Saudi boy, 10, shines as summer ambassador

Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani’s journey from actor to ambassador highlights a deep connection to his cultural roots and commitment to promoting the country globally. (Supplied)
Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani’s journey from actor to ambassador highlights a deep connection to his cultural roots and commitment to promoting the country globally. (Supplied)
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Saudi boy, 10, shines as summer ambassador

Saudi boy, 10, shines as summer ambassador
  • Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani considers it an honor and responsibility to represent nation’s tourism program

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia actor Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani, 10, who has been an ambassador for the Saudi Summer Program 2024, has brought an intense passion and energy to the role.

With a career marked by appearances in commercials and TV series, Al-Qahtani’s journey from actor to ambassador highlights a deep connection to his cultural roots and commitment to promoting the country globally.

Al-Qahtani told Arab News: “I’ve always loved performing. I started by acting in ads for big brands like Infiniti Cars, Al-Rajhi Bank and Aramco. These opportunities allowed me to explore different facets of acting and build a solid foundation in the industry.”




Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani, Saudi actor

His experience includes campaigns for the ministries of health and environment, water and agriculture, as well as the Misk Foundation.

His acting career has been marked by outstanding performances in series including “Al-Deek Al-Azraq” and “Orim.”

Al-Qahtani’s upcoming film, “Shahd,” has also generated considerable excitement among his fans. “Acting is my real passion … Growing up, my culture deeply influenced the roles I chose. I feel fortunate to work on projects that resonate with my heritage and bring our stories to life.”

It’s a special chance to share the beauty and diversity of our country’s summer experiences with the world. I take this role very seriously and am dedicated to making the most of it.

Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani, Saudi actor

Transitioning to his role as the ambassador for the Saudi Summer Program, Al-Qahtani considers it an honor and responsibility.

“I’m thrilled … it’s a special chance to share the beauty and diversity of our country’s summer experiences with the world. I take this role very seriously and am dedicated to making the most of it,” he said.

As part of his duties, Al-Qahtani has been touring Saudi Arabia, exploring various summer destinations and participating in local events.

Al-Qahtani said: “Every place I visit has its own unique charm. Boulevard City in Riyadh is incredibly dynamic, while Jeddah Corniche offers a beautiful blend of sea and city. Abha, where I grew up, holds a special place in my heart, and I’m always excited to share its beauty with others.”

One of the standout moments of his tour was attending the King Cup final in Jeddah. “It was a significant event, and representing the summer program there was a source of immense pride for me. It felt like a perfect blend of sports and cultural celebration.”

A particularly memorable experience for him was meeting Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb in Asir. The meeting offered Al-Qahtani insights into the ongoing efforts to boost the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

“Meeting the minister was an invaluable experience,” he said. “I learned a lot about the strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting tourism in Saudi Arabia. It was inspiring to see the commitment and vision behind these efforts.”

During the interaction, Al-Qahtani held a kite adorned with the program’s logo and Al-Khateeb drew a picture symbolizing summer on it. “(It) was a special moment for me. It felt like a meaningful connection to the program and underscored the collaborative spirit of this initiative.”

Looking ahead, Al-Qahtani is enthusiastic about continuing his acting career while remaining committed to his ambassadorial role.

“I’m excited to keep working as an actor and take on new challenges,” he added. “I’m also dedicated to promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural and artistic scene. Football is another passion of mine, and I hope to explore opportunities in that area as well.”

The four-month Saudi Summer Program runs until the end of September and includes Asir, Baha, Taif, Jeddah, Riyadh, the Red Sea and AlUla. There have been hundreds of events offered with more than 100 partners.

 


Balsam index to evaluate Arabic AI models

The launch took place on Friday during the 3rd Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh. (SPA)
The launch took place on Friday during the 3rd Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Balsam index to evaluate Arabic AI models

The launch took place on Friday during the 3rd Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh. (SPA)
  • The Balsam index, developed in partnership with the Saudi Data & AI Authority and international collaborators, aims to “set global benchmarks for assessing AI models in Arabic language tasks”

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has launched the Balsam index, a tool for evaluating and measuring Arabic large language models. The launch took place on Friday during the 3rd Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh.

The Balsam index, developed in partnership with the Saudi Data & AI Authority and international collaborators, aims to “set global benchmarks for assessing AI models in Arabic language tasks,” according to a press release. It will “help assess the latest models being developed to add new features and capabilities.”

During a key session on AI models for Arabic, Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, the academy’s secretary-general, discussed language evolution. He said that while written languages have historically endured, future linguistic survival will “depend on effective AI integration.”

Al-Washmi commended the support of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, chairman of the academy’s board of trustees, in aligning the academy’s efforts with Saudi Vision 2030’s human-development goals.

 

 


Saudi Arabia to join regional nations in celebrating Arab Meteorological Day

Saudi Arabia to join regional nations in celebrating Arab Meteorological Day
Updated 28 min 33 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia to join regional nations in celebrating Arab Meteorological Day

Saudi Arabia to join regional nations in celebrating Arab Meteorological Day

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday will join other nations in the region in celebrating Arab Meteorological Day, which falls on Sept. 15 every year, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The slogan of the day is “Climate Impact and Adaptation Programs,” and looks to seek solutions to the challenges facing Arab countries in addressing the effects of climate change and related environmental and economic issues.

This year’s celebration aims to shed light on joint Arab efforts to enhance the ability to confront climate change and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.

It also seeks to raise awareness about the effects of climate change, enhance adaptation programs to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and infrastructure, raise the level of regional cooperation between Arab countries in exchanging knowledge and expertise, and support research and development in the fields of weather and climate forecasting, SPA added.

The Kingdom’s National Center of Meteorology organizes various events in various regions of the Kingdom, with the aim of highlighting the importance of the Arab Meteorological Day, and reviewing the Kingdom’s role in confronting climate change.


Saudi and Spanish foreign ministers meet in Madrid

Saudi and Spanish foreign ministers meet in Madrid
Updated 13 September 2024
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Saudi and Spanish foreign ministers meet in Madrid

Saudi and Spanish foreign ministers meet in Madrid
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Jose Manuel Albares spoke about global efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza

MADRID: The Saudi and Spanish foreign ministers met in Madrid on Friday to discuss the current situation in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Jose Manuel Albares spoke about global efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, SPA added.

The two met on the sidelines of a high-level meeting of ministers from Muslim and European countries along with the European Union’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell in Spain to discuss how to advance a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

During their meeting, they also discussed preparations for the high-level event on the same topic which will be held at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

They also reviewed relations between the Kingdom and Spain and ways to enhance them in various fields.
 


Former Public Security chief jailed 20 years over forgery, bribery and embezzlement

Former Public Security chief jailed 20 years over forgery, bribery and embezzlement
Updated 13 September 2024
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Former Public Security chief jailed 20 years over forgery, bribery and embezzlement

Former Public Security chief jailed 20 years over forgery, bribery and embezzlement
  • Court issued irrevocable ruling and jailed Lt. Gen. Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi, fining him SR1m
  • Bribes he received will be confiscated, deposited in govt treasury

RIYADH: A Saudi court has sentenced the former director of Public Security to 20 years in jail and fined him SR1 million ($266,000) after he was convicted of bribery, forgery, authority misuse, embezzling public funds and other charges.
The court issued an irrevocable ruling and jailed Lt. Gen. Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi for an initial 10 years for forgery and bribery. His SR1 million fine and seized embezzled funds will be deposited in the government’s treasury.
Al-Harbi was also handed an additional 10 years’ imprisonment after the court convicted him of misusing authority for personal gains, exploiting government contracts and embezzling public funds.
On Friday, the Saudi Press Agency cited a Ministry of Interior official source saying that the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) had questioned Al-Harbi and referred him to the pertinent court in accordance with the Criminal Procedures Law.
The source added that in reference to a royal order, the defendant’s services were terminated. He was referred to retirement and placed under investigation by Nazaha.
According to the undated court judgment, the bribe amount of SR10.08 million which Al-Harbi received will be confiscated. He was also ordered to repay the SR2.82 million of public funds that he embezzled.
The court will confiscate the gifts (or the equivalence of their value) and financial payments provided to his relatives as bribes that amounted up to SR175,000. Two agricultural plots that he obtained as bribes will also be confiscated.
The court also ordered Al-Harbi to repay SR584,000 that he obtained illegally.
The Interior Ministry highlighted the Saudi government’s keenness to protect public funds and combat corruption in all its forms.


Saudi Fashion Commission to organize investment tour in London

Saudi Fashion Commission to organize investment tour in London
Updated 13 September 2024
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Saudi Fashion Commission to organize investment tour in London

Saudi Fashion Commission to organize investment tour in London
  • The tour, which coincides with the conclusion of London Fashion Week, will offer opportunities for investors

RIYADH: The Saudi Fashion Commission will launch an investment tour in London on Tuesday, in collaboration with the nation’s Cultural Development Fund and Ministry of Investment.

The tour, which coincides with the conclusion of London Fashion Week, will offer opportunities for investors seeking a stake in the nation’s burgeoning industry.

The venue is The Twenty Two located in the Mayfair area, which is close to the primary London Fashion Week activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The tour is a part of the commission’s ongoing endeavors to improve and simplify access to the fashion sector, particularly by the private sector.

It aligns with the objectives of the Cultural Development Fund, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in arts and culture.

The event will feature discussions with representatives of international and local investors.