How Saudi Arabia turned back to the future

Children decked out in ‘all green’ for Saudi National Day celebrations on Jeddah’s Tahlia Street. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Updated 24 September 2019
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How Saudi Arabia turned back to the future

  • When Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to bring back moderate Islam, he referenced a time before the developments of 1979 halted the Kingdom’s progress

Saudi Arabia was on a roll in the 1970s, enjoying the social and cultural developments that had begun in the previous two decades, and buoyed by the rising price of oil and the Kingdom’s first Development Plan.

But 1979 changed everything. Saudi Arabia took a conservative turn, prompted by two events: the Iranian Revolution in February, which brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power, and the siege by religious extremists of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. 


OPINION: Reconnecting with the past, reimagining the future (Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News)


As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told 2017’s Future Investment Initiative: “We were not like this in the past. We only want to go back to what we were, the moderate Islam that is open to the world, open to all the religions … And quite frankly, we will not waste 30 years of our lives in dealing with extremist ideas … We want to live a normal life, a life that translates our moderate religion, our good customs.”

And that’s what has happened. Under Vision 2030 and a flurry of life-altering developments – movies and concerts, greater freedom for women, fitness in schools, to name just a few – the Kingdom is on a trajectory back to the future.


— THEN —


1955 - Saudi Arabia’s first private school for girls, Dar Al-Hanan, is founded in Jeddah by Princess Effat, with the support of her husband, Crown Prince Faisal bin Abdul Aziz, amid a social outcry. 


Read more: Saudi schooling goes back to the future


1960 - Royal decree approves public education for girls; schools are established in Riyadh, Makkah and other cities.

1962 - The non-profit women’s organization, Al-Nahda, is established by Princess Effat and a number of prominent Saudi women.

1963 

  • The Council of Ministers approves a project to establish television in the Kingdom.
  • The Department of Youth Welfare (previously the Department of Sport) creates four federations: volleyball, basketball, athletic and cycling.

1965 - King Faisal approves the first national television broadcast, a reading of the Qur’an, amid protests from conservatives.




King Faisal (right) and US President Richard Nixon.

  • The first TV broadcast in Saudi Arabia is launched from the US Consulate in Dhahran; “The Eye of the Desert” is broadcast in English and only to the Dhahran area. 

Read more: Saudis look back on the dawn of broadcasting on Saudi National Day 


1957

  • The Kingdom’s first institute of higher education, King Saud University, is opened in Riyadh.
  • The launch of Aramco TV, with a wider broadcasting range that reaches Al-Hofuf and other areas across the Gulf. Broadcasts are in both Arabic and English.

OPINION: The 1970s — a seismic decade for Saudi Arabia’s economy  (Frank Kane)


Read more: Mark Lowey, known by his Saudi friends as AbuJack, offers never seen images of the real Saudi during the 1970s


1979

IRANIAN REVOLUTION

January 22 - Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi and his wife leave Tehran.

February 1 - Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to Iran from exile in France.

February 11 - Khomeini officially assumes power when troops loyal to the shah surrender.

February 16 - Iran’s revolutionary authorities start executions of leading supporters of the shah, including four top generals.

November 4 - US embassy in Tehran stormed by Iranian students who take 52 Americans hostage, demanding the extradition of the shah.


OPINION: Why Iran’s ‘Awakening’ created a nightmare for the Gulf  (Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami)



SIEGE OF MAKKAH’S GRAND MOSQUE

November 20 - A well-organized group led by Saudi militant Juhayman Al-Otaibi storms the Grand Mosque with weapons smuggled in coffins and vehicles using members pretending to be there to pray. Al-Otaibi is a member of Al-Jamaa Al-Salafiya Al-




Militants arrested after the Makkah Siege of 1979 are escorted to prison. (File photo) 

Muhtasiba (Salafi Group that Commands Right and Forbids Wrong), which is angered by Western social influence, women’s presence in the Saudi workforce, TV and other issues. Worshippers are prevented from leaving after the announcement of a takeover over a microphone. Hostages are forced to pledge allegiance to the group’s leader, Mohammed bin Abduallah Al-Qahtani, Al-Otaibi and their followers.

December 4 - The siege lasts for two weeks and ends after an intervention by Saudi special forces and their allies, leaving hundreds dead, including Saudi officers, soldiers and civilians as well as Al-Qahtani and his followers. Al-Otaibi is arrested and executed on Jan. 9, 1980.


Read more: 





Arab News Saudi National Day cover wrap by collage artist Peter Quinnell. Check it out: https://tinyurl.com/y2cwarqo 


— NOW —


2016

  • Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveils Vision 2030, a road map for Saudi Arabia’s future.
  • The Saudi Cabinet approves a new law restricting the religious police from questioning, pursuing or arresting violators; they must instead report them to the police or anti-narcotics officers.

Read more: Saudi women celebrate new freedoms on Saudi National Day 


  • Princess Reema bint Bandar is appointed vice president for women’s affairs at the General Sports Authwority.
  • Kariman Abuljadayel is the first Saudi woman to compete in the 100-meter event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.

Read more: Sporting success puts Saudi Arabia on track for glory on Saudi National Day


  • The General Authority for Entertainment and the General Sports Authority are established by royal decree.

2017

  • King Salman appoints Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince ofSaudi Arabia.
  • The Saudi Stock Exchange appoints a woman, Sarah Al-Suhaimi, as chairperson for the first time.

     

  • In one of the first public music performances in many years, Mohammed Abdo performs for a men-only audience in Jeddah.

  • Giga-projects are launched: NEOM, a $500-billion megacity in theTabuk region, and the RedSea tourism project.
  • Saudi state schools announce that they will offer physical education classes for female students.
  • At the inaugural Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledges a return to moderate Islam.

2018

  • Female fans are allowed to attend football matches for the first time in Saudi Arabia; the match was Al-Ahli vs. Al-Batin in Jeddah on Jan. 12. 
  • Ending a 35-year ban on cinemas, the first commercial movie theater opens in Riyadh with a screening of “Black Panther” on April 18.
  • A ban on Saudi women driving is lifted on June 24.
  • An anti-harassment law, approved by the Shoura Council, receives praise from around the world.
  • King Salman launches plans for Qiddiya, expected to be the world’s largest entertainment city.
  • The Culture Ministry, headed by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al-Saud, is established.

Read more: Saudi Arabia’s ‘cultural rebirth’ in spotlight on Saudi National Day


  • Al-Ahsa Oasis is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Weam Al-Dakheel becomes the first Saudi woman to anchor the main evening news on Saudi TV.
  • Enrique Iglesias, Amr Diab and the Black Eyed Peas are among the first international performers at the Formula E in Riyadh, for which the first trial tourist visas are granted.
  • The WWE’s Royal Rumble takes place at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, beginning a 10-year partnership with the General Sports Authority.

2019

  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launches a mega tourism project in AlUla which will include a resort designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel and a nature reserve dubbed Sharaan.

     

  • Lubna Al-Olayan becomes the first Saudi chairwoman to run a Saudi bank, a merger between Alawwal and Saudi British Bank.
  • Saudi Arabia’s first female ambassador, Princess Reema bint Bandar (top center), is appointed to Washington.
  • The Saudi Cabinet approves a “Privileged Iqama residency permit,” which will allow foreign nationals to work and live in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor, offered to highly skilled expatriates and owners of capital funds.
  • By royal decree, Saudi women no longer require permission from a male guardian to travel or obtain a passport.
  • A lineup of superstars perform in concerts across the Kingdom: Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and 50 Cent in Jeddah; Andrea Bocelli in AlUla; Pitbull and Akon in the Eastern Province.
  • High-profile sports events include the Italian Super Cup between Juventus and AC Milan; Fight Night between world boxing champion Amir Khan and Billy Dib; and the largest Battle Royale in WWE history.

FULL COVERAGE OF SAUDI NATIONAL DAY 2019 >>


Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia

Updated 20 min 52 sec ago
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Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia

  • Document aims to enhance designers’ rights, unify design registration procedures 

RIYADH: Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization officially adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The treaty, which aims to enhance designers’ rights and unify design registration procedures, was finalized at the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, which finished on Friday.

By establishing a robust legal framework, the Riyadh treaty is set to bolster innovation and creativity across multiple industries worldwide, the SPA added.

Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem, the CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, spoke of the significance of the treaty’s adoption.

He said: “The name Riyadh treaty reflects Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a bridge between cultures and a hub for supporting global initiatives.

“Adopting this treaty is a historic achievement highlighting Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and contribution to the international intellectual property framework. It opens new avenues for collaboration among member states.

“This treaty will lay the foundation for vital legal frameworks that benefit designers and bolster innovation and creativity worldwide.”

The event, which was hosted by the SAIP, gathered high-level representatives and decision-makers from the WIPO’s 193 member states.


Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh

Updated 41 min 22 sec ago
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Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh

  • About 100 local, international bodies participating

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s environment minister has opened an exhibition in Riyadh which showcases a range of date products and their history.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, officially opened the International Dates Conference and Exhibition 2024, organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates. It runs until Nov. 28 with about 100 local and international entities participating.

It is a “global platform to showcase Saudi dates, drive innovation in their processing industries, and enhance their global export potential,” according to organizers.

The exhibition aims to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi products, contributing to the development of the palm and dates sector as a key pillar in driving economic growth.

Visitors can taste date varieties from the different regions of the Kingdom, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Qassim, AlUla, and Al-Jouf.

The exhibition also includes a variety of entertainment activities such as folklore shows, regional poetry, and cooking competitions.

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, a carbonated sugar-sweetened date drink was launched by Al-Madinah Heritage Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.

The exhibition also features a museum which takes visitors on a journey through time to explore the history of palm trees and dates over 1,000 years.

The museum showcases manuscripts and agricultural tools that highlight the significance of dates in daily life and literary culture.

It also houses archaeological collections showing the different uses of palm trees through the ages, including as tools.

In addition, there is a live cooking area that brings together local and international chefs to present a range of date-based dishes.

Al-Fadli, along with several officials and foreign delegations, toured the exhibition’s pavilions and explored a range of date-based products, such as juices, baked goods, and date chocolate.


Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)
Updated 22 November 2024
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Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

  • Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals

RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.

Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”

Mozzarella demonstration at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.

The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.

The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.

Red Sea grouper at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”

Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.

Rosewater-glazed lamb at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”

The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.

 

 


Jeddah chamber concludes Global Entrepreneurship Week forum

Updated 10 sec ago
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Jeddah chamber concludes Global Entrepreneurship Week forum

  • Participants were given the opportunity to establish partnerships and agree contracts with local and international companies

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday concluded the Global Entrepreneurship Week forum.

The two-day event held at the chamber’s headquarters featured the participation of strategic partners such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Monshaat, the Social Development Bank, the Entrepreneurship National Committee, and other private entities.

The forum emerged from the chamber’s keenness to participate in supporting and motivating more individuals to enter the world of entrepreneurship and to spread the innovation culture among local community members.

Participants established their pavilions where they displayed the latest technologies and sustainable solutions reflecting the development of the entrepreneurial sector, one of the most prominent development pillars in the Kingdom.

At the end of the forum, participants were given the opportunity to establish partnerships and agree contracts with local and international companies, the aim being to promote economic growth throughout the Kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

 

 


Saudi Artisanal Co. showcases artisanry at Banan 2024 exhibition

Updated 50 min 47 sec ago
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Saudi Artisanal Co. showcases artisanry at Banan 2024 exhibition

  • The Saudi Artisanal Co. will display diverse collections of handicrafts reflecting national heritage

RIYADH: The Saudi Artisanal Co. is showcasing a variety of handicrafts that reflect authentic Saudi heritage in an effort to support artisans during the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition, or Banan, taking place in Riyadh from Nov. 23 to 29.

The exhibition, organized by the Heritage Commission and in its second edition, brings together more than 500 local and international artisans from over 20 countries.

It offers a distinctive cultural experience through interactive events that promote handicrafts and cultural heritage, focusing on supporting artisans locally and internationally.

The Saudi Artisanal Co. will display diverse collections of handicrafts reflecting national heritage with the aim of fostering innovation and expanding the reach of Saudi artisanry in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.