RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Development Fund, in collaboration with the Fashion Commission, recently hosted luxury fashion designer and Italian entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli at AlUla.

The event supported the fund’s mission to assist creatives and entrepreneurs in the cultural sector by promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering sustainability, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It aimed to connect global cultural experts with Saudi entrepreneurs and creatives, providing a platform for dialogue, as well as sharing expertise and best practices to drive growth and innovation.

The session focused on integrating diverse techniques into cultural projects, enriching cultural identity, while blending creativity and innovation, the SPA said.

Cucinelli discussed his career in a panel titled “Brunello Cucinelli: From Castel Rigone to the World,” discussing key themes such as building a global fashion brand, merging heritage with innovation, sustainability in luxury fashion, social responsibility, cultural exchange, and the future of fashion.

He emphasized craftsmanship as essential to sustainability and authenticity in fashion.

The event aligns with the fund’s efforts to improve the managerial, financial, and technical skills of creatives, reducing startup costs, and sustaining creativity in the cultural sector.

In November, the fund signed credit agreements worth more than SR30 million ($8 million) to finance Saudi fashion projects, supporting growth and job creation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy rain across most regions of the Kingdom from Sunday until Wednesday.

Strong winds of up to 60 km/h may stir dust, while torrential rain, hail, and high waves along the coasts are possible, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Rain will affect the Tabuk, Northern Borders, Jouf, Madinah, Makkah, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, Eastern Province, Baha and Asir regions.

According to the center, rain is expected in the Tabuk and Madinah regions on Sunday and Monday, in Jouf and the Northern Borders from Sunday evening to Tuesday, and in Hail and Qassim on Monday and Tuesday.

Rain is also expected to fall in the Riyadh region from Monday to Wednesday, in the Eastern Province on Tuesday and Wednesday, and in Makkah on Monday and Tuesday.

The center said people should stay informed about the weather through its daily reports, the Anwaa app, and social media.

The authorities also urged them to avoid valleys and low-lying water-logged areas susceptible to flooding.

For safety, the center also advises following instructions issued by relevant authorities.