Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the new Thunaiyat Ad-Diriyah Foundation
Updated 19 June 2020
Arab News
Aya Al-Bakree is a contemporary culture specialist with almost 10 years’ experience in the arts sector in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
She is CEO of the new Thunaiyat Ad-Diriyah Foundation, chaired by Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. It will hold its first biennale of contemporary art in 2021.
Al-Bakree holds a bachelor’s degree in global communications from the American University of Paris.
After graduating, she began her career at a world-renowned French art gallery, where she immersed herself in the world of international contemporary art and learned about the commercial and business sides.
When she returned to Saudi Arabia, she gained further professional experience in the art sector with a cultural organization working across the Middle East, collaborating with locally acclaimed institutions and galleries in the Kingdom.
One of Al-Bakree’s goals is to become an educator and mediator between the Saudi art world and the international cultural community.
“Located in historical Diriyah, the Diriyah Biennale will first take place in 2021, with each edition centered around a theme chosen by the curatorial team and reflecting their research,” she told Arab News.
“The first edition will be focused on this historic moment of social change in Saudi Arabia, working with contemporary artists from the Kingdom and around the world.”
The biennales will be educationally driven, and will be accompanied by related educational and public programs, as well as visits organized for a wide range of community groups and schools.
French politician visits Jeddah to strengthen ties, praises Vision 2030
Amal-Amelia Lecrafi highlights shared ambitions in green energy, education, cultural innovation
Updated 4 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: A member of parliament representing French citizens living abroad recently visited Jeddah to explore opportunities and strengthen collaboration between her country and Saudi Arabia.
President of the France-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group and representative of French citizens across 49 countries, Amal-Amelia Lecrafi expressed a strong interest in contributing to the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, smart cities and cultural industries.
She said: “I am convinced that my previous experience as a business leader in cybersecurity can help build bridges between our ecosystems. My goal is to further strengthen partnerships in the economic, technological, cultural, and educational sectors.
“Vision 2030 is an exceptional platform for developing projects in green energy, sustainable mobility, and technological innovation. Cooperation in these sectors allows France and Saudi Arabia to pool their expertise and build sustainable, innovative solutions. This collaboration also creates opportunities for Saudi youth to access high-quality training and thrive within companies across all future-oriented industries.”
During her time in Jeddah, Lecrafi also emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy as a means of fostering stronger ties. She highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.
“We are working on educational partnerships, such as training programs in NEOM, and on joint artistic projects to promote our shared heritage. Culture and education are key pillars for bringing our societies closer together and strengthening Francophonie in the region,” she said.
As part of her commitment to French citizens living abroad, Lecrafi outlined efforts to improve consular support and engagement. She highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening consular services, facilitating access to French education and addressing practical challenges such as banking.
“A recurring issue we are addressing is the difficulty many expatriates face in maintaining or opening bank accounts in France,” she said. “We are actively working to resolve this challenge. Additionally, we are ensuring their integration into the local economic dynamism.”
Lecrafi also discussed the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and France’s role in maintaining regional stability.
“France actively supports dialogue and stability in the region. The announcement of the June 2025 conference for the creation of a Palestinian state, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a strong signal of our shared determination to promote lasting peace and the recognition of two states,” she said.
She also demonstrated her admiration of the Kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030 and praised its commitment to modernization, tolerance and social progress.
She commended the rapid changes taking place, particularly the empowerment of women, and said: “Vision 2030 embodies a unique ambition to open up to the world while affirming a strong identity, resonating directly with the values of tolerance and progress.
“This vision is accompanied by an unprecedented and rapid emancipation of families, and more specifically women, serving as a shining example for the region.”
She said Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education was a reflection of Islamic values and added: “I will remain a dedicated ally to showcase these achievements and support initiatives that highlight the richness of your vision and the strength of your commitment on the global stage.”
Riyadh Season’s Boulevard Runway blends aviation with entertainment
Updated 15 min 30 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Boulevard Runway, one of the key zones of Riyadh Season, offers visitors an innovative blend of aviation and entertainment.
It was inaugurated by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh and Saudia Group’s Director-General Ibrahim Al-Omar.
The zone offers visitors an opportunity to explore three giant Boeing 777 aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Guests can walk inside the planes, discover their unique interiors, and enjoy an authentic runway experience that immerses them in the atmosphere of real airports.
Open to the public from 4 p.m. to midnight, the zone includes the “Terminal X” destination, brimming with excitement and adventure. Visitors can enjoy 10 diverse experiences combining aerial adventures and vibrant settings.
The zone is designed to be an ideal entertainment hub, combining interactive activities with fun-filled moments, the SPA reported.
Open to the public from 4 p.m. to midnight, the zone includes the “Terminal X” destination, brimming with excitement and adventure. Visitors can enjoy 10 diverse experiences combining aerial adventures and vibrant settings. (SPA)
In the takeoff area, children and adults can jump and play on safely designed structures, creating unforgettable memories.
Meanwhile, visitors to the control tower can savor the famous Mike Majlak burger, renowned for its distinctive flavor.
In addition, fans of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine can enjoy a unique experience inside the “Uncle Hussein” airplane, where they can sample dishes that embody the essence of the region’s culinary traditions.
For thrill seekers, the “Lost Boeing 777” experience offers a journey of horror and excitement. This is a plane that transforms into a haunted setting after crashing in the Bermuda Triangle, complete with moving ghosts, live music, terrifying effects, and rocking chairs.
The “Sky War” experience enables teams to undertake a mission to rescue a hijacked plane and save the hostages before time runs out.
Riyadh Season continues to captivate visitors with its eclectic lineup, including international concerts, boxing and wrestling matches, unique dining experiences, expansive gardens, and innovative entertainment offerings.
According to the latest statistics announced by Alalshikh earlier this month, Riyadh Season has attracted 10 million visitors so far.
Saudi authorities warn of rain, thunderstorms until Saturday
Makkah region to experience moderate rain that may lead to flash floods
Updated 28 min 4 sec ago
Rashid Hassan
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology and the General Directorate of Civil Defense on Wednesday warned of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the Kingdom until Saturday as most parts of the country experience a chilly winter.
The authorities urged people to avoid valleys and low-lying water-logged areas susceptible to flooding and to follow instructions issued through official portals and social media platforms.
The meteorology center, forecasting rainfall from Thursday to Saturday, said: “Some areas in the Kingdom are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall. We urge everyone to follow the warnings issued about the expected situation via the center’s website, social media, and the Anwa app.”
According to the center, areas to experience rainfall include Makkah, Baha, Madinah, Tabuk, Jouf, Hail, the Northern Borders and the Eastern Province.
The Civil Defense urged people to exercise caution due to rain and thunderstorms expected to continue in the Kingdom until Saturday.
“People are advised to avoid valleys prone to torrents, including swimming there, and comply with the instructions issued in the media,” it said.
It added that the light to moderate showers in the Makkah region may lead to flash floods, hailstorms, and dust-stirring winds.
The directorate also warned that light rain and dust-stirring winds will fall in the Riyadh region.
The chilly winter in the northern region continued unabated with Qurayyat recording -1 degree Celsius, Turaif 0 degrees, Rafha 1 degree, Arar 2 degrees, Sakaka and Hail 3 degrees, and Tabuk 5 degrees.
Saudi Reef forum sets record to support sustainability
Al-Ahsa hosts largest-ever agricultural forum, spotlighting Kingdom’s national initiative
Updated 32 min 14 sec ago
Jasmine Bager
Al-Ahsa: The first International Forum for Saudi Reef, hosted in Al-Ahsa, was awarded a Guinness World Records certificate for the highest number of attendees in a single day at an agricultural forum globally.
Maha Al-Dhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, and a keynote speaker at the event, told Arab News: “The Reef Program is a national initiative designed to support small farmers by providing funding, training and capacity-building programs that help them increase their income and improve productivity.
“The program (has run) for seven years with a budget of SR8.5 billion ($2.2 billion), promoting reliance on local production, thereby enhancing the national economy and fostering agricultural sustainability in the Kingdom.”
The forum involved more than 71 entities and presented various inspiring stories. It highlighted environmental awareness, food security and the role of entrepreneurship in fostering economic and social sustainability.
A session during the first International Forum for Saudi Reef
“The forum serves as an initial step toward enhancing agricultural sustainability by adopting effective practices that support small-scale producers and provide integrated services across all production phases,” Al-Dhahi said. “It contributes to realizing Saudi Vision 2030 by boosting local production, achieving food security and promoting environmental sustainability.”
An opening panel session on “The Rural Community and Its Role in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030” was led by Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli.
The event also witnessed the signing of six MoUs between Saudi Reef and several governmental and private entities, including agreements with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Culinary Arts Authority, the King Khalid Foundation, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
In his opening remarks, Prince Saud highlighted the importance of rural development, highlighting that 60 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population is aged under 30 and that women comprise 43 percent of the agricultural workforce.
The three-day forum featured speeches from prominent figures such as Princess Mashael bint Saud Al-Shalan and officials from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Discussions centered on empowering rural communities, building human capacities and the role of rural families in agricultural growth. The forum also showcased initiatives like the Saudi Reef Academy.
Princess Mashael bint Saud Al-Shalan speaks at the first International Forum for Saudi Reef
Workshops and sessions covered key themes, including rural innovation, sustainable agriculture, food security, tourism and culture. Attendees took part in practical activities, such as visits to local farms and engaged in cultural and professional discussions.
The forum also highlighted sustainable investments, rural entrepreneurship, and the integration of rural communities into tourism and culture to support economic diversification and achieve Saudi Vision 2030.
A three-day exhibition complemented the forum, featuring agricultural innovations, entrepreneurial success stories and participation from international organizations such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee
Sponsored by Dan Co., a Public Investment Fund entity specializing in rural and agritourism, the forum showcased Saudi Arabia’s agricultural diversity and promoted sustainable tourism, aiming to balance urban and rural progress while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Local farmers and craftsmen also showcased their goods in a space adjacent to the stage area.
Mohammed Al-Ghazal, CEO of Noor Energies Group, told Arab News: “Personally, I have benefited immensely by listening to the perspectives of global leaders and innovators at the First International Forum for Saudi Reef,” he said. “From interactive events to cultural experiences, such as site visits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and stay green!”
RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the Saudi Falcons Club, has conducted a preliminary field survey to study and revitalize habitats for these birds within the reserve’s boundaries.
The authority emphasized that the project aims to restore these areas due to their vital role in preserving environmental and cultural diversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
It also seeks to enhance the training and efficiency of field teams, equipping them to manage similar future initiatives while bolstering the international standards and recognition achieved by the reserve.
During the initial phase of the project, both active and inactive habitats of the Shaheen falcon were identified, with some designated for immediate action.
The authority underscored the importance of such projects, highlighting their role in preserving environmental balance, as well as protecting local culture and heritage.
