Diriyah’s $2bn mega-project set to redefine Saudi landscape

Diriyah’s $2bn mega-project set to redefine Saudi landscape
1 / 3
Diriyah Co. has unveiled a monumental SR7.8 billion ($2 billion) construction deal for a mixed-use complex in the region’s north. (SPA)
Diriyah’s $2bn mega-project set to redefine Saudi landscape
2 / 3
The agreement was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., Ahmed Al-Bassam, CEO of El-Seif Engineering Contracting, and Chuanhai Wei, CEO of the Saudi branch of the China State Construction Engineering Corp. (SPA)
Diriyah’s $2bn mega-project set to redefine Saudi landscape
3 / 3
The agreement was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., Ahmed Al-Bassam, CEO of El-Seif Engineering Contracting, and Chuanhai Wei, CEO of the Saudi branch of the China State Construction Engineering Corp. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 11 July 2024
Follow

Diriyah’s $2bn mega-project set to redefine Saudi landscape

Diriyah’s $2bn mega-project set to redefine Saudi landscape
  • Contract will usher in a sprawling development that seamlessly blends advanced educational facilities, cultural landmarks, cutting-edge office spaces, and a luxurious hotel
  • Jerry Inzerillo: This agreement represents a major step in our ongoing commitment to establish Diriyah as one of the world’s most important tourist destinations and cultural hubs

RIYADH: Diriyah Co. recently unveiled a monumental SR7.8 billion ($2 billion) construction deal for a mixed-use complex in the region’s north, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The contract, the largest in Diriyah’s development history, will usher in a sprawling development that seamlessly blends advanced educational facilities, cultural landmarks, cutting-edge office spaces, and a luxurious hotel. It will also bring together elite developers from across the world. 

The agreement was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., Ahmed Al-Bassam, CEO of El-Seif Engineering Contracting, and Chuanhai Wei, CEO of the Saudi branch of the China State Construction Engineering Corp.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2024.

Inzerillo emphasized the significance of the contract, stating: “This agreement represents a major step in our ongoing commitment to establish Diriyah as one of the world’s most important tourist destinations and cultural hubs.”

He added that the deal exemplifies the strong economic ties and robust commercial partnerships being forged between Saudi Arabia and China.

According to SPA, this deal highlights the development’s exceptional capacity to draw substantial economic opportunities to the Kingdom, capitalizing on its immense investment potential and investor-friendly climate, with governance standards that rival the best in the world.

It is designed to attract substantial foreign investment, create numerous job opportunities, and significantly boost the Kingdom’s GDP. Furthermore, it aims to solidify Diriyah’s status as a global beacon of heritage and culture.


Conference at Ithra will explore Islamic arts and crafts

Conference at Ithra will explore Islamic arts and crafts
Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Conference at Ithra will explore Islamic arts and crafts

Conference at Ithra will explore Islamic arts and crafts
  • November’s event boasts lectures, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, demonstrations

DHAHRAN: The second Islamic Art Conference will be hosted at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture between Nov. 25-30, in partnership with the Abdullatif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture.

The event, which is titled “In Praise of the Artisan: A Reassessment of Contemporary Islamic Arts & Crafts Practice,” explores Islamic works.

Visitors can expect lectures, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, and demonstrations.

The event aims to celebrate and showcase the heritage, traditions, and emerging trends of Islamic arts and crafts from the Arab world.

In addition to the conference, Ithra is hosting an exhibition called “In Praise of the Artisan,” in partnership with the Al-Sabah Collection of the Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait. The exhibition will feature historic and contemporary works, including the largest hand-carved stone screen since the Taj Mahal, and eight commissioned pieces by master craftspeople from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, India, Spain, Egypt, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, and Malaysia.

Artworks on display at the Islamic Art Conference. (Supplied)

Abdullah Al-Rashid, director of Ithra, said: “The Islamic Art Conference is a global platform for shining the light on Islamic arts and crafts, in line with Ithra’s mission to celebrate cultural heritage, enable talent development and support creative expression, all powered by partnerships with renowned institutions.

“The synergies of conducting both events in parallel will provide a uniquely interactive and immersive experience designed to educate visitors about Islamic handicrafts and artisans from the Middle East and beyond.” 

Mashary Al-Naim, the secretary-general of the Abdullatif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, said: “This conference and exhibition support our ongoing efforts to unearth new ideas from around the world for designing mosques and encouraging innovative planning, design and technical ideas that can form a new identity for Islamic art.

“Islamic art no longer discusses works of art and architecture as tangible creations, but rather looks at them in the context of work, crafts, and daily practices.”

The event will also address new initiatives to preserve traditional craft skills, help artisans find markets and adapt to global challenges. It will explore the role of relationships in craft production, traditional materials and methods, and the use of crafts for social change in developing Islamic countries.
 


Saudi minister praises leadership for health sector advancements 

Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel. (Supplied)
Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel. (Supplied)
Updated 3 min 2 sec ago
Follow

Saudi minister praises leadership for health sector advancements 

Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel. (Supplied)
  • Key milestones include the establishment of the Saudi National Institute of Health and the launch of health clusters across the Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for praising the Health Sector Transformation Program during Tuesday's Cabinet session.

Al-Jalajel highlighted the program’s advancements in top-tier health services in line with leadership directives, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The commendation followed the program’s 2023 achievements report, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Key milestones include the establishment of the Saudi National Institute of Health and the launch of health clusters across the Kingdom.

Digital health services, like the NPHIES platform by the Cooperative Health Insurance Council and expanded virtual health services, have enhanced the sector’s capabilities, leading to improved health indicators and raising the average life expectancy in the Kingdom to 77.6 years, SPA stated.

Al-Jalajel, also the chairman of the Health Sector Transformation Program committee, credited the success to efforts in community health, the integration of the health sector with related areas, and robust preventive health measures, contributing to an overall healthier nation.


NEOM’s social responsibility programs helped 50,000 people in 2023 

NEOM has announced that 50,000 people benefited from its social responsibility programs over the past year. (SPA)
NEOM has announced that 50,000 people benefited from its social responsibility programs over the past year. (SPA)
Updated 56 min 16 sec ago
Follow

NEOM’s social responsibility programs helped 50,000 people in 2023 

NEOM has announced that 50,000 people benefited from its social responsibility programs over the past year. (SPA)
  • Projects awarded to local firms, hundreds of jobs created
  • Over $10.6m social return from its ‘Seven Senses Program’

RIYADH: NEOM, the sustainable development project in northwest Saudi Arabia, has announced that 50,000 people benefited from its social responsibility programs over the past year.

In its annual Social Responsibility Report, carried by the Saudi Press Agency, it states that 26 projects were awarded to Tabuk companies. In addition, 583 people from NEOM and Tabuk found employment.

A notable finding is the social return on investment from the NEOM “Seven Senses Program,” which exceeded SR40 million ($10.6 million), the SPA reported.

The report underscores NEOM’s commitment to socioeconomic engagement, human capacity building, and local community support.

It emphasizes the project’s role in inspiring global social responsibility through three programs: Accelerating Progress, Embedding Value, and Enhancing Quality of Life.

The report has stories of entrepreneurs, volunteers, and NEOM employees who benefited from the programs, highlighting successes and challenges encountered.

It also showcases how NEOM’s key partnerships drove innovation and socioeconomic progress in local communities, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

In 2023, NEOM launched its first integrated ecosystem, engaging over 1,300 volunteers in 68 projects to serve their communities.


King Salman sends letter on bilateral relations to Iran’s president

King Salman sends letter on bilateral relations to Iran’s president
Updated 31 July 2024
Follow

King Salman sends letter on bilateral relations to Iran’s president

King Salman sends letter on bilateral relations to Iran’s president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has sent a letter to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian concerning relations between the two nations.

The message was delivered by Minister of State Prince Mansour bin Miteb bin Abdulaziz who was in Tehran on Tuesday to hold talks with top Iran officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Prince Mansour conveyed best wishes to the Iranian people from the monarch and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The reception was attended by the Kingdom’s Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, and the Saudi Ambassador to Iran Abdullah bin Saud Al-Anzi.

Several Iranian government officials attended the event, including Foreign Affairs Acting Minister Ali Bagheri Kani.


KSrelief provides aid for needy in Guinea, Turkiye

KSrelief provides aid for needy in Guinea, Turkiye
Updated 31 July 2024
Follow

KSrelief provides aid for needy in Guinea, Turkiye

KSrelief provides aid for needy in Guinea, Turkiye

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has provided healthcare services for people in Guinea and Turkiye over the past few weeks, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In Conakry, Guinea, the Noor Saudi Arabia program, aimed at helping those with visual challenges, provided services between July 15 and 23.

Medical staffers completed 6,500 examinations, distributed 1,100 spectacles, and carried out 450 operations.

In Turkiye’s Reyhanli city on Sunday, a medical project was launched which provided 235 therapy sessions, and fitted 12 prosthetic limbs as well as 28 custom orthotic braces.

The project, from July 27 to Aug. 4, comprises 12 volunteers of the Saudi Life Volunteer Program to assist earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye.