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Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Cultural Week kicks off in Osaka to mark 70 years of Saudi-Japanese ties
Saudi Gazette report OSAKA — The Saudi Cultural Week officially launched in Osaka, Japan, on Saturday, celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event will run through July 15 at the Expo 2025 Osaka site. The weeklong celebration highlights the Kingdom's rich heritage and growing creative industries, placing special focus on the 2025 Year of Handicrafts initiative. The program introduces Japanese and international audiences to traditional Saudi crafts, artisanal demonstrations, and a photography exhibition chronicling the history of Saudi-Japanese relations. Participating entities include the Heritage Commission, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wirath), the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy, King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah), and Harf Saudi Company. Together, they present a vibrant schedule of live cultural activities and interactive displays. A traditional Saudi majlis (sitting area) offers visitors Saudi coffee and dates accompanied by a joint musical performance, reflecting the Kingdom's famed hospitality. Meanwhile, Saudi and Japanese artisans collaborate on live demonstrations of date palm weaving, sadu (a traditional form of weaving), and pottery-making. The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts is also exhibiting hybrid crafts that blend Japanese and Saudi elements, with student-led workshops inviting visitors to try hands-on techniques such as kimono ornamentation and bisht weaving. In parallel, the calligraphy center stages live performances where Saudi and Japanese calligraphers use handmade paper crafted from palm fronds. The King Abdulaziz Foundation is showcasing a photographic timeline of Saudi-Japanese ties, capturing key diplomatic moments and cultural exchange milestones over the past seven decades. Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo 2025 will continue to host over 700 cultural events, providing visitors with an immersive experience that showcases the Kingdom's diversity, heritage, and forward-looking transformation agenda. The pavilion also highlights national priorities such as sustainability and Vision 2030 through a range of engaging, multimedia exhibitions.
Leaders
22-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Airports Soar: Over 3M Travelers during Ramadan Peak
Saudi airports experienced a huge influx as over 3.4 million travelers were welcomed in Ramadan's first 18 days, according to Matarat Holding Company. Pilgrims dominated the surge, aligning with peak Umrah season at Islam's holiest sites in Makkah and Medinah. Key Airports Drive Pilgrim Momentum Matarat Holding Company reported heavy activity at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport and Medinah's Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Yanbu's Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport and Taif Airport also saw notable traffic. The operator manages 27 airports nationwide. Passenger data revealed 2.4 million international travelers across the four hubs, with arrivals and departures surging. Furthermore, domestic flights accommodated 1.08 million passengers. Airlines operated 20,038 flights, including 12,699 international routes. Saudi airports bolstered resources to manage Ramadan crowds, prioritizing seamless pilgrim mobility. For instance, Jeddah's airport deployed 70 e-gates to automate check-ins and reduce wait times. Innovative 'Bag-Free' Initiative Elevates Travel Additionally, Saudi Arabia expanded its 'bag-free passenger' service, allowing travelers to complete formalities remotely. Launched last year, the system forwards luggage directly to flights, easing domestic and international journeys. These measures underscore Saudi Arabia's push to enhance pilgrim access and comfort. With Ramadan running until the end of March 2025, authorities aim to sustain momentum for Umrah and global tourism targets. Short link :
Arab News
22-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style
RIYADH: The historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hotat Bani Tamim, Riyadh, is among the places of worship restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to safeguard Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles. Established in 1835 and named after the castle of Imam Turki bin Abdullah that once stood on its premises, Al-Qalaah Mosque holds significant historical value, which the project seeks to preserve. Upon completion, the mosque will cover 625 sq. meters, accommodating up to 180 worshipers, the SPA reported. Built in the Najdi style, the mosque primarily uses clay, with a construction method involving a clay and hay mixture placed in wooden molds to form brick-like structures. This technique is known for its economic efficiency compared to other materials, offering advantages such as thermal resistance and maintaining a moderate indoor temperature. It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, featuring six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim. Phase two follows the completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA. The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage. Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report. The project's four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom's cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-02-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Mayor of Riyadh Opens 'FoodSphere' as Part of Riyadh Oases
Mayor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf inaugurated on Wednesday "FoodSphere," a pioneering first phase of the Riyadh Oases project. This collaborative initiative between Riyadh Holding and the Riyadh Region Municipality aims to create vibrant, interactive community spaces centered on food, heritage, and sustainability. Located on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, FoodSphere offers unique, immersive experiences that explore the future of nutrition while celebrating Saudi culinary heritage. Visitors can discover the interconnectedness of food, culture, and environmental responsibility through engaging exhibits and activities, SPA reported. Spanning 11,000 m², FoodSphere features three indoor zones: The Apiary, The Biosphere, and The Oasis. Outdoor areas include beautifully landscaped gardens, cafes, restaurants, and walk courses. Riyadh Oases is designed as an edutainment center, making science accessible and engaging for all community members. It fosters partnerships with various entities to develop and showcase practical, innovative models. This project aligns with the Quality of Life Program, a main pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, demonstrating Riyadh's commitment to cultural preservation and future-forward development. FoodSphere is the first of eight planned oases, which will be strategically located throughout Riyadh in the coming years. It welcomes visitors on February 26 and 27 from 10 am to 10 pm. Ramadan hours are from 8:30 pm to 2:30 am.
