
Culture Ministry Launches Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka
The events mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The Cultural Week highlights the 'Year of Handicrafts 2025' initiative as a key element of Saudi cultural identity, emphasizing the strength of the Kingdom's creative industries and showcasing the craftsmanship of Saudi artisans to Japanese and international audiences through an interactive cultural experience.
Activities include a photography exhibition documenting the history of Saudi-Japanese relations, capturing key historical milestones and the enduring ties between the two nations.
The Heritage Commission is also organizing an exhibition of traditional Saudi crafts in collaboration with the Saudi Artisanal Company. The display features live demonstrations of palm frond weaving, Sadu weaving, and clay pot making by artisans from both countries.
A traditional Saudi majlis will also be held, offering a display of the Kingdom's renowned hospitality with Saudi coffee and dates, accompanied by a joint musical performance.
The Kingdom's pavilion at Expo 2025 will continue to host more than 700 diverse cultural events, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Saudi Arabia's cultural diversity and richness.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
May Calamawy promotes Palestinian film's North American run
DUBAI: Egyptian Palestinian actress May Calamawy took to social media on Saturday to promote Palestinian film 'To A Land Unknown.' For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Distributed by Watermelon Pictures, the film is directed by Mahdi Fleifel and stars Angeliki Papoulia, Mahmoud Bakri, Manal Awad and Aram Sabbah. May Calamawy took to Instagram Stories to share news that 'To A Land Unknown' is on a 40-screen cinema run in North America this month, including showings in New York, Houston and Vancouver. 'Reda and Chatila are two Palestinian cousins hustling their way through the underbelly of Athens pursuing their dream of making it to Germany. But as their hardship grows, so too does their desperation. When Chatila hatches a reckless all-or-nothing plan, it strains their bond and pushes the limits of what they will do for freedom,' the film's logline reads. The film was awarded the Silver Yusr Award December's Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. Watermelon Pictures was co-founded by Alana Hadid, the sister of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid. Hadid — along with brothers Badie Ali and Hamza Ali — co-founded Watermelon Pictures, a production company with a mission to create compelling, impactful stories that resonate with global audiences. 'I was honored to be asked to be the creative director of Watermelon Pictures. I think it's not only a passion project for Hamza and Badie, but it is an opportunity for Palestinians to have a place to go to tell their stories … I get emotional about it. I think it's just one of the most beautiful things that people have a place where they can put their stories. And we know that we have a safe place for that,' Hadid previously told Arab News. For her part, Calamawy is known for her roles in US Netflix series 'Ramy' and 'Moon Knight' (2022), where she plays dual characters Layla El-Faouly and the Scarlet Scarab. She made headlines in late 2024 when almost all her scenes were cut from Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator II,' with fans taking to social media to complain. Her casting in the film was first announced in May 2023. At the time, Deadline reported that Scott had cast Calamawy after a lengthy search, writing: 'While many of the leading roles were straight offers, Scott wanted to do a similar search he did for the (Paul) Mescal part for the role that Calamawy ultimately landed.' However, fans noticed that in the final cut, which hit cinemas in November, Calamawy is only seen in passing and she has no dialogue.


Arab News
6 hours ago
- Arab News
Majority Saudis use AI tools to make travel decisions: Survey
RIYADH: Saudi travelers are increasingly relying on smart technologies, with 87 percent using generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to plan and manage their vacations, according to a survey. In its latest report, global consumer insights provider Toluna revealed that 46 percent of Saudi travelers are using AI assistants to discover activities, while 43 percent use them for translation purposes. These findings align with the broader trend observed in the Kingdom, where the number of people using AI tools is increasingly rising. In June, a report prepared by Google with UK-based research agency Public First showed that 80 percent of Saudi adults use AI tools, with one in three utilizing them regularly. This is nearly double the share of adults in the US who report using large language model-based chatbots, which stood at 52 percent according to a study by Elon University in North Carolina. 'AI is becoming a trusted travel companion, and not just among younger generations. From finding hidden gems and translating on the go, to getting activity suggestions, young Saudi travelers are making the most of AI to enhance every part of their journey,' said Georges Akkaoui, enterprise account director Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa at Toluna. The survey said 43 percent of Saudi travelers use AI to find the best deals, while 31 percent rely on these technologies to optimize their itineraries, and 38 percent use them for restaurant suggestions. 'What is interesting is that this (use of AI) is not limited to the tech-savvy; we are seeing notable adoption even among older travelers, with over 40 percent of 45–60-year-olds also using AI for deals, activities, and translation,' said Akkaoui. He added: 'In fact, less than 15 percent of respondents are not using AI for their travels. This shows that generative AI is no longer niche, it is becoming mainstream, cross-generational, and it is already reshaping how people prepare for and experience their trips.' These findings also underscore the progress of AI adoption in Saudi Arabia, with the technology emerging as a key component of the Kingdom's post-oil economic development strategy. According to the Global AI Competitiveness Index released in January, the Kingdom ranked 15th globally in research output in the sector, having produced 29,639 AI-related publications. This ranking places it among the top contributors to global research and highlights its emerging role as a regional technology leader. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, in partnership with Google, launched Project Transcendence in 2024, a $100 billion undertaking, as part of its efforts to advance the growth of AI. The initiative is set to bolster the growth of local tech startups, generate employment opportunities, and foster collaborations with global technology firms, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of regional innovation. Traditional sources remain strong Despite the significant adoption of AI tools in the travel sector, traditional information sources, along with influencers and online recommendations, continue to play an important role in shaping travel decisions among Saudi travelers. The Toluna survey said 41 percent of the Kingdom's travelers still rely on recommendations from family members and friends. Some 46 percent of Saudi travelers prioritize safety and security when selecting destinations, while 48 percent consider scenery as the decision-making factor. 'Despite having access to more information than they can possibly digest, and probably because of that overload, many still turn to those they trust for inspiration, with family and friends remaining an important source of travel recommendations,' said Akkaoui. 'At the same time, it is not surprising that, as with other aspects of their lives, younger travelers also rely on influencers and online recommendations for ideas and inspiration, showing how digital and personal guidance now shape the travel journey side by side,' he added. Meanwhile, 47 percent of the respondents plan to travel internationally this summer, while 37 percent are opting for leisure trips within the Kingdom. Only 4 percent of respondents reported having no travel plans, highlighting a strong overall appetite for summer travel. Underscoring the growth of domestic tourism in May, Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the Kingdom is placing human-centered travel at the forefront of its tourism strategy, focusing on authentic cultural experiences, meaningful interactions, and community engagement. He added that this people-first approach is designed to balance the nation's rapid infrastructure development with heritage preservation and stronger community connections. The National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030, after surpassing the 100 million milestone ahead of schedule, with official data showing the Kingdom welcomed 116 million tourists in 2024, exceeding its annual target for the second consecutive year. Turkiye, the most preferred destination The survey found that 19 percent of Saudi travelers prefer Turkiye as their favorite destination to visit, followed by Egypt at 15 percent, the UAE at 14 percent, and the US at 10 percent. Additionally, 8 percent of respondents are heading to Switzerland, 7 percent to the UK, France, and Thailand, while 6 percent have chosen Italy as their summer destination. 'While Turkiye remains the top destination across all age groups, younger travelers show a stronger interest in long-haul and East Asian locations. For example, Japan appeals to 14 percent of 18–28-year-olds, compared to just 3 percent of those aged 29–44, and 0 percent among travelers aged 45–60,' said the report. In contrast, 14 percent of older travelers aged between 45 and 60 are planning a trip to the UK, a destination that sees less interest from younger respondents as a summer getaway. In terms of spending, most international travelers are willing to invest significantly in their summer experiences. The report also said 40 percent of Saudi travelers are planning to set aside more than SR10,000 ($2,666.39) per person on their trips, while 22 percent expect to spend between SR7,500 and SR10,000. Some 21 percent of the respondents are ready to spend between SR5,000 and SR7,500, while 15 percent are planning to budget between SR2,500 and SR5,000. The report further said that 40 percent of respondents regularly use eSIM cards while traveling, with 21 percent having tried it before and 20 percent expressing interest despite limited familiarity. 'The evolving travel preferences of Saudi residents reflect broader global shifts toward more connected, experience-driven tourism,' said Akkaoui. 'Whether it is the desire for natural beauty, the pursuit of cultural depth, or the appeal of cooler summer climates, today's travelers from the Kingdom are more informed, digitally empowered, and adventurous than ever before,' he added.


Leaders
6 hours ago
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Launches Culture Week at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Saudi Ministry of Culture launched the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 Osaka to celebrate 70 years of Saudi-Japanese diplomatic ties, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Running until July 15, 2025, the Saudi Cultural Week highlights the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative as a key element of Saudi Arabia's culture. It showcases the craftsmanship of Saudi artisans by displaying creative industries and handicrafts, offering an interactive cultural experience to Japanese and international audiences. Moreover, the Cultural Week hosts a photography exhibition documenting the history of Saudi-Japanese ties, highlighting key milestones and the enduring relations between the two peoples. The Cultural Week involves the participation of the Saudi Heritage Commission; Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth); Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy; King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah); and Saudi Artisanal Company, which offer a diverse range of interactive activities and live shows. During the Cultural Week, Wrth, in collaboration with Saudi Artisanal Company, hosts an exhibition for traditional Saudi crafts, displaying live demonstrations of palm frond weaving, Sadu weaving, and clay pot making by artisans from both countries. It also features a traditional Saudi majlis, where the Kingdom's hospitality is demonstrated through the signature Saudi coffee and dates, alongside a joint musical performance. Furthermore, Wrth showcases a range of products that combine Saudi and Japanese traditional crafts, including Kimono embroidery and Bisht weaving. Meanwhile, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy hosts live shows for Saudi and Japanese calligraphy, while the Darah displays the Saudi-Japanese history in photos. From shared values to creative expression, #SaudiCulturalWeek brings cultures into dialogue. 🇸🇦🇯🇵#Expo2025#KSAExpo2025 — Saudi Arabia at Expo 2025 (@KSAexpo2025) July 12, 2025 The Saudi pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka hosts more than 700 cultural events that showcase the Kingdom's cultural richness and diversity, introducing visitors to Saudi Arabia's history and heritage through immersive experiences. Short link : Post Views: 84