Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day

Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
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Locals with their children adorned with the national flag, enjoyed shows, parades and cultural exhibitions. (SPA)
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Updated 23 September 2024
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Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day

Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
  • Art, music, parades, fireworks and more mark occasion enjoyed by children and families

RIYADH: Monday marked a day of joy and expressions of pride as people throughout the Kingdom took to the streets flying the Saudi flag high at various events organized by local authorities to mark the occasion.

The Royal Guard Presidency organized a celebration of the 94th Saudi National Day on Sept. 23 in Jeddah, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Suleiman Al-Hudhaili, the commander of the Royal Guard Group in the Western Region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The celebration included musical performances of Saudi melodies, a motorcycle parade, a show by the Honor Guard, and other activities.

The official ceremony began with the national anthem and recitation of verses from the Qur’an, followed by a performance of an operetta titled “And Blessings,” presented by Dar Al-Tarbia Al-Hadetha School, a documentary film about the occasion, and a film by the Royal Guard, all themed around the special day.




The General Entertainment Authority also organized fireworks displays throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the day. (SPA)

The ceremony also featured welcoming words, poems and national melodies, with attendees gathering to enjoy the festive atmosphere and promote the values of national unity.

The 94th National Day celebrations in the Jazan region, organized by the municipality in the northern coastal area of Jazan city, also attracted a large and diverse crowd of visitors of all ages.

Locals with their children thronged the event venue adorned with the national flag, enjoying shows, parades and cultural exhibitions organized by local associations and clubs in partnership with the Ministry of Sports. The activities took place along the cultural street in Jazan.

People visited art stations to admire national-themed artworks symbolizing allegiance, patriotism and admiration for the nation and its leadership.




Locals with their children adorned with the national flag, enjoyed shows, parades and cultural exhibitions. (SPA)

The cultural street, stretching more than 450 meters, featured a wide range of attractions for visitors along its length. People could stroll shaded pathways adorned with decorative motifs featuring the national flag, relax in designated seating areas, and pose for photos next to beautiful sculptures.

Families and children in Madinah also enjoyed an atmosphere of happiness at events and programs held in parks and squares. The events were held under the slogan “We Dream, We Achieve.”

In Hail and Tabuk, thousands of children draped in the national flag and dressed in its colors, also celebrated National Day, joining their families at various public spaces for celebrations organized by the local municipalities.

A bicycle parade in Yanbu featured 130 cyclists carrying national flags to celebrate the day. The event was attended by Yanbu Governor Saad bin Marzouq Al-Suhaimi, government officials and numerous enthusiasts.




A bicycle parade in Yanbu featured 130 cyclists carrying national flags to celebrate the day. (SPA)

The parade started from the Royal Commission in Yanbu Industrial City and continued to the historic district in Yanbu Al-Bahr. It involved local security forces, industrial security from the commission, and 21 volunteers, all expressing their joy for Saudi National Day.

In the Northern Borders region, cities and governorates were decorated with more than 6,000 flags raised in gardens, public parks, streets and squares, and 650 advertising boards.

Festivities included entertainment and cultural events organized by the region’s municipality and held in Arar Water Tower Park.

The General Entertainment Authority also organized fireworks displays throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the day. The fireworks were launched simultaneously in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlKhobar, Buraidah, Tabuk, Madinah, Abha, Hail, Arar, Najran, Baha, Al-Jouf and Jazan.


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 25 sec ago
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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.


Saudi artist’s ‘Tafawut’ exhibition showcases harmony between art and architecture 

Saudi artist’s ‘Tafawut’ exhibition showcases harmony between art and architecture 
Updated 26 min 29 sec ago
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Saudi artist’s ‘Tafawut’ exhibition showcases harmony between art and architecture 

Saudi artist’s ‘Tafawut’ exhibition showcases harmony between art and architecture 
  • Salman Al-Amir’s use of acrylic and oil paint allows for a wide range of textures and tones making his works both thought-provoking and visually striking

RIYADH: Saudi artist and architect Salman Al-Amir’s exhibition, “Tafawut” (Disparity) which was held at Mahd Alfnon Gallery in Riyadh from Feb. 13-19, showcased a glimpse of his creative process, in which he skillfully blended art and architecture. 

Born in 1963 in Al-Ahsa, Al-Amir holds a master’s from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s from King Faisal University. 

With a background in interior design and architecture, he creates spaces that blend functionality with artistic expression, transforming each project into an exciting adventure.

“Tafawut” presented a diverse and engaging collection of 37 artworks that serve as a window into the artist’s emotions and experiences. 

The exhibition showcased a stunning variety of styles and mediums; some pieces were abstract and displayed a masterful play of geometric shapes and others representational, with artworks focusing on people, animals, or objects. Some featured prints, while others featured dreamy backdrops. 

His use of acrylic and oil paint allows for a wide range of textures and tones making his works both thought-provoking and visually striking.

The color palettes were equally varied, ranging from earthy to vibrant tones, further demonstrating the versatility of Al-Amir’s artistic vision and skill. 

This flair is a testament to Al-Amir’s architectural background, where precision and creativity come together. Each artwork invites viewers to explore the harmonious relationship between structure and form. 

His talent lies in merging his architectural expertise with his artistic passion. The paintings on display incorporate intricate details, touching upon various elements of Al-Amir’s experiences.

When asked about a specific painting that links his personal and professional experiences, Al-Amir said: “A painting titled ‘Ideas on a Flat Carpet’ is devoid of ideas but filled with the principles and foundations of Islamic miniature arts, often overlooked in our Islamic cultural heritage, yet rich with inspiration for the Saudi, Arab, and Islamic artist.” 

This painting reflects Al-Amir’s strong connection to his cultural roots and his passion for reinterpreting traditional artistic forms in a contemporary context.

Reflecting on his creative process, Al-Amir explained: “I am still on a journey to discover the creative form that satisfies me and relieves me from the arduous search.” 

The exhibition itself displays this ongoing exploration and experimentation.

Discussing the exhibition’s theme, Al-Amir stated: “Disparity here means diversity, not a difference in levels.

“This is precisely the message I wanted to convey to my fellow artists and amateurs to explore the depths of their talents and strive to reveal them,” Al-Amir told Arab News. 

The exhibition celebrated the multifaceted nature of art and the importance of embracing diverse styles and approaches.

As Al-Amir looks ahead, he shared his artistic goals. “I’m working to bring more Eastern influences into my art,” he explained.

He aims to give his creations a unique character that reflects the beauty and richness of Eastern traditions.

The artist shared valuable advice for aspiring artists. “Learn the rules like a professional so you can break them like an artist. Additionally, I encourage aspiring artists not to imitate Western styles; instead, they should adapt and reformulate these influences to support their local identity.”

Al-Amir is a dynamic force in the art world, leading workshops that ignite creativity. As a juror for art shows and a lecturer at King Fahd University, he inspires and helps direct many other aspiring artists.


Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs finalizes Madinah’s Ramadan preparations

Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs finalizes Madinah’s Ramadan preparations
Updated 34 min 50 sec ago
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Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs finalizes Madinah’s Ramadan preparations

Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs finalizes Madinah’s Ramadan preparations

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has completed its preparations for this year’s holy month of Ramadan in Madinah.

Mosques, praying areas and their facilities have been prepared to receive worshippers, ensuring they perform their rituals in an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.

Sheikh Osama bin Zaid Al-Madkhali, director general of the ministry’s branch in Madinah, said that the body’s efforts included intensifying regular maintenance rounds to ensure that mosques were free of any malfunctions or issues.

In addition, specialized field teams have been formed to handle emergency maintenance work around the clock, ensuring uninterrupted services.

Inspection tours of mosques have also been intensified to identify needs and ensure optimal preparation, in addition to following up on imams, preachers and muezzins to ensure their adherence to the ministry’s directives in serving worshippers. 


Saudi-EU food security officials hold talks

Saudi-EU food security officials hold talks
Updated 39 min 30 sec ago
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Saudi-EU food security officials hold talks

Saudi-EU food security officials hold talks

RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, met with the Director General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission Sandra Gallina in Brussels.

The meeting aimed to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise, and was also attended by the Saudi ambassador to the EU, Haifa Al-Jedea.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the authority’s efforts in developing international food standards per the highest global benchmarks. They also discussed ways to facilitate the entry of Saudi food and pharmaceutical exports into EU markets, thereby fostering mutual growth opportunities and expanding the scope of economic partnership between the two sides.

The discussions also covered prospects for cooperation in biotechnology legislation, pharmaceutical availability, and artificial intelligence applications through joint work with specialized European agencies. This collaboration seeks to align regulatory policies and share best practices.


Saudi Arabia expresses solidarity with Kuwait after military accident

Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise. (AFP)
Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise. (AFP)
Updated 20 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia expresses solidarity with Kuwait after military accident

Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise. (AFP)
  • Kingdom expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the government and people of Kuwait
  • Two members of the Kuwaiti Ground Forces died during a night shooting drill with live ammunition on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise.

The two members of the Kuwaiti Ground Forces died during a night shooting drill with live ammunition on Wednesday as part of a joint military exercise between Kuwait and the US. Two other soldiers were injured during the incident.

Major Sergeant Ahmad Farhan Harat and Sergeant Musaad Dhahi Saleh were buried on Thursday in Sulaibikhat Cemetery, Kuwait News Agency reported.

Special technical teams, involving the US military, have been formed to investigate the incident, KUNA added.

The Kingdom expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the government and people of Kuwait, a foreign ministry statement said. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.