RIYADH: The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the UN agency responsible for the promotion of sustainable and universally accessible tourism, commended the Kingdom for its significant leap in tourism and national heritage.
Applauding the Kingdom and its apex tourism body, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) for causing a major shift in the tourism sector, Taleb Rifai, UNWTO secretary general said, “SCTNH has made a significant leap in tourism and national heritage, which within a short period, has become the second largest provider of employment opportunities for the youth of Saudi Arabia.”
Rifai made this remark during the G-20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting recently in Antalya, Turkey, an SCTNH spokesman said here on Sunday.
Praising the efforts made by SCTNH, Rifai said, “We found Kingdom’s experience in the foundation of the tourism sector, besides integrating tourism with national heritage, as a perfect example to be followed as the Kingdom has achieved concrete and strong outcomes within a very short period.”
“Until recently, the word ‘tourism’ was not welcomed in Saudi Arabia and some Arab countries, but now we can see an increasing number of young Saudis joining the tourism sector, as a result, in UNWTO and among the member countries of the G-20 we look with great respect to this experience, which has begun to achieve concrete results on the ground,” said Rifai.
The UNWTO secretary general also praised SCTNH President Prince Sultan bin Salman for his persistent efforts at different levels to give this sector the required momentum, both nationally and internationally.
Moreover, Rifai hailed the Saudi government’s decision to integrate national heritage with tourism as a smart gesture reflecting the keenness of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to highlight different components of his homeland and its unique civilization to the whole world.
“Essentially, tourism and national heritage are complementing each other and enhancing mutual revenue smartly,” he noted.
Commenting on the key challenges facing the tourism sector in the Middle East, Rifai noted, “There are many challenges facing the tourism sector … instability, wars that have spread in many Arab countries; however, despite such situations, UNWTO has spotted remarkable growth in many Arab countries specifically in GCC countries, which enjoy security, stability and availability of services that are required by tourists.”
On tourism’s role in creating jobs for youth, the UN tourism body head said, “it is an active and effective sector for creating a large number of job opportunities.”
Citing figures he said that in 2014, the tourism sector created jobs equivalent to 8.9 percent of total of jobs worldwide (roughly one out of every 12 jobs) and also contributed to 9 percent of the World Gross Domestic Product which reflects the importance of such a vital sector in addition to its coherence and ability to renew itself and its positive impact on other sectors.
Notably, speaking on the “rapid growth registered by domestic tourism and its future” during a discussion organized by SCTNH, industry experts maintained that the tourism sector has potential to create concrete change in the national economy and emerge as the future alternative of crude oil as the mainstay of revenue.
UNWTO praises KSA for attaining tourism gains
UNWTO praises KSA for attaining tourism gains
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
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
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
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
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.
