Saudi influencer highlights Kingdom’s cultural heritage by showcasing beverages

Saudi influencer highlights Kingdom’s cultural heritage by showcasing beverages
A Saudi influencer is showcasing the Kingdom’s culture of hospitality by highlight the many beverages associated with the country. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 January 2024
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Saudi influencer highlights Kingdom’s cultural heritage by showcasing beverages

Saudi influencer highlights Kingdom’s cultural heritage by showcasing beverages
  • Saudis, despite their simple life in the desert, countryside, or distant villages, are always keen to provide hospitality services with all authentic aspects and methods

MAKKAH: A Saudi influencer is showcasing the Kingdom’s culture of hospitality by highlight the many beverages associated with the country.

From Arabic coffee and tea as a daily staple, to karak tea and ginger milk for cold winters in some Saudi cities, Talal Al-Issa can suggest a drink for most occasions.

He told Arab News: “Each season has its own drink which is served in various ways to adapt to the changing weather conditions.”

The diversity of Saudi beverages came from the geographical and cultural variations of each region, and the social aspect of preparing and sharing drinks helped visitors and tourists to understand the nation’s history, Al-Issa said.

“Saudis, despite their simple life in the desert, countryside, or distant villages, are always keen to provide hospitality services with all authentic aspects and methods. Coffee is our culture and a great pride to hold onto,” he added.

Al-Issa noted that Saudi coffee had become a focal point of local hospitality and traditions, highlighting the culture and identity of regions.

He pointed out that Saudis looked forward to serving drinks to others as a symbol of hospitality, Arabism, generosity, and manners, passed down through generations.

“Coffee and tea form a bridge of communication between peoples.

They are also a symbol of our culture as Saudis. Each country has its own way of serving coffee and tea. However, Saudis are creative in serving their heritage,” he said.

The welcome often given to visitors to Saudi Arabia had “deepened the positive feelings among them and increased their admiration and appreciation for this great country,” he added.

Al-Issa said: “What often catches the attention of visitors to the Kingdom are the various ways in which Saudis prepare coffee and tea.

“Each region of the Kingdom has its own characteristics, which is considered a cultural diversity of the Saudi community. This diversity indicates the deep roots of Saudi Arabia which are considered an extension of the fathers’ and ancestors’ culture and represents a legacy they hold on to despite the rapid development and growth of civilization,” he added.

When serving drinks, Al-Issa usually dresses in traditional clothes to represent local culture.

He said non-Saudis sometimes held stereotypical views regarding clothing, food, and drink in the country, but he felt perceptions were changing.

“This was clearly shown in some films and series due to the lack of channels broadcasting the correct image to people.

“We can now see Saudi elegance reaching all continents, theaters, and fashion shows which are presenting the true Saudi personality and reflecting its elegance, details, and charisma, as it deserves,” he added.


Saudi crown prince receives medical team that performed world’s first heart transplant using robot

Saudi crown prince receives medical team that performed world’s first heart transplant using robot
Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives medical team that performed world’s first heart transplant using robot

Saudi crown prince receives medical team that performed world’s first heart transplant using robot

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday received the Saudi medical team that successfully performed the world’s first robotic heart transplant.

The transplant was performed at Riyadh’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in September.


Specialists participate in international conference in Jeddah over the conservation of Red Sea turtles

Specialists participate in international conference in Jeddah over the conservation of Red Sea turtles
Updated 59 min 4 sec ago
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Specialists participate in international conference in Jeddah over the conservation of Red Sea turtles

Specialists participate in international conference in Jeddah over the conservation of Red Sea turtles
  • First-of-its-kind symposium an important step toward cooperation between Red Sea countries and international experts in facing environmental challenges
  • Participants reviewed the latest research and discussed issues related to the status of sea turtles in the region

JEDDAH: More than 90 academics and experts in environmental sciences and biodiversity conservation from 10 countries participated in the first International Symposium for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in the Red Sea.
The Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday that the symposium, which ran from Nov. 3-6 in Jeddah and titled “Moving toward the future … enhancing the protection of sea turtles in the Red Sea through science, cooperation and innovation.” was organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (Shams).
The first-of-its-kind symposium is an important step toward cooperation between the Red Sea countries and international experts in facing environmental challenges, because it reflects an urgent regional and global desire to enhance environmental sustainability and develop effective strategies to protect sea turtles in the Red Sea, in line with international environmental obligations and preserving the natural heritage of the Kingdom.
During the four-day event, participants reviewed the latest research and discussed important issues related to the status of sea turtles in the region, as well as means to find innovative solutions to the challenges they face, through lectures, presentations and interactive workgroups.
Seven of the most prominent international speakers gave keynote speeches, during which they presented their experiences and research expertise on protecting sea turtles and made recommendations aimed at enhancing the sustainability of this vital species in its natural environment.
The conference staged 31 presentations and four workgroups that addressed various topics, including assessing the strengths and weaknesses of efforts to protect sea turtles in the Red Sea, and identifying activities and procedures that contribute to developing a comprehensive action plan for the Red Sea.
In addition, the workshops during the symposium highlighted the importance of developing an integrated strategy to protect sea turtles in their breeding sites, especially in the Ras Baridi area, which faces critical environmental challenges.
Among the conference’s main priorities and outcomes, the development of a regional action plan for the conservation of sea turtles was discussed, in addition to bilateral initiatives between the Red Sea countries to rehabilitate beaches designated for turtle nesting and provide strategic support for future development plans.
It was also agreed to strengthen partnerships with universities to provide international supervision for Saudi students, and to establish local partnerships aimed at preserving important natural environments for turtles, especially in the Four Sisters islands, which were recently discovered by the Shams team and designated as a special area requiring environmental management to protect them.


Saudi Arabia leads Arab world in congratulating Trump

Saudi Arabia's King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Donald Trump on his election victory. (AFP)
Saudi Arabia's King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Donald Trump on his election victory. (AFP)
Updated 06 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia leads Arab world in congratulating Trump

Saudi Arabia's King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Donald Trump on his election victory. (AFP)
  • King Salman wishes Trump and Americans ‘progress and prosperity’
  • Leaders of Jordan and Egypt urge Trump to help bring peace

RIYADH: Arab leaders congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday after his comprehensive victory in the US presidential election.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Trump, wishing him success and the “American people further progress and prosperity.”

The king praised the strong historical ties between the two nations, “emphasizing the shared desire to further strengthen these bonds in all areas.”

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a cable to congratulate Trump. In a phone call later on Wednesday, the crown prince expressed the Kingdom’s aspiration to strengthen Saudi-US relations. He wished the American people progress and prosperity under Trump’s leadership.

The Republican made Saudi Arabia his first foreign visit after he took office for his first term as president in 2017. The visit underlined the importance of the historic US-Saudi partnership and cemented relations with Gulf allies.

Those countries congratulated Trump after he declared victory in a sweeping election win over Democrat Kamala Harris.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan offered “sincere congratulations to Trump and his running mate JD Vance.”

Skeikh Mohamed added: “The UAE and US are united by our enduring partnership based on shared ambitions for progress.

“The UAE looks forward to continuing to work with our partners in the US towards a future of opportunity, prosperity and stability for all.”

During Trump’s first term, his administration brokered the 2020 Abraham Accords deal under which Israel opened full relations with the UAE and a number of other Arab countries.

However, the devastating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and its expansion into Lebanon has drawn widespread condemnation of Israel from regional leaders and dominated foreign policy discussion throughout the election campaign, with Trump promising to bring fighting to an end.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said he hoped Trump’s return to the White House would help bring peace to the Middle East.

“I wish him all the success and I look forward to reaching peace together, upholding regional stability and strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States,” El-Sisi said.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II also invoked the need for the next US president to work toward peace.

“Warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on winning the US presidential election,” he said. “Looking forward to working with you again to bolster Jordan’s longstanding partnership with the United States, in service of regional and global peace and stability for all.”

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, which is a key mediator in the Gaza conflict and hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, said he looked forward to “working together again in promoting security and stability both in the region and globally.”


Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani army chief in Riyadh

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with  Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Updated 29 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani army chief in Riyadh

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with  Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
  • During the reception, Saudi-Pakistani relations and opportunities to develop them were reviewed
  • A number of issues of common interest were also discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir in Riyadh on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the reception, Saudi-Pakistani relations and opportunities to develop them were reviewed. A number of issues of common interest were also discussed.

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman and Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir discuss defense cooperation in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman also held a meeting with General Munir. During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan. They also explored ways to further strengthen defense cooperation between their countries. 


Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market

Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market
Updated 06 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market

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.