RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Military Industries signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean automobile manufacturer Kia Corp. at the World Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The agreement aims to strengthen SAMI Land Systems’ competencies, focused on building light tactical vehicles, through collaboration, research and development.
Kia, one of South Korea’s oldest vehicle manufacturers, has a proven track record of developing chassis for light tactical military vehicles and other land systems.
Through the agreement, SAMI aims to boost cooperation in the local production of military vehicles, thereby strengthening Saudi Arabia’s defense and security sector.
“As the Kingdom’s defense and security champion, SAMI is committed to strengthening its skills and competencies to build high-quality products within Saudi Arabia,” said SAMI CEO Walid Abukhaled.
“This is part of our strategy to deliver on the goal of Saudi Vision 2030 to localize 50 percent of the Kingdom’s defense spending by 2030.
“Through the agreement with Kia Corp., we will build on our strengths in developing land systems products.”
Kim Ik-tae, Kia senior vice president, said the corporation “is a global mobility brand with extensive experience and high-level technological expertise not only in passenger vehicles but also in military vehicles.
“Through our 50 years of experience in manufacturing military vehicles, and alongside the collaboration tied during WDS 2024 with SAMI, Kia hopes to establish a new paradigm and system for Saudi military vehicles.
“Based on this partnership, Kia will continue to develop special vehicles based on our global leading mobility technologies to provide safe and reliable transportation at all circumstances.”
At WDS 2024, SAMI showcased its latest products and innovations in five defense sectors at its 3,000 sq. meter pavilion, including aerospace, defense systems, advanced electronics, land systems and naval combat systems. It aims to be among the top 25 defense companies in the world by 2030.
SAMI, Kia sign MoU to boost Saudi military vehicle production
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SAMI, Kia sign MoU to boost Saudi military vehicle production
- Through the agreement, SAMI aims to boost cooperation in the local production of military vehicles
Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Yazeed Al Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.
After winning the title in the cars category, Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to accomplish the feat in the rally, one of the world's most prestigious motorsports championship.
The Crown Prince congratulated Al-Rajhi on winning a tough competition, featuring a number of prominent international competitors. He emphasized that the achievement should serve as motivation for Saudi athletes to continue developing their skills for future success.
Al-Rajhi thanked the Crown Prince for the gesture.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, attended the reception.
Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.
Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf King Salman, received newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors to a number of countries.
The ambassadors took oath of office before the crown prince at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, attended the ceremony.
Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency said early Friday.
The crown prince affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting all efforts to facilitate dialogue and achieve a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.
President Putin renewed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom for its constructive efforts and endeavors.
The two leaders also reviewed ways to boost bilateral cooperation.
Masjid Al-Fas’h in Madinah meticulously restored
- Believed to be where Prophet Muhammad prayed
- Revamped under King Salman restoration project
RIYADH: A historical gem nestled at the foot of Mount Uhud, north of Madinah, Al-Fas’h Mosque stands as a reminder of the Battle of Uhud, a pivotal moment in Islamic history.
This has a special place in the history of Islam because it is also where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have prayed, and attracts visitors from around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Historian Dr. Fouad Al-Maghamsi highlighted Al-Fas’h Mosque’s significance within the wider historical landscape of Uhud, which includes Jabal Al-Rumah and Wadi Qanat.
Known as Uhud Mosque or Sha’b Al-Jerar Mosque, Al-Fas’h has been meticulously preserved and restored.
“The remnants of Al-Fas’h Mosque, enclosed by a roughly 1-meter-high stone wall on three sides, measure 6 meters in length and 4 meters in width,” said Al-Maghamsi.
He added that this landmark, constructed with resilient black stones, has endured through centuries and undergone numerous restorations, most recently under the reign of King Salman, as part of a broader initiative to revitalize historical sites.
The mosque’s simple yet distinctive architecture features a rectangular prayer space and a mihrab crafted from red bricks.
Recent restoration efforts, overseen by the Saudi Heritage Commission, have introduced a wooden roof, a floor of artistically arranged yellow natural stones, paved surrounding areas, seating, and informative signage.
The mosque’s location, approximately 4.5 km north of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi or the Prophet’s Mosque, places it in the heart of an area rich with Islamic heritage.
Its proximity to the Uhud battlefield, roughly 800 meters away, makes it an integral part of the sacred landscape of Madinah.
Ithra comes to life as families celebrate Gargee’an
- The center is offering numerous indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages, including performances of traditional folk songs and other live shows
- Gargee’an is a traditional festival marking the middle of Ramadan
DHAHRAN: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, is this week full of fun and celebration for the Gargee’an festivities.
Ithra’s festivities will last until March 15 from 8:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
The center is offering numerous indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages, including performances of traditional folk songs and other live shows.
The main plaza at Ithra will have plenty of activities and Instagram-worthy moments. The Children’s Museum, Children’s Oasis, the Library and Energy Exhibit will each have dedicated activities.
The outdoor spaces are also decorated with colorful confetti, often blasted in plumes, to delight giddy children and amused adults.
Gargee’an is a traditional festival marking the middle of Ramadan, primarily celebrated in Gulf countries, specifically Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, the UAE, and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where Dhahran is located.
Children wear traditional attire and often go knocking door-to-door in their neighborhoods while chanting traditional folk verses.
They receive handfuls of sweet treats and trinkets that are collected in their little traditional baskets.
At Ithra, the children need merely stand in line to receive goodies, without needing to go anywhere.
Arab News spoke to Dammam resident Fatimah Alqahtani at the Children’s Museum arts and crafts section. She was coloring a small wooden door with her 5-year-old daughter Munerah and her daughter’s 7-year-old cousin, Rania.
“I have the Ithra app and I often check for events — there are always things happening,” she said. “This is our first time attending the Ithra Gargee’an event — I heard that last year’s celebration was really nice so we decided to check it out. And since the weather is lovely, we are going to go outside after this,” Alqahtani said.
The wooden door they colored is theirs to keep.
When Arab News asked what part of the celebration they liked most, the girls chirped: “Everything! Everything!”
During Gargee’an, only the Children’s Museum requires an entry ticket, which can be bought on the premises. All other spaces are free.
