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RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has conducted 135 ear, nose and throat operations in Yemen’s Aden governorate from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Seven specialized medical volunteers performed the operations, which are a part of KSrelief’s ongoing humanitarian projects in war-torn Yemen.
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a series of phone calls on Sunday with the leaders of several Gulf Cooperation Council countries to discuss the escalating situation in the region following recent attacks on Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Mohammed spoke separately with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait.
He also received a phone call from UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
The discussions focused on the latest regional developments, including continued Israeli attacks on Iran and the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the US earlier on Sunday.
The leaders affirmed the unity and solidarity of GCC member states in light of the current tensions and stressed the importance of collective efforts to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and pursue diplomatic solutions to the crisis, SPA added.
The crown prince also received a phone call on Sunday from French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.
They discussed developments in the region and the repercussions of the escalation of tensions in the region following the US strikes.
Prince Mohammed affirmed to Macron and Meloni the Kingdom’s position on the need to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through diplomatic means.
JEDDAH: Near Haql city, located northwest of Tabuk, sits Alqan Heritage Village — one of ’s most scenic and historic heritage sites. Also known as “The Snow City,” it is a popular destination during winter when the whole area can become covered in snow.
During warmer months, Alqan offers visitors a chance to explore the village’s traditional homes, which are built on raised areas using local sandstone. These structures reflect the region’s unique architectural style and building techniques, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.
The village is located about 170 km from Tabuk city in northern , and is surrounded by a stunning landscape of tall mountains and red dunes.
Alqan was built in 1934 by order of King Abdulaziz. It includes 20 houses made from red stone and mud, with palm trunks and fronds used for the roofs. These buildings were once used by the region’s first government employees and public offices.
Today, the village is officially listed in the National Register of Architectural Heritage. The Heritage Commission continues its efforts to document, protect and digitize such historic sites across the Kingdom.
Near the village is the Alqan customs checkpoint, built in 1965. The area is also home to several historical wells that were used to provide water to local communities. Among them is the well of “Abu Al-Alq,” believed to have inspired the village’s name. Others say the name comes from small particles that sometimes appear in the well water.
Perched on a rocky hill, the village was carefully planned by early settlers, who chose the location based on natural features like wind direction, rainfall and privacy. Their thoughtful urban planning shows how well they understood the desert environment.
Alqan is best known for its snowfall, a rare feature in most of . Heavy snowstorms were recorded in 1945 and again in 1965, with snow lasting for several days. These events helped shape Alqan’s reputation as a winter retreat.
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, returns with more Saudi-inspired art for the second year at the Concentrico International Festival of Architecture and Design in Spain.
The installation will be open to the public at Plaza de la Diversidad in Logrono until June 24.
This year, Ithra presents “Rooted in Warmth” by Saudi multimedia artist Raghad Al-Ahmed, alongside a sensory experience, “Summer Blessings,” by Saudi visual narrative studio Nclass.
Visitors are encouraged to interact with and even climb the structure to experience the connection between agriculture and community ties to nature.
The installation was created with more than 50 women artisans from Jouf, northern , inspired by Al-Ahmed’s roots in the Hejazi community, particularly Taif, where gatherings under tree shade are part of rural life.
The sensory experience “Summer Blessings” complements “Rooted in Warmth” by showcasing the diversity of local fruits and herbs.
Noura Al-Zamil, head of programs at Ithra, said: “We are proud to present Raghad Al-Ahmed’s work at Concentrico. Showcasing it at a leading European design festival reflects Ithra’s ongoing efforts to support creative expression.
“This initiative provides a platform for Saudi artists and artisans to share their work globally, enriching the cultural landscape. ‘Rooted in Warmth,’ combining personal and national identity with contemporary art, will encourage cross-cultural dialogue at the festival,” she added.
After its debut in Spain, “Rooted in Warmth” will be exhibited in as part of Tanween 2025 later this year.
Tanween, Ithra’s annual design event, highlights global design excellence and promotes creative innovation.
RIYADH: Raghadan Forest Park, which is set on the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains just west of Baha city, is one of the region’s most prominent ecotourism destinations, the Saudi Press Agency recently reported.
Covering about 483,000 sq. meters and rising more than 1,700 meters above sea level, the park offers a mild climate and scenic views.
Located about 4 km from central Baha, it features green spaces, walking paths, shaded seating areas, and various recreational facilities.
The 20,000 sq. meter Bahjat Raghadan Park — a recent development by Baha Municipality — boasts an artificial waterfall, an open-air theater, children’s play areas, and the Lavender Garden, which connects to a central plaza and a 500-meter stone walkway.
Ali Al-Sawat, the Baha region’s governor, told the SPA that Raghadan Forest Park was “a leading environmental and tourism landmark in the region.”
He said this year’s developments included sidewalk upgrades covering 1,470 meters over an area of 3,870 sq. meters; an enhancement of an 11,500 sq. meter section of the park; and a new 230-meter walking path.
The park’s infrastructure supports high visitor volumes, with 384,787 sq. meters of green space, 1,230 parking spaces (including 42 for individuals with disabilities), 14 playgrounds, and 122 restrooms.
Raghadan Forest Park also hosts entertainment and cultural events in the Baha Summer Program to help enrich the experience of visitors while promoting domestic tourism.
The Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has welcomed more than a million visitors since opening on April 13.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the pavilion, which the second largest after Japan, is a display of the Kingdom’s culture and heritage. It features more than 700 events, including live performances and dance shows.
The award-winning pavilion shares ’s transformative journey under Vision 2030, highlighting the kingdom’s innovation and technological modernization. Additionally, the pavilion offers an exciting visitor journey by means of seven immersive rooms and galleries where guests can see up close the Kingdom’s global impact.
“We are honored to mark this significant milestone and the pavilion’s success in reaching one million visitors, which underscores ’s commitment to showing its transformation under Vision 2030 and inviting the world to experience its heritage and foster cultural exchange,” said Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, ’s ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the Pavilion.
“As we move towards reaching the next million, the pavilion remains committed to inspiring visitors to learn about ’s achievements, and we look forward to deepening impact and welcoming the world. Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka embodies our strong relationship with Japan, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.
“As we journey towards Expo 2030 in Riyadh, we will leave a legacy here in Osaka. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a testament to ’s transformation as a global destination — and we are eager to welcome the world to ,” he added.
The full program of events for the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website.
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