RIYADH: The Saudi Export Development Authority will launch a “Made in Saudi” initiative in the first quarter of 2021 to accelerate the industrialization process and transform the Kingdom into “a global industrial destination.”
As part of the program, Saudi Arabia will set out to create a unified brand identity for Saudi products and services in regional and global markets.
Saleh Al-Solami, secretary-general of the authority, said the program will help boost the image of Saudi products and services.
He said it seeks to achieve the goals outlined in the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.
The “Made in Saudi” program will provide attractive membership schemes for local companies that meet eligibility criteria. Members will be given fast-tracked access to promotional opportunities together with incentives in partnership with public and private sectors.
Member companies also will be eligible to use the “Made in Saudi” marque on their products to support growth and expansion in target markets.
Dr. Abdul Aziz I. Daghistani, an economics expert and chairman of the Riyadh-based Economic Studies House, told Arab News that good quality and competitive prices were the key to success.
“Saudi Arabia is an active member of the global economy and a key oil exporter that (helps) balance the oil market,” he said.
Daghistani said the Kingdom is now working to diversify its economy by encouraging programs to increase exports of goods and services other than oil and related products.
“The ‘Made in Saudi’ program will help take Saudi exports to the next level,” the expert said.
In addition to its mandate to promote national industries and production across the value chain, the program will play a key role in positioning the Kingdom to be at the forefront of the global industrial landscape.
Under the Vision 2030 reform plan, the Kingdom aims to boost its non-oil exports to 50 percent by 2030.
Dr. Hassan M. Somili, a marketing expert, told Arab News that the perception of a country and the quality of its services also played a key role in global markets.
“That is why countries should work to improve the reputation of their products,” he said.
Somili said a strict legal framework to maintain quality and standard of products goes a long way to helping countries promote products effectively on global markets.
The success of the “Made in Saudi” program depends not only on the authorities but also traders and exporters who must ensure the quality of services and products meets international expectations, he said.
‘Made in Saudi’ to boost non-oil exports
https://arab.news/b4cju
‘Made in Saudi’ to boost non-oil exports
Sixth Saudi aid plane heads to Syria
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has sent a sixth relief plane carrying food, medical and shelter to Damascus to provide aid for the Syrian people.
A plane operated by Saudi aid agency KSrelief departed early Sunday from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to Damascus International Airport.
The plane carrying relief supplies aims to help Syrians undergoing a political transition since the ouster of president Bashar Assad last month.
Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen
- Visitors are warmly welcomed by actors representing different regions of the Kingdom
RIYADH: From the northern to the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen unites the diverse cultures of the Kingdom.
Visitors are greeted with warm welcomes from actors representing each region, allowing them to appreciate the variety of Saudi traditions and the distinct traditional outfits of every area.
Guests can explore the culture of coastal cities, like Jeddah, and mountainous regions such as Asir, experiencing a true melting pot of Saudi culture. They can don the flower headbands and traditional attire of the southern people, and take part in the Ardah dance from the central Najd region, brandishing Arabian swords.
The immersive experience continues as actors reenact everyday life, such as teaching in a classroom. Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
Additionally, guests can step into an old prison to imagine life behind bars, and browse a selection of nostalgic toys that offers a delightful trip down memory lane.
Each corner of the souq tells a unique story, offering authentic handicrafts, traditional attire and an array of spices that capture the essence of various regions.
HIGHLIGHT
Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
One of the standout attractions in the souq is the horror house themed around Saudi folklore, known as Al-Sa’alawa. The chilling experience is inspired by tales of a mysterious creature that has captivated the imagination of many.
The Al-Sa’alwa tent offers a thrilling horror house experience that immerses visitors in the legends of Saudi folklore. Osama Al-Balawai, an actor in the tent, describes the creature Al-Sa’alwa, which has become the subject of various interpretations.
Some view it as a ghost, others as a male figure, while some believe it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Regardless of its form, caution is advised when encountering this enigmatic being.
“Join us at the Al-Sa’alwa tent for an unforgettable experience,” Al-Balawai told Arab News. “Will you emerge safe, or will you be captivated by the legend?
“We encourage you to visit Souq Al-Awaleen to partake in this thrilling adventure. We can’t wait to see you there!”
In addition to the horror experience, Arab News discovered Bin Ghaith Textiles, a fabric shop in the market. Owner Hassan passionately shared his love for textiles, highlighting their historical significance.
“My passion is textiles and the history behind them,” he said. “I collect organic fibers and enjoy exploring what people wore before the rise of synthetic materials. This gives me a chance to connect with history.”
Hassan said that his interest lies in the organic materials used in the past, such as linen, cotton, silk and wool, contrasting sharply with today’s disposable fashion culture.
“The market is the heart of any city,” he said. “It reflects the identity of the place, offering insights into its culture and history.”
This year marks Hassan’s second time at Souq Al-Awaleen, where he appreciates the diverse crowd that arrives to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.
“The younger generation is especially curious about what their ancestors wore and how textiles have evolved,” he said. “It’s essential to preserve this knowledge and tradition.”
The market, which offers free entry, also hosts handicrafts, folk art and live performances. Local artisans have a platform to showcase their work, and visitors can take part in workshops focusing on traditional Sadu weaving and pottery.
In addition to its artisanal offerings, Souq Al-Awaleen serves up a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine at Sufrat Al-Deira. The atmosphere evokes a bygone era, enhanced by cooking demonstrations and other cultural performances.
This year’s Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already drawn more than 13 million attendees, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa
RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has completed construction of a road using recycled construction and demolition waste for the first time in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The project, a collaboration with Al-Ahsa municipality and the National Center for Waste Management, incorporated waste material into the asphalt layers of a road in the Al-Ahsa governorate, following research by the authority to assess the performance of asphalt and gravel layers made from aggregates sourced from the municipality’s environmental landfill.
Using recycled material in infrastructure projects supports the Kingdom’s goal of transitioning to a circular economy. The target is a 60 percent recycling rate for such waste by 2035, which “highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient infrastructure development,” the SPA said.
This initiative “reduces the environmental impact of waste accumulation, decreases reliance on raw materials, and promotes cost-effective road construction and maintenance,” the SPA added.
Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh
Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif presented the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup to the winner of the race held as part of the Kings and Princes Cups events organized by the Riyadh Equestrian Club in Riyadh.
The cup was won by the horse Ajwady, owned by Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Hamoud Al-Malek Al-Sabah. He received the cup from Prince Saud in the presence of jockey Mohammed Al-Daham.
Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve
- Documented nesting activity noteworthy due to rarity of occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has reported significant nesting activity of the endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) within the reserve’s natural habitats, it was reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.
Globally classified as endangered, the Egyptian Vulture belongs to the family of diurnal birds of prey and is known for its ecological importance.
Within the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR), the Egyptian Vulture holds multiple roles — as a resident breeding species, a migratory passerby, and a rare winter visitor.
The documented nesting activity is noteworthy due to the rarity of such occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia.
Renowned for its extraordinary ability to detect prey from great distances, the Egyptian Vulture can travel up to 80 kilometers daily in search of food.
It thrives in open habitats, arid regions, and rocky cliffs, primarily feeding on carrion or weakened animals. The reserve also serves as a critical stopover for the species during autumn and spring migrations, with over 25 individuals recorded during these seasons.
Measuring approximately 62cm in length with a wingspan of up to 155cm, the Egyptian Vulture prefers dry, remote areas featuring cliffs and rocky outcrops for breeding.
While carrion remains its primary food source, it is also known to forage at landfills, markets, animal enclosures, slaughterhouses, and farms.
The species has suffered a dramatic decline, with its population in the Arabian Peninsula decreasing by an estimated 90 percent over the past 50 years. The authority attributes this alarming drop to factors including poisoning, collisions with power lines, habitat loss, and human disturbances.
By identifying and protecting these nesting sites, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority underscores its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the preservation of endangered species.
