More than 800,000 people have visited the Buraidah Date Festival over the past 55 days, which has brought in about SR 600 million in sales, said Khalid Al-Naqeedan, CEO of the festival.
During the 90-day festival, around 300,000 tons of dates will be sold, reaching a combined sales figure of more than SR 1 billion. Last year the festival saw sales reaching SR 800 million.
The festival in Buraidah attracts traders and the public to the world’s largest date collection during harvest season, gathered from more than 6 million palm trees in the region.
Saudi Arabia has the highest number of palm trees in the world with more than 23 million, accounting for 20 percent of the world’s production. There are more than 6 million date palms in Qassim province alone.
“The youth have been inspired to open small projects concerned with date trade,” said Al-Naqeedan.
According to official statistics, the number of visitors has yet to reach this year’s expectations, seeing as the date season is only half over.
Al-Naqeedan said that there was still plenty of time left in the season, and date prices were low despite it being peak season.
“Al-Sukari, being the most priced and popular date, dominates the market, while Al-Kalas, which stands at second place, is expected to enter the market by this week,” he said.
Currently this season, the prices of dates have fluctuated since the beginning of the harvest season, and disparity of prices are the main feature in date business this year.
Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijiri, member of the National Center for Dates, said that there was a good trend in the market, especially for traders this year. There was still a long season ahead to store enough for the coming month of Ramadan. A number of internal and external shows have been organized for the marketing of dates, and prices will gradually increase after the season.
He expected that by next year the price of dates would increase more than 40 percent compared to the last few years, and prices were expected to rise more than 100 percent ahead of Ramadan, especially for Sukari, Kalas and some other items favored by Saudis.
Al-Tuwaijri added that some of the traders worry about financial losses in storing large quantities of dates, especially since storage costs had risen more than 20 percent this year.
Abdullah Al-Dahyan, Director Board Chairman of the Agricultural Cooperative Society, said that storage, refrigeration and cooling would keep the dates in good condition this year after having waited out such a long date season.
He added that the long season helped farmers to develop farm products. “But marketing is still a great weakness for farmers. Now they have been achieving good returns as outlets are selling their products without artificial additives on the most prominent products in Saudi Arabia,” said Al-Dahyan.
He added that the date was the first food in Saudi Arabia after wheat decline in quantity.
“We have reached the amount of 1.2 million tons of dates in Saudi Arabia, while wheat production has reached up to 4 million tons in previous years, which outweigh the needs of the Kingdom more than 50 percent,” Al-Dahyan said.
Buraidah Date Festival draws 800,000 visitors
Buraidah Date Festival draws 800,000 visitors
Saudi Rail event keeps Kingdom’s transport goals on track
- Inaugural conference in Riyadh showcases global collaboration, Vision 2030 ambitions
- Saleh Al-Jasser: The immense interest shown by global companies to attend demonstrates their eagerness to contribute to and partner in the Kingdom’s ambitious railway projects
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has marked another milestone in its bid to become a global transport hub, with the first Saudi Rail Conference and Exhibition kicking off in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The two-day event, inaugurated by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, will showcase the latest advances in railway technology, while fostering collaboration between local and international transport stakeholders.
More than 200 exhibitors and speakers from around the world will take part in the event.
Aligned with Vision 2030, the event supports the Kingdom’s goals of modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing economic and social development.
Al-Jasser, who also chairs Saudi Arabia Railways, highlighted the importance of the conference, and Saudi Arabia’s progress in transport and logistics.
“More than 15,000 participants and 120 exhibitors from around the world have gathered at this inaugural event, reflecting the Kingdom’s significance and the remarkable progress in the transport and logistics sectors,” he said.
“The immense interest shown by global companies to attend demonstrates their eagerness to contribute to and partner in the Kingdom’s ambitious railway projects.”
Al-Jasser said that this is a testament to the support provided by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose National Transport and Logistics Strategy has set the stage for transformative growth.
The Kingdom’s railway network has grown significantly in recent years, with major projects such as the Northern Train Network, the Eastern Train Network, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway connecting major cities and facilitating pilgrimage traffic.
Urban rail systems, including the Riyadh Metro, and specialized networks such as the Mashaer Train for Hajj pilgrims have also enhanced the infrastructure.
Bashar Al-Malik, CEO of Saudi Arabia Railways, emphasized the strategic significance of the event.
“Hosting the Saudi Rail event demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leader in transportation innovation. This platform connects key stakeholders and fosters regional and global partnerships,” he said.
The conference aims to accelerate international collaboration, encouraging global companies to expand their operations in Saudi Arabia.
“By fostering partnerships, we aim to drive local capacity-building and knowledge transfer, ensuring that the Kingdom’s railway sector is globally competitive,” Al-Malik added.
The railway sector’s expansion aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and sustainable development. By supporting tourism and trade, Saudi railways help ease road congestion, lower accident rates, and reduce environmental impact.
As the Saudi Rail Conference and Exhibition continues, it will cement the Kingdom’s reputation as a global hub for transport innovation. With strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, Saudi Arabia’s rail sector is poised for exponential growth, serving as a model for sustainable and efficient transportation.
Tuwaiq Academy, Misk to launch new tech training
- Deal signed to hone Saudi skills in data science, artificial intelligence, video game production
RIYADH: Leading Saudi programming trainer Tuwaiq Academy is partnering with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or Misk, to support training in advanced technologies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Tuwaiq Academy, founded in 2019, provides a range of training and educational courses in cybersecurity, programming and software development in a bid to position Saudi Arabia among the ranks of technologically advanced countries.
Its partnership with Misk was sealed at the Misk Global Forum 2024, which concluded on Tuesday in Riyadh.
A memorandum was signed by Misk Foundation CEO Badr Al-Badr and the CEO of Tuwaiq Academy, Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi.
The agreement between the two entities will result in several initiatives to hone Saudi skills in advanced technology, including data science, artificial intelligence, video game production and user experience design, the SPA reported.
Tuwaiq Academy will also turn some Misk programs into bootcamps, cooperate in meetings about the latest technology, and invite experts to enrich the tech community in Saudi Arabia.
Since 2019, Tuwaiq Academy has provided professional bootcamps to thousands of Saudi trainees and has partnered with tech giants such as Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Alibaba.
The academy has now opened registration for a number of its advanced technology bootcamps through its website at tuwaiq.edu.sa
Saudi COP29 pavilion showcases latest climate solutions
- Energy leaders, policymakers explore cutting-edge tech, offer expert insights
- Pavilion shares Kingdom’s commitment to addressing global climate challenge
BAKU: The Saudi pavilion has emerged as a hub for collaboration and innovation at the COP29 climate talks, reflecting the Kingdom’s robust efforts to address climate change and drive sustainable development goals.
A series of panel discussions and expert insights at the pavilion have underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing climate solutions.
Energy leaders, policymakers, and professionals joined the sessions to exchange ideas and explore cutting-edge technologies.
Panel discussions have explored key climate initiatives, with one of the standout sessions, “The Role of International Standards in Addressing Climate Change,” delving into how global standards can be adapted to fit national circumstances.
Experts discussed the importance of aligning international frameworks to effectively support climate action across diverse regions.
Another session, “Advancing Innovative Carbon Utilization Technologies to Achieve Climate Ambitions,” focused on converting carbon dioxide into valuable products. Participants highlighted technical solutions for carbon management, including the development of carbon capture and utilization technologies, and discussed the global challenges of decarbonization.
The future of hydrogen as a clean energy source also took center stage, with the Kingdom reaffirming its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
Speaking to Arab News, Renad Aldebasi, a carbon specialist at the Ministry of Energy, outlined the Kingdom’s efforts under the circular carbon economy program.
“This program, built on the four Rs — reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove — guides us toward net-zero emissions by 2060. Our world-class carbon capture and sequestration hub will scale up to capture 44 million tons of CO2 annually by 2035,” Aldebasi said.
Leadership and collaboration were also on display, with the Saudi Energy Leaders Assembly playing a pivotal role, and driving discussions on policies, partnerships, and infrastructure.
The assembly further amplified Saudi Arabia’s voice in global energy dialogues.
Nasser Al-Ghamdi, CEO of the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, highlighted the Kingdom’s advances in improving energy efficiency.
“Since 2010, we’ve achieved significant efficiency gains, including a 57 percent improvement in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) systems and a 28 percent improvement in transportation fuel economy. By 2030, we aim to save the equivalent of 1 million barrels of oil daily,” he said.
Abeer Alharbi, senior project manager at the Ministry of Energy, outlined progress in renewable energy.
“Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program aims to meet 50 percent of electricity demand through renewables by 2030. With 6.2 GW already operational, we’re setting global benchmarks, such as achieving record-low costs for solar and wind energy,” Alharbi said.
Regional and global partnerships have also been cemented at COP29.
On the sidelines of the Baku talks, Saudi Arabia signed a joint executive program with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to enhance cooperation in renewable energy. The program focuses on interconnecting regional power grids, integrating renewable energy projects, and fostering joint investment opportunities. Agreements with ACWA Power further advance initiatives in battery energy storage and offshore wind power, particularly in the Caspian Sea region.
COP29 continues to provide a platform for Saudi Arabia to share its vision and initiatives, showcasing the Kingdom’s dedication to addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
Saudi authorities seize huge drug haul, arrest hundreds
- The smugglers included 456 Ethiopians, 269 Yemenis, a Somali, a Sri Lankan and 23 Saudi citizens
Riyadh: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations in operations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The General Directorate of Border Guard thwarted an attempt to smuggle 939 kg of hashish, 82,409 amphetamine pills, 291,499 regulated tablets, and 103 tonnes of qat.
The smugglers included 456 Ethiopians, 269 Yemenis, a Somali, a Sri Lankan and 23 Saudi citizens. They were arrested in Tabuk, Jazan, Asir and Najran.
Meanwhile, in Jazan, Border Guard patrols foiled attempts to smuggle 90 kg and 140 kg of qat in Al-Dayer and Al-Arda, respectively.
In the Al-Raboah sector of Asir, patrols arrested five Yemenis and Ethiopians attempting to smuggle 120 kg of qat.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested an Ethiopian in Al-Makhwah, Baha, for smuggling hashish and amphetamines, and four Saudi citizens in Jazan for smuggling 5.4 kg of hashish.
Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information concerning drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
Individuals with information may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or through email at [email protected]. Information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Levantine culture shines at Riyadh’s Bilad Al-Sham event
- Bilad Al-Sham featured a variety of events, including folkloric performances, popular carnivals and musical evenings by Levantine artists
Riyadh: Bilad Al-Sham festivities in Riyadh have showcased Levantine heritage through a series of performances and concerts.
Held at Al-Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season, the cultural experiences attracted a large number of visitors.
Bilad Al-Sham featured a variety of events, including folkloric performances, popular carnivals and musical evenings by Levantine artists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Visitors also tasted Levantine cuisine and bought traditional clothing as well as handicrafts.
Bilad Al-Sham aimed to provide an enriching cultural experience for people of all ages, combining education and entertainment, the SPA reported.
By highlighting the traditions and culture of the Levant, the event embodied the spirit of coexistence and cultural diversity that Riyadh Season strives to promote.
More than 6 million people have visited Riyadh Season since it launched in October, the General Entertainment Authority said.
The areas contributing to the significant turnout include The Venue, Kingdom Arena, Boulevard City, Boulevard World, Riyadh Zoo, Al-Suwaidi Park and Wonder Garden, among others.
