Helicopters, parades and dancing mark Saudi National Day

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Saudi Arabia celebrates 92nd National Day with various entertainment festivals and military parades. (SPA)
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Updated 24 September 2022
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Helicopters, parades and dancing mark Saudi National Day

  • ‘It always awakens a sense of patriotism,’ local mom says
  • ‘I’m really excited and really enjoying my time here,’ South Korean expat says

JEDDAH/RIYADH: As the sun went down on Friday evening, people gathered at Jeddah Art Promenade to enjoy the Saudi National Day celebrations.

The nation’s dark green-and-white flag could be seen everywhere, and many children were dressed in clothes to match. Some women wore crystals on their faces while others dressed in abayas to complement the theme. Men wore wigs and carried flags.

A parade began as the sun went down and the city cooled, its start announced by a distant thrumming of drums that invited visitors to get to their feet.




People enjoy during an event at Jeddah Art Promenade. (AN photo)

The small band that paraded the length of the Jeddah Waterfront was dressed in mostly white. Graceful dancers led the way, followed by drummers who helped to awaken people’s spirits. In the center was a man walking on stilts and dressed in the classic Saudi attire of a thobe and head wrap, or “igaal.”

“It always awakens a sense of patriotism when I visit events like these happening on National Day,” Mariam Mohammad, 24, told Arab News.

“I dragged my family out of the house today. The crowd and the traffic were what was stopping them but we get just one night of the year to celebrate and I was not going to let it slip away,” she said.

Aitzaz Zayn, a Pakistani expat living in Jeddah, said: “I am not from Saudi Arabia but I still like going out and participating in the celebrations. There is something very beautiful about people coming together and celebrating their country.”

The parade in Jeddah was just one of many events held throughout the day.

Military parade

The Royal Saudi Navy parade took place at Jeddah’s corniche on Friday and large crowds gathered to cheer it on as part of the 92nd Saudi National Day celebrations.

The fun began with an HZ-MS16 helicopter flying over the waterfront as spectators were told all about it via a commentary played through loudspeakers.




Saudi security forces hold military parade marking Saudi National Day. (SPA)

One of the Royal Navy’s most powerful aircraft, the helicopter is designed for use in search and rescue operations as well as having anti-submarine capabilities.

A number of ships designed for surveillance, search and rescue and assistance operations were also on the waterfront for people to see.

Salha Al-Shamrani and her daughter Hind visited the show together and were impressed with what they saw.

“This was such an interesting National Day event this year,” Al-Shamrani told Arab News.




Saudi Arabia marks 92nd National Day with massive airshow. (SPA)

“We learned so much through the live audio and watching the tanks and boats. The kids learned a lot too.

“There’s nothing like the Saudi Royal Navy. My husband is an instructor there, so we are familiar with how rescue operations are carried out,” she added.

Hind also found the event informative.

“It was such a beautiful and rich participation that I learned so much from. The parade was a lot of fun too,” she said.

“We got to see the ships, the tanks, the submarines and the like. I learned about their types and what each one is used for.”

Joy in the park

A spectacular lineup of activities is on offer at Prince Majid Park in Jeddah to mark Saudi National Day.

The fun started on Wednesday and runs through Saturday, with visitors treated to a host of family and community events to celebrate the Kingdom’s culture and diversity. These include folk dances, amazing roaming performances, a musical fountain show, heritage-focused commercial and craft booths, and lots of delicious food.




People enjoy during an event at Jeddah Art Promenade. (AN photo)

Amr Alyamani, assistant site manager, said: “We are trying to enhance the National Day experience for everyone across the weekend. Our goal is to create as much joy and excitement for visitors to be mesmerized by the attractions and the musical fountain being played every 30 minutes.

“The stage performances will also reflect the rich history and will captivate audiences with a memorable performance centered on diversity and togetherness,” he added.

“This year, we aim to signify our national journey by recognizing our past, rejoicing the present and, together, look positively toward our future.”

Alexia Tashbaeva, a coach at the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation, took part in the celebrations.




Youth can learn and become closer to their heritage and culture during Saudi National Day celebrations. (AN photo)

“We are here in the park to have kids discover the sport. This way we encourage younger generations to come and play with us,” she said.

“As a foreigner, these festivals depict the strength of unity and provide an opportunity to bring people together to share our love for sport with the residents.”

Saeed Baqar, a flute player said: “Celebrating this special national occasion is an affirmation of our role as inspiring and creative artists to showcase traditional Saudi music in a contemporary manner.”

Tickets for the event cost SR30 ($8) and visitors can also pick up National Day memorabilia and dine at the food stalls.

Family fun in Riyadh

Grassy Park in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter hosted lots of National Day activities on Friday, including horse shows, carnival games and giveaways.

Nabil Cho, a South Korean working in the Kingdom, was among those to enjoy all the fun on offer.

“I never expected an event like this to happen on a National Day,” he told Arab News. “This is my first time visiting here and I’m really excited and really enjoying my time here. It’s nice, it’s wonderful.”




People gathered at Majid park in Jeddah during Saudi National Day celebrations. (AN photo)

Cho said he heard about the National Day festivities online and invited some of his South Korean friends and colleagues to join him.

Olivier Pierre, a tourist from France, was in Grassy Park with his wife and friends.

“I think this event is very interesting because I am just discovering the Saudi culture. Today is National Day and I am very interested to know more about the cultural dances and the music, so this is why I am here and it is above my expectations,” he said.

“My wife is also very interested in discovering Saudi culture. She discovered this place in Saudi group events chats.”

As well as the action-filled activities, food stalls and boutiques sold traditional dishes and products for visitors, many of whom dressed in festive outfits.

All of the activities at Grassy Park are open to the public from 5 p.m. until midnight on Saturday.


British veterans retrace epic Lawrence trek in ‘living tribute to history’

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British veterans retrace epic Lawrence trek in ‘living tribute to history’

  • Team of 5 covered more than 1,000 km across ‘stunning’ Saudi Arabia, Jordan

JEDDAH: In a journey that followed the path of one of history’s most legendary desert crossings, a British team of four endurance riders has retraced the famous route of T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, across Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Their remarkable expedition, inspired by the historic trek that helped change the course of the First World War, was a feat of endurance, history and adventure.

“A few of us last year were sitting around a table and mulling what was probably the most historic camel ride in recent history, and we came up with the one from Lawrence of Arabia,” Howard Leedham, one of the riders, told Arab News. “Nobody has ever done it since Lawrence, Auda Abu Tayi, Nasib Al-Bakri and Sherif Nasir did this ride.”

Riders who trained in Tabuk during December were Martin Thompson, Riyadh resident Craig Ross, Mike Baker and James Calder, and Howard Leedham. All five riders are former British soldiers. (Supplied)

Their journey mirrored the original path taken by Lawrence and his Arab allies in 1917, beginning in Al-Wajh, Saudi Arabia, and traversing the vast desert landscapes toward Aqaba, Jordan. Along the way, the riders passed through key historical sites mentioned in Lawrence’s book, “Seven Pillars of Wisdom.”

Leedham said: “We stayed as faithful to the route as possible. We started in Al-Wajh on Jan. 14, having collected our camels from Tabuk and the LR Defenders from the Jeddah dealership … the trek took 25 days and we covered 1,100 km.”

Leedham is no stranger to extreme desert treks. “My previous experience is that I have crossed the UAE’s Empty Quarter twice on camels; each route was 640 km, which took 13 days. This was arranged by the Hamdan Heritage Center in Dubai. This is just my hobby; I run my own special situations security company serving global clients from the UAE.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• The expedition captured the true essence of the historic Lawrence route.

• Beyond the physical demands, the riders sought to reconnect with history by visiting key locations tied to Lawrence’s journey.

• The team set an ambitious target of covering 50 km a day.

The other riders who trained in Tabuk during December were Martin Thompson, Riyadh resident Craig Ross, Mike Baker and James Calder. All five riders are former British soldiers.

The team relied on modern technology to aid navigation. (Supplied)

The key historical sites they passed include Al-Wajh, A Red Sea coastal town in present-day Saudi Arabia that served as a key base for the Arab Revolt, as well as Aqaba, Wadi Rum, the Hejaz railway, Ma’an, Madinah, Wadi Bayir, Magawa Oasis and The Well of Dathna.

The expedition captured the true essence of the historic Lawrence route. The team faced tough challenges from the outset. Leedham said: “The most challenging part of the trip, to be honest, was the early days when we left Al-Wajh. We had two days transiting out of Al-Wajh toward the Hejaz Mountains and then had to climb the Hejaz Mountains in Saudi Arabia before heading up toward Fajer.”

Navigating the challenging terrain of Saudi Arabia was equally demanding. “Every single day we saw different terrain: Salt lakes, flat desert, hilly desert, volcanic formations, oasis, golden sand and red sand,” Leedham said. “The mountains in the background were so beautiful that it didn’t look real. It’s like somebody painted it.”

The expedition lasted 25 days, covering a distance of more than 1,000 km across Saudi Arabia and Jordan. (Supplied)

The team relied on modern technology to aid navigation: “We used Google Maps to plot the route in detail and then backed it up with GPS. However, we found it quite limiting due to the lack of contour information. We therefore had to pick our way through or around high ground.”

The route transited the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve, which provided permits. Rangers from the reserves helped the team.

“We applied to both of those entities and asked them if we could cross their nature reserves because really, the whole time we spent in Saudi Arabia, we were in those reserves,” Leedham said. The riders witnessed the breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity and deep historical significance of the two sites.

The British endurance team on camelback, traversing the rugged desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia, retracing Lawrence of Arabia’s 1917 route. (Supplied)

The team set an ambitious target. “We set out to cover 50 km a day, and we achieved that,” Leedham said.

Before nightfall, the riders would prepare to rest in anticipation of the next day’s journey.

The expedition lasted 25 days, covering a distance of more than 1,000 km across Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

“We came through the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve with stunning wadis and rock formations. We passed through the most beautiful oasis as well, which Lawrence actually describes in his book, ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom.’ We saw beautiful red stone, beautiful greenery, birds singing, which is all fantastic,” Leedham said.

Beyond the physical demands, the riders sought to reconnect with history by visiting key locations tied to Lawrence’s journey. “We tried to visit all the places that Lawrence mentions in his book, like the Well of Dathna, the oasis as we got over the Hejaz and Wadi Saham.”

After crossing the Nefud plain to Fajr, the riders continued northeast to the Meegowa Oasis.

From there, they turned northwest toward Wadi Al- Sirhan, stopped at Wadi Bayr and continued up to the Al-Hadithah border crossing into Jordan to rejoin Wadi Bayr toward Bayr Fort, Jafr, Ma’an, Wadi Rum and finally, Aqaba.

No such journey would be possible without the trusty ships of the desert. “We chose camels, and we had four riders and eight camels in Saudi. We got them from Tabuk and trained in December,” Leedham said. The camels became an integral part of the team, making the eventual parting an emotional moment. “We had to say goodbye to our Saudi camels, which was quite a sad moment because they’d done so well for us for two weeks.”

The team faced extreme conditions along the way. “We lived in tents and experienced temperatures from 37 to minus 5 degrees Celsius, as well as strong winds and sandstorms.”

Encounters with Bedouin were a crucial part of the journey. “We encountered Bedouin. We had leased our 10 Saudi camels from Bedouin, so they had some guys in our support team. Also, we would stop at Bedouin camps to ask for water for the camels, we were always made fantastically welcome by all,” Leedham said.

Finally, after many exhausting weeks of traveling through the desert, the team arrived at their destination on Friday.

Recreating Lawrence of Arabia’s epic journey was more than just an endurance challenge to the team. “It was a living tribute to history, a celebration of the vast and stunning Saudi and Jordanian landscapes, and a true bond between humans and camels,” Leedham said.

 


Athka KSU event in Riyadh accelerates AI education, innovation

The program, attended by hundreds of students, included live applications and hands-on experiments. (X: @SDAIA_SA)
Updated 52 min 35 sec ago
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Athka KSU event in Riyadh accelerates AI education, innovation

  • The event also highlighted the latest AI technologies used in the university’s labs, giving participants hands-on exposure to advanced applications

RIYADH: King Saud University in Riyadh hosted Athka KSU, one of the largest AI-focused events at universities in the Kingdom.

Academic experts told Arab News that the event reinforced the concept of “experiential learning” by providing a dynamic environment in which students and researchers could engage in hands-on experiences simulating real-world challenges.

Organized in collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority, Athka KSU aimed to equip students, faculty, and staff with advanced technological skills.

Interactive challenges using AI technologies tested students' skills in a unique way that combined competition with innovation.  (X: @SDAIA_SA)

It featured an intensive program with a diverse range of activities designed to develop participants’ skills in AI, while enhancing their cognitive, personal, and practical abilities.

The program, attended by hundreds of university students, included live applications, hands-on experiments, and showcases of leading global AI advancements.

A series of interactive challenges tested students’ skills through direct engagement with AI technologies, offering a unique experience that blended competition with innovation.

Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan and SDAIA President Abdullah Al-Ghamdi were among the distinguished guests at the Athka KSU event in Riyadh. (Supplied)

The event also highlighted the latest AI technologies used in the university’s labs, giving participants hands-on exposure to advanced applications.

As part of the event, King Saud University, in collaboration with SDAIA and Huawei, launched a research fellowship program and inaugurated AI Labs at the College of Food and Agriculture Sciences and the College of Computer and Information Sciences.

Rafiq Mahab Jamaluddin, professor of computer science at the university, said that the event equipped participants with critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for keeping pace with the modern job market.

Interactive challenges using AI technologies tested students' skills in a unique way that combined competition with innovation.  (X: @SDAIA_SA)

“The success of such initiatives highlights the urgent need to modernize university curricula, ensuring alignment with the evolving demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Jamaluddin said.

“Universities should continue to bridge the gap between theoretical education and hands-on application, ensuring graduates are globally competitive and equipped to drive digital transformation.”

Majed Al-Azouni, a lecturer at Al-Manzala Academy of Science and Technology in Egypt, described the event as a bold, forward-looking initiative toward thriving digital transformation.

Interactive challenges using AI technologies tested students' skills in a unique way that combined competition with innovation.  (X: @SDAIA_SA)

“AI-focused events, such as Athka KSU, serve as key drivers in shaping young minds and fostering innovation within advanced academic environments,” Al-Azouni added.

Al-Azouni, who is also a member of the Arab Scientific Society for Transport, emphasized that such initiatives go beyond knowledge transfer and offer students and researchers hands-on experiences that simulate real-world challenges, ultimately shaping a generation of specialists capable of transforming ideas into effective applications.

He said that collaboration between universities and the industrial sector is a fundamental pillar of these initiatives’ success, providing students with valuable insights into market needs, and enabling them to develop practical solutions that address industry demands.

“Engaging startups and research institutions paves the way for developing viable, market-ready projects,” Al-Azouni said.

 


GCC chief, NATO official discuss regional stability

Updated 10 min 32 sec ago
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GCC chief, NATO official discuss regional stability

  • Jasem Albudaiwi stressed need to intensify international efforts to end suffering of the Palestinian people

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi met with Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military Committee, on the sidelines of the 61st Munich Security Conference in Germany.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest regional and international developments, focusing on the situation in Gaza and the wider region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The GCC chief stressed the need to intensify international efforts to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to regional stability and international efforts to resolve humanitarian crises.

Dragone emphasized the important role of the GCC states in maintaining regional and international security and stability, praising their status in regional and international forums.

Also on Saturday, Albudaiwi underscored the importance of strengthening food security and humanitarian aid amid escalating regional and global crises.

His remarks came during a meeting with World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy Hensley McCain in Munich.

During their discussions, they reviewed the WFP’s efforts to support countries facing hunger and food insecurity, including initiatives like "Changing Lives," which aims to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations.

They also explored ways to enhance cooperation in food security and humanitarian aid, stressing the need for greater global coordination to ensure timely and effective assistance reaches those in need.

Albudaiwi commended the WFP for its critical role in providing urgent aid and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for food security initiatives. In turn, McCain acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of GCC nations, highlighting their significant role in addressing both regional and international crises.


Saudi interior minister visits Italian Civil Protection Department

Updated 15 February 2025
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Saudi interior minister visits Italian Civil Protection Department

ROME: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif visited the Civil Protection Department (Protezione Civile) in the Italian capital of Rome, on Saturday.

He was received by Fabio Ciciliano, the head of the Civil Protection Department, and several senior officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Accompanied by the official delegation, Prince Abdulaziz toured the department’s sections and received a brief overview of its operations and assigned roles.


Perfumes Week brings luxurious showcase of niche fragrances to Jeddah

Updated 15 February 2025
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Perfumes Week brings luxurious showcase of niche fragrances to Jeddah

  • High-end brands in the spotlight

JEDDAH: Perfumes Week, hosted at the Benchmark Theater as part of the Jeddah Events calendar, attracted large crowds eager to explore a curated selection of premium fragrances.

The event, which was held from Feb. 6 to 14, featured both the rich cultural heritage of Arabian perfumes and modern Western fragrances, all crafted from high-quality ingredients.

Unlike other perfume events, Perfumes Week focused exclusively on high-end and niche brands only, offering a unique experience tailored to fragrance connoisseurs with a refined taste.

Omar Al-Ammari, a first-time attendee at Perfumes Week, said: “It was an amazing showcase of niche and luxury fragrances, with special promotions and discounts exclusive to the event, making high-end perfumes more accessible.

“From rare oud blends to stunning floral compositions, I came across scents I had never experienced before. It was also exciting to discover new brands I hadn’t known about.”

Ahmed Ghamdi, another visitor and a passionate perfume collector, said: “I’ve always loved collecting perfumes, particularly the finest Arabic fragrances.

“With Ramadan approaching, I usually focus on finding top scents like amber, cedarwood, and musk, and I was happy to find them here. Sometimes I even experiment with creating my own fragrance. At Perfumes Week I had the chance to mix and customize perfumes, which was an exciting experience.”

The event attracted 10,000 visitors daily and showcased over 20 brands specializing in both traditional Oriental and contemporary Western fragrances.

Yousef Al-Gharbawi, CEO of ALG Exhibitions, emphasized the event’s evolution, saying: “This year at Perfumes Week we were thrilled to introduce several exciting experiences that elevated the visitor experience. We incorporated technology with augmented reality features that allowed guests to engage with the fragrance stories and ingredients in a unique way.

“To keep the event fresh, we regularly seek feedback from past attendees and industry experts, ensuring that we incorporate new trends and ideas each year. Our partnerships with both local artisans and regional brands also helped us showcase a diverse range of fragrances, making the event a must-visit for enthusiasts.”

Beyond being a premier fragrance exhibition, Perfumes Week also plays a significant role in boosting Jeddah’s tourism industry.

Al-Gharbawi said: “Events like Perfumes Week play a pivotal role in elevating the tourism industry in Jeddah by creating a platform for both established and emerging brands.

“They foster networking opportunities, encourage collaboration, and stimulate interest in niche fragrances among consumers. Additionally, by attracting international visitors and media attention, we are helping to position Jeddah as a burgeoning hub for fragrance innovation in the region. This not only boosts local businesses but also contributes to the cultural exchange of ideas and trends in the global perfume industry.”

Suad Al-Shehri, an influencer from Makkah, who visited Perfumes Week with her family, said: “The moment you step into the hall you’re instantly surrounded by these amazing, aesthetic fragrances. I grew up watching my mom burn wood chips, and the scent of that would fill the furniture and stay on our clothes for weeks. She felt the same way about the brands here.”

In addition to the perfume showcase, a panel discussion featuring Kuwaiti perfumer Hassan Al-Sarraf and Saudi Sara Al-Dahlawi was held, with media professional Abdullah Al-Jredan moderating the session.

Titled “The Innovative Vision of Perfumer Hassan Al-Sarraf Through Scent Cinema,” the discussion explored Al-Sarraf’s unique approach to integrating perfumes with the entertainment industry.

Sharing details about his groundbreaking project, Al-Sarraf said: "My philosophy in perfume design revolves around the idea of capturing emotions and memories through fragrance notes.

“Perfume has evolved into an integral part of art and creativity. My project, ‘Perfume Design and Entertainment,’ aims to merge perfume design with the entertainment sector using innovative technologies.

“This unique initiative is already developed as a business plan, design, and concept, and I’m excited to bring it to life soon, with plans to launch it on a global entertainment platform like Riyadh Season or through the Saudi Entertainment Authority.”

Discussing “A Bright Future for the Industry … Designers Must Focus on the Creative Aspect,” Al-Dahlawi said: “Merging business with creative work is never easy, and designers must stay focused on their unique ideas and creative efforts.

“It’s crucial to carefully craft a fragrance identity and implement it according to the highest global standards and best practices.”

She also emphasized the power of fragrance in communication, adding: “Fragrances carry significant messages and meanings, and it’s important to understand how they convey these emotions.”

The event drew participation from famous regional perfume brands, including Thoughts of the Gulf, from Oman.

Amar Majed, sales manager at the Thoughts of the Gulf booth, said: “We came from Oman to showcase our exclusive range of products, including oud, amber, bakhour, incense, and perfumes that vary from strong to light scents.

“To make the experience even more special, we offered a 50 percent discount on most of our products, allowing customers to explore and enjoy the distinctive fragrances we bring to the market.”