Riyadh’s Boulevard World captures essence of cultural diversity

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In Boulevard World, cultural diversity is valued and embraced, with each country taking pride in its own distinct heritage. (Boulevard World)
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Updated 30 January 2024
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Riyadh’s Boulevard World captures essence of cultural diversity

  • Largest Riyadh Season zone showcasing cultural goods, heritage from Morocco, Iran, Turkiye and more

RIYADH: The Boulevard World zone is among the largest zones of the fourth Riyadh Season, encompassing a wide range of international entertainment experiences. This year, having expanded by over 40 percent, it makes a comeback with a wintry ambiance, embodying the essence of the ancient Levant and showcasing its rich history through iconic structures.

In Boulevard World, cultural diversity is valued and embraced, with each country taking pride in its own distinct heritage.




Visitors can explore a variety of cultural products including rugs from Iran, argan oil from Morocco and teas from China. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

From traditional cuisine and clothing to music and dance forms, the preservation of cultural traditions allows people to connect with their roots and give a sense of identity. It fosters a deep appreciation and understanding of different cultures, promoting tolerance and respect.

By cherishing and upholding these customs, Boulevard World exemplifies a rich tapestry of traditions that adds vibrancy and color to the community.

HIGHLIGHT

Saudi brand Arom Al-Shay is local gem in the heart of the Chinese pavilion at Boulevard World, offering visitors authentic Chinese tea flavors.

At the Boulevard World pavilions, various countries showcase their most significant cultural aspects, including Morocco, China, Palestine, Turkiye, and Iran.

These cultural traditions are evident in the various festivals, rituals, and practices passed down from generation to generation.




Visitors can explore a variety of cultural products including rugs from Iran, argan oil from Morocco and teas from China. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

Tea, for example, is significant in Chinese culture, encompassing daily life, tradition, and social interactions. Its importance can be traced back thousands of years, with tea ceremonies centralizing ancient Chinese customs. This beverage is revered for its medicinal properties, soothing effects, and ability to promote mental clarity.

A local gem lies in the heart of the Chinese pavilion at Boulevard World. Saudi brand Arom Al-Shay (Tea Origin) offers visitors authentic Chinese tea flavors.

Maram Khaled, who tends to the visitors at the booth, showcased four popular Chinese tea options that Arom Al-Shay provides.




Visitors can explore a variety of cultural products including rugs from Iran, argan oil from Morocco and teas from China. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

Khaled told Arab News: “Jasmine pearls undergo plucking and hand rolling before being infused with Jasmine flowers. Jasmine pearls are unlike Jasmine flower tea which consists of green or black tea leaves.”

She also explained that the shop offers oolong tea, which is yellow, unlike green or red tea. Its antioxidants are medium and the tea is less bitter than others: “The infusion of vanilla enhances the oolong’s inherent natural sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors. The tea is also more caffeinated than others and aids in weight loss.”

The shop’s third kind is smoked tea, their best-selling flavor. “It mixes Chinese and Ceylon tea leaves smoked on pine wood fire, resulting in a noticeable smoky scent,” said Khaled.




In Boulevard World, cultural diversity is valued and embraced, with each country taking pride in its own distinct heritage. (Boulevard World)

At the Morocco pavilion, visitors can learn about the significance of natural skincare in Moroccan culture.

Safa’a at the Morocco pavilion told Arab News about traditional Moroccan beauty rituals and products that have been enriched with natural ingredients that nourish and heal the skin for centuries.

Argan oil, known as "liquid gold," is one of the key ingredients used in skincare rituals due to its high vitamin E and antioxidants content.




In Boulevard World, cultural diversity is valued and embraced, with each country taking pride in its own distinct heritage. (Boulevard World)

“In Morocco, we opt for naturally made soaps and rarely use commercial shower gels. Most of our products are infused with argan oil which is exclusive to Morocco,” she explained.

Additionally, other natural ingredients like rose water, ghassoul clay, and prickly pear oil are also widely used in Moroccan skincare.

“These natural products not only provide effective results but also have minimal environmental impact, emphasizing the sustainable and eco-friendly approach of Moroccan skincare,” Safa’a explained.




Tea is significant in Chinese culture, encompassing daily life, tradition, and social interactions. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

One of the newest locations this season is the Turkish pavilion where guests can explore apparel, accessories, pastries, and more. The traditional Turkish chestnut offered to visitors at the doors will give them the impression that they are truly exploring the stunning metropolis of Istanbul.

Sultanahmet Sweets, a Turkish sweet shop that sells mouth-melting Turkish delicacies — with the option of a diet section produced with artificial sugar — is one of the loveliest stores to open up in the Turkish area.

Bashar Al-Ayouf, a sales representative for the shop, is a Syrian citizen who lives in Istanbul, where the store was created by ambitious young Syrians who are now participating in many exhibits across the world.




The Turkish pavilion also featured exquisite, handcrafted jewelry with excellent finishing and a variety of fantastic Turkish patterns in a shop named Rose Stone, which specializes in producing jewelry. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

“For the first time, we are offering chocolate and sweets here in Saudi Arabia. We have opened multiple stores in the Syrian and Turkish zones, and our best-selling item is the pomegranate delight sweet, which is made of pistachios and pomegranate and is always sold out. I have noticed that the people here love pomegranates,” Al-Ayouf said.

The Turkish pavilion also featured exquisite, handcrafted jewelry with excellent finishing and a variety of fantastic Turkish patterns in a shop named Rose Stone.

When entering the Iranian pavilion, guests are welcomed by the sight of saffron tea, which is available at the Novin Saffron shop. Saffron is the most costly and sought-after herb in the world, and it is well-known in Iranian culture.

Hassan Khalid, who arrived in the Kingdom as a representative of Novin Saffron, said: “We have three different varieties of saffron here to suit every taste, and the prices vary based on the quality. We have been doing exhibits for 13 years, but this is our first time in Riyadh.”

Naturally, the Iranian pavilion would not be complete without an area dedicated to rugs. Visitors can view and feel the rugs in person and place an order for delivery from the Iranian Carpet store.

 


Saudi Arabia offers condolences to Sudan after 11 die in mine collapse

A general view shows the Ariab company gold mine in the Sudanese desert, 800 kilometers northeast of the capital Khartoum. (AFP)
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia offers condolences to Sudan after 11 die in mine collapse

  • The collapse of the gold mine in the remote desert area of Howeid, northeast Sudan killed 11 miners and wounded seven others

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia offered its condolences to Sudan on Sunday after a gold mine partially collapsed in the country, killing 11 miners and wounded seven others.

The mine is in the remote desert area of Howeid, northeast Sudan.

The Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom stands with Sudan during this tragedy and wished the injured a speedy recovery. 


Jeddah panel explores declining marriage rates among youth

Dr. Khalid Sind speaks to attendees during the panel discussion. (Supplied)
Updated 29 June 2025
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Jeddah panel explores declining marriage rates among youth

  • Discussion highlights changing views on commitment, societal pressures, search for meaningful connection

JEDDAH: Amid changing values, shifting priorities and growing alternatives to traditional partnerships, a panel titled “Why is there a decline in marriage today?” has explored evolving views on love, commitment and marriage.

Organized by Ta3mq, a platform focused on honest dialogue, the event at Hayy Jameel’s Rukn Space in Jeddah featured panelists from psychology, community leadership and youth engagement.

It was moderated by Tasneem Alshanqiti, Ta3mq founder, and Motaz Al-Safh, a Saudi engineer and entrepreneur. The session addressed generational concerns, fears and new definitions of partnership.

Panel members (L-R): Tasneem Al-Shanqiti, Dr. Rozana Al-Banawi, Motaz Al-Safh and Dr. Khalid Sindi. (Supplied)

Reflecting on her role, Alshanqiti said: “I wasn’t just moderating — I was carrying the voice of younger women,” adding that she aimed to create a safe space that encouraged openness and reflection.

Panelist Rozana Albanawi, founder of Qeema and Jeddah_CM, said that the discussion explored marriage from societal, religious and psychological perspectives, focusing on self-understanding, compatibility over idealism, and the evolution of love.

Al-Safh said that he focused on creating a safe, judgment-free space for men to express vulnerability.

He described the conversation as “more like a talk between brothers than a formal panel,” aiming to help participants understand their fears and feelings about love and commitment.

The discussion highlighted recurring themes among Saudi youth. Al-Safh said that a few key issues kept emerging: Fear of failure, feeling unready, and pressure from expectations. Many question whether marriage today feels like love or a liability.

He added: “But beneath it all, there’s a real craving for connection, just done right, in a way that feels safe and meaningful.”

Dr. Khalid Sindi, a relationship and marriage psychotherapist, offered a broader national perspective by linking personal challenges to policy and social change.

Speaking to Arab News, he noted the ongoing transition in Saudi marriage values — from traditional to more modern — while emphasizing the preservation of core Islamic principles.

He highlighted government efforts under Vision 2030, such as the Saudi Marriage Fund and Sakani housing program, aimed at easing economic barriers for youth.

Sindi added: “Younger generations are seeking marriages that blend our cherished traditions with contemporary expectations of emotional connection and mutual growth. This represents not a rejection of our values but their natural adaptation to modern life.”

The panelists said that changing views on love and commitment reflected maturity rather than uncertainty.

Albanawi said: “There is high awareness among the generation now on marital topics, and many are seeking marriage with the right tools.”

She explained that conversation and dialogue help young people to commit while accepting uncertainty in relationships.

“The younger generation is looking for new ways to shape their marriage, such as avoiding unnecessary rules like high financial burdens or societal expectations that don’t match their reality.”

On the event’s outcome, Albanawi added: “A common theme was that marriages work best when couples marry early, are ready, and have family support.”

She noted that many believe delaying marriage increases fears and makes adaptation harder.

Sindi expressed a similar view on marriage’s evolving nature, saying that the changing views reflected progress and natural generational dynamics rather than fear or uncertainty.

“Rather than seeing shifting perspectives as problematic, the older generation should guide younger Saudis with wisdom and empathy.”

Highlighting the national context, Sindi noted the vital role of government initiatives in supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for marriage and family life, demonstrating a commitment to making families society’s cornerstone.

Reflecting on the session’s emotional honesty, Al-Safh said that hearing men express concerns such as, “I don’t want to fail someone’s daughter,” revealed deep care often left unspoken.

Alshanqiti echoed the need for open, non-judgmental spaces, saying fears about failure and not being enough reminded her that many seek places where they can be truly seen and heard. She described the session as a step toward that openness.

 

 


Global sculptures at open-air museum in historic Jeddah

The new sculpture installations at Al-Arbaeen Lake reimagine public spaces as platforms for cultural engagement. (SPA)
Updated 29 June 2025
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Global sculptures at open-air museum in historic Jeddah

  • The sculptures form a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, blending the site’s heritage with the language of contemporary art

JEDDAH: As part of a broader effort to revive the region’s visual identity through art, Al-Arbaeen Lake in historic Jeddah has been transformed into an open-air gallery featuring a curated collection of sculptures by international artists.

Led by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Jeddah Municipality, the initiative features 14 world-class artworks integrated into the city’s visual landscape, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Historic Jeddah's Visual Identity Reimagined Through Art Installations at Lake Al-Arbaeen. (SPA)

The sculptures form a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, blending the site’s heritage with the language of contemporary art.

Notable works on display include “The Illusion of the Second Cube” by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely; “Rouge” and “Flexibility of Balance” by Alexander Calder; “Circular Mass” by Arnaldo Pomodoro; “The Bird” by Spanish sculptor Joan Miro; and “Giving and Receiving Love” by Lorenzo Quinn — a powerful piece that reflects human values through striking aluminium forms.

FASTFACTS

• Led by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Jeddah Municipality, the urban art initiative features 14 world-class artworks integrated into the city’s visual landscape.

• Notable works on display include ‘The Illusion of the Second Cube’ by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely and ‘Giving and Receiving Love’ by Lorenzo Quinn.

The installations are part of a wider artistic movement that reimagines public spaces as platforms for cultural engagement.

By transforming urban environments into art experiences, the project invites both residents and visitors to explore the intersection of architectural heritage and modern creativity.

It underscores the growing role of art in shaping urban identity and fostering public appreciation for visual beauty in shared spaces of the Kingdom.

 


Saudi FM receives Djiboutian counterpart

Updated 29 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives Djiboutian counterpart

  • The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Djiboutian counterpart, Abdul Kader Hussein Omar, in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

The two ministers also chaired a meeting of the Political Consultations Committee between the two countries, during which they discussed coordination on key regional and international issues.

Saud Al-Sati, deputy minister for political affairs, was among the officials in attendance.

 

 


Saudi FM receives written message from Russian counterpart

The message was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during a meeting with Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom.
Updated 29 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives written message from Russian counterpart

  • Al-Khuraiji and Kozlov elaborated on relations between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a written message from his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The message, regarding Saudi-Russian relations and ways to support and strengthen them in various fields, was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji in Riyadh during a meeting with Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov.

During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji and Kozlov elaborated on relations between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields. Topics of common interest were also discussed, SPA added.