Saudi Media Forum embodies ambitious vision for enhancement and development, experts say

Saudi Media Forum embodies ambitious vision for enhancement and development, experts say
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Updated 14 February 2024
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Saudi Media Forum embodies ambitious vision for enhancement and development, experts say

Saudi Media Forum embodies ambitious vision for enhancement and development, experts say
  • The forum embodies an ambitious vision to continue strengthening and developing the media sector in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Media experts have stressed the importance of the third Saudi Media Forum, which will be launched in Riyadh on Feb. 19.

The forum embodies an ambitious vision to continue strengthening and developing the media sector in the Kingdom.

The forum will include a range of topics related to the sector’s growth and future, covering areas such as visual, audio, print and digital mediums. It will also discuss the media’s role in society, politics and the economy on a global scale.

Dedicated to promoting growth in the Saudi media sector, the event explores the industry’s recent advances in a fast-paced global environment.

According to Jamal Al-Kashki, editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram Al-Arabi magazine, “the forum has become a platform that brings together senior media professionals from various countries of the world to discuss pivotal issues related to the media industry, keeping pace with updates and addressing the human impact in the fields of communication revolution, digitization, artificial intelligence and the use of rapid broadcasting via satellites in an era that constantly produces information.”

The former president of the Bahraini Journalists Association, Ahdiya Ahmed, said that the Saudi Media Forum continued to take the lead in discussing media issues.

She praised the significant evolution in Saudi media, competing with global stations and networks by offering distinguished content, and highlighted the efforts of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and the Saudi Journalists Association in organizing the global event, reflecting an ambitious vision to enhance and develop the media sector in the  Kingdom.

Khaled Al-Adad, a writer for Al-Watan Newspaper, said that the Saudi Media Forum was a great opportunity for dialogue, discussion, expressing opinions and exchanging ideas about the present and future of Saudi media.

He said that this came at a time when Saudi media had taken unprecedented leaps, keeping pace with global media changes, excelling in its tools and mechanisms, and contributing to the widespread dissemination of its high-quality content.

Al-Adad said that the Ministry of Media had succeeded in creating a competitive environment in media work through the forum. This encouraged media institutions and professionals to deliver distinctive and high-quality work aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Future of Media Exhibition and the Saudi Media Forum Award, which recognizes the valuable contributions of individuals to local and regional media, is running concurrently with the Saudi Media Forum.


Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties

Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties
Updated 14 January 2025
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Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties

Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties
  • During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between the Kingdom and Brazil

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Monday from Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Brazil and emphasized their commitment to further developing cooperation across various fields.

Discussions also encompassed a range of topics of mutual interest, highlighting the shared vision for addressing global and regional challenges and both leaders reaffirmed their countries' dedication to fostering collaboration that benefits their respective nations and contributes to global progress, SPA added.


Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape

Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape
Updated 14 January 2025
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Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape

Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape
  • On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old

RIYADH: When one thinks of Saudi Arabia, the first things that spring to mind might be the bustling metropolises of Riyadh and Jeddah, or sacred Islamic sites like the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

But by venturing further, one can uncover a land rich with history and mystery, particularly in the country’s northern expanses. Often overlooked by tourists, the region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and a past waiting to be explored.

Hail city is located in the northern of Najed and is famous for its monuments, especially in cities such as Jubbah and As Shwimes. (Supplied)

Among them is the Hail province, located in the north of Najd and famous for its monuments, especially in Jubbah and Shuwaymis.

Hussain Al-Khalifah, a Saudi archeologist with more than 30 years of experience, spoke to Arab News about some of the area’s hidden gems.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia.

• On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.

“There are mountains called Al-Raat and Al-Manjor. These two sites contain the oldest rock art ever immortalized on rocks … wonderful images of animals and lions (carved),” he said.

AlShuwaihatiyah is unique in the world with its Oldowan tools, which are stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. (Supplied)

“These two mountains are registered by UNESCO as a rock art site. It is somehow a form of continuous rock art, starting from Shuwaymis moving to Jubbah and ending at Al-Tawil mountain in Jouf.”

Al-Khalifah explained this art form spread to two other cities through migration thousands of years ago. In ancient times, he suggested, people migrated from Hail to Dumat Al-Jandal and Tayma.

AlShuwaihatiyah is the second oldest archaeological site in the world and is the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. (Supplied)

Another area near Hail worth discovering is Fayd. This city is at the center of the Hajj road known by locals as Darb Zubaidah, along which people used to travel from Kufa in Iraq to Madinah.

“Fayd is considered one of the important points in the area. It is one of the prettiest destinations, known for its rich Islamic history,” Al-Khalifah said. “It is worth it for me to get in my car and take a trip from Riyadh to explore this place.”

Hail city is located in the northern of Najed and is famous for its monuments, especially in cities such as Jubbah and As Shwimes. (Supplied)

Jouf Province is also ripe for exploration, with Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, among the recommended areas for visitors.

It is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. According to Al-Khalifah, its history dates back 1.3 million years.

This city is unique, he said, with its Oldowan tools — stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. He recommends making the most of the experience by visiting with an expert who knows the area’s history.

On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.

“This spot is one of my discoveries, but to visit this location it requires a permit from the Heritage Commission because it is being monitored by environmental security,” explained Al-Khalifah.

Whether you are an adventurer, history buff or cultural enthusiastic, Saudi Arabia’s northern region is the place to go to go.

 


Asir reeling in rich Red Sea fish yields

In Asir, a key government initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. (SPA)
In Asir, a key government initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. (SPA)
Updated 13 January 2025
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Asir reeling in rich Red Sea fish yields

In Asir, a key government initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. (SPA)
  • Supported by Saudi authorities, local fishermen haul in record revenue of $41m

RIYADH: Along Asir’s sun-drenched coastline, a remarkable surge in fish production has transformed the region into a bustling hub of marine activity.

With an annual yield exceeding 4,000 tonnes worth over SR155 million ($41 million) in 2024, this growth is testament to the region’s rich marine biodiversity.

It is also the result of the strategic initiatives and programs implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

In Asir, a key government initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. (SPA)

The director of the ministry’s branch in Asir, Ahmed Al-Majthal, said the region’s coastal areas are key economic assets, citing the rich marine environment and high-quality fish stocks.

“The ministry’s Asir branch has developed a plan to further boost production to 6,000 tonnes, valued at SR165 million, within the next three years,” Al-Majthal told SPA in an interview.

Regarding government backing for the fishing industry, he noted the presence of 126 operational boats along the Asir coast.

NUMBER

$41m

In Asir, the annual yield of fish production exceeded 4,000 tonnes worth over SR155 million ($41 million) in 2024.

Support is also provided to independent Saudi fishermen using private boats, with 35 additional vessels to be distributed in the near future.

Asir's coastline spans approximately 140 km along the Red Sea, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and resort islands like Kedumbel. (SPA)

A key initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. Already, 85 experienced fishermen are mentoring those entering the profession, he added.

The ministry recently organized the inaugural fish and marine heritage festival, the SPA noted. The festival featured 39 booths showcasing diverse seafood varieties, alongside the participation of families working in local cottage industries, government agencies, and civil society institutions.

The event included awareness and educational programs, demonstrations of fishing techniques, sea trips, boat races, and traditional folkloric performances.

Asir’s coastline stretches approximately 140 km along the Red Sea, encompassing diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tourist islands such as Kedumbel.

 


Saudi crown prince receives Greek PM in AlUla

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in AlUla on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in AlUla on Monday. (SPA)
Updated 13 January 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives Greek PM in AlUla

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in AlUla on Monday. (SPA)
  • Prince Mohammed and Mitsotakis chaired Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council
  • Hegra features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the winter camp in AlUla on Monday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The two leaders discussed relations between their countries and ways of developing cooperation in various fields.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of concern and efforts made with regard to them.

Prince Mohammed and Mitsotakis also chaired the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council during which a number of topics were reviewed.

Earlier on Monday, Mitsotakis visited the historic Hegra region in AlUla.

The Hegra Archaeological Site is the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. It is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan.

Hegra features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD.

Mitsotakis visited Qasr Al-Farid, a tomb constructed around the 1st century CE, and Qasr Al-Bint, the most famous necropolis in Hegra. He also visited Mount Athlab, one of the main attractions in the AlUla region.


Deputy FM meets Canadian foreign ministry official in Riyadh

Deputy FM meets Canadian foreign ministry official in Riyadh
Updated 13 January 2025
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Deputy FM meets Canadian foreign ministry official in Riyadh

Deputy FM meets Canadian foreign ministry official in Riyadh
  • They reviewed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and other topics of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Alexander Leveque, assistant deputy minister for Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb at the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler in Riyadh on Monday, and they held talks on various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.