Riyadh Expo 2030 to bring the world to Saudi capital
Riyadh Expo 2030 to bring the world to Saudi capital/node/2266046/saudi-arabia
Riyadh Expo 2030 to bring the world to Saudi capital
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Members of the Bureau International des Expositions Enquiry Mission met Saudi ministers to discuss the Kingdom’s bid to host the Expo 2030 world fair. (SPA)
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Members of the Bureau International des Expositions Enquiry Mission met Saudi ministers to discuss the Kingdom’s bid to host the Expo 2030 world fair. (SPA)
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Members of the Bureau International des Expositions Enquiry Mission met Saudi ministers to discuss the Kingdom’s bid to host the Expo 2030 world fair. (SPA)
Riyadh Expo 2030 to bring the world to Saudi capital
The BIE Enquiry Mission delegation met Ahmed Al-Khateeb, minister of tourism, who reiterated Riyadh Expo’s expected footprint of 40 million site visits, part of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to attract 100 million tourists by 2030
The delegation held discussions with Dr. Majid Alkassabi, minister of commerce, over improvements to the business environment, and with Faisal Al-Ibrahim, minister of economy and planning, on the Kingdom’s diversification strategy
Updated 10 March 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Members of the Bureau International des Expositions Enquiry Mission on Friday met Majid Alkassabi, minister of commerce, to discuss Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the Expo 2030 world fair.
The Bureau International des Expositions Enquiry Mission also met Ahmed Al-Khateeb, minister of tourism, who laid out the government’s blueprint for what he called “the most impactful site and visitor footprint” for Riyadh Expo 2030.
The minister declared: “We are on track toward developing a sustainable tourism sector and realizing promising projects that will make the Kingdom and Riyadh, in particular, one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Our plans will contribute to achieving our vision to welcome 100 million tourists by 2030.
He affirmed the Kingdom’s determination and the readiness of the capital to accommodate the largest number of visitors to the Riyadh Expo 2030.
Since the Kingdom first opened its doors to international visitors, it has seen fundamental changes in its hospitality industry, making it attractive to the global leisure traveler.
The delegation continued its visit to the headquarters of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, where they were briefed on its development plans by CEO Jerry Inzerillo. The delegation then took a tour of the Turaif and Bujairi districts.
The day ended for Enquiry Mission members at a dinner with Faisal Al-Ibrahim, minister of economy and planning, who highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy and increase the share and GDP contribution of the non-oil sector.
“Riyadh has a great role to play in the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, as a growing regional hub for larger multinational companies of different strategic sectors,” Al-Ibrahim said.
Boosting tourism is a key part of the economic diversification strategy. Since Saudi Arabia opened its doors to the world with the launch of a tourism visa, visitors from around the world have come to explore the country’s ancient history, striking landscapes and hospitality. Last year, Saudi Arabia welcomed 67 million visitors.
The proposed date to host the World Expo in Riyadh in 2030 is from Oct. 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031, given the good weather in the capital during this period.
Sustainable Ihram initiative launched by Culture Ministry
Tonnes have been recycled, says Fashion Commission CEO
Updated 15 March 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: With the arrival of Ramadan and many Muslims from around the world performing Umrah, a compulsory garment for male worshippers is the ihram, a simple, white garment symbolizing purity, unity and devotion.
The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth.
The Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission recently introduced its Sustainable Ihram initiative, which focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams.
The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)
The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions.
Previously used garments are transformed into new, sustainable ihrams through a circular, textile recycling system.
The initiative is a collaboration with the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and the eco-fashion firm Tadweem.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Tadweem is a Saudi eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.
• Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission and Tadweem installed 336 collection bins in Mina to gather several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric.
It aims to promote sustainable practices, raise consumer awareness about fashion recycling, and support the development of a circular textile economy in Saudi Arabia.
The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions. (SPA)
Recognizing that millions of ihrams are manufactured and discarded annually, the commission identified an opportunity to reduce the large volume of textile waste.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, told Arab News: “Ihram is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fashion, but at the same time, it’s a product that is sold and used in volumes, repeated every year, especially during Hajj.”
He continued: “We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.”
The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)
“To make this possible, we installed 336 collection bins in Mina, gathered several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric, creating a fully circular process,” Cakmak explained.
The collected garments underwent a meticulous recycling process: sorting, cleaning, shredding, and reweaving into fresh ihrams, which “pilgrims can use with a deeper sense of purpose.”
“There is no better way to do this than for your religious pilgrimage, where you want to focus on spirituality, the core values of purity, and ensure that the product you wear represents how pure your thoughts are as you go through that journey,” Cakmak said.
We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.
Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO
Mustafa Bukhari, the CEO of Tadweem, told Arab News about their production process. “Currently, manufacturing is done outside Saudi Arabia, but our plans include moving the manufacturing operations inside the Kingdom.”
Tadweem is a Saudi Arabia eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.
For this project, the ihrams were converted into raw materials in Dubai, sent to Turkiye for manufacturing, and then returned to the Kingdom.
Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO
“We have ensured that the entire product is made from recycled materials, including the packaging and bags used, with no environmentally harmful materials,” Bukhari said.
He added: “The main material is recycled cotton, which we used in the ihrams and even in the packaging, where we also made the packaging bags from recycled cotton, ensuring the environmental sustainability of the entire product.”
At the Jeddah Hajj and Umrah conference held in January this year, Tadweem showcased how the fabric from recycled ihrams was incorporated into high-quality leather bags.
Priced at SR98 ($25.98), the ihrams are currently available in Madinah, with the distribution to be expanded to Makkah, major airports, and other regions in the future.
They will also be available via a dedicated store for sustainable ihrams in the Kingdom, and at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which runs until May 25.
Cakmak said: “The hope is that we are highlighting the importance of sustainability not just through art and creativity, but through everyday products that people can adopt.
“This is about offering a conscious choice, aligning the spiritual journey with sustainability.”
Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah
The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service
Updated 15 March 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Warmth and unity reigned supreme at an iftar organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to celebrate Ramadan.
The event featured organic flavors to highlight the theme of sustainability and brought together a distinguished group of guests including representatives of the Saudi government, diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and leaders from sectors such as business, media and culture.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on 'Organic Iftar,' the theme of the evening. (Supplied)
The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service. He emphasized the strong ties between his country and the Kingdom, particularly in areas like trade, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
FASTFACTS
• The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service.
• Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on “Organic Iftar,” the theme of the evening, and discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.
Indian Consulate’s iftar in Jeddah featured the theme of sustainability and emphasized the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and India. (Supplied)
The iftar featured a variety of dishes representing the rich flavors of India, made using organic ingredients to reflect not only a commitment to health and wellness but also to protect the environment for future generations.
These were supplied by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Government of India, with additional support from local partners like LuLu Group and Siafa Dates.
Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance
Updated 15 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has expanded to include the restoration of Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance.
It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad marked his direction of prayer at the site using bones while en route to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of the Hijra, SPA added.
The renovation will be carried out in the traditional architectural style of Madinah, and will ensure the mosque can accommodate up to 580 worshippers.
The project will use natural materials, including clay, stone, and wood sourced from local trees. Historically built with stone and plastered interior walls, the mosque has undergone multiple architectural changes over the centuries.
A key feature of the restoration will be the use of cut stones of varying sizes, bonded with clay mortar, and palm tree components for roofing, providing both structural support and insulation, SPA reported.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques seeks to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards, ensuring the preservation of historic mosque elements while integrating sustainable development practices.
The restoration efforts are being carried out by Saudi firms specializing in heritage architecture.
Al-Azm Mosque’s updates come as part of a broader initiative, which in its second phase includes the rehabilitation of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.
This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.
Saudi Arabia highlights KSrelief's global efforts to empower women at UN Headquarters
KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million
Updated 15 March 2025
Arab News
NEW YORK: Saudi aid agency KSrelief took part in a high-level session at UN Headquarters in New York City recently as part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
During the session, the agency highlighted its global efforts to empower women, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million.
The projects include vocational training programs and entrepreneurship support for Yemeni women, healthcare schemes, and initiatives to combat gender-based violence through awareness campaigns and survivor support programs.
Saudi Arabia’s historic mosque in Al-Majma'ah restored with traditional Najdi style
The project’s stated aims include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the mosques’ religious and cultural significance
Updated 15 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The historic Al-Roasa Mosque in Al-Majma’ah governorate has been restored as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The mosque, originally constructed between 1946 and 1950 in the traditional Najdi style, has been renovated using clay construction techniques and natural materials.
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area to more than 705 sq. meters, increasing its capacity to accommodate up to 210 worshippers. (SPA)
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area to more than 705 sq. meters, increasing its capacity to accommodate up to 210 worshippers.
It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two of the project: six mosques in Riyadh; five in Makkah; four in Madinah; three in Asir; two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan; and one in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim.
HIGHLIGHT
Al-Roasa Mosque has not been renovated since its construction nearly 70 years ago west of Munikh Mountain. Construction began in 1946 and was completed in 1950.
Phase one was completed in 2018, and saw the restoration of 30 mosques in 10 regions.
The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving their heritage and historical features. Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, the SPA reported.
The project’s stated aims include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the mosques’ religious and cultural significance.
