Princess Reem Al-Faisal: Web3, NFTs, and the metaverse are shaping the future of the internet

Princess Reem Al-Faisal in a panel discussion entitled Technology Imagination and the Marketing Game: Future Alliances: NFTs / Web3 / Metaverse at Jeddah Book Fair 2022. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 December 2022
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Princess Reem Al-Faisal: Web3, NFTs, and the metaverse are shaping the future of the internet

  • Princess Reem Al-Faisal said that blockchain technology, which is for storing information in a decentralized way and keeping it more secure, is an upcoming knowledge
  • The Princess said that she is fascinated by cryptocurrencies and bitcoin, which she called “the most amazing technology revolution”

JEDDAH: On Monday night a panel discussion took place at the 2022 Jeddah Book Fair entitled “Technology, Imagination and the Marketing Game: Future Alliances: NFTs / Web3 / Metaverse.”

While the crypto sphere continues to blur the lines between the virtual and physical worlds, Princess Reem Al-Faisal agreed that these technologies, the Web3 ecosystem, nonfungible tokens and the metaverse are well-positioned to dictate the future of the former. 

She said blockchain technology, which is for storing information in a decentralized way and keeping it more secure, is an upcoming knowledge.

Al-Faisal said that she is fascinated by cryptocurrencies and bitcoin, which she called “the most amazing technology revolution.”

While facing the audience, Al-Faisal, a photographer for more than 30 years, then moved on to defining the “Infinity” technology, which is non-fungible and divisible symbols, and explained its most common uses in artworks and digital contracts. 

She also mentioned that this technology allowed artists to enter the digital world, such as stereo arts and paintings, to have their creations bought and sold. 

“It is also used in real estate because it uses indivisible symbols, and its advantage is that all information that is put in the contract remains preserved and continues until death.”

Regarding the metaverse, Al-Faisal indicated that it is technology beyond reality, and the city that contains all other digital construction.

“While Web3 is a new generation of the internet, we started with it, but we are not going to use it, because it needs public adoption.”

She added: “We use the blockchain in our dealings by 99 percent, in banks, various investments, and commercial opportunities. There are platforms that use this technology, including OpenSea, Foundation and Rebels, and it is also used in marketing for business and exhibitions. The platform that most supports this technology is Twitter.”

She indicated that the metaverse will change many things in several fields, including banking, as institutions will dispense, for example, with physical branches, as well as in medical services, which use the triple dimension, and universities that will use it for distance learning.

“The most critical challenge of these technologies is a lack of knowledge. So, individuals who will deal with these techniques should study them well, and take their time to learn, as they need at least 150 hours to be familiar with all fields because one of the risks is that those who don’t study this field will fall into identity theft and scams, for example,” She concluded. 


Summer festivals in Baha, Najran offer wide array of cultural events

Updated 5 sec ago
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Summer festivals in Baha, Najran offer wide array of cultural events

  • Summer Festival 2025 inaugurated by Prince Hussam bin Saud
  • More than 500 events set to light up Baha festival

RIYADH: A vibrant summer of arts, music and cultural events has arrived in the Baha and Najran regions.

Prince Hussam bin Saud, the governor of Baha, has officially opened Baha Summer Festival, which features more than 500 events aimed at attracting some 2.5 million visitors.

He said everyone involved was working together to deliver an exceptional experience for both residents and those coming to the area.

The lineup for the Baha summer season, being held under the slogan “Color Your Summer,” includes artistic and musical performances, circus festivals, magic shows and a range of recreational and cultural activities.

Preparations for the festival included road maintenance, upgrades to parks and tourist sites, ample parking facilities, clear directional signage and the introduction of free Wi-Fi in public parks. Cleanliness, monitoring and safety measures have also been significantly enhanced across all venues.

Meanwhile, the Summer Festival organized by the Najran municipality begins on Tuesday under the banner “Our Summer is Great.”

Mayor Saleh Al-Ghamdi said preparations ahead of the season included equipping more than 160 parks, gardens, municipal squares and walkways to welcome those attending, carried out in coordination with various government and private entities.

He added the festival featured diverse events in several locations in Najran city and its governorates, which includes a shopping festival, horse shows, paragliding, classic car shows and family and children’s programs, as well as recreational and cultural activities, poetry evenings, sports competitions, handicrafts, plays, programs and training courses.

The activities will be held over 45 days and contribute toward the goals of Vision 2030, said Al-Ghamdi, highlighting that the Najran region’s unique nature and tourist sites made it a major attraction.


Saudi-led initiative restores Yemen’s iconic Seiyun Palace

Seiyun Palace in Hadramout is regaining original form through restoration led by Saudi Development and Reconstruction Project.
Updated 47 min 14 sec ago
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Saudi-led initiative restores Yemen’s iconic Seiyun Palace

  • Kingdom’s program, UNESCO collaborate to preserve heritage, boost cultural tourism in Hadramout

RIYADH: After years of deterioration that threatened its survival as a historical and cultural symbol, Seiyun Palace in Hadramout, eastern Yemen, is regaining its original form through restoration led by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. 

Seiyun Palace was once featured on Yemen’s national currency due to its importance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Originally built as a fortified stronghold to protect Seiyun, the palace later became the residence of the sultans of the Kathiri state, who ruled Wadi Hadramout. 

Despite its significance, the palace suffered damage over time, reaching a critical point in 2022 when a large part of its outer wall collapsed, raising concerns about its future. This led to calls for restoration, according to the SPA. 

At the Yemeni government’s request, the Saudi development program launched a project to restore the palace. 

Funded by the program and implemented by UNESCO, the effort involved Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Yemen’s General Organization of Antiquities and Museums, with support from Yemen’s Social Fund for Development.

Restoration included repairing the outer wall and mudbrick structures. Attention was given to restoring wooden ceilings, carved doors, and windows that showcase Yemeni craftsmanship. 

The project also preserved the palace’s architectural features, including traditional decorations and wall inscriptions. Local engineers and technicians were trained in restoration techniques for ongoing maintenance. 

This project supports development in Hadramout and the preservation of Yemen’s heritage. The palace can now receive visitors and host events, enhancing its role as a cultural and tourism site, the SPA reported.

The Seiyun Palace restoration is one of 264 projects by the Saudi development program across Yemen, covering education, health, transportation, energy, water, agriculture, fisheries, and institutional capacity building.


Saudi students honored for international success

Alrebdi bin Fahd Al-Rebdi, director of the Saudi Data and AI Authority’s National Data Management Office. (SPA)
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi students honored for international success

  • Meanwhile, the Generation Research and Innovation Enrichment Program was recently launched at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

RIYADH: Students from Tuwaiq Academy enjoyed outstanding success at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition in Malaysia, where they won 12 gold medals and 16 special awards.

Alrebdi bin Fahd Al-Rebdi, director of the Saudi Data and AI Authority’s National Data Management Office, said the students’ performance reflected their creativity and global competitiveness.

He praised them for positively representing the Kingdom, adding the achievement stemmed from ongoing investment in human capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A ceremony honoring the students included a visual presentation on their participation and an exhibition highlighting their projects. Two winners also gave talks about their journeys, challenges and lessons learned.

Meanwhile, the Generation Research and Innovation Enrichment Program was recently launched at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, bringing together more than 90 gifted students from across Saudi Arabia.

Organized by King Abdulaziz City through Academy 32, in partnership with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, the program aims to introduce students to the basics of scientific research and promote innovation.

It connects participants with research centers and experts, offers practical training and encourages contributions to local scientific content.

Academy 32 CEO Amani Al-Shawi said the program helped develop young talent and prepare them for competition, citing recent successes by Saudi students including at the International Science and Engineering Fair and in Malaysia.


Saudi Arabia, China sign deal to boost cultural collaboration

Program in Diriyah will enhance cultural collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China.
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia, China sign deal to boost cultural collaboration

  • The program, aligned with the 2025 Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, focuses on joint cultural initiatives
  • Both sides will carry out research projects to improve quality of cultural studies and collaborate on identifying and compiling cultural materials from national archives

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture and the China-Arab Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Research Center have signed an executive program in Diriyah to enhance cultural collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China.

The program, aligned with the 2025 Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, focuses on joint cultural initiatives, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It was signed by Deputy Minister for Research and Cultural Heritage Affairs Maha Abdullah Alsenan and Cheng Wei, vice president of Beijing International Studies University and member of the joint committee of the China-Arab research center.

Both sides will carry out joint research projects to improve the quality of cultural studies and collaborate on identifying and compiling cultural materials from national archives.

The ministry will also work with the Chinese to organize joint conferences and facilitate visits and exchanges between cultural researchers to discuss shared cultural topics.

The agreement supports research exchange activities, enabling Saudi researchers to visit Chinese universities and research centers and vice versa. It also provides access to cultural experts, supports fellowship programs and offers consultative assistance.

This initiative aligns with the ministry’s efforts to promote international cultural exchange, a goal of the National Culture Strategy under Vision 2030.


Ancient ruins in Al-Ardiyat tell timeless tales

Al-Ardiyat is home to many archeological sites dating from earlier periods, including the pre-Islamic Arab eras and Stone Age.
Updated 30 June 2025
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Ancient ruins in Al-Ardiyat tell timeless tales

  • Al-Ruzqi pointed out that Al-Ardiyat is a testament to history, with numerous inscriptions adorning its mountains

JEDDAH: Al-Ardiyat, a governorate in the Makkah region, is home to many archeological sites dating from earlier periods, including the pre-Islamic Arab eras and the Stone Age.

These include ibex carvings and inscriptions continuing into later centuries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah Al-Ruzqi, a researcher of archaeology and history in the governorate, said the inscriptions in Al-Ardiyat fall into three categories: ibex drawings; Nabataean and Thamudic writings; and funerary inscriptions from the first Hijri century, such as the tombstone of Maryam bint Qays.

He also noted several other known and unknown inscriptions and etchings, calling for attention to and protection of these sites.

Al-Ruzqi pointed out that Al-Ardiyat is a testament to history, with numerous inscriptions adorning its mountains, the SPA reported.

He added that the governorate is known for the Thumaidah mine, a 50-meter-long tunnel in rocky mountains containing antimony kohl and lead deposits.

This mine is in a mountainous area stretching from Abyan to Mount Tharban along the western slopes reaching Qanuna Valley, and the eastern slopes extending to Yabah Valley.