RIYADH: The organizers of Saudi Arabia’s largest events, including the world’s biggest tech conference LEAP and award-winning Black Hat MEA Exhibition, aim to make Riyadh a global events hub.
The InFlavour Expo, Tahaluf’s most recent venture, brought together world-renowned chefs, culinary industry leaders and international investors to address some of the most pressing issues in the sector, including food security and agriculture sustainability, under the theme “Ensuring Abundant Tomorrows.”
Annabelle Mander, senior vice president of Tahaluf, told Arab News: “We are really committed to launching events in Saudi Arabia’s most strategic markets, so that can really be seen with Cityscape in real estate, LEAP in technology, Black Hat in cybersecurity.
“We really felt that the food and beverage and hospitality industry deserved to have a very important event that was backed by the Saudi government, that could really grow into one of the leading food and beverage events, not only regionally but globally over the next couple of years.”
The debut Cityscape Global event, which took place in September, saw 160,000 visitors from 170 countries, according to Cityscape Intelligence. By targeting the country’s most strategic sectors and inviting global industry leaders, these events act as key pillars during the calendar year.
InFlavour was headlined by Marco Pierre White, who trained some of the world’s most prestigious chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay.
White, alongside more than 40 international chefs, took the time to showcase various food creations and innovations made with Saudi produce and featured at masterclasses, live cooking shows and competitions at the Chef’s Arena.
Mander said: “They’ve also been creating their favorite dishes. So, actually telling stories about where these dishes came from, what the heritage is, what the culture is. And I think that’s what’s really inspiring about this event, the fact that it’s so global with so many different nationalities coming in to provide their insights.
“Our ambition was always to bring the most influential people within the sector to InFlavour, and we’ve really done that across the board.
“We brought some of the most promising investors in agriculture and food tech here today to meet with the local and international companies.”
Tahaluf’s shareholders include The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones; the Kingdom’s Events Investment Fund; and UK business intelligence and exhibitions group Informa.
While finding the right government partners, such as EIF, SAFCSP, and Sela, is key to the success of such large-scale events, this does not come without challenges.
Mander said: “The fact (is) that the events are scaling so quickly. If we look at the likes of LEAP and Cityscape, they’ve grown into these huge global brands, and we require 200,000 square meters of exhibition space for these events.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have that in Riyadh yet, but I believe that we will in the future. So, what it means is we are investing significantly in scaling the venues. We have temporary structures, which is great because we can increase the scale and the size of the event, but hopefully in the coming years we’ll have a larger venue to operate these mass events, and scale.”
Tahaluf has a program to train local talent to staff key functions, supported by the EIF through sales, marketing, operations, and production.
The Tahaluf Academy course equips young Saudi professionals with world-class training which, once completed, provides them with a series of placements across Informa offices globally, including in the US, UK, and Asia.
Mander said: “We really want to strengthen and build the talent pool here in Saudi Arabia and also provide all of these individuals with great opportunities to work, go to the academy, go to all of these amazing events globally by Informa, and then come here and work with us on the incredible events that we are building here, and also the new events that we are launching over the next couple of years as well.”
More events will be forthcoming in Saudi Arabia, while the company is also looking to recruit 150 people locally and internationally next year to work in Riyadh.
“The future looks really exciting for us, and I don’t think there’s a better place to do it than Saudi Arabia,” Mander said.
Riyadh to become a global events hub, InFlavour Expo organizer says
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Riyadh to become a global events hub, InFlavour Expo organizer says
- Annabelle Mander, senior vice president of Tahaluf, told Arab News: “We are really committed to launching events in Saudi Arabia’s most strategic markets”
- InFlavour was headlined by Marco Pierre White, who trained some of the world’s most prestigious chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay
Saudi Crown prince calls Qatari Emir as Kingdom condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar
- Kingdom affirmed solidarity and full support for Qatar, is deploying all capabilities to support country in all measures it takes
- Widespread Arab condemnation following attacks
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned strikes launched by Iran on targets in Qatar, a foreign ministry statement said.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the aggression launched by Iran against the sisterly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness,” the statement said.
“It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” it added.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar.
During the call, the Crown Prince affirmed the Kingdom’s full support for Qatar and its condemnation of the unjustified blatant aggression launched by Iran against the gulf state, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The Crown Prince also affirmed that the Kingdom has deployed all its capabilities to support Qatar as it takes measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty.
The Kingdom affirmed its solidarity and full support for Qatar and is deploying all its capabilities to support the country in all measures it takes, the statement added.
Iran launched missile attacks Monday on a US military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Qatar condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace is now safe.
UAE condemnation
The UAE described the attack as a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, and a clear contravention of international law and the UN Charter.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its categorical rejection of any attack that threatens Qatar’s security and safety and undermines the security and stability of the region.
The ministry expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and its unwavering support for all measures aimed at protecting the security and safety of its citizens and residents.
It also stressed the need for an immediate halt to military escalation, warning that the continuation of such actions would undermine regional security and drag the region down dangerous paths with disastrous repercussions for international peace and security.
The statement further called for diplomatic solutions and the principle of good neighborliness, stressing that serious dialogue remains the only way to overcome current crises and safeguard the region’s security, stability, and the safety of its people.
Egypt concerned
Egypt also expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks, considering them a “violation of its sovereignty, a threat to its territorial integrity, and a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
Egypt also expressed its “deep concern over the rapidly escalating and dangerous situation in the region,” stressing its "complete rejection of all forms of military escalation or infringement on the sovereignty of states,” according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Bahrain urges international action
Bahrain affirmed its “full support for the sisterly State of Qatar following the Iranian attack on its territory."
Bahrain expressed its solidarity as “required by the bond of brotherhood and blood, and affirms the solidarity of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in these sensitive circumstances facing the region, to exert the necessary efforts to exercise self-restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through peaceful means,” according to the Bahrain News Agency.
The kingdom called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities in condemning the attacks, and taking effective steps to deter Iran's irresponsible actions. It also urged cooperation to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region, embracing dialogue and diplomacy to preserve the security of the region and the peace of its people.
Omani rejection
Oman condemned the ongoing escalation in the region. An official spokesperson for the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Iranian missile attack on Qatar as “a rejected and condemned act” that violated the sovereignty of a Gulf Cooperation Council state, contradicted the principles of good neighborliness, and risked expanding the conflict to devastating effect.
Kuwait
Kuwait also denounced the Iranian strike, calling it a “blatant violation” of Qatari sovereignty and airspace and “a dangerous escalation that threatens peace, security, and stability in the region.”
Iraq’s deep concern
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the “dangerous and accelerating escalation,” describing the attack on Qatar as a turning point that could expand the conflict and warned of the risks posed by the involvement of new actors in the confrontation.
Jordan
Jordan strongly condemned the missile strike, calling it a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Jordan’s “absolute solidarity” with Qatar in confronting threats to its security and stability.
Wider Arab response
Morocco joined the chorus of condemnation, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the attack as a “blatant missile strike” and reiterating the Kingdom’s full solidarity with Qatar.
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi said the organization was “surprised” but strongly condemned the Iranian attack, calling it a direct threat not just to Qatar but to all GCC states. He reaffirmed the Council’s unity and expressed surprise that the strike came despite the GCC’s condemnation of Israeli actions and ongoing mediation efforts.
The Arab Parliament echoed these concerns, labelling the attack “a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty” and warning of the dangers of further escalation.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of a sister nation’s sovereignty, cautioning that it would heighten tensions and hamper de-escalation efforts.
Palestine also issued a statement of support for Qatar, describing the attack as a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty and affirming solidarity with the Qatari people.
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French solidarity
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a return to negotiations after Iran’s attack.
“The spiral of chaos must end,” he wrote on X. “I call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, de-escalate and return to the negotiating table.” He expressed his solidarity with Qatar.
Speaking to broadcaster France 2, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: “This is a dangerous escalation in which Iran bears a heavy responsibility. It is a cycle of violence that puts the region at risk of a widespread conflagration, which would have very serious repercussions even here at home.”
UN chief ‘deeply alarmed’
The UN Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, a spokesperson for Antonio Guterres said Monday.
“From the outset of the crisis, the Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including (Monday)’s attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar. He further reiterates his call on all parties to stop fighting,” the spokesperson said.
“The Secretary-General urges all member states to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law,” they added.
New Arabic program aids healthcare workers
- The initiative is part of a broader effort to offer profession-specific Arabic courses
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, in collaboration with the Riyadh Second Health Cluster, has launched the third edition of its Arabic for Health Purposes program, an educational initiative for non-Arabic-speaking healthcare professionals.
The program equips doctors and nurses with practical Arabic communication skills through an intensive two-month curriculum.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to offer profession-specific Arabic courses, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
It blends classical Arabic with the Saudi dialect and includes cultural activities to support integration into the local community.
Delivered through a flexible model accommodating various learning styles, it aims to enhance healthcare workers’ performance in real-world settings.
The first edition in 2024 involved four Riyadh-based healthcare facilities and benefited more than 150 practitioners.
The second edition, completed in April, served 52 participants in partnership with the Riyadh First Health Cluster.
GCC secretary general attends Gulf parliament speakers' meeting
- Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of establishing a stable mechanism to regulate the relationship between the Gulf parliaments and the European Parliament
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi participated in a meeting of the speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the GCC states, alongside President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of establishing a stable mechanism to regulate the relationship between the Gulf parliaments and the European Parliament, an official report said.
“The importance of this meeting lies in its timing, which comes at a time when Gulf-European relations are witnessing a growing trend on most levels and a convergence of views on many regional and international issues,” he said in an official statement.
Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure
- Smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership
- Services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations
RIYADH: Consul General of Iran in Jeddah Hassan Zarnegar praised the organization and facilities provided to Iranian pilgrims during their departure via Arar airport and the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.
He said the smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership, and demonstrate attention to pilgrims from all countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Zarnegar added: “The streamlined procedures — from disembarkation and swift passport processing to organized bus transfers — reflect efficient pilgrim management.”
He said that the services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations.
He added that Saudi-Iranian relations are rooted in religious and neighborly ties, and the care shown to Iranian pilgrims reflects this spirit of brotherhood.
On behalf of himself and the Iranian ambassador, Zarnegar expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care and support, provided as part of an integrated system.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Border Guards Maj. Gen. Shaya Al-Wadaani inspected the work of personnel at the Jadidat Arar border crossing and monitored services supporting pilgrims’ departure after Hajj.
Al-Wadaani reviewed the procedures facilitating Iranian pilgrims’ exit, following directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure proper services and support.
He confirmed that the Border Guard has mobilized all resources, in coordination with relevant authorities, to deliver the best services and ensure a smooth departure process.
Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts
- Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions
- Plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters
RIYADH: Despite the harsh desert climate in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders province, native plants have found a way not only to survive but to thrive.
Among the local flora is the Hazaa plant, known scientifically as Ducrosia anethifolia.
The plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is part of the Apiaceae family of plants, which includes crops and medicinal plants, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions.
The plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters.
In addition, its unique appearance comes from its long, oval-shaped gray-green leaves that have sharp points, making the plant easily recognizable among other plants in the wild.
Along with its pleasant smell, the plant produces small, light yellow, umbrella-like flowers during the flowering season, with 12 to 18 flowers on each stem.
The Northern Borders region is also home to other plant species, including Reseda alba, Salsola tetrandra shrubs and lavender.
