AlUla tourism chiefs arrive in London on world tour to show what ancient Saudi city has to offer

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Updated 14 March 2024
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AlUla tourism chiefs arrive in London on world tour to show what ancient Saudi city has to offer

AlUla tourism chiefs arrive in London on world tour to show what ancient Saudi city has to offer
  • The Royal Commission for AlUla showcases its ‘Forever Revitalizing’ campaign during lavish event at the British Museum
  • The visit to the British capital is the third leg of a global tour that began in Dubai, moved on to Paris and will continue in New York, Mumbai and Shanghai

LONDON: The ancient city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia is embarking on what authorities describe as its “next evolution,” as they launch the destination’s global brand image in key international markets to show the world what it has to offer.

“We’ve been very focused on the regional audience, but we’ve never had a media campaign telling our story globally and so this is the launch of that in our six key markets,” said Phillip Jones, the chief tourism officer with the Royal Commission for AlUla.

“It will be an opportunity to introduce a completely new audience to what we have to offer in AlUla.”

The commission showcased its “Forever Revitalizing” campaign during a lavish event at the British Museum in London on Wednesday. Its visit to the British capital is the third leg of a global tour that began in Dubai, moved on to Paris and will continue in New York, Mumbai and Shanghai.

“London is an interesting place to see this particular exhibition of our history and the world’s history, actually,” the Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, told Arab News.

“London is a connector of all kinds of cultures from around the world (and) is a center of art, culture, development and finance — and that’s exactly what AlUla was.

“AlUla was the center of so much that brought people around from all over the region, and was a trade destination and a trade hub for the world, like London is today. So for us, it’s really exciting to take an old trade hub and launch it in a new trade hub.”

He said very few destinations offer as many opportunities as AlUla to discover and experience something new. It is a real honor to introduce this “exciting project” to the rest of the world, he added.

“We’ve known about it for a long time, and we’re now sharing it with everyone,” said Prince Khalid. “It’s a true international historical site and it’s nice to see it take its place among the greatest tourist destinations in the world.”

In reference to the evolution of Saudi Arabia in recent years, he described as “truly remarkable” what Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had “managed to achieve by galvanizing our population behind all this development and change … and it’s apparent in all of these young Saudis who are here” representing the ambitions of the nation.

Jones said that when he visited AlUla for the first time he was “completely blown away by the sheer beauty of the place, the majesty of it, and the fact that it’s this treasure that we can preserve and protect and then share that story with the world.

“I’ve worked in the travel industry for 35 years and I thought I knew every destination that was important globally.”

He compared the tourism value of AlUla with that of Petra in Jordan; Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 3rd century B.C., located on its northern border, he explained, and Hegra was on its southern border. But he noted that as modern-day tourist destinations, they are very different in many ways, not least in the number of visitors they aim to attract — and that is by design.

“When you go to Petra, you may be visiting with 1,000 other people looking at the Treasury but when you come to AlUla and look at the Hegra tomb, you are there with three or five people,” Jones said.

“It’s a very different and much more of an individual experience, where you can absorb the history and the heritage of the area in a very bespoke setting.”

One focus of the commission’s work is to preserve the natural beauty and splendor of AlUla, including its clear, star-filled skies, and as such it has adopted “a dark skies policy” as part of its sustainability efforts.

“We want to make sure that when people come and want to go stargazing, which is one of our most popular activities, they have an opportunity to see and experience something of that magnitude, and so we’re very focused on preserving and protecting the uniqueness and the authenticity of AlUla,” Jones said. “It’s never going to be a mass tourism destination.”

Nevertheless, as part of the efforts to promote AlUla to the world, several projects are underway to build museums and other heritage attractions, along with hotels and restaurants to cater for visitors. These developments are due to open between 2030 and 2035, and they are being planned and implemented “very carefully in a way that preserves the authenticity of the destination,” Jones said.

“By 2030, we may have a million visitors, by 2035, maybe 2 million visitors. But never more than that because we don’t want to spoil it. We want to keep it as pristine and beautiful as it really is.”


Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday

Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday
Updated 21 February 2025
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Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday

Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday
  • Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attends celebration
  • Ties continue to deepen between 2 nations, says envoy Yasunari Morino

RIYADH: The Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino hosted a reception on Thursday to celebrate the 65th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.

Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, mayor of Riyadh region, attended the reception, which included several representatives of diplomatic missions and dignitaries.

In a speech, Morino highlighted the development of relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

He said several Japanese officials have visited Saudi Arabia this year including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto, and Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto.

In February, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Japan and signed a pact with his counterpart to establish a Strategic Partnership Council.

Morino emphasized the expansion of cooperation between the two nations in several sectors including clean energy, mineral resources, technology, health, food, entertainment and sports — in line with the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 plan.

He also spoke about Japan’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment.

Morino underscored the continued growth of people-to-people exchanges, noting that Japanese culture continues to captivate Saudi Arabia’s citizens, particularly young people.

He also mentioned the upcoming Kansai-Osaka Expo, set to begin in April, and expressed hope the event would attract many visitors from Saudi Arabia and other nations.

He said the expo would showcase the importance of the planet’s ecosystem, human diversity and the collective wisdom of humankind.

Morino reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Japan-Saudi Arabia strategic partnerships to help promote international peace, stability, and human development.

A version of this article appeared on Arab News Japan 


Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly

Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly
Updated 21 February 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly

Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly
  • Vice Speaker Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, emphasizes boosting ties with Kingdom, GCC at opening of 2-day session in Romeopening of the two-day session in Rome

ROME: A delegation of the Kingdom’s Shoura Council attended the 19th plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean on Thursday as an observer, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Vice Speaker Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, head of the council’s delegation, spoke at the opening of PAM’s two-day session in Rome, emphasizing the opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Mediterranean countries in various fields.

Al-Sulami said there was also potential for collaboration between the Mediterranean basin and the six-nation GCC, of which Saudi Arabia is a member.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s initiatives promoting global security, peace, stability, and development including the Arab Peace Initiative, Yemen ceasefire, Sudanese peace talks, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and Middle East Green Initiative.

Al-Sulami also spoke about Saudi Arabia’s critical role in this week’s US-Russia talks, which was held in Riyadh, and the humanitarian aid provided to countries affected by wars and disasters.

Over 300 delegates from national parliaments, international organizations, academia, and diplomatic missions participated in the event, which was hosted by the speakers of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

Morocco’s Enaam Mayara, the president of PAM, convened the session.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a video message urging the participants to “keep working for peace, sustainable development and human rights for the people of the Mediterranean region and our world.”


Saudi FM meets with counterparts on sidelines of G20 meeting in Johannesburg

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg on Thursday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg on Thursday. (SPA)
Updated 21 February 2025
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Saudi FM meets with counterparts on sidelines of G20 meeting in Johannesburg

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg on Thursday. (SPA)
  • Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is attending a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his counterparts from the UK, China, Australia, and France separately in Johannesburg on Thursday.

On the sidelines of a meeting of G20 foreign ministers held for the first time in Africa, Prince Faisal discussed regional and international developments with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

With Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Prince Faisal discussed intensifying coordination on issues of common interest.

Ways to enhance and develop joint relations were reviewed by Prince Faisal and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong.

Prince Faisal also discussed regional developments and efforts made to achieve stability and peace in the region with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot.


How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development

How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development
Updated 20 February 2025
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How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development

How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development
  • AI has enabled personalized learning by adapting content to students’ pace and style, offering interactive, gamified experiences
  • However, experts warn that excessive AI use may impact early childhood cognitive growth and reduce real-world learning

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries across the globe, and education is no exception. From personalized learning experiences to administrative efficiency, AI is reshaping classrooms and redefining the roles of both teachers and students.

However, as AI’s influence in education expands, experts warn of potential drawbacks — particularly when it comes to young children.

AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly prevalent in education. According to a 2024 report by the UK-based digital safety organization Internet Matters, nearly 44 percent of children are currently using AI, and 54 percent have incorporated it into school assignments.

The report, titled “Artificially Intelligent? Children’s and parents’ views on generative AI in education,” found that teachers, too, are integrating AI into their daily tasks, with 60 percent reporting that they use the technology to enhance their work.

The adoption of AI in education reflects a broader global trend. Experts at Allied Market Research project the market for AI-driven educational tools will grow from $2.5 billion in 2022 to $6 billion by the end of 2025, highlighting the increasing reliance on technology in schools.

In Saudi Arabia, the government has embraced AI’s potential in various sectors, including education. The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, established in 2019, aims to drive innovation in AI and position the Kingdom at the forefront of data-driven economies.

For educators, AI presents exciting opportunities to enhance learning experiences.

“AI has transformed education by personalizing learning experiences, allowing for tailored content that meets individual student needs,” Faleh bin Saad Al-Huqbani, director of Al-Muqaddimah Schools in Riyadh, told Arab News.

By adapting content to a child’s pace and learning style, AI enables more individualized instruction, helping students grasp difficult concepts with greater ease. Additionally, AI-powered tutoring systems provide real-time feedback and support, reinforcing learning outside the classroom.

Young students attend a lecture on artificial intelligence and robotics during a science exhibition conducted by the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh. (SPA file photo)

“AI tools can engage children with interactive and gamified learning environments, making education more enjoyable,” Al-Huqbani added.

Beyond the classroom, AI is also streamlining administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching rather than paperwork. Automated grading systems, data analysis tools, and AI-powered lesson planning are freeing up valuable time for teachers to engage with students more effectively.

While AI’s impact on education is largely positive, some experts caution against its overuse — especially among young children.

Dr. Sultan Ayoub Meo, professor of physiology at the College of Medicine at King Saud University, stresses the importance of cognitive development in early childhood, warning that excessive reliance on AI and electronic devices could have unintended consequences.

Dr. Sultan Ayoub Meo. (Supplied)

“It is not just a natural biological maturation; it is shaped by the infant’s experiences and interactions with their environment,” Dr. Meo told Arab News.

“Children’s cognitive development from birth to 5 years of age is critical due to rapid brain growth and acquiring initial knowledge in thinking, learning, problem-solving, language, and understanding.”

Dr. Meo believes AI has an important role to play in higher education, but he does not recommend its use for children under the age of 6.

While AI has an important role to play in higher education, Dr. Meo does not recommend its use for children under the age of 6. (SPA file photo)

“In this age group, the most important and highly sensitive systems, nervous and endocrine systems, and their physiological processes are rapidly developing,” he said.

He also pointed out potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to AI-enabled devices. “Using AI for children at the age of 6 can cause behavioral and psychological issues,” he said.

“We cannot deny the effects of electromagnetic field radiation generated by AI-allied devices and their hazards on various body organs, including the brain, ears, and eyes, especially in infants and children.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• AI is transforming education, with 60 percent of teachers using it to automate grading, analyze data, and streamline administrative tasks.

• Experts warn that excessive AI use may impact early childhood cognitive development and reduce real-world learning opportunities.

• Experts advocate balancing AI with traditional education to ensure students develop both technological and interpersonal skills.

Despite these concerns, Dr. Meo acknowledges that AI is now an integral part of education and research.

“This is the era of science and technology,” he said. “The future of digital education is extremely important in academia and research. Digital education makes knowledge easily accessible and enables students to access the same knowledge resources.”

In addition to making education more accessible, AI facilitates lifelong learning and skill acquisition, helping students meet the demands of an evolving job market. However, Dr. Meo highlighted the importance of being selective in how and when AI is introduced in the classroom.

KAUST Academy focuses on talent development in AI with programs targeting outside learners. (Supplied/File)

“It will be helpful at higher school and university levels rather than primary schooling,” he said. “Digital education at primary school levels may replace real-world learning and human interaction.”

While AI’s impact on education is undeniable, experts agree that a balanced approach is necessary. AI should complement, rather than replace, traditional teaching methods, ensuring that students continue to benefit from human interaction and hands-on learning experiences.

“We must balance technology with traditional teaching and learning methods,” Dr. Meo added.
 

 


Secretary-general of Etidal welcomes director of UN’s Counter-Terrorism Centre

Secretary-general of Etidal welcomes director of UN’s Counter-Terrorism Centre
Updated 20 February 2025
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Secretary-general of Etidal welcomes director of UN’s Counter-Terrorism Centre

Secretary-general of Etidal welcomes director of UN’s Counter-Terrorism Centre

RIYADH: Mansour Al-Shammari, the secretary-general of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology — also known as Etidal — welcomed Mauro Miedico, director of the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Centre, to Etidal’s headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday.

The parties discussed combating extremism and terrorism and subjects of mutual interest.