Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show

The varied National Day celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern day. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
1 / 7
The varied National Day celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern day. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
2 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
3 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
4 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
5 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
6 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
7 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Short Url
Updated 01 October 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show

Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
  • 500 Amazon assistants harmonize Saudi national anthem
  • Saudi heritage at the forefront of National Day celebrations in the historic town

RIYADH: Diriyah made history on Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day by setting a mark recognized by Guinness World Records for the largest display of virtual assistant devices.

The show, featuring more than 500 Amazon Echo devices and Alexa voice assistants, was part of Diriyah’s celebrations of the Kingdom’s national day.

According to the Diriyah Gate Development Authority news release, the Echo devices were orchestrated to harmonize Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and other patriotic songs at Bujairi Terrace.




Photo/Saudi Press Agency

Officials from Guinness World Records were on hand to witness the extraordinary feat.

“Congratulations on achieving the Guinness World Records’ title for the largest display of virtual assistant devices,” said Kanzy El-Defrawy, senior adjudicator for Guinness World Records.

“Diriyah has consistently been at the forefront of introducing cutting-edge entertainment to the people of Saudi Arabia, and this achievement reflects your relentless drive to fuse artificial intelligence with cultural celebrations.”

The DGDA’s chief executive, Jerry Inzerillo, said: “This historic moment underscores Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit and Diriyah’s commitment to preserving and promoting our rich heritage and culture.”

HIGHLIGHT

Echo devices were orchestrated to harmonize Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and other patriotic songs at Bujairi Terrace in a Guinness world record-setting feat.

Raf Fatani, Amazon’s regional general manager of Alexa in the Middle East and North Africa, said the attempt to set a world record was “a celebration of our deep reverence for the Kingdom’s rich culture and heritage. Through this collaboration, we weave a tapestry that intertwines artificial intelligence with the timeless threads of Saudi culture.”




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

The celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern-day.

South African visitor Karien told Arab News: “I feel energized. The atmosphere is just really so relaxed, and it is inviting.”




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

As you walk around, taking in the Najdi architecture in a style that blends the old with the new, your first stop takes you to the front of Salwa Palace for the ardah show, a traditional dance of swords and drums.

Next, the Diriyah Museum displays historical artifacts dating back to the First Saudi State, including a 300-year-old hand-written copy of the Qur'an, a manuscript of “Mokhtasar Sahih Al-Bukhari,” a book written by Sheikh Muhammed bin Abdul-Wahab, and the attire of Imam Mohammed bin Saud.

This historic moment underscores Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit and Diriyah’s commitment to preserving and promoting our rich heritage and culture.

Jerry Inzerillo, Chief executive, Diriyah Gate Development Authority

The various National Day displays brought together local and international visitors eager to join the celebration.

“I saw the airshow yesterday. It was great to see all the different aircraft flying around, in Saudi colors,” Dan, a UK native, told Arab News.




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Isabella, who is Brazilian, told Arab News that a high point of the day for her was learning about the internal anatomy of a horse and “how it is used to the desert, how it survives here” at the Horse Museum.

One of the highlights of the celebrations was the samri dance at the Prince Thunayan Palace. Traditionally performed in the desert when families gathered around at night, samri involves singing poetry and drumming on a daff drum while sitting on one’s knees.




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Lara, from Germany, told us that she was fascinated by how people in Saudi Arabia express their national pride on this day.

“What they wear, they decorate their cars and their buildings, and I have seen so many flags everywhere … it is really exciting,” Lara said. “I feel like so many more people out there need to experience Saudi Arabia because it is a whole different place. It is like going in a different universe.”




Photo/Saudi Press Agency

To mark the historical significance of Diriyah, a video was projected on the side of Salwa Palace showing the battles fought at the establishment of the First Saudi State.

Karien noted the progress made by the Kingdom. “There is development in so many areas. I can already see a diversity of people around. And because my husband has a mobility difficulty as well, it is interesting to see that there are more people in wheelchairs here as well.”

From poetry readings to an interactive palm tree growing branches with more online social engagement, all the while serving Saudi coffee everywhere you go, the Saudi National Day events in Diriyah were a salute to 94 vibrant years, and a welcoming of the many more to come.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative is a ‘unique opportunity’ say Pakistani expatriates

Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative is a ‘unique opportunity’ say Pakistani expatriates
Updated 56 min 3 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative is a ‘unique opportunity’ say Pakistani expatriates

Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative is a ‘unique opportunity’ say Pakistani expatriates
  • Pakistanis are the second-largest expatriate community in the Kingdom

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top diplomat in Saudi Arabia and expatriates welcomed and expressed support for the Saudi “Global Harmony Initiative,” saying that it would play a key role in fostering understanding and unity between the diverse communities living in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia last week unveiled the Global Harmony Initiative, which is aimed at celebrating the diverse nationalities and cultures of residents through exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Quality of Life government program, Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media, will feature events during Riyadh Season showing the cuisines, cultures and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.

Pakistanis are the second-largest expatriate community in the Kingdom, with more than 2.5 million reportedly living and working in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is the top source of remittances for the South Asian country.

“The Global Harmony Initiative will play an important role in fostering understanding and unity among the diverse expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia,” Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.

Farooq said the initiative provides a valuable platform, especially for the Pakistani community, to share its rich cultural heritage and highlight its significant contributions to the Kingdom.

“The Global Harmony Initiative is a significant step toward acknowledging the vital role expatriates play in Saudi society,” he added.

He said Pakistanis have a “unique opportunity” to highlight their professional achievements, family values and cultural integration.

Farooq added that the Global Harmony Initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also strengthens the bonds between communities to enhance the overall fabric of Saudi society.

He encouraged Pakistani expatriates to actively participate in the initiative, tell their stories and underline their contributions for a brighter, more harmonious future.

Pakistani expatriates from all walks of life welcomed the initiative, saying it will provide them opportunities to engage with diverse cultures while also promoting their own.

“It is indeed a great initiative, as we will not only experience the diverse cultures of various expatriate communities but also have the chance to introduce the richness of Pakistani culture to others,” Muhammad Naveed, a Pakistani engineer in Riyadh, told Arab News.

He said the initiative would foster stronger ties between expatriates and the Saudi community.

“It is an excellent step forward and we are excited to become part of this during this Riyadh Season,” he said.

Zainab Zahoor, a Pakistani expatriate who lives in Riyadh with her family, described the initiative as a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect and integrate with others.

“As a Pakistani expatriate living in Riyadh, I believe the Global Harmony Initiative allows us to showcase the richness of Pakistani culture while building stronger connections with other expatriate groups and Saudi society,” she told Arab News.

Zahoor said the initiative creates a sense of unity and appreciation among diverse communities.

“It is now up to the Pakistani mission and community to fully utilize this opportunity to showcase our culture and highlight our contributions to Saudi society,” she said.

Muhammad Ahmed, a Pakistani who works for a multinational company in Jeddah, described the initiative as a “vital step” toward fostering mutual understanding.

“Saudi Arabia is home to millions of expatriates from various countries, with significant populations from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh,” Ahmed said.

“These communities can foster deeper connections as they share a common regional background and cultural ties from their home countries.”

He said the platform offers Pakistanis a chance to engage with other communities in the Kingdom so that they can build lasting relationships and promote a spirit of unity.


Young Saudi woman fulfills dream of supporting ‘butterfly skin’ patients

Young Saudi woman fulfills dream of supporting ‘butterfly skin’ patients
Updated 27 October 2024
Follow

Young Saudi woman fulfills dream of supporting ‘butterfly skin’ patients

Young Saudi woman fulfills dream of supporting ‘butterfly skin’ patients
  • Al-Othman saw an opportunity to make a difference for this patient population and expand her efforts from personal initiatives to national programs

JEDDAH: A young Saudi woman with a rare skin condition has realised her dream by founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by epidermolysis bullosa, commonly known as “butterfly skin.”

Abrar Al-Othman, who was born with this genetic disorder that causes painful blisters from even minimal contact, revealed her identity a decade ago and turned to social media to spread positivity. She has written three books about the disease, hoping to inspire others who face similar challenges.

Despite the obstacles she has faced, Al-Othman saw an opportunity to make a difference for this patient population and expand her efforts from personal initiatives to national programs.

With the support of her father and sister, she established “The Butterfly” organization to raise awareness and provide resources for families affected by this rare disorder.

Arab News met Al-Othman, 29, at the organization’s first community activity in Jeddah over the weekend, where they set up an awareness corner in a shopping mall.

She said: “The Butterfly organization was founded three months ago, and here we are witnessing its first activity. Yes, it is a dream come true for me because I have been raising my voice alone, but now I have a strong support team to help spread the message about the disease and support patients living with butterfly skin.”

Patients and their families attended the three-day event, along with a few supporting associations, highlighting the importance of this support in improving patients’ quality of life and raising awareness about the disease. This community activity coincides with Epidermolysis Bullosa Week.

The The Butterfly board’s chairperson, Renad Al-Othman, said that this week is EB Awareness Week and that The Butterfly organization, which provides hope and support for EB patients and their families, is working to combat the disease by creating a butterfly effect in the community through its social media platforms and events like this.

“This is the first activity of our new organization, which is considered as the first in the Kingdom to provide hope and support for EB patients and their families,” she said.

Hamid Al-Othman, chairman of the board of The Butterfly, said that the aim of establishing the association was to raise awareness in the community and provide assistance to patients in finding solutions and reducing the exacerbation of diseases for those who cannot afford treatment.

Dr. Hani Al-Afghani, a consultant oncologist and cancer geneticist at Security Forces Hospital Makkah, told Arab News: “Most people may not know about epidermolysis bullosa, but it is hard to forget once you see it. Currently, there is no cure for the disease.”


Saudi project clears 720 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 720 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 27 October 2024
Follow

Saudi project clears 720 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 720 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 720 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 29 anti-personnel mines, 21 anti-tank mines and 670 unexploded ordnances, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 467,431 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help the Yemeni people, clearing routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.


Saudi Arabia sends 14th relief plane to Lebanon

Saudi Arabia sends 14th relief plane to Lebanon
Updated 27 October 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia sends 14th relief plane to Lebanon

Saudi Arabia sends 14th relief plane to Lebanon

RIYADH: The 14th KSrelief aid plane to Lebanon arrived on Sunday at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Saudi state news agency SPA reported. 
The plane carried essential relief supplies, including food, medical, and shelter materials, aimed at supporting those affected by the ongoing crises.
This follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people.


Saudi deputy foreign minister engages in key diplomatic meetings at donors’ conference in Jeddah

Saudi deputy foreign minister engages in key diplomatic meetings at donors’ conference in Jeddah
Updated 26 October 2024
Follow

Saudi deputy foreign minister engages in key diplomatic meetings at donors’ conference in Jeddah

Saudi deputy foreign minister engages in key diplomatic meetings at donors’ conference in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of foreign affairs Waleed Elkhereiji held a series of high-level meetings on Saturday on the sidelines of the Donors’ Conference to Support Internally Displaced People and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad Region.

The conference, held in Jeddah, brought together international representatives to address the humanitarian challenges impacting the region.

Elkhereiji met with Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to review Saudi Arabia’s relations with the OIC across various sectors.

Discussions also covered significant regional and international developments and the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges. Saleh Al-Suhaibani, the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, was present at the meeting.

In a separate engagement, Elkhereiji met with UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban.

The two officials explored opportunities to enhance Saudi-UNICEF cooperation, focusing on the organization's humanitarian efforts and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Al-Suhaibani and Fareed Al-Shehri, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in the Makkah Region, also attended the meeting.

Elkhereiji also held talks with Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Mauritania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad.

Their discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Mauritania, while also addressing regional and international developments.

These meetings underscore Saudi Arabia’s active role in fostering international cooperation and addressing pressing humanitarian issues in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, with the aim of contributing to sustainable development and stability in affected areas.