JEDDAH: Saudi travelers planning summer vacations have been urged to show caution in their choice of destination, with many opting for new locations following recent travel bans.
As Muslims across the globe will celebrate the Eid Al-Adha holiday on July 20, many residents of the Kingdom made plans to vacation in Dubai as well as other cities in the UAE and nearby areas.
However, on Saturday, the Ministry of Interior issued a travel ban to and from three countries, including the UAE, forcing many to cancel bookings.
Although people are searching for new vacation destinations, travel agents are advising against all but essential international travel.
“We recommend people avoid travel unless it’s absolutely necessary,” said Yousef A. from One World Travel Agency said. “People should especially avoid countries with more severe variants of COVID-19, such as the UAE.”
He encouraged Saudis and residents to enjoy their holidays locally.
“A lot of what people are chasing in Dubai, for example, is provided here in the Kingdom. There are many different activities, including 24-hour cinemas, hiking and camping events, cruises, boat trips, concerts and safaris,” he said. “It’s also safer to stay in Saudi.”
Yousef said that clients already vacationing in the UAE, as well as those traveling for business, “are now stuck because of the ban.”
Mohammed Khaled, from the Luxuria travel agency, sympathizes with those who want to vacation outside the Kingdom.
“I have too many clients telling me that they’re beginning to feel confined and a bit suffocated,” he said.
“I can understand the need for a break from your environment and a change in routine. However, people should still travel smart by being cautious and avoiding countries with high numbers of coronavirus cases.”
Among those traveling for the Hajj holiday is Jeddah resident Basma Hassoubah, 23, who is heading to Portugal — a destination her family frequently visits.
“Portugal has become like a second home to us — we go there whenever we can,” she said. “We haven’t been there since 2019 due to the pandemic. I’ve really missed it.”
Hassoubah said that she needed a break from work and her surroundings.
“Living out of Saudi for over four years, then being under lockdown for more than a year was overwhelming. On top of that, work has been hectic, so that has further fueled my urge to have a vacation and recharge.”
Hassoubah said that she is excited, but also apprehensive, at the prospect of holidaying in Portugal.
“It’s very scary. Portugal doesn’t have a good handle on cases like Saudi does, so I am nervous. I will be avoiding Lisbon and any other hotspots and, of course, I will have to be extra careful, more so than I am here.”
Yara Mohammed, 27, from Jeddah, is planning a trip to Italy. “Although it will be really nice to go with my family and have a break from everything, I’m still terrified of being stuck in Italy the same way people in the UAE are stuck,” she said.
“My family travels to Italy often, and we like discovering new islands or places — Sardinia was on our list this time.”
However, Mohammed said that if flights to Italy or other parts of Europe are suspended, she will not feel disappointed.
“I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and the ban could be a blessing in disguise. Besides, I would rather be safe than sorry, and these travel bans are meant to prevent the spread of the stronger variants.”
Saudis urged to ‘travel smart’ during Eid Al-Adha vacation
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Saudis urged to ‘travel smart’ during Eid Al-Adha vacation
- Residents seek new horizons after UAE ban leaves holiday plans up in the air
Saudi Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach
CAIRO: CEO of the Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr has reaffirmed that the initiative places people at its heart.
This human-centered approach drives a range of projects across the Kingdom, aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 to transform urban landscapes, elevate the quality of city services, and foster innovation through the adoption of modern technologies.
The statement was delivered during a dialogue session called “Putting People First in a Digital Era,” which was organized by the UN as part of the 12th World Urban Forum. The session featured the participation of experts and specialists from across the world.
Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive
- The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry
- The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve
NEOM: The Saudi Falcons Club’s Hadad program has announced a strategic partnership with NEOM to improve falcons’ habitat in the NEOM Nature Reserve.
The partnership, which was signed during Hadad’s annual meeting hosted by NEOM on Thursday, is part of the second phase of the program, which focuses on protecting endangered species and reviving habitats by employing the latest international standards in wildlife conservation.
The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry by preserving cultural and environmental heritage while integrating ancient traditions with modern practices.
The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve and implement effective environmental measures to ensure the sustainability of the species.
The partnership reflects NEOM’s efforts to preserve 95 percent of its land for nature, set new international standards to preserve the environment, and rehabilitate wildlife through its reserve.
It also illustrates the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its global leadership position in sustainable development and environmental protection, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples
- Exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments
AlUla: The Royal Commission for AlUla signed a new strategic partnership agreement with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to showcase a collection of antiques in the Kingdom and in AlUla for the first time.
The museum is an addition to the commission’s network of cultural partners, joining leading heritage and education institutions from the United Kingdom, France, China and Italy, to cooperate in preserving, studying and celebrating AlUla’s shared history of 20,000 years.
Built in 1777, the museum is also a landmark in an Italian heritage capital, embracing some of Europe’s richest cultural treasures, including Roman and Greek statues preserved in excellent condition, as well as bronze pieces, mosaics, and other works of art.
The agreement between the royal commission and the museum of Naples allows the transfer of a selection of artifacts from Naples in southern Italy to AlUla, northwest the Arabian Peninsula, to showcase the masterpieces of the museum.
The exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome, and will be one of the main cultural events of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2024, which will take place in AlUla from Nov. 7 to 30.
During the exhibition, visitors will also have the opportunity to attend the AlUla World Archaeology Symposium.
Saudi arts and culture association hosts captivating ‘Ready for Display’ show
- Exhibition showcases impressive collection of works from 47 artists, reflecting rich diversity of styles and artistic approaches
DAMMAM: The Saudi Arabian Society for Arts and Culture in Dammam began cultural programs with the seventh “Ready for Display” exhibition, showcasing works from 47 artists, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, the Philippines, India and Pakistan.
The exhibition aims to highlight a range of artistic styles, techniques and approaches while reflecting the beauty and essence of the local environment.
Running from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10, the show provides an important platform for local and resident artists.
Each artist brings their individual approach to the canvas, with some embracing abstraction while others focus on realistic representations.
Their works captured a variety of subjects, including people, places, animals and shapes, highlighting the rich diversity of artistic expression and individual creativity.
Artists display various mediums, with some using stretched canvas while others experiment with materials such as wood panels and clay, adding distinctive textures and dimensions.
This blend of techniques and media invites viewers to recognize the interconnectedness of art and cultural identity worldwide.
Visitors can appreciate how elements from the land and sea bring life to the displayed artworks’ color palettes and artistic designs.
The still-life drawings also showcase the artists’ attention to detail and innovative creative abilities.
Yousef Al-Harbi, director of the association’s branch in Dammam, said that such exhibitions helped visitors to “gain a deeper understanding of their history and identity,” fostering a sense of pride.
The event has drawn significant interest, with the selection committee receiving 167 submissions from 98 artists, ultimately selecting 47 artworks for display, each representing different schools of thought and techniques in the art world.
In addition, the exhibition featured interactive events, including a workshop on acrylic painting on Nov. 2 and a live painting session on Nov. 3.
Al-Harbi highlighted the association’s broader impact, saying: “In the past four months, we have delivered 38 training workshops, held eight art exhibitions and presented 21 theatrical performances,” aiming to establish the Eastern Province as a center of artistic creativity.
The association is dedicated to nurturing local talent in harmony with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on cultural identity and sustainable development.
Indonesian-Saudi ties to grow under new government, ambassador says
- Abdulaziz Ahmad highlights Jakarta’s commitment to Middle East peace, new trade ties with the Kingdom
RIYADH: Indonesia’s “alliance” with Saudi Arabia will continue to grow under new president Prabowo Subianto, Jakarta’s ambassador to the Kingdom has told Arab News.
Speaking at a diplomatic reception to celebrate 79 years of independence and longstanding Indonesian-Saudi Arabia ties, Abdulaziz Ahmad highlighted the importance of the growing bilateral relationship, reflecting on recent milestones achieved by both countries.
“Last October, during the historic visit of Indonesia’s former president Joko Widodo, we signed four crucial memorandums of understanding — on the Supreme Coordination Council, halal products, sports and youth cooperation, and technical standards,” he said.
“These agreements are paving the way for a stronger, mutually beneficial alliance that supports both our countries’ development goals.”
The ambassador praised the peaceful transition in Indonesia’s government under President Subianto last month.
He expressed confidence in the future of Indonesian-Saudi relations: “With this new administration, the ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia will continue to grow, fostering deeper economic and cultural cooperation.”
Reflecting on the steady growth in trade between the two countries, the ambassador highlighted the significance of Indonesia’s increasing export footprint in Saudi Arabia.
“In 2023, trade between our countries surged to $6.15 billion, marking a 10.81 percent rise since 2019. By August this year, our trade had grown by an impressive 17.32 percent compared to the same period last year,” he said.
“This momentum speaks to the strength of our partnership and the quality of Indonesian exports, particularly in non-oil sectors like palm oil, processed foods and agriculture, which are increasingly meeting the needs of Saudi consumers. Our collaboration emphasizes sustainability and community-based production, aligning well with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
He added that Indonesia is committed to peace in the Middle East, strongly condemning the Israeli aggression in Gaza and advocating for humanitarian access and support for Palestinians, in line with international law and UN resolutions.
Ahmad concluded his remarks by extending Indonesia’s appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of Indonesians living in Saudi Arabia, and for the enduring friendship between both countries.
The Indonesian Embassy hosted the reception at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.
About 500 distinguished guests attended, including diplomats, Saudi officials and business leaders, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia and its growing ties with the Kingdom.
The evening featured cultural presentations, including a remo dance from East Java, the harmonious sounds of a Central Javanese gamelan and captivating performances by Indonesian vocalists.
Guests enjoyed a showcase of batik textiles from across Indonesia’s archipelago and were served an array of traditional Indonesian dishes.
Undersecretary for the Riyadh Region Dr. Faisal Al-Sudairi joined the Indonesian ambassador in commemorating the special occasion as a guest of honor.
