RIYADH: Saudi Arabia was recently treated to a showcase of South Korean culture, including food, music, games and entertainment.
The 2018 Korean Cultural Day, hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Jeddah in association with the Korean International School, aimed to raise awareness of the country and its culture among people in Saudi Arabia, while strengthening ties between the two countries.
Everything on show at the event was produced by young people in Saudi Arabia, from countries including the Kingdom, Egypt and Syria, with an interest in Korean culture.
In addition, the first K-pop (Korean pop music) and K-drama (television drama from Korea) fan clubs in the Kingdom took part in the event. Together they boast a total of 63 members, reflecting the growing international interest in Korean culture.
“This remarkable gathering has been designed to strengthen the mutual cultural understanding between our nations, and (showcase) Korea’s own traditional games, language, cuisine and music,” said Sang-Kyoun Lee, the consul general of the Republic of Korea.
He thanked all the young people who had contributed to the success of the event. The diplomat said: “Without your tireless, non-ending efforts, the great festival would not have been possible. Because of each and every one of you, we have now reached a remarkable milestone together. None of this could have been done without the commitment of the Saudi people, which has brought this event to fruition today.
“I hope that exposure to Korea’s unique culture will inspire the younger Saudi generations, intrigue them and encourage them to explore our rich culture through such initiatives as K-fan clubs, like the ones here today.
“Based on our history, Korea and Saudi Arabia have shared a strong partnership since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Bound by common values of trust and prosperity, the two countries have become indispensable partners to each other’s future.”
Saudi Arabia and South Korea enjoy friendly ties.
Since the inception of bilateral relations, the two countries have witnessed a qualitative leap and great development in many fields, including politics, economy, education, culture, and health and many other fields.
Korea offers residency programs for Saudi physicians and dentists. Currently, a total of 73 Saudi physicians and dentists have been enrolled in these training programs.
DiplomaticQuarter: Saudi Arabia, South Korea culture of sharing
DiplomaticQuarter: Saudi Arabia, South Korea culture of sharing
- Korea offers residency programs for Saudi physicians and dentists. Currently, a total of 73 Saudi physicians and dentists have been enrolled in these training programs
UN two-state conference co-chairs urge renewed push for Palestinian state amid regional escalation
- The statement said the latest escalation had “necessitated the suspension” of the high-level conference in New York
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and France, co-chairs of the United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question, joined with the chairs of the conference’s working groups in issuing a joint statement on Tuesday expressing “deep concern” over recent developments in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The statement said the latest escalation had “necessitated the suspension” of the high-level conference, underscoring “the validity of warnings about the fragility of the situation” and the urgent need to “restore calm, respect international law, and strengthen diplomatic action.”
Despite the setback, the group reaffirmed their “full commitment to the conference’s objectives” and pledged to “ensure the continuity of its work and the achievement of its goals,” SPA added.
They added that “the co-chairs of the working groups will announce the date of the conference's roundtables soon,” with the aim of generating “clear and coordinated international commitments” to advance the implementation of a two-state solution.
“In these critical circumstances,” the statement continued, “we must redouble our efforts calling for respect for international law and the sovereignty of states, and to promote peace, freedom, and dignity for all peoples of the region.”
The group also reiterated its “unwavering support for all efforts aimed at ending the war in Gaza” and called for a “just and sustainable settlement of the Palestinian issue,” affirming that regional stability and security hinge on a lasting peace.
Riyadh event highlights women’s role in diplomacy
- Speech stresses progress made under King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
RIYADH: The Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh has held a symposium to mark the forthcoming International Day of Women in Diplomacy. It was attended by Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji, female diplomatic leaders, and ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.
Elkhereiji spoke of the importance of empowering women in diplomacy, citing the progress made under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in light of the Vision 2030 reform plan.
He noted that Saudi women now serve as ambassadors, leaders, and negotiators on the global stage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The symposium discussed efforts to support women’s diplomatic careers, the role of men in advancing change, and the unique contributions women bring to diplomacy.
Topics also included the global rise of women in diplomacy, their impact on foreign and domestic policy, and ways to enhance female participation in multilateral forums to address future challenges.
Saudi theatrical show ‘Terhal’ returns to Diriyah
- “Terhal” is a pioneering Saudi production which boasts advanced lighting and visual technology
RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture is to present the theatrical performance “Terhal” from Aug. 4-25 at Mayadeen Venue in Diriyah.
“Terhal” is a pioneering Saudi production which boasts advanced lighting and visual technology, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It offers a visually captivating experience, telling the story of a young Saudi man who dreams of shaping his country’s future.
His journey across the Kingdom takes him through diverse landscapes and rich traditions, helping him to rediscover Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural heritage. He returns to his village at the end with renewed confidence, wisdom, and hope.
The show features stunning scenes inspired by Saudi landscapes, and highlights young Saudi talents alongside renowned international performers.
The second edition of “Terhal” builds on the success of its 2023 debut which celebrated Saudi culture, from performing arts to handicrafts, traditional attire and cuisine.
80% of Saudi adults reported using AI tools, with 1 in 3 using them regularly
- The study consisted of a poll surveying 1,059 adults and 370 business leaders based in the Kingdom in March 2025
RIYADH: A study has revealed that 80 percent of Saudi adults now use AI tools, with one in three using them regularly.
This is almost double the number of adults in the US who report using one of the large language model-based chatbots — which was found to be 52 percent in a recent study by Elon University.
The findings are “a clear demonstration that technology and collaboration can unlock potential, and that we can directly contribute to the ambition of the Kingdom and their vision for the future,” said Anthony Nakache, MENA managing director for Google — which created the report with research agency Public First.
The study consisted of a poll surveying 1,059 adults and 370 business leaders based in the Kingdom in March 2025.
It also interviewed people and businesses about their experiences using Google technology and data services.
The study found that people and businesses are embracing Al, with 53 percent of businesses in the Kingdom relying on at least one Al tool in their workflows.
About 90 percent of adults in Saudi Arabia say becoming an Al superpower should be a top priority and 88 percent of businesses agree that Al is an important opportunity for the Saudi economy.
The study also looked at Saudi Arabia’s usage of Google’s Gemini, and found that 53 percent of adults said they had used the Al assistant, with one in three users now using it daily.
The report found that 86 percent of users agreed that the tool helped them to be more productive.
A total of 90 percent of public sector workers said that AI-enabled tools help them to be more productive at work, and 70 percent said their job would be harder without access to AI tools.
“The report reflects our investment in accelerating the Kingdom’s ambitious journey toward a diversified, AI-driven economy,” Nakache added.
“Through significant investments, strong local partnerships and our AI-powered tools, we’re bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses and communities,” he said.
Public First is a global policy and strategy consultancy specializing in economic modeling and opinion research.
Saudi Arabia marks UN’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
- Event aims to spotlight urgent need to address growing challenges
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has marked the UN’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, an awareness event held annually on June 17.
The day aims to spotlight the urgent need to address the growing challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the event emphasized the importance of land restoration as a driver of opportunity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It helps to raise awareness of the critical role healthy ecosystems play in creating jobs, enhancing food and water security and strengthening economic resilience, the ministry added.
It also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s diverse geography and climate which is home to a unique biodiversity adapted to a range of climatic conditions.
The Kingdom has launched several major environmental initiatives, most notably the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees over the coming decades.
The Kingdom is currently implementing 86 initiatives and programs with total investments exceeding SR705 billion ($188 billion), covering all aspects of the green economy.
These initiatives align with the core objectives of the SGI: reducing carbon emissions, expanding national afforestation, and protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
More than 313,000 hectares of degraded land across the Kingdom have now been restored, and 115 million trees planted.
MEWA has also launched the Environmental Awareness Initiative, which is designed to raise environmental literacy and support Sustainable Development Goals.
The plan also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and cross-sector collaboration — from public institutions to private and non-profit entities.
As part of its efforts to monitor marine habitats, the ministry has conducted extensive field surveys along the Red Sea coast, covering over 600 coral reef sites, 200 seagrass locations and 100 mangrove areas.
According to UN data, desertification, land degradation and drought remain among the most pressing environmental challenges today, impacting up to 40 percent of the Earth’s land surface.
As the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) reaches its midpoint, there is a critical need to accelerate restoration efforts on a global scale.
If current trends continue, the world will need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, creating a restoration economy valued at over $1 trillion.
The planet is currently losing healthy land at a rate equivalent to four football fields per second.
Munira Al-Hazani, president and founder of the Saudi Botanical Society, told Arab News: “Today, as we commemorate the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Saudi Botanical Society renews its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s invaluable botanical heritage and tackling the critical environmental challenges that threaten our land.
“At this distinguished event, SABS had the privilege of presenting its mission through a dedicated pavilion — an inspiring botanical garden that embodies our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable solutions.
“On this critical day, I urge all sectors — governmental, private, and civil society — to unite with shared purpose and commitment.”
