Diriyah Nights wraps up, hosts thousands of visitors

The event featured a plethora of activities, including dazzling live performances. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Short Url
Updated 08 May 2023
Follow

Diriyah Nights wraps up, hosts thousands of visitors

  • In January, the first session saw performances from singers Nabil Shuail, Aseel Abu Bakr and Fouad Abdel Wahed

RIYADH: Riyadh's Diriyah Nights concluded on Wednesday having attracted thousands over its two-month-long run

The two-month event featured a plethora of activities, including dazzling live performances, a great gastronomy scene, high-end shops and art. 

“Diriyah Nights Sessions,” performances from world-renowned Arab music stars, hosted by Rotana Audio Co., consisted of three musical sessions over the duration of the event. 

In January, the first session saw performances from singers Nabil Shuail, Aseel Abu Bakr and Fouad Abdel Wahed. 

In Feburary, singers Abadi Al-Johar, Rashid Al-Faris and Rami Abdullah performed for the second session. 

Iconic Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo concluded the final session on Feb. 20 with a resounding live performance that attracted hundreds of music lovers. 

Visitors were spoiled for choice with restaurants at Diriyah Nights with the likes of Okto, Tawlat Fayza, Pizzeria Dei Monti, and Lebanese restaurant Shababik, where Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently playing for Al-Nassr, had dinner.

With a reservation at any restaurant in Diriyah Nights, attendees received general access to the event. 

Electric car racing lovers had the chance to enjoy the ninth season of the Diriyah Formula E World Championship, which took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site from Jan. 27-28.

Diriyah Season 2022 hosted the Spanish Super Cup from Jan. 11 to 15 and the EA Sports Supercup on Jan. 18, which received distinguished global attention and attendance. 

The Spanish Super Cup brought four legendary soccer teams — Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia and Real Betis — to play.

The EA Sports Supercup was a one-day match between AC Milan and Inter Milan. 

Diriyah Nights may have come to an end, but Diriyah Season still continues to host a variety of events for all ages.


Structural restoration of Al-Dagal Fortress completed

A project to restore the structural integrity of Al-Dagal Fortress in Abha has been completed. (SPA)
Updated 13 sec ago
Follow

Structural restoration of Al-Dagal Fortress completed

  • Century-old landmark in northwest Abha gets major face-lift

JEDDAH: A project to restore the structural integrity of Al-Dagal Fortress in Abha, one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, has been completed.

The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission, involved rebuilding collapsed sections of the walls and renovating internal areas.

The team used erosion-resistant granite and juniper wood for the roof and applied a layer of gypsum to the external walls to protect against water infiltration and improve its aesthetic appeal.

Located in the northwest of Abha, Asir Province, Al-Dagal Fortress dates back to the early 20th century. Built on a rugged peak more than 2,300 meters above sea level it measures 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular northern facade.

The natural slopes and rock formations on the northern and western sides were incorporated into its design to enhance its strength.

The fortress has three main areas: a command and control unit, the soldiers’ quarters and a service unit. A long central corridor runs through the structure, dividing it into eastern and western wings.

It also has a large stone oven for baking bread, a granary and a designated area for preparing haneeth — a traditional Asir dish of rice and lamb — which highlights the site’s cultural and social significance.

Renovation works are ongoing at the site but once completed the fortress is expected to be opened to the public.


Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts

Updated 40 min 14 sec ago
Follow

Saudi FM discusses Iran-Israel tensions with Italian and EU counterparts

  • Calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls on Monday with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani and EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas, amid growing regional concern over the escalation between Israel and Iran.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the calls focused on the latest regional developments and their broader international implications.

Both sides reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at containing the fallout from Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran's retaliation, which have prompted fears of a wider confrontation in the Middle East.


Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh

Updated 53 min 49 sec ago
Follow

Saudi minister holds talks with UK, China envoys in Riyadh

  • Discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts

RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance them. Both officials also discussed recent regional and international developments, and related efforts.

In a separate meeting, Elkhereiji held talks with Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua in Riyadh. They reviewed bilateral relations as well as recent regional and international developments.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Omani Ambassador Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi. They discussed fraternal relations between the two countries and topics of mutual interest.


Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

More than 31 million trees have been planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project.
Updated 16 June 2025
Follow

Greening initiative sees 31m trees planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

  • The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land

RIYADH: More than 31 million trees have been planted in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province as part of a nationwide afforestation project, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The trees were planted by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, working with 51 other entities, under a program launched in November.

The authorities aim to plant 1.5 billion trees in the province by 2100, rehabilitating more than 7.9 million hectares of land.

The scheme is part of the nationwide Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees — 600 million by 2030 — and rehabilitate more than 40 million hectares of land.

As well as planting trees, the center has been engaged in a program of environmental monitoring, combating illegal logging and raising public awareness across the Eastern Province.

It also works to prevent sand encroachment in farming areas that are at risk of soil degradation and uses native plant species to populate its afforestation areas in order to maintain the ecological balance of local habitats.

The center also organizes the National Afforestation Season in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.


Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

Updated 15 June 2025
Follow

Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Sunday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss the escalating situation between Israel and Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the region, with particular focus on the repercussions of Israeli military operations targeting Iran.

They stressed the need for restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.

The phone call comes amid heightened tensions following a series of tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries.

The latest flare-up has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with international leaders urging all parties to avoid further escalation.