Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the Kingdom’s participation in the World Travel Market in London with the ‘Saudi Land’ pavilion. (SPA)
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Updated 06 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market

  • ‘Saudi Land’ pavilion promotes major investments, featuring luxury resorts and historic tourism developments
  • Jeddah Historic District Program is participating in the market from Nov. 5 to 7 to promote Jeddah as an international tourism destination

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the Kingdom’s participation in the World Travel Market in London with the “Saudi Land” pavilion.

The pavilion includes the Visit Saudi exhibition, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year, supported by more than 70 partners in tourism, including destinations, hotels, airlines and travel companies.

Saudi Arabia’s presence at this global event highlights efforts to establish its status on the tourism map, showcasing rapid growth and record-breaking achievements in the sector.

The event promotes Saudi destinations, attracts diverse tourists, empowers the private sector and fosters strategic partnerships.

The Visit Saudi exhibition unveiled the Saudi Red Sea Destination, featuring Red Sea Global’s latest projects, aiming for 16 resorts this year and 50 by 2030.

The pavilion also offers interactive experiences showcasing Saudi hospitality, natural diversity, climate, culture, traditional attire, music and cuisine.

“Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing tourist destination globally, seeks to solidify its leadership in world tourism, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals by highlighting unique destinations, new projects, and significant investment opportunities,“ Al-Khateeb said.

He added: Saudi Arabia is the largest global investor in the tourism sector.”

Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin said that Saudi Arabia was celebrating its tourism achievements and record-breaking growth at this leading international event.

The Kingdom aims to build on the success of the second phase of its global campaign, “This Land Is Calling,” targeting key markets, supporting partners and forging strategic partnerships with top global companies.

The Jeddah Historic District Program is participating in the market from Nov. 5 to 7 to promote Jeddah as an international tourism destination.

The program spotlights the heritage of the Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring historic architecture, mosques, markets, public spaces, museums, heritage restaurants and cultural landmarks.

The program offers authentic tourism experiences, including stays in restored heritage hotels, immersive historical tours and hands-on participation in local crafts.

The Hail Region Development Authority is participating to elevate Hail’s global tourism profile, promote its destinations, and empower partners to build strategic partnerships.

The Soudah Development Co. is showcasing its flagship project, “Soudah Peaks,” a luxury mountain destination on the Kingdom’s highest peak at 3,015 meters above sea level.

The Saudi delegation also includes representatives from key entities such as Tourism Development Fund, ASFAR, Cruise Saudi, Saudia airline, Riyadh Air, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Co., the Royal Commission for AlUla and NEOM.

At the market, Diriyah Co. signed strategic agreements with luxury operator Abercrombie & Kent and leading Saudi travel platform Almosafer. These collaborations aim to create high-end travel experiences that position Diriyah as a premier destination and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism landscape.


Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January

The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (File/SPA)
Updated 24 December 2024
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Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January

  • Over 30 artists explore cultural heritage through contemporary art

JEDDAH: The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the event will showcase a blend of timeless Islamic civilization treasures and contemporary artistic creations.

The biennale will offer visitors a journey through the artistic heritage of Islam, engaging the senses, intellect, and creativity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Featuring contributions from over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the artworks will be displayed in both indoor and outdoor spaces until May 25.

Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will curate contemporary art, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.

Shono, along with artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, has tasked the artists with creating new works that complement historical Islamic artifacts.

The biennale’s theme, “And All That Is In-Between,” captures the essence of contemporary artworks, transcending simplistic notions to foster collective understanding, imagination, and interpretation.

The artworks, inspired by themes including space, time, and light, provide insight into preserving and nurturing culture by exploring the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia.

The new art pieces will be displayed alongside historical artifacts, including religious relics, maps, and jewelry, in five indoor halls and various outdoor spaces beneath the Hajj Terminal canopy.

The works, also inspired by the concept of the garden in Islamic civilization, blend nature and traditional design while addressing contemporary environmental and social issues.

The Islamic Arts Biennale will be organized into seven sections — Al-Bidaya (the beginning), Al-Madar (the orbit), Al-Muqtani (homage), Al-Mathala (the canopy), Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Al-Musalla (the prayer hall) — spread across various galleries and outdoor areas, covering 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space.


Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

Updated 24 December 2024
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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Ukraine, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Barakah, presented his credentials to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at a ceremony held in the capital, Kyiv.
Ambassador Al-Barakah conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Zelensky along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of Ukraine.

 


 
 

 


Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

Updated 24 December 2024
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Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

RIYADH: Resin art, a crafting technique using the liquid form of the substance to create 3D objects or glossy coatings, has gained widespread popularity. When mixed with a hardener, resin solidifies, forming a glass-like finish.

Elyan Al-Aufi, a citizen from Madinah and a visual arts graduate of Taibah University, has significantly contributed to the medium, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Her pieces reflect Madinah’s culture, incorporating local elements including Madani script, roses, mint and basil. 

Travelers to Madinah and the Prophet's Mosque often purchase her art as souvenirs, including keychains, jewelry, wall clocks, decorative pieces, and prayer beads, the SPA reported.

Resin art is versatile, used to create accessories and jewelry — such as necklaces, rings and earrings — via special molds. It is also key to paintings made with pouring techniques, producing distinctive results. 

Resin is popular in household items including tables and trays, often featuring natural elements such as flowers or wood. It also used to preserve memorabilia and natural objects including leaves, photos and other items. 

With its glass-like transparency and glossy finish, resin art allows creative use of colors, dyes, and natural elements such as flowers and shells. It produces durable, timeless pieces.


Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

Updated 24 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs recently honored winners of a Qur’an memorization competition in Nepal, involving more than 750 contestants and with 18 winners in four categories for boys and girls.

The competition, supervised by the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu and coordinated with Nepal’s Muslim Commission, concluded with awards presented by the ministry’s undersecretary, Awad Al-Anzi.

Saudi Ambassador to Nepal Saad Nasser Abu Haimed and Nepal’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire attended the ceremony, alongside Islamic leaders, diplomats and parliamentarians.

The event featured Qur’an recitations by contestants and highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to promote the Qur’an globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Anzi reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to Islam’s values of justice, mercy and kindness and emphasized its longstanding support for Qur’an-related initiatives, including competitions and free distribution through the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.

Abu Haimed praised the competition as part of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the Qur’an and congratulated the winners.

Participants expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s support of Islam and encouragement of Qur’an memorization and recitation.


Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition

Updated 24 December 2024
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Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition

RIYADH: The Qassim municipality pavilion at the Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition, held alongside the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, impressed visitors with a stunning display of wooden sculptures.

The intricate works show the region’s cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Characterized by exquisite detail, the sculptures demonstrate the remarkable skill of Qassim’s craftsmen in transforming wood into captivating art that blends authenticity and creativity.

The display reflects the strong support provided by the municipality and the Heritage Commission to local artisans, according to the SPA.

By fostering this talent, the region promotes a thriving creative environment and ensures Qassim’s heritage reaches a wider audience through events such as this festival.

The exhibition runs in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh, until Dec. 31.