Reconnect and revitalize: AlUla Wellness Festival returns in October
Reconnect and revitalize: AlUla Wellness Festival returns in October/node/2572745/saudi-arabia
Reconnect and revitalize: AlUla Wellness Festival returns in October
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The Middle East’s largest wellness festival returns to AlUla from 17th October to 2nd November, 2024, offering renewal, reflection, and personal development. (Supplied)
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This year’s edition presents an expanded schedule of revitalization activities spanning celebrity-led workshops, fully immersive retreats and much more. (Supplied)
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AlUla Moments promises experiences that reimagine one’s lifestyle while enhancing their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. (Supplied)
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The Middle East's largest wellness festival returns to AlUla from 17th October to 2nd November, 2024, offering renewal, reflection, and personal development. (Supplied)
Reconnect and revitalize: AlUla Wellness Festival returns in October
AlUla Wellness Festival program features a series of immersive retreats, unique wellness activities, and celebrity-led workshops
Some of the highlights include the Five Senses Sanctuary, where visitors can engage in meditation, yoga, and mindfulness sessions led by world-class experts
Updated 25 September 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: The AlUla Wellness Festival is returning from Oct. 17 to Nov. 2, inviting relaxation seekers, nature lovers, and free-spirited individuals to join a like-minded community for an expanded schedule of activities amid the stunning scenery of AlUla.
For centuries, AlUla has served as a haven for renewal, reflection, and personal development, benefiting both residents and travelers.
This year, the festival celebrates and revives this legacy, offering visitors the opportunity to indulge their senses in harmony with nature.
The AlUla Wellness Festival program features a series of immersive retreats, unique wellness activities, and celebrity-led workshops.
Some of the highlights include the Five Senses Sanctuary, where visitors can engage in meditation, yoga, and mindfulness sessions led by world-class experts.
The All Day I Dream music concert is an immersive experience that brings music, art, and community together through carefully curated melodic and soulful tunes.
The Hegra Sound Bath allows nature lovers to recharge under the bright moonlight with holistic sound therapy that combines yoga for all levels with soothing tunes.
Guests can explore a diverse array of healing experiences and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery through mindfulness practices, bodywork, art therapy, and more.
As the largest wellness festival of its kind in the Middle East, the AlUla Wellness Festival offers a stimulating yet blissful escape from urban life, immersing visitors in holistic living, life-changing practices, adventure activities, and a spirit of community.
Tickets will go on sale soon, with further news and updates to follow in due course. For more information, visit experiencealula.com.
The AlUla Wellness Festival is part of the AlUla Moments Calendar, which features five major festivals, each offering unique experiences in art, culture, music, nature, and wellness.
Other highlights include Winter at Tantora, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, the AlUla Skies Festival, the AlUla Arts Festival, AZIMUTH, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, and heritage events blending fashion, adventure, and sports.
King Salman approves hosting of 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from 66 countries
Updated 6 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has approved the hosting of 1,000 pilgrims from 66 countries to perform Umrah as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Programme for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit.
The pilgrims will be hosted in four groups during the current Islamic year which ends in the final week of June 2025.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance and general supervisor of the Hajj and Umrah program Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh thanked the Saudi leadership for enabling Muslims from different countries of the world to perform the minor pilgrimage with ease and peace of mind.
The minister said the hosting of the pilgrims is an extension of the great care that the leadership takes to serve Islam and Muslims.
He added it would strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims in various parts of the world and develop fruitful communication between scholars and influential figures who are hosted by the program.
The program has benefitted people from more than 140 countries since it was launched, the minister said.
Old school, new love: Analog tech captures hearts in Saudi Arabia
Community bound by love of old gadgets that help enrich the present
Updated 24 min ago
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: In an era marked by digital convenience, analog technology is steadily making a comeback, with everything from vinyl records to film cameras experiencing a renaissance around the Kingdom.
Driven by a blend of nostalgia, artistry, and an appreciation for the tactile, this resurgence reflects a deeper cultural shift toward mindfulness and intentionality.
Arab News spoke to enthusiasts and entrepreneurs about the beauty, challenges, and personal connections that analog offers over its digital counterparts.
The resurgence of analog formats is a reminder that technology can be more than just a tool. (Supplied)
For music lovers, vinyl offers an experience that is impossible to replicate digitally. Fawaz Al-Sulaim, owner of Bohemia Records, said: “Experiencing music through vinyl or cassette brings you closer to it, like you’re there with the artists in the studio. You go through every song on the album as intended.”
Vinyl’s allure lies not just in its sound but also in its tangible presence. Holding a vinyl record offers a sense of ownership often missing in digital music, where ownership is more of a fleeting license.
Al-Sulaim said: “Analog represents physical media coming back — not just in a technical sense but as something people can hold on to.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• As Saudi Arabia invests in art, culture, and heritage, there is hope that analog’s value will continue to be recognized and supported.
• With the rise in interest, local communities and businesses are emerging to cater to this renewed passion for analog.
This revival is not limited to vinyl. Bohemia Records has seen an increase in CD sales, suggesting that physical formats resonate with people’s desire to own and cherish music collections.
The appeal of analog does not stop at music. In photography, the return to film presents a refreshing contrast to digital’s immediacy.
Film rolls ready for development at Haitham Studio Film Lab, where each roll holds captured memories and stories from Saudi photographers. (Photo by Abdulrahman Al-Osaimi)
Haitham Al-Sharif, founder of Haitham Studio Film Lab in Riyadh, spoke to Arab News about film photography’s unique character, saying: “Film requires patience, thought, and a connection with the moment. You’re fully present, considering every exposure.”
Al-Sharif, who began his film processing journey at home, has seen a surge in Saudi interest, with his studio now serving thousands across the Gulf region.
Haitham Studio’s clients include people from seasoned photographers to students experimenting with their parents’ vintage cameras.
An eclectic display of analog nostalgia and rock memorabilia, featuring classic vinyl records, retro audio equipment, and books on music icons—capturing the spirit of vintage and punk culture. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
He said: “People come in for graduations, weddings, and even casual shots with disposable film cameras. Each frame has meaning, and the photographer remembers every shot.”
Running a film lab, however, is not without challenges. “We rely on older machines, specialized chemicals, and skilled technicians, which aren’t always easy to source locally,” Al-Sharif explained, adding that the support of Saudi Arabia’s growing art and tourism sectors could enhance this particular industry’s growth.
For retro tech enthusiasts like Zain Al-Mansour, the appeal goes beyond functionality. He said: “Listening to music on vinyl or snapping pictures with a vintage camera offers a joy that’s similar to making espresso — you savor the process as much as the end result.”
Film negatives hang to dry at Haitham Studio, reflecting the lab’s dedication to preserving the authenticity and art of analog photography. (Photo by Abdulrahman Al-Osaimi)
With an affinity for devices that evoke memories, Al-Mansour recently acquired a first-generation Tamagotchi, to help rediscover the simplicity and wonder of childhood technology.
Analog devices engage users on a personal level, prompting a more deliberate interaction than today’s instant gratification.
Al-Mansour said: “Retro tech is fascinating because it takes you back to a simpler time. The aesthetics of these devices, the physicality, and even the sounds they make add to their charm.”
A film negative passes through the scanning machine at Haitham Studio, bridging the analog and digital worlds to bring treasured moments to life. (Photo by Abdulrahman Al-Osaimi)
For others, analog represents a form of self-expression. Bashayer Al-Bloushi sees a unique beauty in analog’s imperfections, which bring out details often missed in digital formats.
“Film photography forces you to capture moments with intention. There’s no instant review, so you’re careful about each frame,” she said.
For Al-Bloushi, analog provides a richer experience that digital cannot offer, allowing for a deeper connection to each captured moment.
A retro cassette collection at Bohemia Records, showcasing a variety of genres and rare finds that capture the essence of analog music. (Photo by Fawaz Al-Sulaim)
Saja Al-Zahrani spoke about how analog media lets people embrace a slower, more mindful approach.
Al-Zahrani said: “There’s a warmth in vinyl’s crackle or film’s grain that digital can’t match.
“With analog, people reconnect with something real, something authentic.”
This tactile experience of using film or vinyl requires more focus, turning each interaction into a rewarding moment.
The value of analog media extends beyond nostalgia for Ebtsam Al-Dossary. Having grown up with film cameras, she sees them as reliable memory-keepers.
She said: “A camera doesn’t just store images; it keeps your memories safe. Digital files can vanish, but a physical photo endures.”
For Al-Dossary, the resurgence of analog formats is not just a trend; it’s a meaningful way to capture and remember moments more authentically.
As digital convenience reigns, this analog revival may underscore a collective yearning for experiences that slow us down, engage our senses, and encourage a mindful appreciation of art, music, and memories.
Whether it is the crackle of a vinyl record, the anticipation of developing a roll of film, or the tactile joy of a retro gadget, analog’s comeback offers a refreshing alternative to the fast-paced digital world.
In today’s digital landscape, the resurgence of analog offers a bridge between past and present, inviting us to reconnect with timeless traditions and meaningful experiences.
For enthusiasts across Saudi Arabia, this revival is about more than simply reverting to older technology — it is about rediscovering a different kind of connection, one in which every sound, image, and moment is fully appreciated.
Analog’s revival is redefining how Saudi society interacts with technology, pushing back against the trend of disposability and transient media. Each record played, photo developed, or gadget cherished represents a conscious choice to engage deeply with the experience.
Analog enthusiasts find joy in the imperfections, the weight of physical media, and the permanence these formats offer — qualities that digital often lacks.
With the rise in interest, local communities and businesses are emerging to cater to this renewed passion for analog. Haitham Studio and Bohemia Records are not just stores but spaces for Saudi artists, photographers, and music lovers to connect and share their passions. These communities thrive on a shared understanding of the value in slowing down and appreciating the process, rather than just the result.
In Riyadh, Al-Sharif has seen the effect firsthand. “We see customers coming back weekly, sometimes with friends, eager to develop their latest film rolls or browse the latest records,” he said. This sense of community is not just about shared interests; it is about shared values.
While the digital world offers unprecedented convenience and accessibility, analog serves a different purpose. Al-Sharif believes that both can coexist harmoniously. “Digital is essential for instant documentation, but analog is about timeless experiences,” he said.
Al-Zahrani, too, emphasizes that analog does not negate the value of digital but rather offers an alternative that complements it. “Both formats have their place, but analog asks something of you: it asks you to be present, to commit to the moment,” she said.
As Saudi Arabia invests in art, culture, and heritage, there is hope that analog’s value will continue to be recognized and supported. Whether through dedicated spaces like Haitham Studio or local events celebrating vintage tech, these efforts help sustain a trend that is not only about looking back but also about enriching the present.
The resurgence of analog formats is a reminder that technology can be more than just a tool. It can be an experience, a memory, and a form of art.
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s counter-narcotics authorities on Sunday foiled attempts to smuggle $2 million worth of Captagon drugs and nearly half a million unlicensed Pregabalin and Tramadol pills.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said in a statement that it had seized the illegal drugs and unlicensed pills at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah; the inland Dry Port in Riyadh; and Al-Batha Port.
Authorities at the airport in Jeddah found 200,000 Captagon pills hidden in mail parcels containing household utensils. The drugs have a street value ranging from $2 million to $5 million.
Captagon, a type of amphetamine, is used by young men and teenage boys across the Middle East and has a street value of between $10 and $25 a pill, according to research by the International Journal of Addiction Research.
The attempt to smuggle Captagon into the Kingdom was the second in less than a week. Counter-narcotics authorities uncovered a shipment of 12 million amphetamine pills on Wednesday at the Red Sea port of Jeddah which had been hidden inside a container of building materials.
The authorities also thwarted the smuggling of 403,124 unlicensed Pregabalin pills at the inland Dry Port near Riyadh. Pregabalin is a prescription-only drug for anxiety, epilepsy, and nerve pain treatment, but its abuse has led to several deaths in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan. In countries such as the UK it is illegal to buy or possess Pregabalin without a medical prescription.
An attempt to smuggle 1,990 unlicensed Tramadol pills — a prescription-only painkiller — and 500 grams of Shabu was thwarted at Al-Batha Port. The Customs Authority said the Shabu was found hidden in a shipment of washing machines.
The Customs Authority and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control have announced the arrest of 10 people in connection with the drug smuggling cases.
GCC secretary general receives Austria’s ambassador in Riyadh
The parties reviewed bilateral relations and ways to further develop and strengthen them, as well as discussing various topics of common interest
Updated 6 min 55 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi received the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, and the Ambassador of Austria to the Kingdom Oskar Wustinger in separate meetings at the Secretariat General of the GCC in Riyadh on Sunday.
The parties reviewed bilateral relations and ways to further develop and strengthen them, as well as discussing various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The discussions also included an exchange of views on recent regional and international developments.
Saudi delegation gains insights on sustainable agriculture in Morocco
Last month, Reef Saudi launched an international training initiative to enhance Saudi farmers’ skills, introduce them to modern farming techniques, and promote sustainable practices to improve productivity
Updated 22 min 13 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, Reef Saudi, organized an international training program in Morocco, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The initiative aimed to enhance the skills of Saudi agricultural extension specialists and introduce them to the latest technologies.
As part of the program, the delegation visited the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, which collaborates with local and global institutions to boost agricultural production, enhance food security, and support farmers in addressing climate challenges.
Center officials briefed the delegation on key departments, including crop disease management, seed inspection and testing, entomology, pest control, and the seed bank, which preserves seed diversity for research and biodiversity conservation.
The delegation also toured the National Office of Agricultural Consulting, a public institution that provides extension services to Moroccan farmers, promotes modern agricultural technologies, and supports sustainable farming to advance rural development.
Additionally, they visited the National School of Agriculture, a leading institution specializing in agricultural sciences and training engineers to drive progress in Morocco’s farming sector. The delegation explored other institutions and gained insights into innovative practices.
Last month, Reef Saudi launched an international training initiative to enhance Saudi farmers’ skills, introduce them to modern farming techniques, and promote sustainable practices to improve productivity.
