Saudis welcome Qiddiya project, look forward to a ‘one-of-a-kind experience’

A scene at the opening of the launch of the Qiddiya in Riyadh on April 28, 2018. (SPA photo)
Updated 29 April 2018
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Saudis welcome Qiddiya project, look forward to a ‘one-of-a-kind experience’

JEDDAH: Saudis welcomed the launch of Qiddiya, the entertainment city and Saudis’ upcoming destination for all things fun, which will officially introduce its theme parks, motor sport facilities and safari by 2022 when its first phase is complete.
The project, 40 kilometers outside Riyadh on the Tuwaiq escarpment, will occupy 334 square kilometers, triple the size of Walt Disney World in Florida. Its aim is to boost the entertainment sector and economy in Saudi Arabia, as well as liven up the tourism industry, in support of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reform program, Vision 2030.
Economically, Qiddiya is one of many measures aimed at reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on oil and diversifying its economy in the cultural, entertainment and hospitality industries. Saudi economist Mohammed Suwayed believes the project will push the entertainment industry toward full growth. “Riyadh currently lacks a structured entertainment industry that caters to all segments of society.
“Qiddiya will act as an enabler to the entertainment industry and unlock huge potential and opportunities for customers and businesses.
The Public Investment Fund is also investing in building the infrastructure, and it will push the limitations placed on the industry and make it surge.”
Additionally, Qiddiya will also redirect what Saudis spend on tourism in foreign countries back into the Kingdom by creating entertainment experiences that they previously sought outside the country.
Considering that the majority of Saudis are under 30 years old, the project is a much-needed attraction, said Abdan Al-Abdan, a 27-year-old from Riyadh. The project will add a new entertaining aspect to Saudi social life, he said, especially because it is not only an amusement park but a fully-fledged entertainment city that includes sports facilities, acting as an incentive for youth to be more active.
“The project will greatly improve the quality of economical and social life,” he said. “In the short-term, Qiddiya will provide a good number of job opportunities for many Saudi citizens both in the process of building the project and after opening the first phase in 2022. In the long-term, this project will help the Kingdom with one of the many elements of the Vision 2030, which is economic sufficiency, contributing to the goal of diversification of national income that will push forward the wheel of economic development.
“In addition, the Qiddiya project will bring in foreign investors in the entertainment sector as well as in infrastructure development and human resources development,” he added.

Nora Alrifai, a 26-year-old Saudi female from Jeddah, told Arab News: “I don’t mind that it’s all the way in Riyadh, as long as it’s inside Saudi Arabia. We already have plenty of entertainment activities in the Western Province and it’s only fair to have entertainment distributed among all regions of the Kingdom.
“I believe it will be a one-of-a-kind experience as this project is unprecedented here and we’ve never had something of this caliber. I just wish that entry tickets’ pricing will be reasonable to suit all levels of society,” she said.


KSrelief extends aid to Syria, Somalia, Sudan

KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable.
Updated 4 sec ago
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KSrelief extends aid to Syria, Somalia, Sudan

  • Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

The organization has distributed 2,290 food baskets and hygiene kits in Sarmada in the Idlib Governorate of the Syrian Arab Republic, benefiting 6,870 individuals. This effort is part of the second phase of a project to ease the suffering of Syrian families.

KSrelief in Somalia has distributed 1,200 food baskets to the neediest families in the Baidoa district in Bay region, assisting 7,200 people and supporting food security for vulnerable groups.

KSrelief in Sudan has distributed 825 food baskets to the most needy families in Blue Nile State, helping 3,986 people. This aid forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts to support the Sudanese population amid the ongoing crisis in the country.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.


Saudi Ministry of Culture launches grant to encourage research on Saudi-Chinese cultural relations

Image showing the Saudi and Chinese flags. (Shutterstock)
Updated 33 min 21 sec ago
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Saudi Ministry of Culture launches grant to encourage research on Saudi-Chinese cultural relations

  • New initiative is designed to support academic research that strengthens mutual understanding and encourages scholarly collaboration between Kingdom and China

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Relations Research Grant.

The new initiative is designed to support academic research that strengthens mutual understanding and encourages scholarly collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China.

The grant invites researchers to submit proposals that explore the historical, artistic, linguistic and cultural connections between the two countries, especially as political and economic ties between them continue to expand.

The initiative reflects the ministry’s broader efforts to foster knowledge sharing and intercultural dialogue through academic research.

Applicants are encouraged to address themes including history and cultural heritage, performing and visual arts, literature and translation, cultural economy and creative industries, and the role of digital platforms in contemporary cultural exchange.

Selected research will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and will contribute to the enrichment of the field of Saudi-Chinese cultural studies.

Eligible applicants must hold a master’s or doctoral degree, or demonstrate a record of scholarly publications. Proposals must be original and submitted through the official grant portal.

The grant cycle will include proposal evaluation, peer-reviewed feedback, and final publication, with the submission deadline on July 15, 2025.

Results will be announced in August 2025, and each grant will cover a one-year research period.

 


Saudi Cultural Development Fund champions cultural entrepreneurship at Expo 2025

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr took part in a panel discussion and networking event during Expo 2025.
Updated 01 June 2025
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Saudi Cultural Development Fund champions cultural entrepreneurship at Expo 2025

  • Event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia
  • ‏Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan took part in a panel discussion and networking event during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Hosted by the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, the event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia.

Titled “Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage,” the event at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion brought together global investors, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to explore the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance.

‏The discussion, moderated by cultural researcher Saba Al-Khamis, featured Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the pavilion; CDF chief credit and investment officer Basil Al-Alola; Darren Barker, founder of Barker Langham; and Hessa Alajaji, founder of Saudi artisan design brand Accents.

The fund aims to position culture as a catalyst for global partnerships and investment, sharing success stories and sector-specific opportunities, Al-Alola said in a statement.

The dialogue emphasized culture as an engine for economic diversification and social growth, highlighting CDF’s tailored financing solutions driving the sector’s sustainable expansion.

‏The event celebrated Saudi artistic heritage through handicraft displays aligned with the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, alongside a performance by Japanese violinist Ikuko Kawai symbolizing Saudi-Japanese cultural collaboration.

“Our participation translates Saudi cultural assets into economic value,” Al-Alola said.

“We’re connecting international investors with local innovators to build a globally integrated cultural economy in line with Vision 2030.”

‏Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions.


Film Commission showcases cultural power of Saudi cinema at London festival

Kingdom’s Film Commission will participate in the first European edition of the SXSW Festival. (@FilmMOC)
Updated 01 June 2025
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Film Commission showcases cultural power of Saudi cinema at London festival

  • Event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through various events

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Film Commission is participating in the first European edition of the SXSW Festival, which is being held in London from June 2-7, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through events such as panel discussions, musical and comedy performances, film and TV screenings, exhibitions, competitions, and networking opportunities.

As part of its participation the commission will screen a selection of short Saudi films under the Saudi Film Nights initiative, aiming to showcase the Kingdom’s storytelling and promote national talent to international audiences.

It is also organizing a panel called “Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,” which will explore cinema’s role in shaping national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local content as a form of soft power.

The commission will highlight the Kingdom’s cinematic achievements through an exhibition at the country’s pavilion featuring films that have sold more than 250,000 tickets, participated in top international festivals, or won global awards — underscoring the growth and international rise of the Saudi film industry.

The commission forms a part of the Saudi pavilion alongside other creative sector entities, including the Music Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, and Fashion Commission, presenting a broad view of the Kingdom’s cultural diversity.

This participation reaffirms the Film Commission’s commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia’s global presence, empowering creative talent, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in cinema.


Saudi interior minister reviews Hajj infrastructure, honors security forces

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif opens a field hospital in Arafat. (SPA)
Updated 01 June 2025
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Saudi interior minister reviews Hajj infrastructure, honors security forces

  • 100-bed field hospital opens

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has opened a field hospital in Arafat, which is operated by the ministry’s General Administration of Medical Services.

The 100-bed facility is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by specialized teams to deliver rapid emergency care for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Abdulaziz has also launched a smart health bracelet system for security personnel, enabling real-time monitoring of vital signs and giving automatic alerts to command centers to enhance medical readiness.

The minister also attended a ceremony honoring Hajj Security Forces and was briefed on operational readiness during field exercises featuring specialized vehicles, aviation units, and crowd control systems.

Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the director of public security, said the Saudi leadership had mobilized all resources to ensure the safety of pilgrims, noting strong coordination had led to outstanding results.

The minister also reviewed infrastructure upgrades at the holy sites, including phase two of the Mashaer pathway which boasts eco-friendly rubber flooring to ease movement and reduce heat.

He inspected new shading and cooling systems at Namirah Mosque designed to improve comfort during prayers.

His tour concluded at Mina’s new emergency hospital, which has expanded urgent care capacity, with its services meeting global standards.

Prince Abdulaziz also visited the Hajj Media Operations Center with Salman Al-Dossary, the minister of media, and received briefings on unified media coverage. He viewed the Hajj media hub’s Hajj Window and Transformation Exhibition, which showcases the services of 11 public and private entities.