RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has invited women to a sports stadium for the first time to attend annual national day celebrations with their families, state media said Wednesday, opening up a previously male-only venue.
Families will be allowed into the King Fahd stadium in Riyadh, used mostly for football matches, and seated separately from single men to mark the kingdom's 87th National Day this weekend.
"The stadium is ready to receive about 40,000 people divided between individuals and families to be seated separately," the official Saudi Press Agency said in a statement, citing the general authority of entertainment.
This marks a shift from previous celebrations in the kingdom where women are effectively barred from sports arenas by strict rules on segregation of the sexes in public.
This measure represents another step into relaxing some norms as part of its "Vision 2030" plan for economic and social reforms.
In July, rights campaigners welcomed an "overdue" reform by the education ministry to allow girls to take part in sports at state schools.
Saudi Arabia allows women into King Fahd stadium to join national day celebrations
Saudi Arabia allows women into King Fahd stadium to join national day celebrations
Riyadh Metro fully operational with Orange Line launch
- Six lines and 85 stations transform urban connectivity in the capital
RIYADH: The Riyadh Metro network on Sunday officially reached full operational capacity with the inauguration of the Orange Line, also known as the Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Axis.
The milestone marks the completion of the capital’s ambitious six-line metro project, a significant step in modernizing urban transport and advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
The Orange Line stretches for 41 km, connecting Jeddah Road in the west to the Second Eastern Ring Road in the east, running parallel to Khashm Al-Aan in the east.
Stations on the line include Jeddah Road, Tuwaiq, Al-Dawh, Harun Al-Rashid Road, and An Naseem, which is a key interchange with the Purple Line, enhancing accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors alike.
Coinciding with the Orange Line launch, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced the opening of three new Blue Line stations: Al-Murooj, Bank Al-Bilad, and King Fahad Library. These additions along the Al-Olaya-Al-Batha Axis strengthen the network’s integration, connecting major commercial hubs, residential areas and cultural landmarks.
The Riyadh Metro is one of the largest public transport projects in the region, featuring six lines, 176 kilometers of track, and 85 stations.
Its completion is a milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil through investments in sustainable infrastructure.
The metro is expected to play a key role in encouraging people to use public transport, easing traffic congestion and reducing environmental pollution in the capital.
Developed in collaboration with global consortiums, the project was launched in 2013 with contracts valued at $22.5 billion. Despite challenges, including disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, its completion is an example of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and urban living standards.
Operating daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, the metro offers a reliable, eco-friendly alternative to private vehicles. Passengers can plan their journeys using the Darb app or buy tickets at station offices and self-service machines.
As Riyadh continues its transformation into a global metropolis, the fully operational metro establishes the city as a model for sustainable urban development.
By enhancing connectivity and delivering efficient transit solutions, the Riyadh Metro supports economic growth, elevates quality of life, and reinforces Riyadh’s position as a leader in urban innovation and progress.
Sixth Saudi aid plane heads to Syria
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has sent a sixth relief plane carrying food, medical and shelter to Damascus to provide aid for the Syrian people.
A plane operated by Saudi aid agency KSrelief departed early Sunday from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to Damascus International Airport.
The plane carrying relief supplies aims to help Syrians undergoing a political transition since the ouster of president Bashar Assad last month.
Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen
- Visitors are warmly welcomed by actors representing different regions of the Kingdom
RIYADH: From the northern to the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen unites the diverse cultures of the Kingdom.
Visitors are greeted with warm welcomes from actors representing each region, allowing them to appreciate the variety of Saudi traditions and the distinct traditional outfits of every area.
Guests can explore the culture of coastal cities, like Jeddah, and mountainous regions such as Asir, experiencing a true melting pot of Saudi culture. They can don the flower headbands and traditional attire of the southern people, and take part in the Ardah dance from the central Najd region, brandishing Arabian swords.
The immersive experience continues as actors reenact everyday life, such as teaching in a classroom. Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
Additionally, guests can step into an old prison to imagine life behind bars, and browse a selection of nostalgic toys that offers a delightful trip down memory lane.
Each corner of the souq tells a unique story, offering authentic handicrafts, traditional attire and an array of spices that capture the essence of various regions.
HIGHLIGHT
Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
One of the standout attractions in the souq is the horror house themed around Saudi folklore, known as Al-Sa’alawa. The chilling experience is inspired by tales of a mysterious creature that has captivated the imagination of many.
The Al-Sa’alwa tent offers a thrilling horror house experience that immerses visitors in the legends of Saudi folklore. Osama Al-Balawai, an actor in the tent, describes the creature Al-Sa’alwa, which has become the subject of various interpretations.
Some view it as a ghost, others as a male figure, while some believe it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Regardless of its form, caution is advised when encountering this enigmatic being.
“Join us at the Al-Sa’alwa tent for an unforgettable experience,” Al-Balawai told Arab News. “Will you emerge safe, or will you be captivated by the legend?
“We encourage you to visit Souq Al-Awaleen to partake in this thrilling adventure. We can’t wait to see you there!”
In addition to the horror experience, Arab News discovered Bin Ghaith Textiles, a fabric shop in the market. Owner Hassan passionately shared his love for textiles, highlighting their historical significance.
“My passion is textiles and the history behind them,” he said. “I collect organic fibers and enjoy exploring what people wore before the rise of synthetic materials. This gives me a chance to connect with history.”
Hassan said that his interest lies in the organic materials used in the past, such as linen, cotton, silk and wool, contrasting sharply with today’s disposable fashion culture.
“The market is the heart of any city,” he said. “It reflects the identity of the place, offering insights into its culture and history.”
This year marks Hassan’s second time at Souq Al-Awaleen, where he appreciates the diverse crowd that arrives to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.
“The younger generation is especially curious about what their ancestors wore and how textiles have evolved,” he said. “It’s essential to preserve this knowledge and tradition.”
The market, which offers free entry, also hosts handicrafts, folk art and live performances. Local artisans have a platform to showcase their work, and visitors can take part in workshops focusing on traditional Sadu weaving and pottery.
In addition to its artisanal offerings, Souq Al-Awaleen serves up a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine at Sufrat Al-Deira. The atmosphere evokes a bygone era, enhanced by cooking demonstrations and other cultural performances.
This year’s Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already drawn more than 13 million attendees, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa
RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has completed construction of a road using recycled construction and demolition waste for the first time in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The project, a collaboration with Al-Ahsa municipality and the National Center for Waste Management, incorporated waste material into the asphalt layers of a road in the Al-Ahsa governorate, following research by the authority to assess the performance of asphalt and gravel layers made from aggregates sourced from the municipality’s environmental landfill.
Using recycled material in infrastructure projects supports the Kingdom’s goal of transitioning to a circular economy. The target is a 60 percent recycling rate for such waste by 2035, which “highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient infrastructure development,” the SPA said.
This initiative “reduces the environmental impact of waste accumulation, decreases reliance on raw materials, and promotes cost-effective road construction and maintenance,” the SPA added.
Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh
Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif presented the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup to the winner of the race held as part of the Kings and Princes Cups events organized by the Riyadh Equestrian Club in Riyadh.
The cup was won by the horse Ajwady, owned by Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Hamoud Al-Malek Al-Sabah. He received the cup from Prince Saud in the presence of jockey Mohammed Al-Daham.
