From Manila to Khartoum, Jeddah welcomes the world

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The event will reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing cultural transformation and its message of welcome to residents from these countries. (AN photo)
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Updated 29 April 2025
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From Manila to Khartoum, Jeddah welcomes the world

  • Saudi Arabia honors expat residents with a month of ‘Passport to the World’ cultural festivities

JEDDAH: “Your Passport to the World” launches on April 30 in Jeddah, offering a month-long celebration of culture, cuisine and performance from the Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Sudan.

The event, organized by the General Entertainment Authority in collaboration with the Quality of Life Program, is a gesture of appreciation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing cultural transformation and its message of welcome to residents from these countries.

After a vibrant run in Alkhobar in April, the program in Jeddah will feature interactive performances, traditional dances, artistic displays and food, with each country taking center stage on specific dates: the Philippines from April 30 to May 3, Bangladesh from May 7 to 10, India from May 14 to 17, and Sudan from May 21 to 24.

The events in Alkhobar and at Al-Suwaidi Park during Riyadh Season attracted large crowds and engaged families and visitors with diverse experiences, drawing thousands of attendees.

Mohammed Al-Abadi, one of the event organizers, said during a detailed presentation at the event press conference on April 28: “The purpose of the event is to unite and reconnect communities through a cross-cultural gathering.”

Entry to the event and all concerts is free “in service to the community and to bring smiles to people’s faces.”

Since it is on a first-come, first-served basis, organizers advise families to arrive between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to secure a good spot and avoid overcrowding.

Music will enjoy the spotlight with performances by top singers and DJs from each country. Representing India are Jubin Nautiyal, Aakanksha Sharma and 12 other prominent artists.

From the Philippines, Angeline Quinto, Bugoy Drilon, and 10 other performers will take the stage. Bangladesh will be represented by Ruhani Salsabil and 14 others, while Sudan’s lineup includes rapper Dafencii, Insaf Madani and 10 well-known artists.

There will also be children’s activities, and all concerts will be standing-room only, in a family-friendly, smoke-free environment. To ensure safety, each child will receive a tracking wristband upon entry to prevent them from getting lost.

Angelina Bouges, a Filipino expat living in Jeddah, said: “I can’t believe I’ll have the chance to attend a concert featuring some of the biggest singers from my country. I’m truly grateful to Saudi Arabia for making this possible.”

Additionally, culinary experiences and interactive displays will highlight the folklore and social customs of the participating countries.

“Your Passport to the World” also pays homage to each country’s heritage with visual designs inspired by traditional patterns, textile motifs, natural elements, and architectural styles unique to each culture.

Each country’s pavilion at Al-Fayhaa walkway will feature its traditional attire, handicrafts, dance performances, foods, open markets, stages, and interactive installations.

As a visual centrepiece, the event will feature large, illuminated sculptures symbolizing each country: a lizard for the Philippines, an elephant for India, a Bengal tiger for Bangladesh, and a rhinoceros for Sudan.


Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian strikes on targets in Qatar

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Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian strikes on targets in Qatar

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.


Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure

Updated 23 June 2025
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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

Updated 23 June 2025
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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.


Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register

Updated 23 June 2025
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Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register

  • Total is now 34,171, reflecting the cultural richness, diversity of all regions
  • Sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission has registered 5,969 new architectural heritage sites in the National Register of Architectural Heritage, bringing the total to 34,171.

These sites reflect the richness and diversity of architectural heritage across the Kingdom’s regions, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The newly registered sites are: 3,893 in Asir, 761 in Qassim, 499 in Baha, 483 in Makkah, 258 in Riyadh, 60 in Hail, eight in Jazan, four in Jouf, and three in the Eastern Province.

The commission said its registration efforts are ongoing and cover all regions. The process is based on heritage regulations and follows a board decision authorizing the commission’s CEO to register sites.

The initiative aims to protect heritage sites from encroachment or neglect and ensure their preservation for future generations, the SPA reported.

Registering new sites is part of a broader effort to identify, document and manage cultural sites. The sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation. A comprehensive database is being built, including documentation and photographic archives.

The commission encouraged citizens and enthusiasts to report urban heritage sites through its reporting platform, X account, or regional branches. It also praised public awareness and participation in preserving national heritage.

Last week, the commission also announced the addition of 744 new archeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061.

The new archeological sites are distributed as follows: Riyadh (253), Madinah (167), Najran (86), Tabuk (72), Asir (64), Qassim (30), Jazan (23), Eastern Province (13), Hail (13), Makkah (11), Jouf (10). and Northern Borders (2).


Saudi royal reserve tightens entry, picnic rules

Updated 23 June 2025
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Saudi royal reserve tightens entry, picnic rules

  • Updates aim to protect the environment, vegetation, and wildlife while encouraging ecotourism through public excursions and outdoor activities
  • Visitors can access the reserve daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prior authorization via the authority’s website

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has updated entry and picnic regulations for the Al-Suman and Al-Dahna areas within the location. 

The updates aim to protect the environment, vegetation, and wildlife while encouraging ecotourism through public excursions and outdoor activities.

Visitors can access the reserve daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prior authorization via the authority’s website, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. 

Permit requests must be submitted at least two days in advance and include visitor details, companion information, vehicle type, and a commitment to follow environmental rules. 

Registered residents of administrative centers within the reserve are exempt from this requirement, the SPA added. 

The authority stressed the importance of complying with regulations, including bans on hunting, wood gathering, open fires, driving over vegetation, littering, noise, visual pollution, and any other harmful activities. 

These measures aim to limit environmental damage, especially in ecologically rich areas showing notable recovery in recent years. 

The update aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for royal reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to protect recent environmental gains and promote wildlife and plant growth in thriving basins and meadows.