TABUK: A submerged floating bridge could be built in the $500 billion megacity NEOM after it won a competition to contribute to the giga-project’s construction, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
NEOM, backed by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, will operate as an independent economic zone that is powered solely by renewable energy sources and has its own laws and regulations.
Dozens of young Saudi men and women entered the “Dream NEOM” challenge, which was organized in conjunction with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman’s Misk Foundation.
Entrants were tasked with providing creative solutions to the challenges facing NEOM in the fields of energy, health, sustainability, environment and technology.
The winning team created a “Submerged Floating Tunnel Bridge” that will be kind to marine life and help limit air pollution while operational.
Second place was awarded to “Magna Storage Park” team that designed a pumping system to store water and compensate for the energy fluctuation that may result from cloud cover and breaks in the wind.
The third place went to the “NEOM Assist” team for presenting a solution for three health care challenges in the city of NEOM. It is based on providing assistive technologies for people with special needs, while conducting advanced health care and development research.
“NEOM is not seeking ideas from outside the box. It wants to go above and beyond to find innovative and unique ideas,” said NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr. “We will consider all the projects that have been put forth to properly incorporate them in our national project that longs to integrate Saudi men and women.”
Misk Foundation said its Fellowship and Training Initiative sought to attract the best young minds to help accomplish NEOM’s vision, create opportunities and achieve the impossible.
The competition saw the participation of 12 teams that showcased their best innovations and solutions for the NEOM project.
The “Renewable Beauty” team presented technologies to identify energy sources in a way that complemented the megacity’s natural landscapes.
“NEOM Hot Rocks” devised a sustainable and carbon-free project that focused on using energy from rocks to strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life, while “Eco-Clusters” found a way to transform waste through a vertical farming facility.
“Cybuild” set up a pioneering architectural project allowing robots to undertake construction tasks from start to finish. “NeoMe Fit” team found a solution that includes health in the city’s future lifestyle.
The entire NEOM project encompasses 26,500 sq. km of land, ranging from scenic coastline to desert to snow-capped mountains.
There is a plan to establish a network of airports in NEOM that will include an international airport with world-class standards. Project planners have identified 16 economic sectors to create a sustainable economy which are expected to eventually generate an estimated annual income of $100 billion.
Submerged floating bridge wins ‘Dream NEOM’ contest in KSA
Submerged floating bridge wins ‘Dream NEOM’ contest in KSA
- Entrants were tasked with providing creative, sustainable solutions for $500bn giga-project in Saudi Arabia’s northwest
Saudi ministries unite for safe Hajj
- Nusuk cards, anti-fraud operations, tourism regulations aim to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun distributing Nusuk cards for the Hajj season, with more than 150,000 cards issued and a daily production capacity of 70,000, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Printed domestically in state-of-the-art facilities under strict quality and security standards, Nusuk cards feature anti-duplication security measures to help personnel verify pilgrims’ identities and legal status.
Each card includes comprehensive pilgrim information, such as accommodation details in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, along with contact information for their service provider.
The cards aim to streamline pilgrim guidance and reduce cases of lost pilgrims, while also granting access to enrichment services, the SPA reported.
Printing will continue until all Hajj permits and visas are issued. International pilgrims will receive their cards on arrival through their service companies.
Domestic pilgrims can collect their Nusuk cards from service companies at designated gathering points before the Hajj season, the SPA added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Public Security, apprehended individuals engaged in fraudulent activities by posting fake and misleading Hajj campaign ads on social media.
The ads falsely offered pilgrim housing and transportation within the holy sites, Hajj on behalf of others, sacrificial animal services, and Hajj bracelet sales.
The ministry said that the perpetrators were arrested, legal proceedings initiated, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.
It clarified that domestic pilgrims must obtain Hajj permits through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Nusuk platform, while international pilgrims must use authorized entities via the Tasreeh unified digital platform.
Regarding sacrificial animal (hady, adahi, fidyah, sadaqah) bonds, the ministry confirmed that the Saudi Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (adahi.org, unified number 920020193) is the sole authorized provider.
The Ministry of Interior urged citizens and residents to comply with all regulations and report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that from April 29 until the end of the Hajj season, all travel agencies, tourist facilities and accommodation providers in Makkah must not complete bookings or check-ins for incoming or resident visa holders, except those with a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency during the season.
This measure aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s arrangements requiring all other visa holders to leave Makkah starting April 29 to ensure pilgrim safety.
All tourist facilities and online booking platforms must fully comply with this mandate to support a safe and organized Hajj, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Tourism also stressed that hospitality providers and online platforms must cooperate with authorities, warning that non-compliance would result in legal penalties for establishments and individuals.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced its readiness for the Hajj season, launching initiatives and services to enhance the pilgrim experience in line with leadership directives.
Key efforts include streamlining temporary work permits through the Ajeer portal and issuing Hajj work visas to support businesses hiring seasonal workers.
The ministry will also increase inspection visits to ensure compliance with the Labor Law and its regulations, the SPA reported.
Social services at the holy sites will offer family counseling, social support and well-supervised children’s hospitality centers staffed by qualified personnel.
Additionally, the ministry is promoting volunteer work such as welcoming pilgrims at border crossings, assisting at the holy sites and the Grand Mosque, helping the elderly and disabled, and distributing meals and water.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a new digital Hajj guide available in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Malayalam and Turkish.
It will be distributed through electronic libraries at miqats and mosques, as well as on Saudia flights, to educate and guide pilgrims on Hajj rituals and regulations.
Jazan municipality plants seedlings for green goals
RIYADH: Jazan municipality in Samtah governorate planted 100 diverse seedlings in Hittin Garden during Environment Week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held annually from April 20-26, the week promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The 2025 theme, “Our Environment is a Treasure,” highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to conserve natural resources.
Nasser bin Ahmed Atif, mayor of Samtah governorate, said the event aimed to raise community awareness about protecting the environment and enhancing environmental education.
The regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the Technical College, and volunteer teams participated.
Atif added that over the past two months, the municipality planted 1,270 seedlings of Moroccan jasmine, Indian jasmine, Bougainvillea, Vinca rosea, and Jacaranda across several locations in the governorate.
The initiative is part of the Green Saudi Initiative, which seeks to preserve the environment, improve quality of life, promote environmental awareness, strengthen partnerships, and involve all segments of society in building a sustainable future.
MWL chief receives Pakistani National Assembly speaker
- Sadiq praised the Islamic and international efforts of the league
MAKKAH: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, received Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
During the recent meeting at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, the two sides discussed a number of issues of mutual interest.
Sadiq praised the Islamic and international efforts of the league, including its endeavors to promote Islamic unity, serve Muslim minorities, combat Islamophobia, address the issue of girls’ education in Muslim communities and represent the Islamic world commendably in international forums.
During his tour of the Kingdom, the Pakistani speaker held meetings with Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan, Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh and Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh.
Hollywood pioneer to inspire filmmakers in Jeddah
- Red Sea Labs Directors’ Program to mark ‘bold step’ with Spike Lee at its helm
JEDDAH: A new Directors’ Program by Red Sea Labs led by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee will begin in Jeddah on Tuesday.
Held until May 3, the program will bring together 15 emerging filmmakers from the Kingdom, the Arab world, Asia and Africa.
Lee is known for his bold vision and storytelling that tackles critical social issues with artistic depth. Under his mentorship, the filmmakers will dive deep into the art of directing through masterclasses, workshops and personalized sessions.
The program will also connect them directly with world-renowned figures in the industry and equip them with the skills to elevate their careers.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra, managing director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Welcoming Spike Lee back to Jeddah to lead the first edition of our Directors’ Program is a groundbreaking moment.
“It’s an extraordinary opportunity for emerging filmmakers and writers to be inspired, challenged and guided by one of the greatest cinematic minds of our time.”
Ryan Ashore, head of Red Sea Labs, added: “The Directors’ Program marks a bold step in our mission to nurture regional talent and link them to the global filmmaking community.
“Having Spike Lee lead this program sets a powerful precedent — offering participants direct access to the craft, passion and conviction that define great cinema.”
Red Sea Labs also runs three other programs such as the Lodge, an intensive training initiative in partnership with Torino Film Lab and sponsored by Film AlUla, guiding Saudi, Arab, Asian and African filmmakers from ideas to finished projects.
The Music and Sound Program offers hands-on training in film scoring and sound design with guidance from world-renowned experts.
SeriesLab, in partnership with Film Independent, supports 14 emerging creators in developing and pitching TV series pilots, including a two-week residency in Los Angeles. The program concludes at the Red Sea Souk, offering creators a chance to pitch to top international buyers, studios and producers.
Previous initiatives have included programs like the Short Film Klinik, the Middle East Media Initiative and the Music for Film workshop, all part of Red Sea Labs’ mission “to shape the next generation of global storytellers in Saudi Arabia and the world.”
Sydney to host Saudi orchestra concert
- The concert marks the seventh stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission will host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert on May 12 at the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia.
It will be held under the patronage of Culture Minister and Music Commission Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
The concert marks the seventh stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It will showcase works highlighting the rich musical heritage and artistic diversity of Saudi Arabia.
Australia’s Metropolitan Orchestra will join the performance with Australian compositions, while a special collaborative piece will blend elements from both nations’ musical traditions.
The Theater and Performing Arts Commission will also contribute several performance pieces to the program.
Previous performances have taken place at prestigious venues in Paris, Mexico City, New York, London, Tokyo, and Riyadh. These concerts have received critical acclaim worldwide, demonstrating Saudi music’s growing influence on the international stage.
The “Saudi Orchestra Masterpieces” series aims to deliver extraordinary musical experiences that celebrate Saudi cultural heritage while exploring new creative territories.
Each performance takes audiences on a journey through traditional Saudi musical expressions, presenting the Kingdom’s diverse artistic landscape through harmonious musical narratives.
This Sydney performance continues the commission’s broader initiative to elevate Saudi musical compositions in global cultural conversations and celebrate the authentic melodies that define the Kingdom's musical identity.
