Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025

Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025
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The first 250 guests daily will receive a special Doraemon tote bag after completing the experience. (Supplied)
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Updated 11 July 2025
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Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025

Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025
  • Doraemon character in 40 films, 3,000 TV episodes since 1969
  • Part of Saudi Pavilion’s ‘Wonders of Arabia’ showing tourist sites

OSAKA: Visit Saudi, the brand identity of the Saudi Tourism Authority, is collaborating with the creators of the renowned Japanese anime “Doraemon” at Expo 2025 Osaka, to promote the Kingdom’s culture in a fun and engaging manner.

The collaboration is a part of the Saudi Pavilion’s “Wonders of Arabia” exhibition launched on Thursday, which also celebrates the 70th anniversary of relations between the two nations.

Taking place until July 16, visitors can follow the iconic blue robot cat named Doraemon as he explores the Kingdom’s destinations throughout the exhibition.

A QR code can be scanned to take a quiz on various Saudi destinations. The first 250 guests daily will receive a special “Doraemon” tote bag after completing the experience.

 

 

In a video released by Doraemon’s creators, the character is seen wandering around Saudi Arabia landmarks through his popular pink portal door that allows him to explore any place at any time.

Surrounded by Saudi Arabia’s majestic landscapes, the character searches for his best friend Nobita, who makes a quick appearance. He returns to the Saudi Pavilion at the end of his journey, encouraging people to visit it.

“That was amazing. Come see it for yourself — and don’t forget to collect your limited-edition Doraemon tote bag after the experience,” the character says at the end of the video.

Located inside the Osaka Expo Exhibition Center, the “Wonders of Arabia” exhibition offers workshops, interactive presentations, photobooths, and live demonstrations of Saudi and Japanese calligraphy.

The exhibition is also offering an interactive virtual reality experience simulating Formula 1 races, and highlights of the Esports World Cup currently taking place in Riyadh.

Doraemon has become a cultural icon in Japan since the manga debuted in 1969, appearing in more than 40 feature films and 3,000 TV episodes.

Expo 2025 Osaka began in April and concludes in October.

• This article also appears on Arab News Japan


Saudi foreign minister receives letter from Egyptian counterpart about bilateral relations

Saudi foreign minister receives letter from Egyptian counterpart about bilateral relations
Updated 08 October 2025
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Saudi foreign minister receives letter from Egyptian counterpart about bilateral relations

Saudi foreign minister receives letter from Egyptian counterpart about bilateral relations
  • Missive accepted by the deputy minister of foreign affairs during meeting with Egypt’s ambassador to the Kingdom

LONDON: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a letter from his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, about relations between their countries and ways in which they might be strengthened in all fields.

The deputy minister of foreign affairs, Waleed Al-Khuraiji, accepted the written message on Prince Faisal’s behalf during a meeting with Egypt’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Ehab Abu Srei, on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Khuraiji and Abu Srei reviewed Saudi-Egyptian relations and discussed other topics of mutual interest, officials said.


27 weekly flights to AlUla in winter season

From Oct. 26 to March 28, AlUla International Airport will welcome 27 flights per week. (SPA)
From Oct. 26 to March 28, AlUla International Airport will welcome 27 flights per week. (SPA)
Updated 07 October 2025
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27 weekly flights to AlUla in winter season

From Oct. 26 to March 28, AlUla International Airport will welcome 27 flights per week. (SPA)
  • With regular flights to more than 90 countries from its global hub at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ AlUla service connects northwest Arabia with potential visitors from every continent

ALULA: AlUla is gearing up for a busy winter season, with an expanded network of international flights providing easier access to the oasis in northwest Arabia through services to major regional destinations and links via global hubs.

From Oct. 26 to March 28, AlUla International Airport will welcome 27 flights per week, including three weekly connections via Doha operated by Qatar Airways, and the reintroduction of Royal Jordanian’s twice-weekly service between AlUla and Amman.

With regular flights to more than 90 countries from its global hub at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ AlUla service connects northwest Arabia with potential visitors from every continent.

The AlUla-Amman connection helps to strengthen cultural ties between Jordan’s Petra and AlUla’s Hegra, which is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The seasonal increase in flights ensures that visitors from across the region and beyond can easily reach AlUla’s natural landscapes, luxury hospitality, rich heritage, and diverse events and experiences during the cooler months — one of the best times to explore the unique destination.

 


Mongolian falcon sells for SR650,000

The auction of Mongolian falcons continued as part of the exhibition, where two falcons were sold for a total of SR778,000. (SPA
The auction of Mongolian falcons continued as part of the exhibition, where two falcons were sold for a total of SR778,000. (SPA
Updated 07 October 2025
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Mongolian falcon sells for SR650,000

The auction of Mongolian falcons continued as part of the exhibition, where two falcons were sold for a total of SR778,000. (SPA
  • The first, a hur farkh (juvenile falcon), opened bidding at SR70,000 and was sold for SR128,000

RIYADH: The most expensive Mongolian falcon to date was sold Monday at the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 for SR650,000 ($173,276) following intense bidding. 

The auction of Mongolian falcons continued as part of the exhibition, where two falcons were sold for a total of SR778,000.

The first, a hur farkh (juvenile falcon), opened bidding at SR70,000 and was sold for SR128,000. The second, a hur qarnas (mature falcon) started at SR100,000 and was sold for SR650,000, making it the most expensive Mongolian falcon ever sold.

For the first time in its history, the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition dedicated a special zone to Mongolian falcons, which hold a distinguished status among falconers in the Kingdom and the region for their exceptional quality.

The zone showcases elite falcon breeds from Mongolia in East Asia, particularly the Mongolian hur falcon, known for its large size, long wingspan, and strong endurance.

Its colors range from white to dark brown, and these traits give the Mongolian falcon an advantage in falconry, thanks to its resilience to harsh conditions and quick responsiveness to training, making it one of the most sought-after species among both amateurs and professionals.

 


AI focus of discussion at Riyadh Book Fair

AI focus of discussion at Riyadh Book Fair
Updated 07 October 2025
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AI focus of discussion at Riyadh Book Fair

AI focus of discussion at Riyadh Book Fair
  • The workshop addressed generative artificial intelligence capable of producing texts in multiple forms and its evolution into so-called “AI agents” that can think, analyze, and make decisions

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence and its growing impact on creative writing were at the forefront of discussion during a workshop titled “Technology: Your Gateway to the World of Writing” at the Riyadh International Book Fair, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

The session began with a discussion of prominent authors who left a distinctive mark on literature through their mastery of language and imagination to build meaning and enrich the creative experience.

Two main types of writing were outlined: functional writing, which follows formal templates, and creative writing, which offers wider room for self-expression through imagery, description, and imagination, emphasizing that creativity requires a combination of talent, technique, and linguistic awareness.

The workshop addressed generative artificial intelligence capable of producing texts in multiple forms and its evolution into so-called “AI agents” that can think, analyze, and make decisions, representing an advanced stage of interaction between humans and technology.

The session concluded with practical demonstrations of digital editing tools, highlighting that technology has become an active element in developing writers’ skills, expanding their creative horizons, and enabling them to reach a global audience across modern writing platforms.

 


Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with Jordan’s king

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 07 October 2025
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Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with Jordan’s king

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. (File/SPA/AFP)

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Tuesday from Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they reviewed the most prominent regional developments and discussed ways to enhance joint action and intensify efforts to achieve security and stability.