Riyadh Season Boulevard zone opens with spectacular parade

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More than 1,500 performers and 25 floats took part in a parade and carnival on Oct. 17, 2019 that officially launched Riyadh Season’s Boulevard zone. (Photo credit: Made in Saudi Films)
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More than 1,500 performers and 25 floats took part in a parade and carnival on Oct. 17, 2019 that officially launched Riyadh Season’s Boulevard zone. (Photo credit: Made in Saudi Films)
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More than 1,500 performers and 25 floats took part in a parade and carnival on Oct. 17, 2019 that officially launched Riyadh Season’s Boulevard zone. (Photo credit: Made in Saudi Films)
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More than 1,500 performers and 25 floats took part in a parade and carnival on Oct. 17, 2019 that officially launched Riyadh Season’s Boulevard zone. (Photo credit: Made in Saudi Films)
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More than 1,500 performers and 25 floats took part in a parade and carnival on Oct. 17, 2019 that officially launched Riyadh Season’s Boulevard zone. (Photo credit: Made in Saudi Films)
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The parade had a special surprise; the appearance of DJ Carnage who took to the stage dressed in complete Saudi attire. (Twitter/@djcarnage)
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The parade had a special surprise; the appearance of DJ Carnage who took to the stage dressed in complete Saudi attire. (Twitter/@djcarnage)
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More than 1,500 performers and 25 floats took part in a parade and carnival on Oct. 17, 2019 that officially launched Riyadh Season’s Boulevard zone. (Photo credit: Made in Saudi Films)
Updated 18 October 2019
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Riyadh Season Boulevard zone opens with spectacular parade

  • The Riyadh parade is thought to be the biggest parade in Kingdom to date

RIYADH: More than 1,500 performers and 25 floats took part in a parade and carnival on Thursday night that officially launched Riyadh Season’s Boulevard zone. The crowds that gathered for the fun-packed event were also treated to motorcycle displays, fireworks and other surprises.

The Boulevard lit up at 9 p.m. for the start of the 90-minute event, which featured some of the international artists who will perform as part of Riyadh Season. Afterwards, the zone’s food and drink outlets, outdoor cinema and fountain shows officially opened.

The audience watched the parade, performances and displays from specially constructed stands. Food trucks offered a selection of tasty snacks, and organizers also provided prayer rooms, toilets, first-aid stations and other facilities.

 

GEA president Turki Al-Sheikh gave an opening speech: “Our dearest people, in the beginning of this season, we welcome you and our guests in Riyadh.

“I want to share a story with you all; once upon a time, I was from a middle-class family. My mother and father would gather both their salaries to have us travel to see the world, and then we would stay in Riyadh for a year. These were our capabilities (at the time) and there was nothing to do in Riyadh. Who would've thought that we’d see all of this in Riyadh, and in our beloved country?

“This wouldn't have been possible without -of course Allah first- a person who has the qualities and vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

He tweeted: “Riyadh traffic police estimated we have exceeded 600K which means ten times the capacity.”

In addition to the opening-night festivities, the Boulevard zone, which covers 400,000 square meters, will host a wide range of entertainment options and activities for all ages, including the outdoor cinema, restaurants, and sports, music and theatrical events. It has three main venues: The 22,000-seat Mohammed Abdu Theater, the 6,000-seat Abu Bakr Salem Theater, and the 2,000-seat Baker Al-Sheddi Theater.

The parade is just one of more than 100 events featuring local, regional and international performers taking place during the Riyadh Season festival, which continues until mid-December at 12 zones across the city: the Boulevard; the Front; Riyadh Car Show; Winter Wonderland; Riyadh Stadiums; the Diplomatic Quarter; Al-Muraba’a; Al-Malaz; Wadi Namar; Nabd Al-Riyadh; Riyadh Safari; and Riyadh Sahara. It has been organized with the support of Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and president of Riyadh Season.

The ambitious 2019 Saudi Seasons initiative, the first of its kind in the region, was launched in February and includes 11 local seasons covering most parts of the Kingdom. Designed to promote the fledgling Saudi entertainment sector and boost tourism, it is attracting some of the biggest names in world entertainment.

The Riyadh parade is thought to be the biggest parade in Kingdom to date. It follows a folklore parade at the Mawtni (My Nation) cultural event in Yanbu to mark Saudi National Day this year, and a parade during the Jeddah Season festivities in the city’s Obhur district.

The parade had a special surprise; the appearance of DJ Carnage who took to the stage dressed in complete Saudi attire and performed his successful electronic show.

The musician also took to Twitter to celebrate the night and how he had had a hand in “making history,” tweeting: “A huge thank you to @Turki_alalshikh  ..... what you did for your country last night... was so special... thank you for having me... we made history.”


Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network 

Updated 13 sec ago
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Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network 

  • $22bn, energy-efficient Metro system will be a world leader, official says

RIYADH: The first three lines of the Riyadh Metro will begin operating on Sunday, forming part of the largest urban rail network in the Middle East.

Riyadh Metro, which is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, is a crucial step toward reducing traffic congestion in the capital, and improving quality of life for the city’s residents.

The first phase of the Riyadh Metro starts with three lines: the Blue line, connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha; the Yellow line, running along King Khalid International Airport Road; and the Purple line, covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street.

The Red line, covering King Abdullah Road, and the Green line, spanning King Abdulaziz Road, are both scheduled to begin operating on Dec. 15, while the Orange line, which covers Madinah Road, starts on Jan. 5, 2025.

The Riyadh Metro was launched 12 years after the project was announced in April 2012, when the Saudi Cabinet approved the implementation of the public transport project and formed a high-level committee to oversee it. Despite the challenges faced by the project, including the global pandemic, it was ultimately completed.

Contracts for the Riyadh Metro project were awarded in 2013 to three global consortiums, with a total value of about $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion).

The project features several sustainable characteristics that promote eco-friendly transportation options. The metro system will employ energy-efficient trains and stations, as well as technologies such as regenerative braking to reduce energy consumption.

Additionally, some stations will be equipped with thousands of solar panels, and each metro station will rely on electricity sourced from renewable energy.

Maher Sheira, supervisor of digital infrastructure for the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Riyadh, told Arab News: “Our target is to reduce traffic within the city by up to 30 percent. This goal is supported by the metro’s capacity to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily, which is a challenging target, especially when compared to other cities that have struggled to transition car users to public transportation.”

Achieving this goal depends on several factors, including the city’s infrastructure, integration of various transport modes, and the overall complementarity of these services, he said.

“This project is one of the key initiatives that could help make these goals a reality.”

Sheira said that the launch of the metro and improvement of public transportation will not only alleviate traffic congestion, but also also play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions.

“We all know that shifting from daily car use to public transportation can have a significant environmental impact,” he said.

“In a small study we conducted, we found that if 100,000 passengers switch from cars to public transport, it could save over 3 million trees annually. This number has the potential to grow even further.”

He said both the metro and the bus systems are integral parts of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Program.

These systems are seamlessly integrated, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for passengers. Once a passenger exits a metro station and boards a bus, they will use the same ticket and enjoy the same high level of service.

“To ensure quality, the design of both networks was focused on delivering first-class standards, with an emphasis on maintaining top-tier service throughout the entire journey,” Sheira added.

“The quality of service is evident throughout the system. You can see it at the stations, on the trains, and certainly on the buses and at the bus stops. We are committed to maintaining this high standard of quality and will continue to do so.”

Numerous factors have been taken into account to ensure the success and efficiency of the vast network.

“Our goal is to keep Riyadh at the forefront of global cities in terms of public transportation. This is our objective, and with determination, we are confident that we will achieve it, Inshallah,” he said.

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Inspiring story

The inspiring story of the Riyadh Metro began in 2009, led by a visionary king with determination and ambition for the future; the story’s hero is King Salman. 

The document was submitted by King Salman to develop the public transportation system in Riyadh.

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My Lord, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz — May Allah preserve you. 

I am honored to inform Your Royal Highness that the city of Riyadh, which is witnessing significant population growth, urban expansion, and substantial economic prosperity, has started to experience severe traffic congestion on its main streets due to the ongoing rise in traffic.

Accordingly, the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh has developed a comprehensive and long-term plan to enhance the city’s public transportation system.

First: Establishing the backbone of the public transportation system through manufacturing an electric train.

Second: Implementing a bus network that covers all areas of Riyadh, with its services integrated with the electric train system. The network covers 708 kilometers and is also integrated with the local network within residential neighborhoods. 

The High Commission has fully prepared the engineering designs, technical specifications, and tender documents for this phase, paving the way for its implementation. 

Therefore, I kindly request Your Highness’s approval of this matter. May Allah preserve you, guide your steps, and grant you success. Peace and blessings be upon you. 

Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh

Salman bin Abdulaziz

20/10/2009

 

https://x.com/cgcsaudi/status/1862565536720114022?s=48&t=1IDdyc8DBnGT1CQNkMFTqg


A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage

Updated 9 min 59 sec ago
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A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage

  • Centuries-old art form of batik deeply rooted in Indonesian culture
  • Included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage

RIYADH: Reporting on the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency highlighted the Indonesian pavilion, which showcased the exquisite art of batik.

Indonesian artisans had creatively blended traditional batik techniques with motifs inspired by different regions of the Kingdom, “creating stunning pieces that seamlessly intertwine the two cultures,” according to the SPA.

The centuries-old art form of batik is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, and is included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It involves a meticulous process known as wax resist-dyeing to create its intricate patterns. The designs often have cultural and religious significance, reflecting the deep connection between Indonesians and their environment.

The convergence of Indonesian and Saudi artistic traditions at Banan, which ended on Friday, “exemplifies the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries,” the SPA stated.

Dalia Alyahya, head of the handcrafts sector at the Heritage Commission, which organized the event, highlighted the significance of such cultural exchanges.

“Through art, we can bridge cultural divides and foster global harmony. Batik, with its rich history and enduring appeal, continues to inspire and connect people across the world,” Alyahya told the SPA.

Artists and representatives from more than 20 countries exhibited at the event alongside the Kingdom’s own talent.

Through Banan and other initiatives, the Heritage Commission “raises awareness about the importance of handicrafts as part of cultural heritage, ensuring they are preserved and passed on,” the SPA wrote.


Royal order approves transformation of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital

Updated 24 min 16 sec ago
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Royal order approves transformation of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital

RIYADH: A royal order was issued on Saturday to transform King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center into an independent, non-profit institution under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, acting CEO of the commission, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their commitment to improving health services in the Kingdom, the SPA added.

Al-Sultan said that the transformation will “establish the hospital as a global leader in ophthalmology, reflecting the leadership’s dedication to providing world-class healthcare.”

The hospital's transformation is part of a broader initiative to enhance specialized health and educational entities, including King Saud University and King Faisal Specialist Hospital.

The Royal Commission will oversee the hospital’s development, ensuring it aligns with international standards and “continues to serve as a cornerstone of Saudi healthcare excellence,” the SPA reported.

 


Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life

Updated 30 November 2024
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Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life

RIYADH: Abdullah Mustafa, a prominent Muslim scholar from Thailand and one of the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, has expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in shaping his life and career, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Fifty years ago, a young Mustafa embarked on a life-changing journey to Saudi Arabia, receiving a scholarship from the Islamic University of Madinah. He fondly recalled the simplicity of the Prophet’s Mosque during his early days — a stark contrast to the magnificent religious landmark it has become today.

During his 16 years in Saudi Arabia, Mustafa immersed himself in Islamic studies, earning a doctorate in Islamic advocacy and interfaith dialogue. His academic pursuits were particularly focused on understanding Buddhism, the predominant religion in Thailand, and developing effective strategies for Islamic outreach.

Upon his return to Thailand, he dedicated his life to spreading the message of Islam. He translated the Holy Qur’an into the Thai language, making it accessible to a wider audience. His tireless efforts have led to numerous conversions and a strengthened Muslim community in Thailand.

He emphasized the enduring impact of Saudi Arabia’s support for Muslims worldwide and highlighted the “esteemed” position held by graduates of Saudi universities in various fields, including education and Islamic jurisprudence.

Looking to the future, Mustafa expressed hope that his daughter, currently studying at Taibah University in Madinah, will continue his legacy of serving Islam.

He acknowledged the Kingdom’s progressive approach to education, emphasizing the importance of women scholars in Islamic advocacy.

He also extended heartfelt thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims around the world, and gratitude to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its endeavors to promote moderate Islam and foster “global Islamic unity.”


Saudi Arabia’s 26th relief plane lands in Lebanon

Updated 30 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s 26th relief plane lands in Lebanon

  • Continuing mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts for the Lebanese population displaced by the conflict continues with the 26th relief plane arriving at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Saturday morning.

The aircraft, operated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, was loaded with various relief aid, including food, medical and shelter supplies, state news agency SPA reported.

The continuing mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people.