DAMMAM: Eastern Province municipality has broke a Guinness World Record by creating the largest physical logo in the world to advertise the Saudi Green Initiative.
To form the logo, authorities oversaw the planting of 6,250 jatropha trees in the shape of a triangle opposite the Dammam Corniche, covering an area of 6,200 square meters.
More than 400 people came forward to volunteer for the project, which took more than 200 hours to complete.
Majid Al-Hogail, Saudi Arabia’s acting minister of municipal and rural affairs, gave Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Jubeir, mayor of the Eastern Province, a Guinness World Record certificate on the occasion, and a similar certificate to the municipality’s service agency, titled “Public Management of Community Participation.”
He also granted a certificate to the management of enablement and support to municipalities. It was received by Abdullah bin Saeed, deputy minister at the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing and director general of Enablement and Support to Municipalities.
Al-Hogail said that the success was a result of collective efforts at Eastern Province municipality.
The larger Saudi Green strategy to increase green space by planting trees, gardens and green spaces will improve quality of life as well as environmental protection, he added.
It comes in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to protect the environment and natural resources in order to achieve sustainable development. Al-Hogail stressed the importance of afforestation in order to preserve ecological balance and its role in air purification.
Al-Jubeir said that the jatropha tree was specifically chosen for the project due to its hardiness and low water consumption. He added that the smaller Green Eastern Province initiative comes as part of the larger national effort to promote afforestation.
Bin Saeed praised the new Guinness World Record, which he labeled an “achievement for all members of the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, as well as members of the Eastern Province municipality.”
Eastern Province breaks Guinness World Record with giant Saudi Green logo
https://arab.news/5739d
Eastern Province breaks Guinness World Record with giant Saudi Green logo
- It comes in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to protect the environment and natural resources in order to achieve sustainable development
Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha
- ‘Ribbons of giving’ festival features concerts, movies, games for all ages
- Highlights include performance by oud maestro Islam Al-Qasabgy
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is celebrating Eid Al-Adha with three days of activities.
From June 7-9, visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 31 events, including music, storytelling, games and workshops, under the theme “ribbons of giving.”
Many of the activities will be in Arabic but are open to all.
Among the highlights will be a concert at Ithra Theater by Egyptian oud virtuoso Islam Al-Qasabgy, who is renowned for blending classical Arabic music with modern styles.
Ithra Cinema, meanwhile, will showcase the Japanese manga character Chibi Maruko-chan and also screen the Japanese animated fantasy movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service” with Arabic subtitles.
Another screening will be “Saleeq,” a short animated film about a lonely grandmother who faces a flood after a pot of rice boils over.
Among the other festive offerings are a 96 km trek along the historic Hajj trail that revives stories of persistence and generosity echoing across generations.
Entry to the center is free but some events are ticketed. The center will be open from 4-11 p.m. during the Eid celebrations.
KSrelief extends aid to Syria, Somalia, Sudan
- Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
The organization has distributed 2,290 food baskets and hygiene kits in Sarmada in the Idlib Governorate of the Syrian Arab Republic, benefiting 6,870 individuals. This effort is part of the second phase of a project to ease the suffering of Syrian families.
KSrelief in Somalia has distributed 1,200 food baskets to the neediest families in the Baidoa district in Bay region, assisting 7,200 people and supporting food security for vulnerable groups.
KSrelief in Sudan has distributed 825 food baskets to the most needy families in Blue Nile State, helping 3,986 people. This aid forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts to support the Sudanese population amid the ongoing crisis in the country.
Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.
Saudi Ministry of Culture launches grant to encourage research on Saudi-Chinese cultural relations
- New initiative is designed to support academic research that strengthens mutual understanding and encourages scholarly collaboration between Kingdom and China
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Relations Research Grant.
The new initiative is designed to support academic research that strengthens mutual understanding and encourages scholarly collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China.
The grant invites researchers to submit proposals that explore the historical, artistic, linguistic and cultural connections between the two countries, especially as political and economic ties between them continue to expand.
The initiative reflects the ministry’s broader efforts to foster knowledge sharing and intercultural dialogue through academic research.
Applicants are encouraged to address themes including history and cultural heritage, performing and visual arts, literature and translation, cultural economy and creative industries, and the role of digital platforms in contemporary cultural exchange.
Selected research will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and will contribute to the enrichment of the field of Saudi-Chinese cultural studies.
Eligible applicants must hold a master’s or doctoral degree, or demonstrate a record of scholarly publications. Proposals must be original and submitted through the official grant portal.
The grant cycle will include proposal evaluation, peer-reviewed feedback, and final publication, with the submission deadline on July 15, 2025.
Results will be announced in August 2025, and each grant will cover a one-year research period.
Saudi Cultural Development Fund champions cultural entrepreneurship at Expo 2025
- Event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia
- Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan took part in a panel discussion and networking event during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Hosted by the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, the event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia.
Titled “Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage,” the event at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion brought together global investors, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to explore the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance.
The discussion, moderated by cultural researcher Saba Al-Khamis, featured Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the pavilion; CDF chief credit and investment officer Basil Al-Alola; Darren Barker, founder of Barker Langham; and Hessa Alajaji, founder of Saudi artisan design brand Accents.
The fund aims to position culture as a catalyst for global partnerships and investment, sharing success stories and sector-specific opportunities, Al-Alola said in a statement.
The dialogue emphasized culture as an engine for economic diversification and social growth, highlighting CDF’s tailored financing solutions driving the sector’s sustainable expansion.
The event celebrated Saudi artistic heritage through handicraft displays aligned with the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, alongside a performance by Japanese violinist Ikuko Kawai symbolizing Saudi-Japanese cultural collaboration.
“Our participation translates Saudi cultural assets into economic value,” Al-Alola said.
“We’re connecting international investors with local innovators to build a globally integrated cultural economy in line with Vision 2030.”
Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions.
Film Commission showcases cultural power of Saudi cinema at London festival
- Event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through various events
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Film Commission is participating in the first European edition of the SXSW Festival, which is being held in London from June 2-7, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through events such as panel discussions, musical and comedy performances, film and TV screenings, exhibitions, competitions, and networking opportunities.
As part of its participation the commission will screen a selection of short Saudi films under the Saudi Film Nights initiative, aiming to showcase the Kingdom’s storytelling and promote national talent to international audiences.
It is also organizing a panel called “Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,” which will explore cinema’s role in shaping national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local content as a form of soft power.
The commission will highlight the Kingdom’s cinematic achievements through an exhibition at the country’s pavilion featuring films that have sold more than 250,000 tickets, participated in top international festivals, or won global awards — underscoring the growth and international rise of the Saudi film industry.
The commission forms a part of the Saudi pavilion alongside other creative sector entities, including the Music Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, and Fashion Commission, presenting a broad view of the Kingdom’s cultural diversity.
This participation reaffirms the Film Commission’s commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia’s global presence, empowering creative talent, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in cinema.
