Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye

Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail accepting an award during the meeting of the Saudi Contractors Authority and the Turkish Contractors Association in Ankara. (SPA)
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Updated 07 July 2024
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Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye

Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye
  • Saudi and Turkish companies in the real estate development sector and exploring current and future investment opportunities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail ended an official visit to Turkiye to enhance cooperation in real estate development, road infrastructure, waste management and recycling, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The visit was also an initiative to create new alliances between Saudi and Turkish contractors, according to the SPA.

During the visit, Al Hogail met with the head of Turkiye’s Investment Office, Burak Daglıoglu, where they discussed cooperation opportunities and exchanged successful experiences on the two countries’ strategies for improving the real estate investment environment, developing economic zones, activating partnerships between the public and private sectors, linking Saudi and Turkish companies in the real estate development sector and exploring current and future investment opportunities.




Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail and his delegation attend a meeting of representatives of Saudi Contractors Authority and the Turkish Contractors Association Erdal Eren, and representatives of Saudi and Turkish companies participated in the event. (SPA)

In Istanbul, Al-Hogail attended the launch of the Saudi-Turkish Construction Forum and the accompanying workshop, which was organized by the Saudi Contractor Authority to link contracting companies in the two countries by creating alliances in major development projects.

Turkish Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu, the chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Contractors Authority Zakria Al-Abdulqadir, the president of the Turkish Contractors Association Erdal Eren, and representatives of Saudi and Turkish companies participated in the event.

During the session, Al-Hogail stressed the importance of coordination and joint work between Saudi and Turkish companies in the fields of environment, roads, cleanliness, waste management and recycling “to develop and improve city services in a way that reflects positively on their residents,” the SPA statement said.

He expressed his optimism about the results and outcomes of the workshop in developing joint development work and increasing the volume of trade between the two countries, “harnessing all capabilities for the renaissance and prosperity of cities,” SPA added.

Al-Hogail also attended round table meetings between the Saudi and Turkish sides to review the most prominent opportunities and pioneer investment projects in the real estate sector, and highlight the Kingdom’s efforts in the fields of building technologies and development in the construction sector, infrastructure projects, waste management and recycling.

During the meetings, he expressed his desire to deepen partnerships with the Turkish side through joint cooperation with contractors, developers and investors in Turkiye’s construction sector, and to contribute to implementing and developing suburbs and major residential projects in the Kingdom.

He said that the ministry was working through the housing program to develop real estate projects in the Kingdom with approximately 200 real estate developers from private sector companies, and qualifying many developers to enter into residential projects.

The minister last visited Turkiye in July last year, where he sponsored the Saudi-Turkish Business Forum, where several cooperation agreements were signed between Saudi and Turkish companies in the fields of real estate development, construction, engineering consulting and other investment sectors.

 

 

 


Saudi commission’s deep dive to protect Red Sea heritage sites

Saudi commission’s deep dive to protect Red Sea heritage sites
Updated 17 sec ago
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Saudi commission’s deep dive to protect Red Sea heritage sites

Saudi commission’s deep dive to protect Red Sea heritage sites
  • Second phase builds on a series of national initiatives to preserve the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage
  • Includes developing a sustainable approach to conserving underwater heritage, with a focus on sites spanning the governorates of Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has launched the second phase of a project focused on studying underwater cultural heritage sites along the Red Sea coast.

In partnership with King Abdulaziz University and the University of Naples L’Orientale in Italy, the second phase builds on a series of national initiatives to preserve the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage.

This includes developing a sustainable approach to conserving underwater heritage, with a focus on sites spanning the governorates of Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

International partners of the initiative include the Alexandria Center for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage, the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage in South Korea, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

The project seeks to provide accurate information for the management and protection of these sites, and expand research and scientific studies related to them. The ultimate goal is to enhance knowledge and documentation of this cultural heritage, SPA reported.

Expected outcomes include comprehensive reports analyzing archaeological findings, a developed management plan, and detailed scientific documentation of submerged heritage elements.

These will contribute to the national archaeological registry and enhance the national protection of underwater cultural heritage along the Red Sea coast, SPA reported.

This project will also highlight the historical and cultural connections between Saudi Arabia and other countries, as the Red Sea coast is a major historical maritime route.

The Kingdom has made significant efforts in this field, which aligns with the UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001 Convention. These include establishing a dedicated center for underwater cultural heritage, a key initiative within Vision 2030 aimed at achieving sustainable development in the field of national heritage.


Saudi aid provides relief to thousands in Syria, Gaza

Saudi aid provides relief to thousands in Syria, Gaza
Updated 15 min 33 sec ago
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Saudi aid provides relief to thousands in Syria, Gaza

Saudi aid provides relief to thousands in Syria, Gaza
  • Ongoing support offers food, shelter and medical supplies to those affected by conflict

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has continued to provide aid to the people of Syria as part of various humanitarian missions.

On Monday, a relief plane — the 14th so far — arrived in Damascus from Riyadh, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies for those facing challenging conditions, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

In Harasta town, Rural Damascus governorate, KSrelief distributed 399 bags of flour, blankets and personal care kits, benefiting 532 people.

The Saudi aid agency also distributed shopping vouchers to 56 beneficiaries in Jindires town, Aleppo governorate, enabling them to purchase winter clothing from designated stores.

In Talbiseh town, Homs governorate, KSrelief distributed 327 food baskets, winter kits and personal care kits for 529 people.

These efforts, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, are part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.

According to KSrelief, Saudi Arabia’s total aid to Syria from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.

Meanwhile, in the northern Gaza Strip, the Saudi aid agency is providing support to returning residents in Jabalia.

KSrelief’s executive partner in Gaza, the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, has provided essential items such as blankets, mattresses, cooking utensils and more to help families who lost everything due to the widespread destruction.

Since its launch in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,306 projects worth almost $7.3 billion in 105 countries, in partnership with 461 local, regional and international organizations.

Its programs include food security, water sanitation, health, education, emergency aid, nutrition, protection, early recovery and telecommunications.


Saudi commission joins Asian film network

Saudi commission joins Asian film network
Updated 16 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi commission joins Asian film network

Saudi commission joins Asian film network
  • Nonprofit network includes more than 50 members from 19 Asian countries and regions, comprising film commissions, production offices and related organizations
  • Membership highlights the commission’s work to support local and regional film projects, encourage co-productions and promote the Kingdom’s film industry

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has joined the Asian Film Commissions Network to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Founded in 2004, the nonprofit network includes more than 50 members from 19 Asian countries and regions, comprising film commissions, production offices and related organizations.

The membership highlights the commission’s work to support local and regional film projects, encourage co-productions and promote the Kingdom’s film industry, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The commission aims to create new opportunities for filmmakers by providing platforms to showcase their work, supporting distribution channels and offering competitive incentives, the SPA added.

In June 2024, the commission also joined the Association of Film Commissioners International to boost Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global film industry and promote collaboration among production companies.


Riyadh foundation hosts event to preserve history

Riyadh foundation hosts event to preserve history
Updated 27 January 2025
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Riyadh foundation hosts event to preserve history

Riyadh foundation hosts event to preserve history
  • Event, which is on at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh until Tuesday, features workshops, exhibitions and talks by 20 experts on innovation and heritage
  • Aligned with Vision 2030, the lab provides a platform for youth and organizations passionate about history to collaborate and compete

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Public Foundation for Research and Archives staged a National History Lab event in collaboration with 30 Saudi universities and 15 national and international organizations to promote creativity in preserving and sharing national history.

The event, which is on at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh until Tuesday, features workshops, exhibitions and talks by 20 experts on innovation and heritage.

Aligned with Vision 2030, the lab provides a platform for youth and organizations passionate about history to collaborate and compete, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative encourages students to develop ideas, technical projects and social initiatives that show Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and history in engaging and innovative ways to diverse audiences, SPA reported.

The initiative has two tracks: the digital innovation track, which focuses on developing technical solutions for documenting and sharing history; and the social impact track, which aims to design initiatives that strengthen community connections to history.

Thirteen judges will evaluate the projects, with support from more than 20 facilitators who will guide participants in refining their ideas.


Timeless tapestry of Najran’s architectural legacy

Timeless tapestry of Najran’s architectural legacy
Updated 27 January 2025
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Timeless tapestry of Najran’s architectural legacy

Timeless tapestry of Najran’s architectural legacy
  • Najran old city’s archaeological sites date back over 3 centuries
  • 5 traditional styles in harmony with nature, says local academic

RIYADH: Najran’s rich architectural heritage, crafted with local materials and traditional techniques, blends past and present in a way that aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on preserving the nation’s culture.

It serves as a valuable inspiration for sustainable, technologically advanced projects such as NEOM and Qiddiya, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Najran maintains its distinct character through its architecture. The mud houses showcase architectural solutions tailored to local environmental conditions and are deeply rooted in customs and traditions.

The old city of Najran stands as a vital part of the Arabian Peninsula’s cultural heritage, featuring archaeological sites including castles, palaces, and traditional homes that date back over three centuries.

Abdulrahman Al-Majadah, assistant professor of urban design at Najran University, told the SPA that traditional houses in Najran typically do not exceed 100 sq. meters.

The remaining land is reserved for livestock, grain storage, and summer living areas. These old mud houses are noted for their simplicity, beauty, and harmonious design, standing apart from the interconnected urban layout of traditional Islamic cities.

Rather than being enclosed by protective walls, the old city consists of several residential complexes shaped by social customs, nestled among farms, and reflecting a strong sense of security and cohesion.

Al-Majadah noted five traditional styles of Najrani houses: Al-Qasbah, Al-Darb, Al-Mushulaq, Al-Murabba, and Al-Muqaddam.

The Al-Qasbah style, typically found in village centers, features a circular design with a broad base that narrows upward, resembling guard towers and earning it the name Al-Abraj, he explained.

Al-Mushulaq is characterized by rooms facing the main entrance, taking a U or L shape, with two to three floors. The most common is Al-Darb, which has seven floors, while Al-Muqaddam is simpler, consisting of a single floor with a roof.

Decorative elements play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of these traditional homes. Horizontal bands adorn the upper edges of buildings, some featuring hollow arches, with doors and windows framed in white gypsum.

The arrangement of windows creates a rhythmic exterior, and the buildings often reflect the natural colors of materials including wood, gypsum and clay.

Nasser Ayran, a restoration expert for mud houses in Najran, highlighted the increasing demand for the rehabilitation of these traditional homes, driven by a desire to preserve cultural heritage and enhance the visual appeal of local villages.

Given the limited land, dividing properties among heirs is impractical, making preservation the better option.

The Heritage Commission is playing a key role in documenting urban heritage and creating a national registry of sites throughout the Kingdom for researchers.

The construction of these houses involves using mud and stones. The initial stage, known as Al-Wathar, includes laying a horizontal row of stones called Al-Madmak. Drying times vary from two to three days in winter to one day in summer before the second layer is added.

Roof construction uses palm trunks, tamarisk, or sidr, coated with mud plaster, and treated with lime in a process known as Al-Qadad. This meticulous craftsmanship emphasizes the deep connection between Najran’s architectural heritage and its cultural identity.