Saudi festival seasons for Taif and Al-Soudah launched at the double

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SCTH officials say that events being lined up for the Taif and Al-Soudah seasons are part of coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors. (SPA)
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SCTH officials say that events being lined up for the Taif and Al-Soudah seasons are part of coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors. (SPA)
Updated 07 July 2019
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Saudi festival seasons for Taif and Al-Soudah launched at the double

  • The project aims to highlight the diverse cultural, historical, artistic and natural attractions of the Kingdom

RIYADH: Organizers of a major Saudi initiative aimed at boosting tourism through a nationwide program of festivals are to launch two simultaneous seasons of events for August.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) announced it would run the Taif and Al-Soudah seasons in the Asir region in tandem next month.

The ambitious 2019 Saudi Seasons initiative, the first of its kind in the region, was launched in February and includes 11 tourist seasons covering most of the Kingdom.

Linked to the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan, the project is aimed at highlighting the diverse cultural, historical, artistic and natural attractions of the Kingdom in a bid to further promote the country as a domestic and international tourist destination.

Not only are the Saudi Seasons designed to increase tourist spending in the Kingdom, they also aim to provide thousands of temporary and permanent jobs in the sector while encouraging investment opportunities.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The SCTH announces it would run the Taif and Al-Soudah seasons in the Asir region in tandem next month.

• The project will further promote the country as a domestic and international tourist destination.

• The aim of Taif Season is to consolidate its stature as a top Arab destination by putting the area’s rich history and culture under the spotlight with a range of family entertainment and tourist events, organizers say.

• Other attractions will include the famous Souk Okaz Festival, with its literary, cultural, and artistic events, and popular poetry competition, as well as the Arab market which will be hosting several Middle Eastern countries for the first time.

SCTH officials said events being lined up for the Taif and Al-Soudah seasons were part of coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors.

The aim of Taif Season was to consolidate its stature as a top Arab destination by putting the area’s rich history and culture under the spotlight with a range of family entertainment and tourist events, organizers said. Taif’s mild climate during summer would also be an added bonus.

Other attractions will include the famous Souk Okaz Festival, with its literary, cultural, and artistic events, and popular poetry competition, as well as the Arab market which will be hosting several Middle Eastern countries for the first time.

The “Crown of the Camels” festival, celebrating traditional Arab civilization, will also form part of Taif Season, along with activities and events such as hiking, a rose and fruit festival, street art and theater plays.

Meanwhile, the area of Al-Soudah boasts natural beauty, ranging from forests to highlands, and unique heritage and cultural treasures.




SCTH officials say that events being lined up for the Taif and Al-Soudah seasons are part of coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors. (SPA)

Adventure activities

Various aeronautical and adventure sports activities, such as parachute jumping, will be taking place, in addition to artistic, lyrical and entertainment events.

Director of Taif Season, Noura Al-Akil, said: “We aim to grant Taif its natural title as an Arab resort, through these activities, by highlighting the historical heritage and remarkable cultural and artistic diversity, while also providing diverse activities that meet the aspirations of Saudi families, residents, guests and tourists.

“The concerted action among the public and private sectors and the community has been remarkable. The participation of Arab countries is providing an exceptional experience for visitors this year, to help re-establish Taif as the first tourist destination in the Kingdom,” she added.

Al-Soudah Season’s director, Hossam Al-Din bin Saleh Al-Madani, said: “The Al-Soudah Season comes within the framework and interest of the Kingdom’s wise leadership, by supporting the domestic tourism sector, entertainment and culture, raising the quality of life for citizens, and building a vibrant society, because of the important touristic components that characterize the Kingdom.”

He pointed out that the events calendar would be based on the area’s key features of nature, scenery, heritage, culture, adventure, sports and climate.

Al-Madani said the program would include a series of cultural, sporting and entertainment events, concerts, musical evenings, artistic and heritage shows, as well as quality new services in Al-Soudah parks, international luxury restaurants, and tours of the city and Abha.

The season’s events would put to the test improved infrastructure and services in Al-Soudah, added Al-Madani.

Taif and Al-Soudah seasons have their own dedicated social media accounts, in addition to the Saudi Seasons website. Details about upcoming events during the two festival periods will be revealed on the website over the coming days.


Saudi Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach

CEO of Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr speaking at the World Urban Forum in Cairo. (SPA)
Updated 07 November 2024
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Saudi Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach

CAIRO: CEO of the Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr has reaffirmed that the initiative places people at its heart.

This human-centered approach drives a range of projects across the Kingdom, aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 to transform urban landscapes, elevate the quality of city services, and foster innovation through the adoption of modern technologies.

The statement was delivered during a dialogue session called “Putting People First in a Digital Era,” which was organized by the UN as part of the 12th World Urban Forum. The session featured the participation of experts and specialists from across the world.


Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive

Updated 07 November 2024
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Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive

  • The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry
  • The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve

NEOM: The Saudi Falcons Club’s Hadad program has announced a strategic partnership with NEOM to improve falcons’ habitat in the NEOM Nature Reserve.
The partnership, which was signed during Hadad’s annual meeting hosted by NEOM on Thursday, is part of the second phase of the program, which focuses on protecting endangered species and reviving habitats by employing the latest international standards in wildlife conservation.
The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry by preserving cultural and environmental heritage while integrating ancient traditions with modern practices.
The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve and implement effective environmental measures to ensure the sustainability of the species.
The partnership reflects NEOM’s efforts to preserve 95 percent of its land for nature, set new international standards to preserve the environment, and rehabilitate wildlife through its reserve.
It also illustrates the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its global leadership position in sustainable development and environmental protection, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.


AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples

The exhibition at AlUla will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome. (
Updated 07 November 2024
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AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples

  • Exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments

AlUla: The Royal Commission for AlUla signed a new strategic partnership agreement with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to showcase a collection of antiques in the Kingdom and in AlUla for the first time.

The museum is an addition to the commission’s network of cultural partners, joining leading heritage and education institutions from the United Kingdom, France, China and Italy, to cooperate in preserving, studying and celebrating AlUla’s shared history of 20,000 years.

Built in 1777, the museum is also a landmark in an Italian heritage capital, embracing some of Europe’s richest cultural treasures, including Roman and Greek statues preserved in excellent condition, as well as bronze pieces, mosaics, and other works of art.

The agreement between the royal commission and the museum of Naples allows the transfer of a selection of artifacts from Naples in southern Italy to AlUla, northwest the Arabian Peninsula, to showcase the masterpieces of the museum.

The exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome, and will be one of the main cultural events of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2024, which will take place in AlUla from Nov. 7 to 30.

During the exhibition, visitors will also have the opportunity to attend the AlUla World Archaeology Symposium.


Saudi arts and culture association hosts captivating ‘Ready for Display’ show

Updated 07 November 2024
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Saudi arts and culture association hosts captivating ‘Ready for Display’ show

  • Exhibition showcases impressive collection of works from 47 artists, reflecting rich diversity of styles and artistic approaches 

DAMMAM: The Saudi Arabian Society for Arts and Culture in Dammam began cultural programs with the seventh “Ready for Display” exhibition, showcasing works from 47 artists, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, the Philippines, India and Pakistan. 

The exhibition aims to highlight a range of artistic styles, techniques and approaches while reflecting the beauty and essence of the local environment.

Running from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10, the show provides an important platform for local and resident artists. 

Each artist brings their individual approach to the canvas, with some embracing abstraction while others focus on realistic representations. 

Their works captured a variety of subjects, including people, places, animals and shapes, highlighting the rich diversity of artistic expression and individual creativity. 

Artists display various mediums, with some using stretched canvas while others experiment with materials such as wood panels and clay, adding distinctive textures and dimensions. 

This blend of techniques and media invites viewers to recognize the interconnectedness of art and cultural identity worldwide.

Visitors can appreciate how elements from the land and sea bring life to the displayed artworks’ color palettes and artistic designs.

The still-life drawings also showcase the artists’ attention to detail and innovative creative abilities.

Yousef Al-Harbi, director of the association’s branch in Dammam, said that such exhibitions helped visitors to “gain a deeper understanding of their history and identity,” fostering a sense of pride. 

The event has drawn significant interest, with the selection committee receiving 167 submissions from 98 artists, ultimately selecting 47 artworks for display, each representing different schools of thought and techniques in the art world.

In addition, the exhibition featured interactive events, including a workshop on acrylic painting on Nov. 2 and a live painting session on Nov. 3. 

Al-Harbi highlighted the association’s broader impact, saying: “In the past four months, we have delivered 38 training workshops, held eight art exhibitions and presented 21 theatrical performances,” aiming to establish the Eastern Province as a center of artistic creativity.

The association is dedicated to nurturing local talent in harmony with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on cultural identity and sustainable development.

 


Indonesian-Saudi ties to grow under new government, ambassador says

Updated 07 November 2024
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Indonesian-Saudi ties to grow under new government, ambassador says

  • Abdulaziz Ahmad highlights Jakarta’s commitment to Middle East peace, new trade ties with the Kingdom

RIYADH: Indonesia’s “alliance” with Saudi Arabia will continue to grow under new president Prabowo Subianto, Jakarta’s ambassador to the Kingdom has told Arab News.

Speaking at a diplomatic reception to celebrate 79 years of independence and longstanding Indonesian-Saudi Arabia ties, Abdulaziz Ahmad highlighted the importance of the growing bilateral relationship, reflecting on recent milestones achieved by both countries.

“Last October, during the historic visit of Indonesia’s former president Joko Widodo, we signed four crucial memorandums of understanding — on the Supreme Coordination Council, halal products, sports and youth cooperation, and technical standards,” he said.

“These agreements are paving the way for a stronger, mutually beneficial alliance that supports both our countries’ development goals.”

The ambassador praised the peaceful transition in Indonesia’s government under President Subianto last month.

He expressed confidence in the future of Indonesian-Saudi relations: “With this new administration, the ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia will continue to grow, fostering deeper economic and cultural cooperation.”

Reflecting on the steady growth in trade between the two countries, the ambassador highlighted the significance of Indonesia’s increasing export footprint in Saudi Arabia.

“In 2023, trade between our countries surged to $6.15 billion, marking a 10.81 percent rise since 2019. By August this year, our trade had grown by an impressive 17.32 percent compared to the same period last year,” he said.

“This momentum speaks to the strength of our partnership and the quality of Indonesian exports, particularly in non-oil sectors like palm oil, processed foods and agriculture, which are increasingly meeting the needs of Saudi consumers. Our collaboration emphasizes sustainability and community-based production, aligning well with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

He added that Indonesia is committed to peace in the Middle East, strongly condemning the Israeli aggression in Gaza and advocating for humanitarian access and support for Palestinians, in line with international law and UN resolutions.

Ahmad concluded his remarks by extending Indonesia’s appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of Indonesians living in Saudi Arabia, and for the enduring friendship between both countries.

The Indonesian Embassy hosted the reception at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.

About 500 distinguished guests attended, including diplomats, Saudi officials and business leaders, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia and its growing ties with the Kingdom.

The evening featured cultural presentations, including a remo dance from East Java, the harmonious sounds of a Central Javanese gamelan and captivating performances by Indonesian vocalists.

Guests enjoyed a showcase of batik textiles from across Indonesia’s archipelago and were served an array of traditional Indonesian dishes.

Undersecretary for the Riyadh Region Dr. Faisal Al-Sudairi joined the Indonesian ambassador in commemorating the special occasion as a guest of honor.