There are also 65 days of fireworks, many Saudi and Arab plays, concerts, local and international art exhibitions and events for all ages
Updated 13 November 2022
Arab News
RIYADH: One of Riyadh’s premier parks has begun its week-long celebration of Filipino culture, with the best of the country’s cuisine, theater and entertainment.
Filipino Week began in Al-Suwaidi park on Sunday as part of its tour of global cultures, which has already included festivals for Pakistan, Sudanese, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
The new event includes theatrical performances at the park’s theater, roaming performances, shopping in the bazaar and carnival areas. Visitors can enjoy some of the Philippines’ most popular dishes in a “food experience” zone.
Filipino Week is part of the third Riyadh Season, which offers 15 diverse entertainment zones across the city including the largest artificial lake in the world and a cable car ride.
There are performances by Cirque du Soleil and sporting events such as WWE and the Riyadh Season Cup, a football tournament featuring the Paris Saint-Germain team and stars from Al-Hilal and Al-Nasr clubs.
There are also 65 days of fireworks, many Saudi and Arab plays, concerts, local and international art exhibitions and events for all ages.
Riyadh Season offers exhibitions about international cultures, restaurants and cafes, and exhibitions allowing visitors to experience what it feels like to travel in a submarine, and live in an icy climate.
Al-Suwaidi park’s previous global festivals presented aspects of the beauty of the country in focus including arts, music and food. Filipino Week runs until Nov. 19 with activities from 4 p.m. until midnight. Bookings can be made at https://riyadhseason.sa.
How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia
AI technologies are central to the Kingdom’s mega-projects, enhancing personalized services, transport, and entertainment
From autonomous transport to real-time event coordination, AI communication tools are enhancing efficiency and user engagement
Updated 11 sec ago
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is poised to play a transformative role in Saudi Arabia’s urban development, event management and visitor experiences, particularly as the Kingdom prepares to host major global events like the FIFA World Cup 2034.
AI technologies are already central to the Kingdom’s megaprojects, including NEOM and Qiddiya, and are positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation and smart city development.
From autonomous transport systems to real-time event coordination platforms, AI-driven communication tools are enhancing efficiency and user engagement in many sectors, particularly sports and entertainment.
“The Saudi Pro League has implemented AI-powered tools like OptaVision to enhance on-field analysis and deepen fan and sponsor engagement,” Amsal Kapetanovic, country manager at Infobip KSA, a communication platform specializing in AI solutions, told Arab News.
“The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence has also launched SportNative, an AI-driven sports product suite that optimizes operations and harnesses the full potential of the current sports ecosystem.”
The impact of AI was evident in Riyadh on Dec. 21 when the boxing rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury featured an experimental fourth judge powered by AI, designed to eliminate bias and human error in scoring.
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Beyond enhancing sports, AI is being used to manage large crowds at events, reduce queuing times, and improve navigation, enhancing experiences for visitors.
“AI-powered systems can provide personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and seamless navigation for international visitors,” Kapetanovic said.
In Saudi Arabia's northwest, the NEOM smart city project is incorporating AI to redefine urban living. (Supplied)
“The Saudi Tourism Authority’s virtual travel companion, SARA, demonstrates how AI delivers real-time insights and information about attractions and events.”
NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion smart city project on the Kingdom’s northwest coast, is incorporating AI to redefine urban living. The technology is expected to play a pivotal role in personalizing services, optimizing transport, and enhancing hospitality.
“AI will revolutionize communication technologies in projects like NEOM by facilitating intelligent, scalable, and seamless interactions,” Kapetanovic said. “In NEOM’s envisioned smart city ecosystem, AI-powered platforms could enable real-time collaboration, multilingual translation, and predictive analytics.”
DID YOUKNOW?
• AI technologies are central to Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, enhancing personalized services, transport, and entertainment experiences.
• AI-powered tools, such as SportNative and OptaVision, optimize sports operations, on-field analysis, and fan engagement in the Kingdom.
• AI systems like SARA provide personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and seamless navigation.
AI is also expected to enhance travel and logistics in NEOM, enabling real-time route planning, efficient cargo management, and predictive maintenance of transport networks.
“These tools have the potential to empower residents, visitors and businesses through dynamic, efficient communication and logistical systems,” Kapetanovic said. “By leveraging AI, NEOM aspires to become a global benchmark for interconnected and sustainable living.”
The influence of AI extends beyond infrastructure to retail and entertainment, where conversational AI is reshaping customer interactions. Data from Infobip revealed a 26 percent increase in customer interactions during Black Friday, reflecting the growing adoption of AI in consumer communications.
AI is now being used to manage large crowds at events, reduce queuing times, and improve navigation, enhancing experiences for visitors. (Supplied)
“This surge in digital communication aligns perfectly with the smart city vision of projects like NEOM,” Kapetanovic said.
Qiddiya, meanwhile, another megaproject taking shape near Riyadh, is expected to redefine leisure, entertainment and events through advanced AI applications.
In November, software development company Globant and the Qiddiya Investment Company signed an agreement to develop Qiddiya’s “PLAY LIFE Connected Experience,” an AI-powered platform offering personalized itineraries, event bookings, and community engagement.
AN AI rendering of the Qiddiya project in Riyadh. (Supplied)
“The platform will allow visitors to book events, manage their itineraries, discover new adventures, and engage with the community through a real-time interface,” Kapetanovic said.
AI is also critical to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize sustainable development and quality of life. From predictive maintenance to efficient resource allocation, AI-driven infrastructure advancements are minimizing costs while accelerating progress.
“When it comes to infrastructure, AI could drive predictive maintenance and efficient resource allocation,” Kapetanovic said. “These advancements align with Vision 2030 by fostering innovation, enabling sustainable development, and elevating the quality of life.”
Saudi Broadcasting Corporation partners with director Timothy Baker for reality show ‘Ozoom’
Baker, known for work with The Rock, praises Saudi crew
‘I am directing this show like I would in the United States’
Updated 3 min 7 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: The Saudi Broadcasting Corporation has announced its collaboration with acclaimed director Timothy Baker, best known for his work with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Baker will apply his expertise to the Saudi version of “Ozoom,” a reality show that helps people to overcome their fears, which is currently being broadcast by the SBC.
The director has worked on high-level projects including the American adaptation of the reality show “Wake Up Call” featuring Johnson.
In an interview with Arab News, Baker said: “‘Ozoom’ focuses on changing a person’s life for the better, and we are trying to capture genuine emotion and lifestyle changes with our camera coverage. I am directing this show like I would in the United States.”
He was full of praise for the local team, saying: “The local crew is a talented group of people. Many make movies, scripted TV shows, and commercials. The crew has excellent professional knowledge of cinematography and audio.
“What is different with ‘Ozoom’ is we are making a reality show. Reality TV is unstructured, and the story can change on the fly. I am helping people be more flexible in camera coverage and adapting to a changing environment when working with cases.
“I see the Saudi production world growing immensely in the future, so working in different genres of showbusiness is essential in a growing market.”
“Ozoom” is a pioneering series hosted by Saudi artist Ahmed Al-Bayed, featuring individuals who, with determination and the program’s support, work to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
The show aims to inspire viewers by highlighting the power of resilience, determination, and community support. The SBC is committed to collaborating with international talent to advance the production sector and develop local expertise.
Mohammed Al-Hamid, supervisor of “Ozoom,” noted that the partnership aligns with the vision of CEO Mohammed Al-Harthi and Ibrahim Al-Farhan, supervisor of programs and content.
He said that the initiative seeks to merge international expertise with local production, creating relatable content that empowers and develops the skills of Saudi professionals.
“Ozoom” is broadcast weekly every Wednesday on SBC.
A total of 47 physical education teachers have undergone specialized training in systematic and advanced tennis instruction methodologies
Updated 51 min 29 sec ago
SPA
JAZAN: The Jazan Education Department has launched an ambitious tennis program across its schools. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Sports for All Federation, targets both male and females.
The initiative aims to enhance school athletic programs, improve physical education standards, and introduce students to the importance of sports in developing their physical and mental capabilities, with a special focus on popularizing tennis among the student population.
A total of 47 physical education teachers have undergone specialized training in systematic and advanced tennis instruction methodologies. These educators will spearhead the program’s initial implementation across 47 schools.
The program reflects the Saudi Ministry of Education’s strategy to transform school athletics while aiming to diversify sports offerings and uncover emerging athletic talent. It is also attempting to instill lifelong healthy habits among students.
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs attends Shariah conference in Nigeria
The ministry is a guest of honor and chair of the conference’s first scientific session
Updated 57 min 41 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs is participating in the 16th International Conference of Daaru-Na’im Academy for Shariah Science in Nigeria.
The ministry is a guest of honor and chair of the conference’s first scientific session. The conference runs from Jan. 1-3.
The conference began with a speech by Imran Abdul Majeed, the conference chairman and general supervisor of the academy, in which he praised Saudi Arabia’s role in sponsoring and participating in international conferences, in line with its leadership in Islamic work and keenness to spread the moderate approach of Islam.
The acting undersecretary at the ministry, Awad Al-Enezi, said in his speech that the Kingdom is keen to participate in these conferences, confirming its consistent approach in supporting Islamic work and dedication to the unity of Muslims.
He said the Kingdom is making great efforts to serve Islam and Muslims, fulfilling its mission of spreading Islam, peace, love and goodness and calling for unity and non-divisiveness.
Ministry of Culture launches crafts hackathon as part of Year of Handicrafts
Registration open until Jan. 31
Updated 02 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched a crafts hackathon to bring together creators and innovators from diverse fields.
The event aims to generate innovative solutions for various aspects of the handicrafts sector, including marketing, design and production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
It aligns with the broader objectives of the Year of Handicrafts 2025.
The Ministry of Culture annually celebrates a distinctive Saudi cultural element, highlighting and celebrating it through projects and events.
The year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Handicrafts to solidify the position of handicrafts as authentic cultural heritage while promoting the practice, preservation and documentation of the craft, as well as its presence in contemporary life.
Registration for the hackathon is open until Jan. 31.
The selection of qualified participants will begin in early February, followed by a two-day training camp on Feb. 14-15.
It targets a diverse range of participants, including artisans, designers, developers and programmers. Teams must consist of at least three and no more than five members.
All participants must be at least 18 years old.
Handicrafts have long held a special place in Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric, representing a prosperous heritage passed down through generations.
Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize an array of events, exhibitions, educational programs and competitions under the banner Year of Handicrafts.
