RIYADH: The newly opened Saudi Arabia zone in Boulevard World at Riyadh Season 2024 offers visitors warm hospitality, Saudi coffee, popular dishes, perfumes, incense, handicrafts, fashion shows and various entertainment experiences.

Since the launch of the season, the zone has attracted large crowds eager to learn about Saudi Arabia’s regions, heritage, handicrafts, cultures and history through presentations by young Saudis.

The zone also features attractive buildings that reflect the beauty and history of the Kingdom’s regions.

Boulevard World is open daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. This season, the area has expanded by 30 percent with the addition of five new zones: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Iran, Africa and Courchevel, bringing the total number of zones to 22, representing diverse global cultures.

There are also 300 restaurants and cafes, more than 800 shops, and new events in the Egypt, Spain and Italy zones.

Theatrical performances from various countries further enhance the appeal of Boulevard World as a distinctive entertainment destination.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Season is offering free entry to its entertainment areas to senior citizens aged 60 and older in a move aimed at enhancing inclusivity.

Seniors can enter select areas by showing their Tawakkalna app at designated gates. The areas included in the offer are Boulevard World, Boulevard Runway and Wonder Garden, along with the standard free-entry areas such as Riyadh Zoo, Al-Suwaidi Park and Souq Al-Awaleen. They will also have access to Boulevard City and VIA Riyadh without the need for prior tickets.

The offer does not cover events with reserved seating, such as concerts, plays, boxing matches or special experiences, as these require separate ticketing arrangements.

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla has partnered with Slow Food, a global movement based in Italy, to boost sustainable agriculture and promote AlUla’s culinary heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The agreement aims to showcase the economic, social and health benefits of AlUla’s products, promote the region’s food culture and support sustainable agriculture.

This collaboration follows two years of successful food events in AlUla, positioning the region as a destination for food enthusiasts and tourists, while linking northwest Arabia with Slow Food’s global network in 150 countries.

The partnership coincides with the fifth AlUla Dates Season, offering significant economic opportunities for local farmers, families involved in cottage industries and entrepreneurs, celebrating the region’s cultural heritage.

As part of the season, Slow Food is hosting culinary demonstrations by chef Hooryah Abdulqader and chef Serhan Hasdemir, who presented dishes using AlUla dates last weekend and will continue this weekend on Oct. 25-26 at the farmers’ market in Al-Manshiyah Plaza.

Slow Food’s philosophy emphasizes agroecology, natural resource conservation and biodiversity preservation, aligning with the commission’s agricultural goals of supporting farmers and opening new markets for their products.

The establishment of a culinary arts center within AlUla’s cultural oasis will also enhance the partnership’s long-term objectives.

It will act as a hub for knowledge sharing, cooking and organizing activities related to sustainable agriculture and culinary traditions, encouraging AlUla residents and visitors to embrace traditional practices.

By promoting cultural education and sustainable agricultural practices within food sectors, the collaboration between RCU and Slow Food will bolster AlUla’s economy diversification and attract tourists.