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…
Author: Adnan Hindawi
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.…
Cliff Notes – Saudi communications minister meets with international leaders to advance Saudi role in AI The Saudi Ministry of Culture has made significant strides in revitalising Historic Jeddah, with 27 historic buildings restored, 10 structures rehabilitated, and 39 stabilised in 2024, reinforcing the district’s architectural identity. Cultural initiatives have included the launch of the first three heritage hotels, the inauguration of the teamLab Borderless Jeddah museum, and the establishment of the Royal Institute for…
Cliff Notes – How AI could make Saudi Arabia’s construction sites safer and more efficient Revolutionising Construction with AI: The construction industry is experiencing significant technological advancements, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence, which is being integrated into construction processes to enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity. viAct’s Innovative Approach: The Hong Kong-based firm viAct is at the forefront of this movement, using AI to interpret real-time visual data for safety monitoring and risk assessment.…
‘Adopt a Coral’ community restoration initiative unveiled Community Involvement: The “Adopt a Coral” scheme encourages local communities to participate directly in coral reef rehabilitation, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards marine ecosystems. What does the Campaign aim to do: This initiative aims to raise public awareness about the importance of marine ecosystem preservation, addressing the critical need for conservation education among local populations. Support for Sustainability Goals: The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s…
Cliff Notes – Ladder of the Holy Kaaba: A symbol of care for the holiest of sites AI Integration in Construction: The construction sector is experiencing significant digitisation through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), transforming traditional practices. viAct is leveraging a scenario-based AI engine to enhance safety and productivity by monitoring real-time data on job sites, acting as a digital foreman. Middle East Expansion Plans: viAct is actively seeking to enter the Saudi Arabian…
Cliff Notes – Visit Saudi, ‘Doraemon’ collaborate on culture at Expo 2025 The construction industry is undergoing a significant digitisation revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) now embedded in various construction processes, enhancing safety and productivity. viAct, a Hong Kong-based AI firm, is spearheading this transformation by offering an innovative platform that goes beyond traditional surveillance, providing real-time analytics to improve site safety and operational efficiency without human supervision. As Saudi Arabia embarks on extensive mega-projects…
Is the ruling party racist in India? India’s Home Minister Amit Shah promotes the use of native languages, urging a shift away from English, which he describes as a colonial relic. The government’s emphasis on Hindi has generated significant backlash, particularly from non-Hindi-speaking states, raising concerns about cultural identity and federalism. Despite the push for Hindi, English remains prevalent in various sectors, with many viewing it as essential for economic mobility; a complete replacement is…
Cliff Notes – Hajj transport teams stationed at 20 locations Early Operations Commenced: Inspection teams from the Transport General Authority have initiated operations at key entry points to the Makkah region and Madinah to prepare for the influx of pilgrims during Hajj. Continuous Support: Over 20 teams have been deployed around the clock to facilitate the smooth arrival and accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. Regulatory Compliance…
Cliff Notes – Saudi Arabia chairs parliamentary talks in Algeria Emerging Fashion Scene: The Riyadh fashion seminar showcased ten new Saudi designers, highlighting a vibrant and evolving fashion economy that interacts closely with cultural identity and community engagement. Digital & Retail Innovations: Key discussions centred around the importance of digital fashion and retail experiences, particularly focusing on how the shift towards virtual design and innovative marketing strategies is shaping consumer behaviour, especially among Gen Z.…
Jazan will host its 21st annual Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival starting next Wednesday at Sabya Front, featuring over 60 varieties of native mangoes and other tropical fruits.
Cliff Notes – Riyadh conference discusses future of occupational health The seventh Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh was inaugurated by Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi, introducing new initiatives to enhance Saudi Arabia’s occupational safety and health framework, including the establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A notable increase of 130 percent in locals employed in occupational safety and health roles has been reported, reaching over 29,000 by the end of…