Following the visit of King Salman to Indonesia, the country’s Minister of Tourism Arief Yahiya has encouraged tour operators and travel agents to showcase Indonesia’s wonders, beauty and fascinating destinations at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2017.
Deputy Minister of International Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism I Gde Pitana, and the Assistant Deputy of International Market Development for Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Middle East Nia Niscaya explained that the number of visitors to the event is quite fantastic. In 2016, the travel fair was attended by 25,724 visitors. The number saw a significant increase of 36 percent compared to 2015 which recorded 17,573 visitors. “We will also promote the 10 priority destinations also known as the ‘New Balis‘ and also destinations and attractions that recently won at the World’s Halal Tourism Award including Lombok, West Sumatra, and Aceh,” explained Nia Niscaya.
Saudi Arabia is currently ranked 13th as the main tourism market of Indonesia and at the top list of Middle East region. The number of tourists from Middle East to Indonesia is rapidly growing by the year. In 2015, the number was recorded at 180,000. Last year, the number increased by 30 percent to 240,000, of which 80 percent came from Saudi Arabia. This year, the ministry has set the target of 50 percent increase to 340,000 visitors.
TripAdviser, the travel planning and booking website, has named Bali as the global winner of its 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards for destination.
Indonesia showcases travel attractions
Indonesia showcases travel attractions
Saudi street artist San Shyn unveils 80-feet mural outside KSA Embassy in London
San Shyn, a young street artist from Saudi Arabia, revealed a new vibrant public art mural outside the Saudi Embassy in the heart of Mayfair, London. The project has been realized as part of a unique Saudi-UK cross-cultural collaboration, with the piece being installed by London-based Graffiti artist Cept. The collaboration developed organically through word of mouth within the grassroots street art community and demonstrates an artistic exchange at the intersection of Saudi and UK culture.
The public nature of the artwork in London promotes a greater understanding of diverse perspectives and worldviews that Saudi artists draw upon in their contemporary works. The 80-feet mural was installed over several days at the beginning of the year and will remain in place until mid-February.
Shyn said: “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to create this mural in London and to collaborate with the incredibly talented UK artist Cept. The mural’s distorted lines and shapes reflect the imperfection of creative expression which is at the heart of my work. This project is especially meaningful to me, as it allows me to share the evolving street art culture from Saudi Arabia on an international stage. To create something outside of my hometown and to contribute to the global dialogue of art is a dream come true.”
The project is part of a series of artistic collaborations between the Embassy and Saudi artists including with Rashed Al-Shashai, whose luminous hanging sculpture was installed in the Embassy garden last year, and Ahmed Mater’s first retrospective held at Christie’s last summer. Mater is exhibiting his iconic Magnetism installation, first shown in the UK at the British Museum in 2012, at the historic Islamic Biennale, which opened in Jeddah on Jan. 25.
Saudi Ambassador to the UK Khalid bin Bandar Al-Saud said: ”Saudi Arabia is changing, and the rise of dynamic street artists like San Shyn is a great example of this. That’s why I was keen to give her a platform in central London, where we are already showcasing Rashed Al-Shashai’s brilliant sculpture. Art is a bridge between cultures, and these works are an opportunity to demonstrate that Britain and Saudi Arabia have more in common than we might imagine.”
In this mural, the artist’s primary aim is to celebrate the street culture, capturing the essence of spontaneous, vibrant graffiti. With quick, bold strokes made using spray cans, the mural transforms ordinary walls into canvases of beauty, bringing life to the streets. Central to the artwork are figures that embody the very act of creating art, illustrating the raw energy and creativity that define this underground movement. The overall direction is inspired by the photos below, which are dynamic, colorful and unapologetically loud — just like street culture itself.
Stephen Stapleton, founder of Edge of Arabia, said: “This playful, joyful artwork in front of the Saudi Embassy in Mayfair reflects a new era of cross-cultural collaboration between the UK and Saudi Arabia. The language of art transcends the borders that divide us, and we need that language now more than ever.”
Jeddah Historic District unveils Phase 2 of waterfront project
The Jeddah Historic District Project, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, has announced the commencement of Phase 2 of the Al-Arbaeen Lagoon Waterfront Development Project. This ambitious phase will excavate areas previously filled during urban expansion and meticulously reshape the lagoon, construct a state-of-the-art marina, and enhance water quality. The project seeks to restore Al-Bunt Port as closely as possible to its historic state, reconnecting the sea to the Al-Bunt area and the upcoming Red Sea Museum. Historically, Al-Bunt Port served as a primary arrival point for pilgrims traveling for Hajj and Umrah by sea, emphasizing its significant historical value and impact on Jeddah, its people, and culture.
Furthermore, the project will develop an integrated environment featuring 5 km of waterfront, infrastructure improvements, and essential facilities. The initiative will support the Marina District and Jeddah Historic District waterfront development, key anchors of the regeneration masterplan. It will create a sustainable ecosystem around the waterfront, serving as an economic driver, business hub, and platform for cultural and creative projects, contributing to making Jeddah Historic District a global tourist destination in line with the strategic goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The current phase will see the dredging of 350,000 cubic meters from the lagoon bed, the implementation of a water aeration system to enhance water flow, quality, and environmental sustainability, and foster a healthy marine ecosystem. Additionally, the project will reshape approximately 1 million cubic meters of the lagoon, erect a 972-meter-long marine dock, and construct 490-meter-long retaining sea walls, along with the necessary infrastructure.
Preparations are underway to develop a new marina for large yacht and leisure activities, water taxi stations connecting Jeddah Historic District to Obhur Creek, the corniche, and other Red Sea attractions, including a 4.4 km public park with playgrounds and recreational options for pedestrians and cyclists. A 1,313-square-meter elevated boardwalk in the lagoon’s southern section will further enhance visitor experiences, transforming the area into a dynamic tourist hub.
Key achievements from Phase 1 of the Jeddah Historic District Program include 185,000 square meters of excavation, more than 12,000 linear meters of infrastructure, and the removal of over 200,000 square meters of roads. The phase also saw the leveling of 300,000 square meters and the demolition of existing structures, including the SAPTCO bus station and pedestrian bridge, alongside multiple parking areas. Additionally, the iconic ship sculpture was relocated and meticulously restored.
Established in 2018, the Jeddah Historic District Project was conceived with the vision of preserving the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the old city area of Jeddah, reconnecting its urban fabric, and revitalizing its communal spaces to become a center for commerce, cultural initiatives, and entrepreneurship. The project continues to focus on enhancing visitor experiences, highlighting the district’s heritage sites, cultural landmarks, and unique tourist offerings, ultimately establishing its reputation as a premier global cultural and tourist destination.
Aramex launches robotic sorting facility in Jeddah
Aramex, a leader in comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, launched its cutting-edge automated robotic system at Jeddah Islamic Port, in the presence of Rayan Salah Al-Din Al-Bakri, deputy minister for logistics services at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services. The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey.
The state-of-the-art facility showcases Aramex’s commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence. The centerpiece of the facility is an advanced automated sorting system featuring three feeding lines integrated with 120 robotic guided vehicles, capable of processing 4,000 shipments per hour and 96,000 shipments daily.
Abdulaziz Alnowaiser, general manager of Aramex, said: “This automated facility represents a quantum leap in logistics efficiency and demonstrates our commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and temperature-controlled environments, we are creating a blueprint for the future of logistics in the region. With the automation system, our capacity to handle shipments will increase to 100 percent. Additionally, the plan for the activation and launch of drone delivery by the end of February 2025 has been reviewed with one of our clients in the banking sector, and we are also advancing our future plans for domestic express mail sea transportation services. We look forward to continuing to enhance the Kingdom’s logistics infrastructure and adopting sustainable practices.”
Samer Marei, vice president, Aramex, GCC, said: “We remain deeply committed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as our primary market, where we continue to make strategic investments to lead the logistics sector. By continuously enhancing our services and strengthening our presence in the Kingdom, we hope to contribute to Vision 2030’s goals of establishing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub.”
Our sustained and ongoing investment reflects our confidence in the Kingdom’s vibrant economy and the transformative vision of its leadership.”
In a parallel development that promises to be transformative for logistics in the region, Aramex unveiled plans for its first drone delivery project. This initiative will complement the automated facility, further cementing Aramex’s position as a pioneer in smart logistics solutions. The drone delivery program will reduce carbon emissions while enhancing last-mile delivery efficiency in urban and remote areas.
The strategic location of the facility at Jeddah Islamic Port, combined with its advanced capabilities, positions Aramex to play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global logistics hub. The facility’s enhanced operational efficiency and sustainable practices directly support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for sector modernization and environmental stewardship.
stc named among world’s 10 most valuable telecom brands
Leading digital enabler stc Group has been recognized as one of the top 10 most valuable telecom brands globally, according to the 2024 Brand Finance Report. Moreover, for the fifth consecutive year, stc Group has retained its title as the most valuable telecom brand in the Middle East, further demonstrating its commitment to industry leadership and innovation.
According to the report, stc Group is now the world’s ninenth most valuable telecom brand and the strongest brand in the Middle East and Africa. This recognition solidifies the group’s position as a key player in the global digital economy. stc also ranks third among the most valuable brands in the Middle East and second among the most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia. These achievements underscore the group’s market leadership and strategic efforts to expand its brand presence both locally and internationally.
In 2024, stc Group’s brand value increased by 16 percent to $16.1 billion, maintaining its standing as the most valuable telecom brand in the Middle East. Additionally, stc has been recognized as the strongest brand in the Middle East, achieving a Brand Strength Index score of 88.7 out of 100 and an AAA brand rating, reflecting the continued strengthening of the brand compared to the previous year.
Vice President of Corporate Relations at stc Group Mohammed R. Abaalkheil said: “Being recognized as the strongest brand in the Middle East and Africa and one of the world’s top 10 most valuable telecom brands is a reflection of our leadership position and relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.”
This milestone underscores our strategic vision to lead the future of connectivity and enrich lives. As we continue our journey in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, we are committed to driving digital transformation and sustainable growth that impacts not just the region, but the world at large.” He added: “This recognition pushes the group to think ahead to stay ahead.”
Brand Finance Report, a globally recognized assessment conducted by the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy, evaluates and ranks the world’s most valuable and strongest brands across various sectors based on brand performance, financial strength, and market influence.
Drone Racing World Cup in Riyadh sets world record
The Drone Racing World Cup concluded Saturday in the Saudi capital, making history as it entered the Guinness World Records as the largest edition in terms of participating countries, with over 50 countries involved in the tournament.
The event, sponsored by Riyadh Season and organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, featured participation from over 140 pilots.
The final day of the competition witnessed the qualification of 64 racers. Korean player Minchan Kim came in first place, winning the title of Drone Racing World Cup champion along with a prize of SR375,000 ($100,000). The second place went to French racer Killian Rousseau, who received a prize of SR285,000, while Joaquin Ybanez from the US secured third place, winning a prize of SR185,000. Valuable prizes were also raffled for visitors and attendees during the event.
The Drone Racing World Cup has been held since 2016, and this edition hosted by Saudi Arabia is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.
