Author: Adnan Hindawi

Cliff Notes – Winter initiative to boost tourism in Makkah Transformation of Burj Al Khazzan: The historic water tower in Al-Futah, Riyadh, is set to undergo a conceptual transformation under the vision of the Franco-Japanese architecture firm Stella Amae. The project aims to revitalise the structure into a cultural and ecological landmark, reflecting the themes of heritage and community. Design Elements and Community Focus: The proposed design features a bioclimatic façade inspired by local architecture…

Cliff Notes – Jouf olive presses start annual production season Olive presses in the Jouf region have commenced production, supplying both local and international markets Addressing the increasing demand for olive products in the region. Enhanced production capacity, increasing from 18 to 60 tonnes per 24 hours. Jouf olive presses start annual production season Riyadh: Olive presses in the Jouf region have begun production, supplying olive oil and pressed olives to local and international markets,…

Cliff Notes – King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, a haven for migratory birds and endangered species Field teams from the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve observed over 300 great white pelicans during the current migratory season, highlighting the reserve’s significance for avian migration. The sightings occurred at one of five designated sites within the reserve that are recognised as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, underscoring the region’s ecological value. This influx of migratory…

Cliff Notes – Saudi Arabia attends forest management talks in Istanbul Burj Al Khazzan Transformation: The Burj Al Khazzan, a 61-meter-tall water tower in Riyadh, is set to be reimagined under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Green Riyadh initiative, focusing on cultural and ecological revitalisation. Innovative Architectural Design: The proposed design by Franco-Japanese firm Stella Amae aims to create a bioclimatic façade inspired by the date palm trunk and Najdi architecture, enhancing interaction with…

Tl;dr – The first conference on innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi academia Event Marking Awareness: The stuttering awareness and support association Mutalaathem held an event in Riyadh to observe International Stuttering Awareness Day, aiming to educate the community about stuttering as a distinct communication style that requires patience. Focus on Communication: Presentations and panel discussions centred on effective communication methods for individuals with stuttering. The founder, Saad Al-Munajem, highlighted the necessity for society to understand…

Cliff Notes – Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Ghanaian Counterpart Revitalisation of Burj Al Khazzan: The Burj Al Khazzan water tower in Riyadh is set for transformation under Vision 2030, with designs aimed at integrating cultural and ecological elements to create a vibrant public landmark. Architectural Innovation: The proposed project, by the Franco-Japanese firm Stella Amae, incorporates bioclimatic features inspired by local heritage, including a façade that interacts with the environment and serves…

Cliff Notes – Saudi Crown Prince Congratulates Japan’s New Premier Burj Al Khazzan Redevelopment: The Burj Al Khazzan, a 61-meter tall water tower in Riyadh, is set for transformation under vision 2030. The redesign aims to merge cultural, ecological, and symbolic elements, turning it into a “Tree of Life” as part of the Green Riyadh initiative. Innovative Design Features: The proposed structure will incorporate a bioclimatic façade inspired by the date palm trunk and Najdi…

Cliff Notes – Saudi cultural movement in the spotlight at Central Saint Martins college in London Revitalisation of Heritage: The Burj Al Khazzan, a 61-metre water tower in Riyadh, is set to undergo a transformation into a cultural landmark as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. The project aims to adapt the structure while honouring its historical significance and connection to water. Innovative Design Features: Designed by the Franco-Japanese architecture firm Stella Amae, the proposed…

Cliff Notes – Significant improvement in Saudi cities on global stage The Burj Al Khazzan, a 61-meter water tower in Riyadh, is set to undergo transformation as part of the Green Riyadh initiative, aiming to repurpose it into a cultural and ecological landmark under Vision 2030. Designed by the Franco-Japanese architecture firm Stella Amae, the new structure is inspired by regional motifs and aims to create an interactive bioclimatic facade that serves as a sensory…

Cliff Notes – Burj Al Khazzan reimagined for a sustainable Riyadh Cultural and Ecological Transformations: The Burj Al Khazzan, a historic water tower, is set for redevelopment under Riyadh’s Vision 2030, transforming it into a multi-functional cultural landmark that reflects both ecological sustainability and historical significance. Innovative Architectural Features: Designed by the Franco-Japanese firm Stella Amae, the project will incorporate a bioclimatic facade that interacts with its environment, enhancing air quality, light diffusion, and soundscapes…

Cliff Notes – Saudi National Day theme, identity unveiled: Pride in Our Nature The theme and visual identity for the 95th Saudi National Day, scheduled for September 23, has been announced under the slogan “Pride in Our Nature,” unveiled by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority. The visual identity highlights key national traits such as generosity, authenticity, ambition, solidarity (Faz’ah), and a vision for the future, represented through symbols like the dallah, Tuwaiq…

Cliff Notes – Saudi crown prince receives Kuwaiti PM at NEOM Palace Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at the NEOM Palace, emphasising the longstanding and historic relations between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various fields, indicating a mutual interest in strengthening ties and collaboration. Both leaders discussed several topics of common interest, reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagement and shared…

Cliff Notes – Deal to get iconic Japanese manga for Arabic readers Launch of HUMAIN Chat: Saudi Arabia introduced HUMAIN Chat, an Arabic AI application, trained on the largest Arabic datasets. The app was showcased as a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s technological landscape, aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for AI innovation. Cultural and Linguistic Focus: The HUMAIN platform features the ALLAM 34B model, designed to handle various Arabic dialects and…

Cliff Notes – Heritage comes alive at Raghadan Historical Market in Baha The Raghadan Historical Market has officially opened, offering a vibrant array of cultural and entertainment programmes, directed by Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Baha. Operating daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the market features folk performances, exhibitions of historical artefacts, and showcases of traditional life in the region. The event aims to celebrate and preserve local heritage, drawing…

Cliff Notes – Jeddah Summer Season delivers fun for every mood The Jeddah Summer Season, running until August 31 under the “Color Your Summer” initiative, showcases an extensive array of entertainment, sports, shopping, and cultural activities aimed at both locals and tourists. This season highlights the city’s coastal allure, family-friendly attractions, and vibrant commercial scene, ensuring a versatile experience for all visitors despite the sweltering summer temperatures. Events during the season reflect Jeddah’s rich heritage…

Cliff Notes – 26 workshops to boost nonprofit efficiency in KSA The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has initiated an empowerment programme aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of nonprofit organisations across Saudi Arabia. A total of 26 specialised workshops will be offered in 11 regions, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to strengthen the role of civil associations in development. The workshops are strategically distributed, with eight sessions in both Riyadh and…

Cliff Notes – Reem Hazzazi: Pioneering Saudi Women in Weightlifting Refereeing Breaking Barriers: Reem Hazzazi is one of the first international weightlifting referees from Saudi Arabia, challenging the long-standing perception of weightlifting as a male-dominated sport and paving the way for women in officiating roles. Support and Training: Hazzazi benefited significantly from the support of her family and the Saudi Weightlifting Federation, which offered training programmes and mentorship that helped her gain confidence and experience…

Cliff Notes – Hackathon to drive innovation in AlUla tourism Empowering National Talent: The hackathon, set for August 10 to 12, aims to strengthen national skills by encouraging innovative solutions for AlUla’s burgeoning tourism sector. Comprehensive Training Offered: Participants will engage in an extensive training programme that includes specialised workshops, mentoring sessions, and expert guidance in the fields of innovation, tourism, and entrepreneurship. Focus on Sustainable Practices: The initiative supports the Royal Commission for AlUla’s…

Cliff Notes – Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers Naval Arrival and Reception: Indian naval ships INS Tamal and INS Surat were warmly welcomed in Jeddah by Saudi and Indian officials as part of ongoing naval exchanges, reflecting strengthened bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia. Defence Cooperation: The visit signifies an enhancement of military cooperation, evidenced by the establishment of a ministerial committee on defence collaboration during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit…

Cliff Notes – Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts Geothermal Energy Potential: Saudi Arabia is exploring geothermal energy as a sustainable solution for its cooling and desalination needs, which could provide a reliable baseload power source year-round, potentially surpassing solar and wind in some scenarios. Pilot Project Initiatives: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with TAQA Geothermal, is conducting a pilot project to assess geothermal viability, aiming to inform national…

Cliff Notes – Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration Historic Meeting: Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents the first official defence dialogue between the two nations, marking a significant step in bilateral relations. Commitment to Collaboration: The discussions between Szalay-Bobrovniczky and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman focused on strengthening military ties and initiating joint training initiatives. Saudi Arabia’s Regional Role: The Hungarian Minister praised Saudi…

Cliff Notes – Makkah deputy governor washes Holy Kaaba on behalf of King Salman The Saudi Ministry of Culture has reported significant progress in revitalising Historic Jeddah, highlighting achievements under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, with a focus on preserving cultural heritage as part of Saudi Vision 2030. In 2024, the ministry successfully restored 27 historic buildings and rehabilitated an additional 10. This initiative is complemented by the opening of luxury heritage hotels and…

Cliff Notes – Saudi Arabia to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year Revitalisation of Historic Jeddah: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has successfully restored 27 historic buildings, rehabilitated 10 additional structures, and stabilised 39 historic sites, reinforcing the architectural identity of Historic Jeddah as part of a national heritage preservation initiative aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Cultural and Economic Developments: The launch of luxury heritage hotels and the completion of the…

Cliff Notes – Saudi Arabia to host 8th Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh in October Preservation and Revitalisation Projects: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has restored 27 historic buildings and rehabilitated 10 additional structures in Historic Jeddah as part of a broader strategy to preserve cultural heritage and align with Saudi Vision 2030. Cultural and Archaeological Developments: Significant archaeological findings include 1st-century wooden fragments and a 13th-century pottery shard, reinforcing Jeddah’s historical status as a…

Cliff Notes – PIF-backed Savvy Games partners with Side to nurture gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia Revitalisation of Historic Jeddah: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has successfully restored 27 historic buildings in Jeddah and initiated the transformation of 34 additional heritage structures into luxury boutique hotels, as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s architectural identity. Archaeological Discoveries and Urban Regeneration: Important archaeological findings, including a 13th-century pottery shard, underscore Jeddah’s historical significance.…