MINA: More than 3,000 publications have been made available to pilgrims through electronic browsing during this year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Publications and Scientific Research Agency, distributed bar code cards for the electronic browsing service for its various publications and scientific research in more than 40 languages.
Under the guidance and support of the minister of Islamic affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, the service comes as part of the ministry’s effort to keep pace with electronic publishings as part of the National Transformation Program 2020.
The project’s goals are to provide quality services within the context of the Kingdom’s mission to serve Islamic action in various fields, including the provision of publications promoting moderation and fighting intellectual deviation.
Meanwhile, different governmental entities worked together to ensure a successful Hajj season through putting in place strict precautionary measures.
Electronic library at service of pilgrims
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Electronic library at service of pilgrims
- The service comes as part of the ministry’s effort to keep pace with electronic publishings as part of the National Transformation Program 2020
New survey to improve public health services in Saudi Arabia
- The survey targets a representative sample of citizens and residents across Saudi Arabia’s regions through individual and household questionnaires
RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched field visits, as a part of the World Health Organization’s flagship plan, to improve public services, and monitor trends and behaviors.
The initiative uses the methodologies and questionnaires of the WHO’s World Health Survey Plus, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
It supports the Kingdom’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing quality of life for the nation’s people.
The survey targets a representative sample of citizens and residents across Saudi Arabia’s regions through individual and household questionnaires.
These cover demographics, health status, risk factors, and healthcare system data, the SPA reported.
To strengthen the national health information system and identify sector priorities, the survey includes more than 14,000 participants across 13 administrative regions via health clusters.
It also aims to build a reliable health database, track SDG indicators, support early detection of chronic diseases, raise awareness of healthy behaviors, and guide the development of health services based on community needs.
Vision 2030 creates foundations for success, Saudi investment guru says
- Scene Holding boss Sultan Ghaznawi praises ‘vibrant’ business environment
RIYADH: Saudi Vision 2030 has created an environment in which people can build successful companies, a leading Saudi investment entrepreneur said.
Speaking during an episode of “The Majlis” podcast, produced in collaboration with Arab News, Sultan Ghaznawi, chairman and managing director of Scene Holding, talked about his lifelong passion for building businesses.
“From a young age I was fascinated with the concept of creating value or exchanging value in return,” he said.
“I remember in fourth grade I used to make prayer beads. The first time I sold them in a family gathering, I made SR30 ($8). On the same day I went to the supermarket and I had the absolute freedom of deciding what to buy. That feeling ignited something inside me.”
But it was in high school, with the encouragement of his older brother, that he realized he was destined to become a businessman.
“He gave me a curiosity to find a purpose in life,” Ghaznawi said. Soon after, he created his first company, a creative agency that later became Backyard Symphony.
On the early days of the business, he said: “There was no General Entertainment Authority. Every summer there was an annual festival that happened and for decades there were three or four companies that dominated that bid.
“So we did the joint venture, developing content and integrating emerging tech with it. At that time, 3D projection mapping and holograms and augmented reality.
“It was revolutionary technology back in 2014. We were responsible for the event management, the business development, the financing and the experiential performances.”
This early success gave him the confidence to start several other businesses.
Speaking about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Vision 2030, Ghaznawi said: “He gave us the vision, fostering a vibrant environment, making the policy shift economic and political.”
Entities like the General Entertainment Authority and new sectors created opportunities, he said.
“Whether it was accelerator programs, incubators, angel investor networks, venture capital, enablement programs … the government, the customers unlocked new sectors, new types of SMEs to come to the market. And international companies showed interest in the Saudi market.”
Another of Ghaznawi’s ventures, Vibes Offices, develops and operates co-working spaces to foster entrepreneurial growth.
“The Vibes became my school of entrepreneurship because every day I meet new startups, new founders across multiple sectors,” he said. “As the trends of each sector grow, you see startups that grow and scale.”
According to Ghaznawi, building a successful business needs great technology, the right team and great timing.
“Somebody once told me a business is like a ship. You either adjust the sail or change the vessel or abandon the ship before it sinks. So you pivot. If the market is changing but you have a good foundation and you can change your strategy to adapt, you emerge.”
On the future of AI, he said: “I think it’s going to be extremely interesting to see the intersection of AI-based economies and government management with venture building.”
Saudi Arabia steps into global spotlight at Arabian Travel Market
- The appearance follows the success of AlUla’s first international marketing campaign
- Online interest in AlUla surged, with website visits up 8.5 times and bookings climbing 220 percent
RIYADH: At the unveiling of its new Saudi Land pavilion during this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and AlUla in particular have turned heads.
Held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Center, AlUla’s presence at ATM is highlighting its rapid transformation and new partnerships with industry leaders.
The appearance follows the success of AlUla’s first international marketing campaign under the theme “Forever Revitalizing,” which began in early 2024.
Aimed at reintroducing the world to AlUla’s deep historical roots and natural beauty, the campaign ran across nine countries in six languages.
Melanie de Souza, executive director of destination marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said the city’s global profile has grown significantly thanks to the campaign. “Expanded airline connectivity, more hotels and a packed events calendar have all helped us keep up with growing interest,” she said in a statement.
The campaign highlighted the city’s ancient ruins, striking desert landscapes and growing cultural offerings through dramatic films, rich imagery and storytelling.
The ancient oasis city-turned-cultural tourism hotspot welcomed more than 286,000 visitors in 2024, 72 percent of them domestic and 28 percent international.
Online interest in AlUla surged, with website visits up 8.5 times and bookings climbing 220 percent, leading to a 240 percent jump in revenue.
AlUla is also investing in the future. By the end of 2025, it plans to expand its accommodation capacity to more than 1,400 rooms, while committing to Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.
De Souza added: “Our focus remains on developing a destination premised on sustainability and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. At ATM, we will showcase why AlUla stands out as one of the most purposeful and forward-thinking destinations globally.”
Visitors to AlUla’s stand at ATM can experience a number of attractions. At the Arabian Leopard experience, guests can learn about local wildlife conservation efforts and vote to name a future leopard cub for a chance to win a two-night trip.
Names are being transliterated into the ancient Dadanite script at the Echoes of AlUla attraction, while the Rawi storytelling section is a space to listen to traditional tales passed down through generations.
The Saudi Tourism Authority is also showcasing the Kingdom’s rich diversity at ATM, from coastal escapes to mountain retreats and world-class sporting events.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the authority, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to return to ATM, opening the doors to Saudi Land, and welcoming our valued partners from around the globe.”
Saudi center, UK firm team up on environmental goals
- The agreement supports the center’s strategy to build partnerships
- The partnership includes a knowledge-exchange program
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification is working with British firm Kew Reach to help advance the Kingdom’s National Greening Program.
The agreement supports the center’s strategy to build partnerships that foster knowledge transfer and environmental sustainability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Kew Reach will help establish baseline data, conduct assessments and define planning parameters to support the long-term goals of the program and the Saudi Green Initiative.
It will also offer expertise in ecosystem restoration, seed conservation, sustainable land management, advisory services and capacity building, the report said.
The partnership includes a knowledge-exchange program, enabling center researchers to gain hands-on experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London.
The gardens are home to the world’s largest collection of botanical and fungal specimens — more than 8.5 million — covering about 95 percent of known vascular plant genera and 60 percent of fungal genera.
Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the center, said the collaboration would leverage Kew’s botanical expertise to restore degraded land and advance environmental goals under the Saudi Green Initiative.
From Manila to Khartoum, Jeddah welcomes the world
- Saudi Arabia honors expat residents with a month of ‘Passport to the World’ cultural festivities
JEDDAH: “Your Passport to the World” launches on April 30 in Jeddah, offering a month-long celebration of culture, cuisine and performance from the Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Sudan.
The event, organized by the General Entertainment Authority in collaboration with the Quality of Life Program, is a gesture of appreciation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing cultural transformation and its message of welcome to residents from these countries.
After a vibrant run in Alkhobar in April, the program in Jeddah will feature interactive performances, traditional dances, artistic displays and food, with each country taking center stage on specific dates: the Philippines from April 30 to May 3, Bangladesh from May 7 to 10, India from May 14 to 17, and Sudan from May 21 to 24.
The events in Alkhobar and at Al-Suwaidi Park during Riyadh Season attracted large crowds and engaged families and visitors with diverse experiences, drawing thousands of attendees.
Mohammed Al-Abadi, one of the event organizers, said during a detailed presentation at the event press conference on April 28: “The purpose of the event is to unite and reconnect communities through a cross-cultural gathering.”
Entry to the event and all concerts is free “in service to the community and to bring smiles to people’s faces.”
Since it is on a first-come, first-served basis, organizers advise families to arrive between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to secure a good spot and avoid overcrowding.
Music will enjoy the spotlight with performances by top singers and DJs from each country. Representing India are Jubin Nautiyal, Aakanksha Sharma and 12 other prominent artists.
From the Philippines, Angeline Quinto, Bugoy Drilon, and 10 other performers will take the stage. Bangladesh will be represented by Ruhani Salsabil and 14 others, while Sudan’s lineup includes rapper Dafencii, Insaf Madani and 10 well-known artists.
There will also be children’s activities, and all concerts will be standing-room only, in a family-friendly, smoke-free environment. To ensure safety, each child will receive a tracking wristband upon entry to prevent them from getting lost.
Angelina Bouges, a Filipino expat living in Jeddah, said: “I can’t believe I’ll have the chance to attend a concert featuring some of the biggest singers from my country. I’m truly grateful to Saudi Arabia for making this possible.”
Additionally, culinary experiences and interactive displays will highlight the folklore and social customs of the participating countries.
“Your Passport to the World” also pays homage to each country’s heritage with visual designs inspired by traditional patterns, textile motifs, natural elements, and architectural styles unique to each culture.
Each country’s pavilion at Al-Fayhaa walkway will feature its traditional attire, handicrafts, dance performances, foods, open markets, stages, and interactive installations.
As a visual centrepiece, the event will feature large, illuminated sculptures symbolizing each country: a lizard for the Philippines, an elephant for India, a Bengal tiger for Bangladesh, and a rhinoceros for Sudan.
