Most beautiful falcons to compete at King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival
The winner of first place will receive SR300,000, second place will receive SR200,000
Updated 07 December 2019
SPA
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club has announced the launch of the Falconry Beauty Pageant at the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival in its second edition next Thursday in Malham city.
The club allocated cash prizes of SR3 million ($800,000), distributed over five runs, dedicated to the categories of perch and qurnas, gathering Saudi and international falconers.
The winner of first place will receive SR300,000, second place will receive SR200,000, and third place will receive SR100,000, with a total prize of 600,000 riyals for each run.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival began last Sunday, and will continue until Dec. 16 with prizes exceeding SR21 million.
Within the activities of the falconry festival, 400-meter falcon heats were held on Thursday on the fifth day of the Al-Mallouah competition.
Under the Al-Mallouah system, the festival honors the top three winners in each heat, while the top 10 winners receive financial prizes and the top seven will qualify for the final heats of the King Abdulaziz Cup.
KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso
John Agbor: Thanks to the generous contribution of KSrelief and Saudi Esports Federation, thousands of children will benefit from formal and non-formal education, vocational training and radio-based learning
Funds will support preschool education for 4,500 children, formal and non-formal education for 16,700 children, and technical innovations for 6,600 children in the Central-North, North, East, Sahel, and Boucle du Mouhoun regions
Updated 9 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation, through the Gamers Without Borders tournament — the largest virtual charity event for gaming and esports — in collaboration with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, donated over $1.7 million to UNICEF’s office in Burkina Faso.
The grant aims to provide formal and non-formal education to more than 27,800 children, 50 percent of whom are girls, in areas affected by insecurity.
John Agbor, UNICEF representative in Burkina Faso, said: “Thanks to the generous contribution of KSrelief and Saudi Esports Federation, thousands of children will benefit from formal and non-formal education, vocational training and radio-based learning.”
The funds will support preschool education for 4,500 children, formal and non-formal education for 16,700 children, and technical innovations for 6,600 children in the Central-North, North, East, Sahel, and Boucle du Mouhoun regions.
As of December 2024, the humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso remains difficult, with over 2 million displaced due to conflict.
Despite the government’s efforts to reopen more than 1,500 schools, over 5,000 remain closed, affecting 20 percent of the country’s educational institutions.
In one year, primary school enrollment rates in Burkina Faso dropped from 85.8 percent in 2022 to 77.4 percent in 2023.
With KSrelief and the Saudi Esports Federation’s support, UNICEF has launched several initiatives, including building and equipping 27 classrooms, creating more than 100 accelerated learning centers for out-of-school children, and planning vocational training for 500 boys and girls.
Other initiatives aim to reach 6,000 children through emergency classrooms and 600 children via remote learning with tablets, as well as increase radio-based learning and provide school supplies for vulnerable children.
Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 expands offering to two weeks
1st week to showcase foundational aspects of construction, while 2nd presents finishing phases
Updated 20 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Big 5 Construct Saudi, organized by dmg events, returns as the largest construction event in the Kingdom, taking place across two weeks, from Feb. 15-18 and Feb. 24-27, 2025, at the ROSHN Front Exhibition and Conference Center in Riyadh.
A gateway to Saudi Arabia’s $1.7 trillion construction industry, supporting the ambitious Vision 2030 goals, Big 5 Construct Saudi has attracted in past editions over 75,000 visitors and featured over 2,000 local and international exhibitors from more than 60 countries showcasing over 20,000 products across eight specialized events.
This year, the exhibition spans an impressive area of 140,000 square meters, doubling from 2024.
“The 13th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi marks a monumental step forward in supporting the Kingdom’s dynamic construction sector. This two-week format provides an unparalleled platform for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge innovations, sustainable solutions and transformative technologies,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction, dmg events.
“By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the event enables local and international industry leaders to connect, collaborate and contribute to the Kingdom’s giga projects and economic diversification goals.”
Expanding its footprint, Big 5 Saudi will spotlight the Kingdom’s vibrant construction landscape and build on its legacy as a platform for significant business engagements and partnerships.
The event’s two-week format is tailored to meet the specific needs of the construction industry’s various phases.
In the first week (Feb. 15-18), the event will focus on heavy construction, concrete, HVAC (heat, ventilation and air conditioning) and related sectors, under the theme “Strong foundations from design to build.” This week will feature the launch of specialized shows such as “Heavy Saudi Arabia” and “Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia,” addressing the foundational aspects of construction.
In the second week (Feb. 24-27), the event will shift focus to the finishing phases of construction, including windows, doors, facades, urban planning, hospital construction and facilities management, under the theme of “Transforming projects from fit-out to services.”
Tea ceremonies, sushi workshops, and manga classes at Ithra’s ‘Japan Cultural Days’
Event highlights deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan, organizers say
Kingdom and East Asian nation celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year
Updated 20 January 2025
Arab News
DHAHRAN: A vibrant celebration of Japanese culture including tea ceremonies, sushi workshops, and manga drawing classes will be held in Dhahran from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 as part of the “Japan Cultural Days” event hosted by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra.
Organizers say that the event highlights the deep-rooted friendship and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan as the two nations mark 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.
“The ‘Japan Cultural Days’ are an important part of Ithra’s wider mission to make a tangible and positive impact on human development by offering local audiences meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange,” Noura Al-Zamil, Ithra’s Head of Programs, said in a statement.
Visitors can expect to be immersed in a wide variety of activities that showcase the richness of Japanese tradition and innovation.
Japanese performers in action. Visitors to Ithra’s “Japan Cultural Days” can expect action-filled activities at the centre. (SUPPLIED)
Offerings such as the Japanese House Experience, which introduces the art of the tea ceremony, and the creation of wagashi (Japanese sweets), will emphasize the themes of mindfulness and harmony that are central to Japanese culture.
For those with a passion for cinema, a ticketed selection of Japanese films will be screened, spanning both classic and modern works, from heartfelt dramas to vibrant animations.
Workshops will be a key element of the 17-day celebration, providing plentiful opportunities to engage with Japanese traditions.
Visitors can learn about the intricacies of creating and decorating masks and making traditional-inspired Japanese fans and postcards.
Additionally, participants can learn about the centuries-old practice of cultivating miniature trees, combining art and nature.
There is also a sushi-making workshop, in addition to one centered on kintsugi, where participants can learn how to repair broken pottery with lacquer dusted with powdered gold.
There will be workshops dedicated to manga writing and drawing, a calligraphy class and sessions dedicated to origami, the art of folding paper into shapes.
Participants will be able to solve riddles and visit thematic stations at the Cultural Quest section, deepening their understanding of Japanese customs and traditions in a fun and interactive way.
Image of The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) building in Dhahran which will play host to the “Japan Cultural Days” event. (SUPPLIED)
A kimono exhibition will offer spectators the chance to view traditional Japanese garments and learn about their cultural significance.
The event will also host a classic car exhibit, showcasing iconic Japanese automobiles and their impact on the automotive world.
The event will feature a series of captivating performances that highlight the dynamism of Japanese arts.
Among these is the Kingdom’s debut of the much-anticipated Drum Tao performance, blending traditional taiko drumming with flute and harp melodies and contemporary choreography.
Lush Gardens will also offer a Japanese bazaar experience and a flower arranging station, as well as eight live outdoor shows.
These include a traditional kabuki theater production and a live kendama performance, led by Tokyo 2022 Olympics opening performer Waaonwagi and Guinness Record winner Ito Yusuke.
Young visitors will not be left out. The Children’s Museum will offer numerous hands-on workshops and storytelling sessions designed for youngsters that will bring Japanese folklore to life.
For more details and the full schedule of events, visit Ithra’s official website or their social media channels.
Saudi ministry sets deadline for international offices to complete Hajj service contracts
Updated 20 January 2025
Arab News
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that Feb. 14 will be the deadline for Hajj affairs offices in various countries to finalize their contracts for services related to this year’s Hajj season.
The ministry said that these contracts must be completed through the Nusuk Masar platform, designated for Hajj pilgrims from abroad, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
To ensure the best services for pilgrims, the ministry highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations set by the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia, including requirements for air and ground transportation.
It also urged compliance with security, health and procedural guidelines outlined in the Hajj agreement between the ministry and the pertinent offices in various countries, the SPA added.
The ministry said that after the deadline, no additional contracts will be accepted, and the actual quotas for pilgrims from various countries will be determined.
The visa issuance process will commence immediately afterward, the SPA reported.
The ministry requested Hajj offices to educate their pilgrims about the necessity of following Hajj regulations and instructions, ensuring that they obtain visas and permits through official channels.
Pilgrims also need to carry identification documents, such as the Nusuk Card, from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom.
Saudi space agencies launch competition to develop innovative space-based solutions
Updated 20 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Communications, Space and Technology Commission and the Saudi Space Agency, in partnership with Neo Space Group, have launched the global SpaceUp Competition to develop innovative space-based solutions.
The contest aims to promote space entrepreneurship, support local companies specializing in space-based solutions, attract global entrepreneurs, startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, and encourage the adoption of space-based solutions across various sectors.
SpaceUp offers six challenge tracks with contractual opportunities of around $28 million, in addition to providing direct access to end-users and localization.
The first track, “Monitoring Date Palms Pest and Disease,” sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the Weqaa Center, focuses on space-based solutions to monitor palm farms and detect pests.
The second, “Improving City Livability by Monitoring Urban Heat Islands,” by the Quality of Life Program, aims to solve the problem of rising temperatures in crowded cities.
“Monitoring the Impact of Infrastructure Development,” by Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center, promotes infrastructure projects and traffic management.
The fourth and fifth tracks, both sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, are “Optimizing Urban Road Assets,” which aims to provide solutions to detect urban road damage and improve maintenance, and “Mapping of Urban Trees,” focused on monitoring and maintaining urban green spaces.
The final track, “Greening Saudi Arabia,” seeks to monitor tree growth and support sustainability efforts related to the Saudi Green Initiative.
“The SpaceUp Competition extends the efforts of CST and the SSA in enhancing investment opportunities in the Saudi space sector and stimulating research and innovation,” said a statement released by the CST on Monday.
Registration for the competition starts on Jan. 20 and will be open until April 12 via the competition webpage at https://new.cst.gov.sa/en/about/program-and-initiatives/spaceup-competition
