Diriyah Season launches At-Turaif District activities

Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage. (Supplied)
Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage. (Supplied)
Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage. (Supplied)
Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 January 2025
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Diriyah Season launches At-Turaif District activities

Diriyah Season launches At-Turaif District activities
  • Diriyah Season 2024/25 began on Dec. 20 last year, under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity”

DIRIYAH, Riyadh: Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

The program highlights key moments from the history of the first Saudi state through workshops, theatrical performances, and cultural sessions.

Visitors will engage in activities such as traditional Najdi design workshops, poetry recitations, and demonstrations of the Saudi Arda, the Kingdom’s traditional sword dance.

This year’s program also features the updated 850 Interactive Experience, named after the establishment of Diriyah in the Islamic calendar year 850 AH (1446 or 1447 AD in the Gregorian calendar).

The experience uses storytelling and puzzles to explore notable historical figures, including Imam Turki bin Abdullah, and key events from Diriyah’s history.

Workshops in traditional construction techniques, historical games, and exhibitions showcasing the district’s architecture are designed to deepen understanding of the region’s cultural significance, while live performances and discussions will further connect audiences with the stories of At-Turaif’s past, including its role in Saudi Arabia’s early statehood.

Diriyah Season 2024/25 began on Dec. 20 last year, under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity.” The event aims to promote Diriyah as a cultural hub, combining historical education with live entertainment and creative showcases.


Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh
Updated 04 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun on Monday.

The pair held a meeting where they discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, in addition to ways of enhancing bilateral relations.

An official reception ceremony was held at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh for Aoun, who is making his first visit to the Kingdom as Lebanon's head of state.

Senior Saudi and Lebanese officials attended the meeting.

Earlier, Aoun said that his visit to Saudi Arabia represents an opportunity to reaffirm the depth of relations between the two nations.

He expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s role in supporting Lebanon’s stability, safety, and the functioning of its institutions, as well as the various forms of assistance provided by Riyadh.

The president and his delegation are scheduled to travel to Cairo on Tuesday to participate in the extraordinary Arab summit.

Aoun, Lebanon’s former army chief, was elected as the country’s 14th president in January, ending a more than two-year power vacuum.

The Lebanese people hope the new president can tackle the country’s economic crisis, and the devastating aftermath of Hezbollah’s 14-month war with Israel, which left vast areas of Lebanon in ruins and killed more than 4,000.


Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders

Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders
Updated 03 March 2025
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Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders

Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders
  • Reflects the ‘spirit of love, communication,’ reinforces social values

RIYADH: During the holy month, the Northern Borders region lights up with one of its standout traditions: the Ramadan bonfire.

These Ramadan gatherings hold a special place in the community, strengthening family and neighborly bonds.

The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

They provide a space for exchanging stories and experiences about the past, present and future, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the fire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.

FASTFACT

In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the bonfire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.

Karim Al-Dhaidi, another local, said the gatherings are open to everyone, and serve to strengthen social ties. They also connect people with their past, he said.

The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

Jazaa Marji, board chairman of the Retirees Association in the Northern Borders region, said the Ramadan fire has always been a part of the local heritage.

“We grew up with it, and it brings generations together, offering an opportunity to recall memories and share experiences with the youth,” he said.

“Ramadan is the perfect time to revive such traditions, as they reflect the spirit of love, communication, and the reinforcement of social values between generations.”

Even today, the Ramadan fire remains a tradition at many homes in the Northern Borders region. Residents are keen to revive it during Ramadan nights.

 


Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth

Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth
Updated 03 March 2025
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Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth

Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth
  • The ministry encouraged consumers to adopt healthy shopping practices by choosing local agricultural products, meats, and dairy, which offer high nutritional value

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted the importance of purchasing local products to achieve environmental and economic sustainability and enhance food security, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

This came during the launch of an environmental campaign through the ministry’s Environmental Awareness Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The campaign aims to promote healthy behaviors supporting the local economy and raising environmental awareness by encouraging the purchase of national products.

The ministry emphasized that local products are of high quality, environmentally suitable, and subject to strict oversight, ensuring compliance with health and environmental standards, which enhances food safety and preserves natural resources.

It also noted that buying national products reduces the carbon footprint from imports and transportation while supporting local farmers and producers, benefiting the national economy, the SPA reported.

The ministry encouraged consumers to adopt healthy shopping practices by choosing local agricultural products, meats, and dairy, which offer high nutritional value.

Purchasing local food also promotes the consumption of seasonal and regional products, helping reduce food waste and the impact of low-quality imports. The ministry stressed that this approach supports sustainable development and boosts production efficiency.

 


Civil Defense issues rain warning across Saudi Arabia

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions. (SPA)
The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions. (SPA)
Updated 03 March 2025
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Civil Defense issues rain warning across Saudi Arabia

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions. (SPA)
  • The affected regions include Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha and Asir

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with moderate to heavy rain expected to continue until Friday.

The affected regions include Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha and Asir, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions, avoid areas prone to flash floods, such as valleys, and refrain from swimming in them.

It also called on the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates through official channels and social media platforms.

 


Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Updated 03 March 2025
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Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia
  • Both sides explored avenues for further strengthening ties to serve mutual interests

DAMMAM: Eastern Region Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received Ambassador of Tajikistan to the Kingdom Akram Karimi in Dammam on Monday.

They discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrahim Taha recently received the Permanent Observer of Russia to the OIC Turko Daudov at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah.

During the meeting, both sides explored avenues for further strengthening ties to serve mutual interests.