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Arab News
a day ago
- General
- Arab News
Al-Masmak Palace Museum tells story of Saudi unification
RIYADH: Located in the Al-Thumairi neighborhood, Al-Masmak Palace Museum stands as a powerful symbol of Saudi Arabia's unification and its founding era under King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud. The fort was originally built in 1865 during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud. On the morning of Jan. 15, 1902), King Abdulaziz Al-Saud recaptured Riyadh from within its walls, marking the beginning of the Kingdom's unification. The fort was used to store weapons and ammunition before being restored as a historic and cultural monument. Al-Masmak spans 3,885 sq. meters and is constructed from clay mixed with straw, with a stone foundation. Its exterior walls are plastered with clay, while gypsum decorates the interior. The building has two floors and around 44 rooms, including six courtyards, a mosque, majlis (traditional sitting room), a water well and three residential wings for the ruler, the treasury and guests. It features a western gate made of palm and tamarisk trunks which stands 3.6 meters high and 2.65 meters wide. A smaller opening, the khooqah, is built into the gate for controlled access. Surveillance points were also designed as protruding wall openings resembling wooden boxes. Inside, geometric plasterwork in triangles and circles is inspired by nature, with motifs such as palm trees, stars and crescents. The palace also includes four corner towers for defense, an interior mosque with a mihrab, a square observation tower called Al-Murabba, and various decorative and structural elements consistent with Najdi architectural styles. In 1979, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, then governor of Riyadh region, directed that the fort be preserved and restored as a national landmark. The site was handed over to the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in 1983. Under royal directive, Al-Masmak became a museum narrating the story of the Kingdom's founding which officially opened on June 11, 1995. There are sections such as Al-Masmak Conquest Hall, which recounts a historic battle and features old maps, weapons and rare photographs. The audiovisual hall shows a documentary in two languages, while the Pioneers Hall honors the men who helped recapture Riyadh. The Historical Riyadh Hall documents the city's development through maps and historical photos. Other exhibition areas include the Well Courtyard, displaying traditional tools and cannons used by the army. Al-Masmak Fort Hall has models and information panels, and Al-Masmak Usage Hall presents the fort's evolving roles. Display cases throughout the museum feature artifacts such as traditional weapons, garments and construction tools, giving visitors a glimpse into the Kingdom's cultural journey. Today, Al-Masmak continues its mission under the Ministry of Culture and Museums Commission, following extensive modernization and efforts. It remains a vital educational and national landmark, preserving and presenting one of the Kingdom's most defining moments.
Leaders
20-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Students Shine Globally: 7 Awards at Prestigious STEM Contests
Saudi students achieved remarkable success by securing seven international awards at two prestigious STEM competitions. These competitions included the International Mathematical Olympiad held on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, and the European Girls' Olympiad in Informatics in Bonn, Germany. Their achievements underscore Saudi Arabia's growing prowess in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education oversaw their participation as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. Outstanding Performance in Mathematics Additionally, at the International Mathematical Olympiad, Saudi students excelled, winning six awards, earning three bronze medals and three honorable mentions while competing against 630 students from 110 countries. The bronze medals went to students from the Royal Commission for Yanbu, Madinah, and the Eastern Province education directorates. Meanwhile, honorable mentions recognized participants from Jeddah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. Since Saudi Arabia began participating in this competition, the country has amassed an impressive tally, with the total now includes 12 silver medals, 48 bronze medals, and 22 honorable mentions. In the European Girls' Olympiad in Informatics, Saudi student Riefal Khaled Al-Hazmi from Tabuk stood out. She won a bronze medal in a competitive field of 226 participants from 60 countries. Commitment to Excellence in Education Mawhiba, along with the Ministry of Education and national partners, remains dedicated to developing initiatives. These initiatives aim to equip Saudi students with world-class skills, significantly enhancing the Kingdom's position in science and technology on a global scale. These victories reflect a strategic focus on education and innovation. As Saudi students continue to thrive on global stages, they inspire future generations to push boundaries in science and technology. Short link : Post Views: 8
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-06-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Darah Highlights Several Rare Historical Documents
As part of its Documents initiative, King Abdulaziz Public Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) has showcased a selection of rare historical documents that shed light on the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. These documents, including royal directives and personal correspondence with statesmen during the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's formative years, provide insight into the foundational principles of governance. They serve as a moral and organizational cornerstone, reflecting core values such as discipline, seriousness, and perseverance that guided the early development of the state. The documents, now available to researchers and the public through Darah's Beneficiary Services Center, reveal the human and leadership dimensions of the founder, whose role was not limited to formulating public policies and building state institutions but also extended to offering advice, instilling enthusiasm, and monitoring minor details. Among the documents are those that convey a direct motivational tone, calling for commitment, dedication, and a sense of responsibility in a discourse characterized by wisdom, firmness, and compassion. They reflect the system of values instilled by the founder in the men of the founding phase that are still present in the structure of modern Saudi administration.
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GACA releases punctuality and performance rankings of Saudi airports and national carriers during May
RIYADH — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) on Monday issued its monthly report on the punctuality and performance of airports and national carriers during the last month of May. This is based on flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time, as well as the airport performance based on 11 operational standards. GACA released the punctuality report to provide travelers with a clear overview of adherence to flight schedules and to support efforts to enhance service quality and improve the overall passenger experience. According to the report, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, AlUla International Airport, and Turaif Airport ranked among the top-performing airports in May. Airports were categorized into five groups. In the first category, which includes international airports with over 15 million passengers annually, King Abdulaziz International Airport ranked first with an on-time performance rate of 89 percent. In the second category, for airports handling 5 to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam topped the list with 88 percent. In the third category, which includes airports handling 2 to 5 million passengers annually, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk ranked first with 91percent. AlUla International Airport led the fourth category for airports with fewer than 2 million passengers, with a 96 percent on-time performance rate, while Turaif Airport topped the fifth category for domestic airports with a 97 percent on-time performance rate. At the airline level, Saudia recorded a 90 percent on-time rate for both arrivals and departures; flynas achieved 89 percent for arrivals and 91percent for departures; and flyadeal recorded 90 percent for arrivals and 92 percent for departures. The report also highlighted key domestic and international routes. Domestically, the Jazan–Jeddah and Jeddah–Abha routes achieved a punctuality rate of 95 percent. Internationally, the Jeddah–Abu Dhabi route ranked first with a 97 percent on-time performance rate. These efforts align with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a leading regional aviation hub by enhancing operational standards, improving efficiency, and raising the quality of services provided to travelers. GACA issued on Sunday its monthly performance report for Saudi international and domestic airports during May. The report assesses airport performance based on 11 operational standards aligned with strategic objectives aimed at improving services, enhancing quality, and ensuring a seamless traveler experience. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Abha International Airport, Arar Airport, and Qurayyat Airport ranked top positions in the report. GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger volumes, ensuring a transparent approach. Among international airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport ranked first with an 82 percent compliance rate, outperforming King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which also recorded 82 percent but scored lower in key performance criteria. In the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam ranked first with a 91 percent compliance rate, while Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah came second with 82 percent. Among airports with 2 to 5 million annual passengers, Abha International Airport achieved a 100 percent compliance rate, leading in metrics related to average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. In the category of airports with fewer than 2 million annual passengers, Arar Airport also achieved a 100 percent compliance rate, outperforming peers in average waiting time. Qurayyat Airport ranked first among domestic airports, achieving a 100 percent compliance rate and leading in efficiency for departing and arriving flight procedures. GACA evaluates airport performance based on key passenger service areas to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience aligned with international standards. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudia expands regional footprint via flights to El-Alamein, Salalah
Riyadh – Saudia officially launched flights from Jeddah to El-Alamein in Egypt and Salalah in Oman, according to a press release. The new El-Alamein route marks Saudia's fourth destination in Egypt, with three weekly flights operating from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in each direction. This is in addition to three weekly flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Moreover, Saudia launched flights from Jeddah to Salalah in Oman, marking the airline's second destination in the country following Muscat. The route also operates with three weekly flights in each direction. Both new destinations are operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, with comfortable seating and a wide range of in-flight entertainment options developed to enhance the overall guest experience. Meanwhile, Saudia has a modern fleet of 147 aircraft and plans to add 118 more in the coming years. This expansion aligns with the Saudi airline's efforts to enhance the guest experience, deploying advanced AI technologies and leveraging the latest developments in ground and in-flight services. The company recently launched its first direct flights from Riyadh to Vienna, the capital of Austria. All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
