Jeddah shines bright for national day

Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
13 / 15
Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
Special Jeddah shines bright for national day
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Residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah as part of National Day celebrations. (AN Photo)
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Updated 23 September 2024
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Jeddah shines bright for national day

Jeddah shines bright for national day
  • Festivities kicked off with a Saudi Folklore Show at the Jeddah Yacht Club, featuring traditional dances and costumes that honored the country’s traditions
  • Event included a variety of engaging activities inspired by Saudi heritage, such as a henna corner, face painting and National Day giveaways

JEDDAH: During the National Day weekend, residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah and throughout the Kingdom, a show of the nation’s rich heritage through various family-friendly events.

In Jeddah, festivities kicked off with a Saudi Folklore Show at the Jeddah Yacht Club, featuring traditional dances and costumes that honored the country’s traditions.

This four-day celebration was designed to bring the community together, fostering a spirit of unity and pride.

One of the highlights at the Jeddah Promenade was a performance by a band featuring the Royal Naval Forces, which entertained crowds. The event included a variety of engaging activities inspired by Saudi heritage, such as a henna corner, face painting and National Day giveaways.

Hamza Mohammed, a Saudi artist who worked on a painting live at the event, told Arab News: “Celebrating this special national occasion is an affirmation of my role as a creative artist to showcase traditional Saudi music in a contemporary manner.”

The Art Dose cafe organized activities at Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, including cartoon drawing, face painting, performance art and an interactive mural.

The Social Development Bank ran a small bazaar at Jeddah Promenade featuring local brands and entrepreneurs, highlighting the richness of Saudi craftsmanship and innovation.

Shoroq Al-Johani, a Saudi artist displaying her work at the bazaar, told Arab News: “I am truly humbled and honored to showcase my artwork during the Saudi National Day celebrations.

“Art has the incredible ability to transcend boundaries and evoke deep emotions. In my stall I feature a variety of pieces, including coasters, wall hangings and bowls, each designed to celebrate our culture and inspire connection.”

A Saudi graphic designer, Anhar Ahmed, who also displayed works at the bazaar, told Arab News: “I am thrilled to contribute to this celebration of Saudi Arabia. I created a variety of products for this bazaar, including a calendar featuring illustrations of historic landmarks, as well as coffee mugs, pencil holders, and stickers designed specifically for Saudi National Day.

“Through my work, I aim to share the essence of Saudi culture and pride with everyone.”

National Day activities provide a platform for artists, designers and the wider community to come together, celebrate their identity and share their love for the Kingdom.

Aliya Mahmoud, who visited with her family said: “Attending the National Day celebrations fills me with pride. The lively displays of our culture and traditions truly highlight our rich heritage and allow our kids to learn the history.

“It’s heartwarming to see families and friends unite in celebration of what it means to be Saudi. Moments like this, where our community shines, are something I deeply cherish.”


Multi-billion global AI spending transforming business efficiency, SDAIA official tells Riyadh conference

Multi-billion global AI spending transforming business efficiency, SDAIA official tells Riyadh conference
Updated 9 sec ago
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Multi-billion global AI spending transforming business efficiency, SDAIA official tells Riyadh conference

Multi-billion global AI spending transforming business efficiency, SDAIA official tells Riyadh conference
  • Esam bin Abdullah Al-Wagait highlighted these figures during his keynote address at the 9th National Quality Conference

RIYADH: Global spending on artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency exceeded $120 billion in 2023, with over 72 percent of organizations integrating AI into at least one area of their business, according to data cited by the director of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data and AI Authority.

Esam bin Abdullah Al-Wagait highlighted these figures during his keynote address at the 9th National Quality Conference, held on Tuesday at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Wagait emphasized the growing role of AI in enhancing leadership capabilities, referencing a study from the 2024 Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, which found that 97 percent of CEOs believe AI has improved their performance, reduced administrative burdens, and strengthened their ability to lead effectively, SPA added.

Al-Wagait told the conference that AI’s integration across various industries reflected its transformative potential and cited the number of industrial robots deployed in manufacturing operations exceeding 4 million globally in 2023, as reported by the International Federation of Robotics, further underlining AI’s role in operational excellence.

“AI is now a trusted partner for organizational leaders, offering accurate analytics and predictions that enable impactful decision-making,” he said. This trend, he explained, aligned with the concept of AI-augmented leadership, which is reshaping organizational strategies worldwide.

The conference session, themed “Role of Advanced Technologies in Ensuring the Quality of Services and Products,” brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the role of AI and advanced technologies in improving quality assurance and operational outcomes.


Climate change is a key driver of worldwide hunger, according to IFAD

Climate change is a key driver of worldwide hunger, according to IFAD
Updated 19 November 2024
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Climate change is a key driver of worldwide hunger, according to IFAD

Climate change is a key driver of worldwide hunger, according to IFAD
  • IFAD President Alvaro Lario: Food security is intertwined with the current extreme weather events, as it has impacted the world
  • Saudi Arabia has contributed over $536 million to IFAD since it started and is among the top 10 donors

BAKU: Climate change is dangerously impacting crops and driving worldwide hunger, according to the head of the International Fund of Agricultural Development.

“Food security is intertwined with the current extreme weather events, as it has impacted the world,” IFAD President Alvaro Lario said in an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the COP29 UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

IFAD reported that in 2023, about 735 million people suffered from hunger caused by climate change.

In addition, unusual rainfalls, according to IFAD, caused a decrease in wheat production and food quality in Europe.

Floods and heat waves caused damage to orange crops in Brazil. In Southern Africa, above-average temperatures led to below-average maize harvests, and in parts of West Africa, erratic rains affected cocoa production and cut output by half.

“We are seeing a lot of the crops are fully being impacted in Brazil, which has been hit by a historic drought, or in Ghana, for example, where there has not been enough rain, cutting the cocoa production by half.”

The IFAD is a UN specialized agency as well as a development finance institution. The organization provides concessional funds and grants to countries and invests in the private sector.

The organization’s key focus is to provide livelihoods and raise income as well as production in low- and middle-income countries.

“Our biggest investments are in the Sub-Saharan region. Fifty-five percent of our funding goes to Sub-Saharan Africa, and up to 60 percent into Africa. But we also operate in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. We are currently investing in 90 countries,” said Lario.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the main contributors to IFAD. According to the organization, Saudi Arabia has contributed over $536 million to IFAD since it started and is among the top 10 donors.

In the last 10 years alone, the Kingdom has contributed a total of $96.6 million.

IFAD implemented the first phase of a project to support coffee and mango farmers in the Jazan region.

From 2018 to 2023, the project established 50 model coffee farms and five mango farms in the region, which benefited nearly 30,000 smallholder farmers, according to IFAD.

Furthermore, the project adopted strategic plans through a group of development solutions and pillars that include agricultural sustainability and innovation.

“Small-state islands are among the most vulnerable (to climate change),” said Lario. “We are seeing that sea levels are rising. They are also suffering from hurricanes and long droughts. They suffer from access to potable drinking water.”

Strategies to address the problem and implement adequate solutions have been developed by IFAD according to each country’s climate situation.

“For IFAD, we do have strategies on how we work and how we design our projects. All the strategies are to promote sustainable food systems, also to increase rural non-farm crops, so they can also diversify their income.”

One of the programs the organization is working on is in Belize, in Central America, for heat-tolerant and drought-resistant crops such as maize or beans. Another project involves mixing trees with crops that provide shade to conserve water and combat the rising temperatures in Cuba.


Al-Baha farms offer an escape from busy lives

The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment. (SPA)
The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment. (SPA)
Updated 10 min 32 sec ago
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Al-Baha farms offer an escape from busy lives

The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment. (SPA)
  • There are activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation

AL-BAHA: People seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives are flocking to tourist farms in Al-Baha region.

The centers offer a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural experiences and recreational activities, where visitors can spend their time picking fruit, helping with crop harvesting or learning about organic farming techniques.

The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment. (SPA)

There are also activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation, enabling guests to experience the beauty of the starry night skies.

The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.

Fahd Al-Zahrani, director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha, said agritourism was becoming increasingly important in the region as it created jobs, boosted the local economy and helped diversify the tourism sector.

 


Forum focuses on women’s role in Saudi economy

Forum focuses on women’s role in Saudi economy
Updated 19 November 2024
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Forum focuses on women’s role in Saudi economy

Forum focuses on women’s role in Saudi economy
  • Event features broad participation from experts, officials, academics and professionals, focusing on the women’s business sector
  • Prince Saud bin Naif highlighted the Saudi leadership’s commitment to empowering women across various sectors

RIYADH: Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif inaugurated the Women’s Economic Forum in Dammam on Tuesday.

The event, organized by the Asharqia Chamber through its Women’s Empowerment Center, features broad participation from experts, officials, academics and professionals, focusing on the women’s business sector.

Prince Saud highlighted the Saudi leadership’s commitment to empowering women across various sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He emphasized the importance of economic programs designed to enhance women’s contributions to the national economy.

The chamber’s chairman, Badr Al-Rizaiza, briefed the governor on the forum’s objectives and the key initiatives supporting Saudi women’s empowerment.

The forum featured four sessions examining the evolving role of Saudi women under Vision 2030.

Topics included women’s contributions to achieving Vision 2030’s goals, opportunities in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, strategies for business sustainability, and the significance of training in preparing women for leadership roles.

On Wednesday, the forum will host four workshops focusing on key areas, including the Dhahran Techno Valley system and its support for entrepreneurship, as well as tourism entrepreneurship.

The workshops will also cover fostering workplace diversity and inclusiveness, and creative leadership as a cornerstone for success in today’s dynamic business environment.


Pakistan PM receives Saudi deputy interior minister in Islamabad

Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood is received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood is received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Updated 19 November 2024
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Pakistan PM receives Saudi deputy interior minister in Islamabad

Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood is received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
  • Al-Dawood also met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and discussed boosting security cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood was received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday.

They reviewed bilateral relations and discussed topics of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Dawood also met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and discussed boosting security cooperation.

Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki was among the Saudi officials in attendance.