JEDDAH: It was a fabulous performance — one that left thousands of attendees mesmerized. The spectacular LED hit show from New York, “iLuminate,” kicked off at the King Abdullah Sports City with men, women and children sitting together and enjoying a dazzling show, full of music, dance moves and amazing special effects.
The show combined the latest technology and the best talents to create an exceptional experience in the field of performing arts.
Since its establishment a few months ago, the General Authority for Entertainment (GAE) has been working relentlessly to introduce the Saudi public to a new form of entertainment, one that takes Saudi cultural life to new dimensions.
With a view to changing local and international perceptions, a royal decree was issued which ordered the creation of GAE. The decree was very much in tune with the announcement of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for the future.
The show played to a packed conference hall at Riyadh’s Princess Nourah University from Sept. 28 to Oct. 8. It arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday and will run until Oct. 22.
Prominent among those who attended and enjoyed the premiere, and were given a red carpet welcome, were US Consul General Matthias J. Mitman, British Council Country Director Amir Ramzan, Saudi TV news anchor Weam Al-Dakheel and Inga Litvinsky and Gledisa Sanxhaku of the US Consulate in Jeddah and Arab News Editor in Chief Faisal J. Abbas.
US Consul General Matthias Mitman said: "What an illuminating show! US Consulate General staff is honored to have joined Arab News at the premiere of the New York-based iLuminate entertainment show here in Jeddah! It was a mesmerizing combination of technology and dance. It was great to be in the audience and enjoy the beautiful choreography, lights, and illusions."
“I am so honored to bring this show to Jeddah. The reaction we have received has been incredibly warm and welcoming,” said Miral Kotb, director of the dazzling show.
James Craven, managing director of Live Nation Middle East, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best of family entertainment in the region, Live Nation Middle East is proud to present iLuminate. We are working hard to showcase the highest quality entertainment and we look forward to sharing more in the near future.”
Speaking to Arab News, Fawaz Farooqui of GAE said: “We aim to change people’s perceptions of entertainment with these world-class shows.”
“This is the first time I have heard about iLuminate and I am very excited,” said Sarah Ahmed.
An American family was equally enthusiastic.
“I am looking forward to seeing them perform. I am familiar with iLuminate and they are great. It is wonderful to see them live, here in Jeddah,” said Trasey Eisel, an American mother of two.
“For a family-oriented society like this, such shows are good to attend with the entire family,” Eisel said.
“It is beautiful to see these kinds of events taking place in the Kingdom,” said Ohoud Al-Subaihi, a Saudi mother. “We don’t have to go abroad to see these shows; I brought my children to the show to enjoy and experience real entertainment.”
“What I loved most about this event is the fact that it is a family show so the children won’t have to choose where to sit! They won’t be torn between their parents,” she said.
“This is a new beginning and a good start,” said a Saudi woman. “I heard so much from my friends about this event, and this why I am here so I can enjoy myself.”
“I brought all my family members with me,” said Khaled Ramadan. “I am really impressed by the perfect organization. We enjoyed everything in this show from the beginning to the end. I think everyone should come and have fun.”
“I am really happy that we are seeing this new show in Saudi Arabia. It projects a new image of Saudi Arabia to the outside world,” a Saudi woman said.
“I have been living in Dubai for seven years. One of the reasons I enjoy being there is the shows they have. I am very excited that I am watching this entertainment here in my own Saudi Arabia,” said Yahya Shihabuddin, a Saudi youngster.
Speaking to Arab News earlier, Ziad Al-Suhaibani, a member of the GAE’s organizing team and an official at the advisory unit of the Ministry of Economy and Planning, said: “Our goal is to change the stereotypical image of the cultural entertainment that was previously available to the local audience. What is unique in these activities is that they are not catering to only one type of audience. We open the door to families as well as to young single Saudi men and women who can attend and enjoy.”
“Change is happening in Saudi Arabia. A new face of Saudi Arabia is emerging — one that is modern, young and open-minded,” he said. “Our goal is to link this change with Vision 2030; through entertainment we can help achieve the objectives of the vision,” he said.
Al-Suhaibani pointed out that the entertainment industry is a new field but customer experience of this event is world class; he stressed that the activities are in total harmony with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
“The concept of live shows is new to the Kingdom. I imagine this is the first international live show brought to the Kingdom,” he said.
GAE was created with several objectives in mind: decreasing the unemployment rate from 11.6 percent to 7 percent which is closer to the international figure; increasing domestic tourism in harmony with Saudi Vision 2030, and supporting local festivals and activities as tourism for entertainment purposes; activating the use of government funds to establish and develop entertainment centers; encouraging local and international investors to invest in Saudi Arabia and create partnerships; allocating lands for libraries and museums; and supporting talented writers, directors and actors.
Lights, camera, action: Jeddah gets the ‘iLuminate’ experience
Lights, camera, action: Jeddah gets the ‘iLuminate’ experience
Embracing the skies: Riyadh aviation show inspires next generation of pilots
- Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation’s first female pilot wants more women to sign up
RIYADH: The Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation was among the top organizations at an aviation show that captivated the Kingdom’s capital with stunning aerobatic displays and an impressive lineup of aircraft.
Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector.
The federation presented a collection of colorful hot air balloons to demonstrate the experience to adults and younger generations as part of the efforts to raise awareness about hot air ballooning and to inspire a new generation of pilots.
Among the pilots was Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the federation.
Al-Harbi is on a mission to cultivate a community of female pilots, encouraging women to explore the exhilarating world of hot air ballooning. Her story is an inspiring testament to the opportunities available to women in aviation and the importance of representation in this field.
“At the beginning, I was studying at the university, but the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation launched a training program to train balloon pilots,” she told Arab News. “Thank God, I registered, and I was accepted. After that, I started my studies to become a balloon captain. The federation covered the entire mission, which is considered a grant from the federation. I obtained the European EASA license, and then I also obtained the Saudi license from the General Authority of Civil Aviation.”
The federation offers structured programs to equip aspiring pilots with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Hot air balloons first appeared in the Kingdom in AlUla as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival in 2018. This event not only showcased the beauty of ballooning, but also laid the groundwork for the establishment of the federation.
The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide. We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.
Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi, Saudi hot air balloon pilot
The organization plays a crucial role in promoting balloon culture and raising awareness of the sport.
“We want to show people that hot air ballooning is not only fun, but also safe,” Al-Harbi said, emphasizing the importance of public perception in the growth of the sport.
Her career has included a visit to the Netherlands, where she underwent extensive training.
“My studies in the Netherlands were quite lengthy, but it was an incredibly enriching experience,” she said. “The training included both theoretical subjects and practical sessions to help us obtain our licenses.”
The rigorous training not only prepared Al-Harbi for the technical aspects of flying, but also instilled a deep appreciation of the art of ballooning.
Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi also spoke about his journey in the world of hot air ballooning, which began was he was a student in Australia.
“I looked at a balloon for the first time in my life and was fascinated by its shape,” he told Arab News. “I had to try the experience, so I did, as a passenger. The experience was beautiful, and I thought we needed this in Saudi Arabia. At that time, Saudi Arabia did not have hot air balloons.”
Al-Wahaibi dedicated himself to bringing the ballooning experience back to Saudi Arabia, sharing it with family, friends, and the community.
This included studying aerospace engineering and breaking records in Australia for the fastest training period. He expressed pride in being part of the first Arab country to take part in international hot air balloon competitions, highlighting the significant strides made by the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation.
“The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide,” Al-Wahaibi said. “We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.”
His vision aligns with the federation’s mission to broaden participation and elevate the sport on an international level.
Based in AlUla, the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation plans festivals designed to integrate the natural environment and the grandeur of the historic landmarks of ancient civilizations such as Hegra.
The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning, and even experience the thrill of a balloon ride.
With inspiring pilots such as Al-Harbi and Al-Wahaibi at the helm, the outlook for hot air ballooning in the years to come looks as bright as the skies adorned with colorful balloons.
Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cypriot president
- Al-Shabili conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the president
NICOSIA: Saudi Ambassador to Cyprus Fawaz bin Abdulrahman Al-Shabili presented his credentials to the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in the capital Nicosia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Al-Shabili conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the president, as well as their wishes for steady progress and prosperity for Cyprus.
Meanwhile, Saudi Vice Minister of Commerce and CEO of the National Competitiveness Center Eman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi led a Saudi delegation of government officials and business leaders to the UK to bolster bilateral economic relations.
Saudi Arabia to host Qur’an contest in Nepal
- The competition is part of Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to disseminate the teachings of the Qur’an among young Muslims around the world
RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance will hold the second Holy Qur’an Memorization Competition in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, on Dec. 21-22.
More than 400 contestants from various Nepalese states and governorates will participate in the preliminary qualifiers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The competition is part of Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to disseminate the teachings of the Qur’an among young Muslims around the world.
The closing ceremony, which will include the presentation of awards to the winners, will be held on Dec. 23 and will be attended by officials from various centers and schools across Nepal.
Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season
- Unique taste, aroma make it popular locally, internationally
RIYADH: The Asir region is currently in the midst of the Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees.
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sidr honey, which is renowned for its health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system.
The unique taste and aroma of the honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally, the SPA reported.
Beekeepers in Tihama Asir have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SR350 to SR500 ($93-133) per kg.
The region’s diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative improve practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.
By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey while contributing to the global market.
Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability
- Al-Ahsa event to promote communities’ role in economic growth
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al-Ahsa from Dec. 16-18, aiming to strengthen rural communities, and promote their role in driving sustainable development.
Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, said: “The forum is pivotal in advancing rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will support rural communities, while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture.”
Aldhahi said that the forum will unite regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, a widespread issue. To counter this, the forum will propose practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable.
Additionally, it will explore innovations in agriculture and rural development, fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion, she added.
Aldhahi said that the forum builds on the Saudi Reef Program, recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as the world’s largest development initiative of its kind.
The program has supported over 77,000 agricultural projects, achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in vital sectors, and provided upskilling and career opportunities for rural communities.
Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Saudi Reef Program, said: “The program is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment.”
Bakri added that the forum will feature dynamic discussions on key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, rural entrepreneurship, and the role of modern technology in agriculture.
The three-day event will also include an exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, handicrafts, and the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. It will highlight how traditional techniques integrate with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods.