黑料社区

Buraidah鈥檚 blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative

Those hoping to escape the scorching Saudi summer heat can head to Buraidah, where its farms have become a favored summer destination. (SPA)
Those hoping to escape the scorching Saudi summer heat can head to Buraidah, where its farms have become a favored summer destination. (SPA)
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Buraidah鈥檚 blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative

Buraidah鈥檚 blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative

BURAIDAH: Those hoping to escape the scorching Saudi summer heat can head to Buraidah, where its farms have become a favored summer destination.

Buraidah, about 360 kilometers northwest of Riyadh in 黑料社区鈥檚 Qassim region, is a place for those seeking calm, comfort and a distinctive leisure experience.

鈥淭his rising popularity stems from ongoing efforts to transform these farms into integrated tourist attractions that cater both to families and individuals, offering an authentic experience with a modern touch,鈥 according to the Saudi Press Agency.

These farms stand out for their natural beauty and the balance they strike between simplicity and contemporary features.

Visitors can step away from the pace of city life and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by lush greenery. The experience is supported by restaurants serving traditional and international dishes, cafes with authentic design and stalls selling local produce. There are family seating areas aplenty, children鈥檚 play zones and a variety of nature-based activities.

Ali Mohammed Al-Waili, who is from the Najran region, expressed his admiration of the unique tourism diversity found in the Qassim region. He praised the rural farms that have become an attractive, offering a fully immersive natural experience that reflects the authenticity and agricultural richness of the area.

He pointed out that the farms spread across the region鈥檚 governorates provide a well-rounded family tourism experience, featuring traditional seating areas, authentic local cuisine, and a variety of agricultural and recreational activities suited for all age groups.

Another visitor, Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, noted that rural farms have become a top family destination during the summer holiday because they meet visitors鈥 needs and offer a range of services that ensure an enjoyable time in a natural and safe environment.

The rising interest in this form of domestic tourism points to a clear shift in public preference toward nature and stillness. Better infrastructure and improved service quality are reinforcing the role of rural farms as a top option for day trips and short breaks.

According to the SPA, the growing interest in domestic tourism and nature helps to support the local economy and achieve sustainable development 鈥 aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve quality of life, diversify income sources, and enhance the balance between people and the environment.


Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow

Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow
Updated 52 min 23 sec ago

Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow

Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow
  • Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing relations and building on existing strategic partnerships

MOSCOW: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Friday, as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed Saudi-Russian ties and ongoing cooperation between the Kingdom and the Russian Federation, and discussed avenues for further collaboration across a range of fields, SPA added. 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing relations and building on existing strategic partnerships.

The talks were followed by an official session, in which Prince Faisal and Lavrov underscored the depth of friendship between the Kingdom and Russia. It also included a wide-ranging discussion on key regional developments and joint efforts to support stability and security in the Middle East, including the crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Moscow on regional issues and shared interests in global energy markets and political coordination.

Prince Faisal reiterated, in a press conference during his visit, that the Kingdom rejected military solutions and consistently advocated for resolving all conflicts, regardless of their nature, through negotiation.


鈥楽ongs of Silence in Nature鈥: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh聽

鈥楽ongs of Silence in Nature鈥: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh聽
Updated 04 July 2025

鈥楽ongs of Silence in Nature鈥: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh聽

鈥楽ongs of Silence in Nature鈥: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh聽
  • Artist鈥檚 work depicts serene scenes of mountains and lakes
  • Exhibition showcases cultural ties between China and 黑料社区

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Art Pure Gallery Foundation is currently hosting an exhibition, 鈥淪ongs of Silence in Nature,鈥 by the renowned Chinese artist Shu Li.

Organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in 黑料社区, the exhibition opened on June 24, 2024 and will run until July 25, 2025 in the Saudi capital. 

A leading figure in contemporary Chinese art, Shu Li has held distinguished roles within China鈥檚 national cultural institutions.

His works have been showcased in more than 20 countries, including the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Italy. 

He has received numerous international accolades in countries such as Russia, Belgium, the US, Ukraine and India, and is a distinguished academician of the Russian Academy of Arts. 

His paintings are featured in some of China鈥檚 most iconic venues, including the National Art Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, and the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party.

He has also published more than 20 catalogues chronicling his artistic evolution. 

Shu Li鈥檚 work blends traditional Chinese techniques with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.

Characterized by tranquil landscapes, his pieces often depict mist-shrouded mountains and serene lakes. These works invite viewers to enter a meditative and reflective state. 

鈥淎rt is not merely a visual encounter,鈥 the artist explained, 鈥渂ut an emotional journey.

鈥淭hrough my oil paintings, I aim to capture those fleeting moments of beauty that enrich our daily existence.

鈥淢y work is a dialogue between the canvas and the world it portrays 鈥 a world where light dances across surfaces and color speaks more powerfully than words.

鈥淓ach painting is an exploration of texture, form and the expressive potential of oil as a medium. I draw inspiration from nature, human experience and the myriad ways in which art connects us to both. I invite viewers to do more than just observe my work; I want them to feel it and enter the narrative that each painting weaves.鈥  

This exhibition is part of an increasing cultural dialogue between China and 黑料社区. It reflects the desire of both countries to strengthen their artistic exchange and deepen the ties between these two ancient and influential civilizations. 

Contemporary Chinese art embodies a rich synthesis of millennia-old traditions and modern perspectives.

Since the late-20th century, Chinese artists have experimented with various forms, including painting, sculpture, installation and video, to explore the tensions between heritage, rapid urbanization and evolving social realities.  

Often merging classical craftsmanship with avant-garde techniques, they explore themes of identity, collective memory and the challenges of the present age. 

Today, China鈥檚 vibrant art scene is widely recognized internationally, with many leading Chinese artists playing a pivotal role in reshaping the global contemporary art landscape. 

The Art Pure Gallery Foundation is a leading Saudi cultural institution founded in 1999.


AI training for 334,000 Saudi citizens completed

AI training for 334,000 Saudi citizens completed
Updated 04 July 2025

AI training for 334,000 Saudi citizens completed

AI training for 334,000 Saudi citizens completed
  • Launched in September 2024, AI skills program targets citizens of all ages and professional backgrounds

RIYADH: A total of 334,000 黑料社区 citizens have benefitted from a government program aimed at empowering citizens with artificial intelligence skills, according to the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.

The 鈥淥ne Million Saudis in AI鈥 program was set up in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in September 2024.

During the keynote session of the Non-Profit Sector Forum in Education and Training 2025 in Riyadh on July 2, SDAIA chief Abdullah Alghamdi highlighted key features of the program.

He said the partnerships the authority had forged with other government agencies have positioned the Kingdom globally in empowering women in AI, and community awareness, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Launched at the Global AI Summit, the SAMAI initiative targets citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds.

Alghamdi also cited several national initiatives that resulted from this collaboration, including the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence, or ATHKA Competition.

More than 260,000 male and female students from intermediate and secondary schools participated, with 10,000 advancing to the final stage, he said.

One key initiative cited by the SDAIA chief was the 鈥淩oad to ATHKA,鈥 which trained more than 570,000 students on AI concepts.

Another was the 鈥淔uture Intelligence Programmers鈥 initiative, which trained over 10,000 teachers.

The SDAIA and Education Ministry had also established the Center for Excellence in Education.

This was 鈥渄esigned to institutionalize technological integration within the education sector, sustain future-oriented initiatives, and leverage AI to enhance learning outcomes.鈥


Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor
Updated 04 July 2025

Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Salam Palace in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince and Shiekh Tahnoun, who is also the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, discussed relations between the Kingdom and the UAE and ways to enhance them.


Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations聽

Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations聽
Updated 03 July 2025

Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations聽

Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations聽

RIYADH: A total of 5,912 inspections covering 4,307 establishments were carried out across the Kingdom by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in April and May.

A total of 996 were shut down due to various violations, while 136 were closed for operating without required licenses and for product safety breaches.

Additionally, production lines at 127 establishments were halted and 1,750 types of products were seized.

The initiative is part of the SFDA鈥檚 efforts to ensure compliance with approved regulations and to uphold high quality standards.

At one food establishment, inspectors found raw materials of an unknown origin, employees without health certificates, the absence of a tracking system and inadequate measures being taken to prevent cross-contamination. These led to the closure of the business and the implementation of necessary legal measures.