Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market

Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the Kingdom’s participation in the World Travel Market in London with the ‘Saudi Land’ pavilion. (SPA)
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Updated 06 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market

Saudi Arabia showcases tourism potential at London travel market
  • ‘Saudi Land’ pavilion promotes major investments, featuring luxury resorts and historic tourism developments
  • Jeddah Historic District Program is participating in the market from Nov. 5 to 7 to promote Jeddah as an international tourism destination

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the Kingdom’s participation in the World Travel Market in London with the “Saudi Land” pavilion.

The pavilion includes the Visit Saudi exhibition, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year, supported by more than 70 partners in tourism, including destinations, hotels, airlines and travel companies.

Saudi Arabia’s presence at this global event highlights efforts to establish its status on the tourism map, showcasing rapid growth and record-breaking achievements in the sector.

The event promotes Saudi destinations, attracts diverse tourists, empowers the private sector and fosters strategic partnerships.

The Visit Saudi exhibition unveiled the Saudi Red Sea Destination, featuring Red Sea Global’s latest projects, aiming for 16 resorts this year and 50 by 2030.

The pavilion also offers interactive experiences showcasing Saudi hospitality, natural diversity, climate, culture, traditional attire, music and cuisine.

“Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing tourist destination globally, seeks to solidify its leadership in world tourism, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals by highlighting unique destinations, new projects, and significant investment opportunities,“ Al-Khateeb said.

He added: Saudi Arabia is the largest global investor in the tourism sector.”

Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin said that Saudi Arabia was celebrating its tourism achievements and record-breaking growth at this leading international event.

The Kingdom aims to build on the success of the second phase of its global campaign, “This Land Is Calling,” targeting key markets, supporting partners and forging strategic partnerships with top global companies.

The Jeddah Historic District Program is participating in the market from Nov. 5 to 7 to promote Jeddah as an international tourism destination.

The program spotlights the heritage of the Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring historic architecture, mosques, markets, public spaces, museums, heritage restaurants and cultural landmarks.

The program offers authentic tourism experiences, including stays in restored heritage hotels, immersive historical tours and hands-on participation in local crafts.

The Hail Region Development Authority is participating to elevate Hail’s global tourism profile, promote its destinations, and empower partners to build strategic partnerships.

The Soudah Development Co. is showcasing its flagship project, “Soudah Peaks,” a luxury mountain destination on the Kingdom’s highest peak at 3,015 meters above sea level.

The Saudi delegation also includes representatives from key entities such as Tourism Development Fund, ASFAR, Cruise Saudi, Saudia airline, Riyadh Air, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Co., the Royal Commission for AlUla and NEOM.

At the market, Diriyah Co. signed strategic agreements with luxury operator Abercrombie & Kent and leading Saudi travel platform Almosafer. These collaborations aim to create high-end travel experiences that position Diriyah as a premier destination and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism landscape.


Saudi rescue teams save drowning swimmer

File photo of a beach in Alkhobar’s Half Moon Bay. (Shutterstock)
File photo of a beach in Alkhobar’s Half Moon Bay. (Shutterstock)
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Saudi rescue teams save drowning swimmer

File photo of a beach in Alkhobar’s Half Moon Bay. (Shutterstock)
  • The Yemeni man got into trouble in the water while swimming at Al-Sadaf Beach and was rescued by a search-and-rescue team from the Saudi Border Guard

RIYADH: Rescue teams saved a man from drowning off the coast of Alkhobar in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on Monday.

The Yemeni man got into trouble in the water while swimming at Al-Sadaf Beach and was rescued by a search-and-rescue team from the Saudi Border Guard.

He was rushed to hospital and is now in good health, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The General Directorate of Border Guard urged members of the public to take precaution in the water and not to swim in undesignated areas, and to call 911 in the Makkah and Eastern regions or 994 in other regions in case of emergency.


Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom
Updated 13 January 2025
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Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently reported multiple drug-related arrests and seizures across the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested three citizens in Jouf for selling amphetamine and a Yemeni resident in Najran for the same offense.

Border Guard patrols in Asir’s Al-Raboah sector detained five Yemenis and Ethiopians for smuggling 110 kg of qat.

In Jazan, authorities foiled the smuggling of 140 kg of qat in Al-Aridah and arrested a citizen in Al-Dayer for smuggling 59 kg of hashish.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were handed to the relevant authorities.

Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected]. All information will remain strictly confidential.


KSrelief extends aid to thousands in crisis zones

KSrelief extends aid to thousands in crisis zones
Updated 13 January 2025
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KSrelief extends aid to thousands in crisis zones

KSrelief extends aid to thousands in crisis zones
  • The Kingdom’s aid to Syria from 2011 has exceeded $856 million in value
  • On Monday, a relief plane — the 10th so far — arrived in Damascus from Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is helping thousands of people through its humanitarian efforts in Syria, Jordan, Gaza, Pakistan, Lebanon, Mali and Afghanistan.

On Monday, a relief plane — the 10th so far — arrived in Damascus from Riyadh, carrying food, shelter, and medical supplies for Syrians in need.

The Kingdom’s aid to Syria from 2011 has exceeded $856 million in value, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

In Jordan, KSrelief’s community service center marked Arabic Day at the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees with activities emphasizing its importance as the language of the Qur’an and their mother tongue, including poetry recitations and songs.

In Gaza, KSrelief inspected aid delivered to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization for transport into the enclave. Measures were reviewed to ensure proper delivery to beneficiaries, SPA reported.

In Pakistan, 450 food baskets were distributed in Punjab’s flood-hit Layyah and Kot Addu districts, benefiting 3,150 people.

In Lebanon, KSrelief provided 175,000 bread bags in Akkar governorate and Miniyeh district, aiding 12,500 families of Syrians, Palestinians, and the host community in one week.

In Mali, 350 food baskets were distributed to 1,400 displaced people in Koulikoro region.

In Afghanistan, 660 shelter kits and tents were provided in Nangarhar province, helping 1,980 returnees from Pakistan and flood-affected families.

Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has executed 3,208 projects worth $7.2 billion in 105 countries, collaborating with 458 organizations.


Afghanistan hails Saudi ties as Taliban FM meets Kingdom’s envoy in Kabul

Afghanistan hails Saudi ties as Taliban FM meets Kingdom’s envoy in Kabul
Updated 13 January 2025
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Afghanistan hails Saudi ties as Taliban FM meets Kingdom’s envoy in Kabul

Afghanistan hails Saudi ties as Taliban FM meets Kingdom’s envoy in Kabul
  • In 1996-2001, Taliban rule was recognized by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE
  • Saudi Embassy in Kabul has been reopened since December

KABUL: Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister has said ties with Saudi Arabia were “invaluable” to the country, following his first meeting with Riyadh’s new envoy in Kabul.

Amir Khan Muttaqi held talks with the Saudi Ambassador to Afghanistan Faisal Torki Al-Buqam on Sunday, less than a month since the Kingdom reopened its embassy in the Afghan capital.

“The meeting underlined matters related to expanding bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia,” Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Hafiz Zia Ahmad said in a statement.

“Welcoming the ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and calling Afghanistan-Saudi relations invaluable and historic, FM Muttaqi underscored the need to increase the exchange of delegations between the two countries.”

Saudi Arabia was among a host of nations that withdrew its diplomats from Kabul in August 2021, following the Taliban’s return to power and the withdrawal of US-led forces from Afghanistan.

Though the Taliban are not officially recognized by any country in the world, Saudi Arabia has joined a number of foreign governments in resuming the work of its diplomatic mission in Kabul.

The Kingdom has been providing consular services for Afghans since November 2021 and resumed sending aid through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center later that same year.

“Our goal is to take advantage of the opportunities available to us,” Zakir Jalaly, director of the second political division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Arab News on Monday.

“We also welcomed the (reopening) of the Saudi embassy and expressed our desire to see increased cooperation between the two countries. Saudi Arabia’s religious, political, and regional position make relations with the country vital for Afghanistan.”

During the first Taliban stint in power in 1996-2001, their administration was recognized by three countries: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Since they retook control of Afghanistan, the Taliban administration has been working to gain international recognition and dealing on a bilateral level with regional countries, including India, China, Central Asian republics, as well as Gulf nations.

“Resuming diplomatic relations with another country like Saudi Arabia means further steps towards legitimacy and recognition of the Islamic Emirate,” Abdul Saboor Mubariz, board member of the Center for Strategic and Regional Studies in Kabul, told Arab News.

“Cooperation between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia can also be enhanced in other areas. For instance, Saudi Arabia needs a human workforce, and Afghanistan can cooperate in this regard in case of an agreement and facilitation of work visas for Afghans … Afghanistan can also encourage Saudi Arabia to invest in the country.”

Azizullah Hafiz, a political science lecturer at the Ghalib University in the western city of Herat, said the Kingdom was a “very important country” at the global and regional level.

“Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan have had very long relations. Like other nations in the Muslim world, Afghans look at Saudi Arabia as a leader of the Islamic world and, therefore, expect an active role from the country in Afghanistan,” Hafiz told Arab News.

Afghans also stand to benefit from critical humanitarian aid and development assistance, particularly through investment in infrastructure projects, he added.

“(The) presence of the Saudi ambassador in Kabul will facilitate direct engagement with the Afghan government and overcome concerns as it will also pave the way for enhanced cooperation in areas such as diplomacy, trade and investment.”


Saudi project clears 639 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 639 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 13 January 2025
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Saudi project clears 639 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 639 Houthi mines in Yemen
  • The total included eight anti-personnel mines, 45 anti-tank mines, 585 unexploded ordnances and one explosive device

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 639 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included eight anti-personnel mines, 45 anti-tank mines, 585 unexploded ordnances and one explosive device, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 478,222 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.

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.