Prominent personalities from different parts of the Islamic world attended the inauguration of yearlong celebrations by Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, to mark the declaration of Madinah as the capital of Islamic culture in 2013.
Prince Salman arrived here yesterday and was received on arrival at Prince Muhammad International Airport by Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman. The crown prince was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, and Prince Muhammad bin Salman, head of the crown prince’s court.
In a statement on the occasion, Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal highlighted the important place of Madinah in the hearts of Muslims all over the world, being the city that hosted Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, rendered all support to the Islamic faith and accommodated the Prophet’s Mosque, the second holiest mosque for world Muslims.
He commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for launching the largest expansion projects for the Haram Mosque in Makkah and Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Prince Khaled said Madinah’s history and achievements qualify the city and its biggest sister Makkah “to become eternal capital of Islamic culture” as from this city the message of Islam spread all over the world, highlighting the values of justice, mercy and tolerance.
The celebration of Madinah, Prince Khaled said, reflects the city’s cultural, Islamic, humanitarian and global dimensions and its outstanding contributions to world civilization during the past 14 centuries.
Prince Sultan emphasized SCTA’s efforts to take care of Islamic historical sites in Madinah and other parts of the Kingdom. According to a survey conducted by SCTA, there are 384 historical sites in Makkah and Madinah, with Madinah alone having 266 sites. “These sites are very important for Muslims as they tell stories of the history and progress of Islam.”
Prince Faisal underscored the role played by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in achieving Muslim unity and encouraging the faithful to follow the teachings of God in all walks of their lives. “This resulted in the formation of the highest human civilization based on equality and justice,” the Madinah governor said.
Prince Faisal underscored the historical, cultural, social and economic importance of Madinah. “It is the symbol of Islamic unity as Muslims from all over the world visit the city to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque and pay tribute to the Prophet,” the governor said.
Prince Faisal underscored the remarkable progress achieved by Madinah during the past years. He hoped the festivities would deepen the concept of Islamic cultural unity as well as values of tolerance and moderation.
Dr. Adnan Al-Mazroue, president Taibah University, said the Prophet’s migration to Madinah was a turning point in the city’s history. “The selection of Madinah as capital of Islamic culture is an important occasion for Muslims all over the world.” He said Taibah would hold a number of conferences and seminars to mark the occasion.
He said that Madinah has always received utmost care and attention from the rulers of this country, starting from the late King Abdul Aziz, then his sons Saud, Faisal, Khalid, Fahd, and King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
The selection of Madinah as the capital city of Islamic culture comes in a time when the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques launched this historic project to promote world dialogue, denounce extremism, turn to moderation, and to live in peaceful coexistence.
Meanwhile, the High Commission of the event has approved the final schedule of the activities and the appropriate media plan.
The organizers will use this occasion to promote the conduct and way of life of Prophet Muhammad and highlight the cultural, historical, and social status of the holy city. They will also highlight the achievements of Saudi Arabia and its efforts to develop the city and support the various cultural activities, within a framework affirming the Islamic identity.
Madinah remains eternal capital of Islamic culture
Madinah remains eternal capital of Islamic culture
Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah
- ‘Your Passport to the World’ celebrates traditions from Sudan, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh
Riyadh: A cultural festival hosted by Saudi Arabia will bring the rich traditions of Sudan, India, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to Alkhobar and Jeddah.
Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the “Your Passport to the World” event will celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of expatriate communities in the Kingdom.
The month-long festival will offer an immersive experience that reconnects participants with their roots, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Through a series of performances, culinary showcases, traditional crafts, and hands-on workshops, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate global traditions.
The festival will debut in Alkhobar, with each community featured for four days throughout April, according to the SPA.
The Sudanese pavilion will kick off the event from Wednesday to Saturday, followed by India from April 16-19, the Philippines from April 23-26, and Bangladesh from April 30 to May 3. Afterward, the festival will move to Jeddah.
Each cultural showcase will offer a holistic experience, incorporating folkloric patterns, textiles, natural elements, and architectural heritage unique to each nation, the SPA reported.
Specialized zones will highlight heritage clothing, dance performances, authentic cuisine, crafts, open-air markets, performance theaters, and interactive installations.
The initiative aims to celebrate cultural diversity, foster connections, provide an engaging family experience, and highlight cultural heritage through art and cuisine.
With its festive atmosphere and vibrant showcases, the event is expected to attract large crowds, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance entertainment and improve quality of life for residents.
Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners
- Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University to celebrate contributions in science, arts, economic, humanities
RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh will host a ceremony on Wednesday to honor the winners of the seventh Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, will be hosted at the university’s Conference and Convention Center and will be attended by Princess Fahda bint Falah Al-Hathleen, the spouse of the king.
This year’s award will recognize outstanding contributions in six categories: Natural sciences, health sciences, social initiatives, artistic works, economic projects and humanities.
The categories, covering both theoretical and practical fields, were opened for nominations last October, according to the SPA.
This year’s award marks a milestone, receiving a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom, highlighting the increasing recognition and impact of the initiative.
Last year, the award introduced refined evaluation and selection processes, adopting more precise and objective criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.
The award framework was also updated to reflect national priorities and global developments, further enhancing credibility and reach.
The Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence aims to highlight the accomplishments of Saudi women and recognize distinguished and creative people.
It also seeks to support outstanding women-led efforts and inspire future generations of women to contribute to comprehensive national development.
New program to boost tech skills of Saudi leaders
- The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation
RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy has launched the Future Tech Leaders program, a six-month course designed to enhance the technical skills of professionals in leadership roles, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sponsored by the National Technology Development Program and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the program is conducted in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley.
It uses a hands-on learning approach to equip CEOs and IT managers with skills to keep pace with emerging technologies, according to the SPA.
The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation — fields that are increasingly in demand.
Tuwaiq Academy seeks to develop national leadership in modern technologies through professional programs and bootcamps.
It partners with global leaders such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Stanford University to train skilled professionals across various sectors.
The academy also offers additional programs for various age groups, available at tuwaiq.edu.sa.
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the rapid evolution of modern technologies and the needs of the labor market.
RCRC warns public against intermediaries offering assistance in applying for land use in Riyadh
- Any claims or messages published regarding the existence of entities that allow or facilitate applications are baseless, RCRC warns
- The Commission said it is developing an electronic platform dedicated to receiving land use applications directly from citizens
RIYADH: Beware of unauthorized individuals or groups offering assistance in applying for land use in the national capital, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) advised the public on Sunday.
The Commission issued the warning as it announced that it has begun implementing the royal directive issued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on taking practical measures to achieve balance in the real estate sector in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The RCRC noted that it is currently working on developing an electronic platform dedicated to receiving land use applications directly from citizens without the need for any intermediaries or external parties.
Any claims or messages published regarding the existence of entities that allow or facilitate applications are baseless, the RCRC said.
The Commission also called on everyone to obtain information from official sources only, and to beware of any fraudulent attempts claiming to grant land outside the regulatory framework.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier directed a series of measures aimed at achieving stability in the sector.
Among these measures was the lifting of restrictions on land transactions and development in northern Riyadh, as recommended in a study by the RCRC and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.
‘At the Edge’: Art Week Riyadh signals bold new chapter in Saudi cultural renaissance, say organizers
- Event organized by Visual Arts Commission and hosted at JAX District from April 6 to 13
RIYADH: Art Week Riyadh is making waves in the Saudi capital this week, with curators and creatives hailing the event as a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s fast-evolving cultural landscape, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the Visual Arts Commission and hosted at the JAX District from April 6 to 13, the event is bringing together local and international artists, curators, and institutions in a celebration of contemporary creativity and cross-cultural dialogue.
The initiative reflects the growing momentum of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation, part of the broader Vision 2030 reform agenda that is reshaping the Kingdom’s social and artistic fabric, according to organizers.
Vittoria Matarrese, Director and Art Curator of Art Week Riyadh, described the event as a significant turning point.
“We chose the title ‘At the Edge’ because it reflects the nature of the phase Riyadh is undergoing,” Matarrese said. “It is a city positioned between the desert and urbanization, between heritage and renewal. This balance is evident in the diversity of participation and the dialogues presented by the exhibition.”
She added that Riyadh is increasingly defining itself as a space where modernity and tradition intersect, enabling a unique creative evolution.
Shumon Basar, curator of the Public Cultural Program at Art Week Riyadh, underscored the importance of the conversations taking place as part of the programme, titled “How to Create an Art World: Lessons in Value.”
He explained: “Our goal is not only to share experiences, but also to raise essential questions about the types of value that art creates in the contemporary world—whether economic, symbolic, or social—and how art can serve as a tool to understand cultural transformations, rather than merely reflect them.”
Art Week Riyadh serves as a key cultural platform that embraces diversity and encourages artistic experimentation, offering a space for critical reflection on the evolving role of art in society, SPA added.
