JEDDAH: The National Museum in Riyadh will launch its third interactive summer camp, themed “Made in the Museum,” for children aged 10 to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative is part of the “Year of Handicrafts,” celebrating Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and its role in shaping national identity and intergenerational bonds.
The camp has two sessions: July 21-31 and Aug. 4-14, running daily from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., both inside the museum and outdoors.
Designed as an educational and immersive experience, the camp invites participants to explore and revive traditional Saudi crafts, the SPA added.
Children will engage in hands-on activities in four core tracks: clay crafts, textiles, woodworking, and supportive crafts, blending play, learning, and exploration.
This year’s camp strengthens the museum’s role as a community hub, providing children with opportunities to develop critical thinking and design skills while inspiring their imagination and showing the cultural and economic importance of handicrafts.
The camp encourages children to make and show their projects at the end of each session, helping them feel confident and encouraging new ideas and creativity.
Sweden’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia visits headquarters of Arab News
Two parties discussed evolving relationship between the countries and the potential for future collaboration
Updated 56 min 32 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Sweden’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Petra Menander met Faisal J. Abbas, the editor-in-chief of Arab News, during a visit to the media organization’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.
The two parties discussed the evolving relationship between the countries and the potential for future collaboration.
Scientist Omar Yaghi, the first Saudi winner of the Nobel Prize presented by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, was another topic of discussion.
It was announced in October that Yaghi had won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in developing metal-organic frameworks.
Traditional houses, farms in Qassim transformed into year-round heritage destinations
Updated 02 November 2025
Arab News
BURAIDAH: The Qassim region is reclaiming its authentic past through innovative youth initiatives that have transformed traditional houses and farms into vibrant heritage destinations, attracting visitors year-round.
This convergence of tradition and modernity enhances both the cultural and economic value of the region’s heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported, and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the development of domestic tourism and the preservation of national identity.
The city of Buraidah, along with several other governorates in the region, has seen a significant expansion of projects rehabilitating old buildings and converting them into cafes, restaurants, and hospitality venues with a traditional heritage character.
These efforts coincide with a growing interest from visitors and cultural enthusiasts in experiencing local heritage firsthand.
Heritage expert Shaker Al-Humaid said that recent years had led to a surge in interest to restore old houses and farms, transforming them into unique hospitality destinations, museums, and heritage sites.
These projects not only preserve the legacy of ancestors but also promote rural tourism.
Al-Humaid also said that young people’s growing awareness of national heritage has fueled initiatives that revive folk arts, traditional cuisine and handicrafts, offering visitors a cultural experience reflecting Qassim’s identity and historical roots.
These projects have revitalized old neighborhoods, highlighting mud-brick architecture and traditional decorations, and created distinctive tourist environments celebrating the region’s identity.
By involving local residents in sustainable heritage efforts, the projects support community development while boosting tourism investment.
Additionally, facilities and support provided by official bodies and municipalities have helped preserve the heritage character of historic towns and enhance their appeal to visitors.
Frankly Speaking: John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global
Declares gaining Saudi citizenship is “an incredible honor” and proof of his commitment to Kingdom’s transformation
Says Red Sea Global remains on track to complete its luxury destinations, with several resorts already welcoming guests
Describes working with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “energizing,” praising clarity of vision and decisive leadership
Updated 02 November 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: When John Pagano, the CEO of Red Sea Global, was recently granted Saudi citizenship, it was not just a personal recognition, but also a symbolic milestone in the Kingdom’s journey of transformation under Vision 2030.
For the man leading one of the biggest luxury tourism developments in the world, the honor was deeply personal.
“I was honored to have been granted Saudi citizenship, and I’m grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman, and of course, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for bestowing this honor upon me,” Pagano said.
Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Pagano discussed the timeline for the Kingdom’s planned resorts, described what it is like working with the Saudi crown prince, and reflected on his adopted nationality.
“I’ve lived in Saudi Arabia now for almost eight years,” he told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen.
“I’ve grown to love the country, the people, and to be part of the transformation of this Kingdom, and now to be part of that transformation as a Saudi citizen is an immensely proud moment for me.”
John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen: “I’ve grown to love the country, the people, and to be part of the transformation of this Kingdom, and now to be part of that transformation as a Saudi citizen is an immensely proud moment for me.” (AN Photo)
Since the announcement, Pagano said the reaction from ordinary Saudis has been overwhelmingly warm.
“The Saudi people are incredibly hospitable and they’ve always been warm and welcoming, but I was overwhelmed by the number of congratulatory messages that I received upon the formal announcement of my Saudi citizenship.
“They’ve embraced me. They make me feel at home. I feel now part of society here and I’m absolutely thrilled with it.”
Red Sea Global, formerly known as The Red Sea Development Company, is behind the flagship giga-projects driving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — the national plan to diversify the economy away from oil by investing in sustainable industries such as tourism, culture, and technology.
The company is spearheading the Red Sea and Amaala — two vast luxury tourism destinations being built along the Kingdom’s western coastline. Together, they span thousands of square kilometers of islands, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes.
The Red Sea is designed to run on 100 percent renewable energy and maintains strict environmental limits — only about 22 of the islands will be developed, with visitor numbers capped to preserve ecosystems.
Amaala, meanwhile, located farther north, focuses on wellness, art, and sustainability, combining luxury resorts with marine conservation and holistic health experiences.
Earlier this year, Red Sea Global unveiled Laheq Island, Saudi Arabia’s first private residential island offering a luxury lifestyle experience. (SPA)
Pagano said both projects are now nearing completion. “We have two major projects that are being developed. We have the Red Sea and Amaala, as you’ve said. And I’m happy to say that we’re now at the tail end of that development process,” he said.
“In total, between the two destinations, we have 27 hotels and resorts. To date, we’ve opened nine. By the end of the year, we will open 12. By January, that’ll be 17. And by April, May time, all 27 resorts and hotels will be open.”
An entirely new international airport already serves the region, “currently achieving 16 flights a week,” Pagano added, with numbers expected to grow as the destination expands.
Development has been carefully phased, allowing the company to fine tune logistics and operations.
“It has been a phased opening, which has been absolutely brilliant for us because it has allowed us to really develop our operating procedures and adapt to the dynamics and the changes that new openings are bringing to us,” he said.
In total, Pagano said, “we’re going to develop 80 hotels and resorts across the two projects.”
Few global CEOs work as closely with a head of state as Pagano does with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Red Sea Global chief describes his interactions as inspiring and detail driven.
“I’m fortunate enough to have regular interactions with his royal highness,” he said. “He is very detail oriented. We present all of the designs before we actually select one. He’s very meticulous in that. And he drives us to achieve better, to come up with unique designs.”
That insistence on creativity and ambition, Pagano said, has shaped the very identity of the projects. “What you’re seeing being realized … (are destinations that are) not only beautiful, but they’re super unique. They’re unique globally.”
He credits the crown prince’s leadership for pushing his team to go beyond the conventional.
Pagano (R), seen here with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C) and US President Donald Trump (L) earlier this year in Riyadh, credits the crown prince’s leadership for pushing his team to go beyond the conventional. (X/@JohnPagano)
“We know they’re not the most cost-effective solutions, but they are the most dramatic and have attracted global attention, which was the original intention under Vision 2030, to put Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.”
Pagano said he has “never experienced this in my life where the future sovereign of the country is so deeply involved in the details of really driving home Vision 2030 … and the creation of unique designs that are going to be instantly recognizable as being Saudi Arabian.”
For Pagano, there is no doubt that Saudi Arabia can rival destinations such as the Maldives or Egypt.
“Absolutely. Look, I think we have a beautiful country with diverse geography, topography. I was really surprised when I first visited back in 2017 … I had no idea that we had pristine islands and coral reefs and turquoise water. So we have the right ingredients.”
The Red Sea’s natural diversity, he said, is complemented by “the rich culture and history of Saudi Arabia” and “the warmth of the Saudi people, the hospitality that comes naturally to them.”
What sets Saudi Arabia apart, Pagano said, is its regenerative development approach — a model designed to improve the natural environment rather than simply minimize damage.
“We have a rare situation here where we have a pristine coastline that hasn’t been previously developed. So we’re developing in a much more responsible manner. And I think global travelers are going to … resonate well with (that) because they’re looking for sustainable destinations to come and visit.
“This is going to be a bucket-list destination,” he added. “I’m absolutely certain of that fact.”
Few developments have claimed to balance luxury and environmental protection as rigorously as Red Sea Global. The company’s commitment to regenerative tourism — tourism that leaves nature better than it was found — underpins every design choice.
“At the very beginning of our journey, we put nature at the forefront of our value proposition,” Pagano said. “We were inspired by nature, but we were ultimately led by science.”
Pagano told Jensen his goal is to make the Red Sea not only a global symbol of luxury and sustainability but also a source of national pride and employment. (AN Photo)
Before any construction began, his team brought in scientists to conduct extensive baseline surveys and marine spatial simulations to determine where and how to build responsibly.
“We undertook this marine spatial planning simulation, which actually studied all of the islands, all of the marine ecosystem, the land and the terrestrial systems … with the aim of not just simply maintaining the status quo but actually increasing the net conservation value of our destination.”
The project integrates advanced monitoring systems, using “sensors in the water, air monitoring, … artificial intelligence and machine learning, to constantly monitor in real time what’s happening on the ground in the sea.”
Pagano recounted one example of putting nature before profit. “One of our islands … would have been a perfect destination for us to develop, but it was a favored nesting site of the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle.
“We chose not to develop the island. That’s an example of how we put nature and the environment ahead of profit.”
While early media coverage and celebrity visitors have given the impression of exclusivity, Pagano said the new developments will be open to a broad range of travelers.
Pagano discussed the timeline for the Kingdom’s planned resorts, described what it is like working with the Saudi crown prince, and reflected on his adopted nationality. (AN Photo)
“Absolutely not a destination only for the elite,” he said. “Yes, the first resorts that we did open (were) … in our ultra luxury category. However, they only represent a mere 10 percent of the total number of hotel rooms.”
When the Shura Island development opens, “our entry level is going to be around the $500 mark, which puts it well in reach of many, many people,” he said.
“Forty percent will be four star, 50 percent will be five. And as I said, 10 will be in that ultra luxury space. So it will be accessible to the masses.”
Pagano’s goal is to make the Red Sea not only a global symbol of luxury and sustainability but also a source of national pride and employment.
“We have a huge Saudi workforce that supports us, and I love watching the pride in the Saudi staff showcasing their country to the world,” he said. “I love the pride that the Saudis have in what’s being developed in their country.”
For Pagano, that pride — among workers, guests, and citizens — is the truest measure of success. “I get a great sense of pride when I see these destinations come to life, when they’re animated with people enjoying the beauty of the Red Sea.”
Saudi, UK foreign ministers discuss regional developments in Riyadh
Also discussed ongoing joint efforts to promote security and stability
Updated 02 November 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday received UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed Saudi-British relations and discussed ways to strengthen and expand cooperation in various fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also exchanged views on the latest regional developments and ongoing joint efforts to promote security and stability, SPA added.
The meeting was also attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati, Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan and Mohammed Al-Yahya, advisers to the foreign minister.
Sugarush Music Festival turns Jeddah into a retro candyland of sound and celebration
The lineup featured a stellar mix of international acts
Updated 02 November 2025
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Shallal Theme Park in Jeddah was transformed into a retro candyland on Oct. 31 as BreakOut’s Sugarush Music Festival brought together a spectacular mix of music, color, and Halloween spirit.
From the moment guests entered, they were met with an explosion of creativity, giant candy sculptures, neon lights, and confetti storms. The highlight was the Ice Rink’s 360-degree stage, where international and local DJs delivered high-energy sets surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.
The lineup featured a stellar mix of international acts including Charles B, Cosmic Gate, and NIFRA, alongside Saudi’s own Mind Maq and Malkin, who kept the beats flowing and the crowd moving late into the night.
French DJ Charles B, who performed in Saudi Arabia for the very first time, shared his excitement about the experience. “This is the first time, very first time in Saudi Arabia, and I feel blessed and honored to play here,” he said. “The energy was great, the people were super nice, and the welcome and hospitality were amazing. The stage setup was incredible. I played a bunch of unreleased music, some upcoming classical remixes, and even my very first song in Arabic. It felt really special.”
He added that performing in the Kingdom had a personal connection for him. “I actually grew up in an Arabic country, Morocco, and I’ve been heavily influenced by the music from North Africa to the Middle East. I’ve always listened to artists like Fairouz and many others, so being here felt like coming full circle.”
Legendary trance duo Cosmic Gate also took to the stage with their signature beats and immersive soundscapes. “The atmosphere in Jeddah was electric,” the duo said. “The crowd’s energy was incredible, you could feel their excitement with every drop. It’s amazing to see how passionate and open the Saudi audience is to global electronic music culture.”
As the night unfolded, visitors embraced the festive spirit with creative costumes and Halloween flair. From candy-inspired outfits to spooky characters, Shallal Theme Park became a colorful canvas of self-expression and joy.
Among the attendees was Abdullah Alsaeed, who came dressed as a prisoner, while his friend opted for a zombie look. He said: “The music, the lighting, and the crowd were amazing. We’ve never had a party like this before it’s incredible to have a space where we can let our inner child out, get dressed up, dance, and just feel free.”
Rana Ahmed, who was dressed up as a doll, said: “It honestly felt like stepping into another world. The visuals, the crowd costumes, and the music created such a happy vibe. Everyone was smiling, dancing, and just enjoying the moment. It’s amazing to see how Jeddah is becoming a place for such creative and fun experiences.”
