road to The Great Barrier Reef Drive, the country is blessed with some of the most scenic drives. 

The long stretches of roads, both coastal and inland, deserve to be explored at a slow pace, and the best way to do that is by hopping in your car and taking a road trip. 

While travelling from one destination to another, take the road to make your journey worth it. Do not worry about running out of gas or food in the middle of the road trip, as you will find many gas stations and towns to fill your tank and bellies. 

Take a train journey 

Several rail routes in the country traverse spectacular landscapes. Whether it’s The Ghan that passes through the Red Centre or the Indian Pacific that takes you through the Blue Mountains, you will get a chance to see diverse terrains. Plus, the comfortable cabins, good food and drinks, and a host of services will make your overall journey memorable. 

Hop on e-scooters

If exploring the city life of Australia is on your mind, going around on an e-scooter is something you should consider. 

The e-scooter culture in Australia is on the rise. As more and more start-ups are offering these rides across the country, you can easily find one anywhere. These rides are economical, quick, eco-friendly, and provide the best way to explore the modern cities of the country.

The bottom line

Australia has a lot to offer to tourists. Every nook and cranny of the country is adorned with stunning landscapes. So, if you wish to experience every ounce of pleasure Australia has to offer to your touristy soul, explore the country through any of these modes. 

We hope you have a great time in this beautiful country of Australia. 

The post Getting Up Close And Personal With Australia: 5 Ways To Explore Australia  appeared first on Green Prophet.