Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer

Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
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The program offers entertainment, culture and tourism across several main destinations, including the city’s iconic landmarks and key facilities. (Supplied)
Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
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The program offers entertainment, culture and tourism across several main destinations, including the city’s iconic landmarks and key facilities. (Supplied)
Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
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The program offers entertainment, culture and tourism across several main destinations, including the city’s iconic landmarks and key facilities. (Supplied)
Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
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The program offers entertainment, culture and tourism across several main destinations, including the city’s iconic landmarks and key facilities. (Supplied)
Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
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The opening night featured drone shows, roaming performances and interactive characters, creating an engaging experience for families and visitors. (SPA)
Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
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The opening night featured drone shows, roaming performances and interactive characters, creating an engaging experience for families and visitors. (SPA)
Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
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The opening night featured drone shows, roaming performances and interactive characters, creating an engaging experience for families and visitors. (SPA)
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Updated 12 July 2025

Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer

Jeddah Season brings diverse entertainment to celebrate summer
  • Shopping festival, water sports, live music light up coastal city for 90 days of fun

JEDDAH: As part of this year’s Jeddah Season, summer events under the theme “Jeddah is Different” launched on Friday night at Jeddah Art Promenade, coinciding with the opening of several new zones for the summer vacation.

The program offers entertainment, culture and tourism across several main destinations, including the city’s iconic landmarks and key facilities.

The opening night featured drone shows, roaming performances and interactive characters, creating an engaging experience for families and visitors.

Throughout the summer, the season includes cultural experiences, entertainment shows, water activities, live music, shopping and other attractions, providing residents and visitors with diverse activities over 90 days.

It supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by diversifying entertainment options and enhancing quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors.

Among the main attractions is the Jeddah Shopping Festival, combining traditional and modern markets, along with promotions and discounts at malls, hotels, airlines, car rentals and restaurants. The festival will run until Aug. 31.

This year’s season also features the West Coast zone in Obhur, offering entertainment on Jeddah’s coast, women-only beaches, and both day- and night-time activities.

Visitors can enjoy water sports and games at public and private beaches, relax at retreats like Kashta Beach and attend musical performances by the sea.

The Perfume Exhibition showcases a wide range of local and international perfumes, specialized workshops and exclusive launches, with experts and celebrities taking part.

The enclosed, air-conditioned Forest Wonders area offers interactive experiences, including live animal encounters, theatrical and roaming performances, and jungle-themed restaurants until Aug. 30.

Art enthusiasts can attend concerts and art events featuring Arab and Gulf stars, adding a creative dimension to the season.

Events remain open past midnight to avoid the summer heat. More events are expected to be announced later this year, spanning the cultural, artistic and tourism fields.


Energy & Water Academy launches diploma in data science, AI

The Energy & Water Academy has announced the launch of ’s first industry-integrated diploma in Data Science and AI.
The Energy & Water Academy has announced the launch of ’s first industry-integrated diploma in Data Science and AI.
Updated 13 sec ago

Energy & Water Academy launches diploma in data science, AI

The Energy & Water Academy has announced the launch of ’s first industry-integrated diploma in Data Science and AI.

RIYADH: The Energy & Water Academy, the national leading institution in preparing and qualifying talent in the fields of energy, water and related industries, announced the launch of ’s first industry-integrated diploma in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with DataVolt and Innovatics.

The specialized program aims to support the Kingdom’s digital transformation and equip national cadres with practical knowledge and skills that enable them to lead the digital future, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

The diploma was announced during the LEARN event in Jeddah. It is fully accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and the Colleges of Excellence, with support from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

Trainees will also benefit from financial support of up to 75 percent of training fees through the Human Resources Development Fund, enabling the widest possible range of beneficiaries to take part.

The diploma combines academic learning with hands-on projects alongside industry partners, allowing targeted graduates to develop real-world solutions using AI technologies and hone their skills to ensure workforce readiness.

Each trainee begins their journey with an employment contract, granting them immediate engagement in practical projects from day one.

Tariq Al-Shamrani, CEO of the Energy & Water Academy, said that the launch of the program represents an extension of the academy’s pioneering role in preparing the next generation of national talent.

He added: “We are proud of our partnership with DataVolt and Innovatics, which has resulted in the delivery of this pioneering diploma. It aims to build national capabilities in AI, data science and advanced digital technologies, with a focus on enabling graduates to actively participate from day one in major projects underway in the Kingdom in the fields of AI and digital transformation.”

Rajit Nanda, CEO of DataVolt, said that the collaboration with the academy and Innovatics supports the Kingdom’s vision for digital transformation and human capacity building in technical fields.

He added: “We are honored to partner with the Energy & Water Academy and Innovatics, combining a strong academic foundation with practical business experience to create real career pathways for Saudi youth.

“With our current 90 students specializing in digital infrastructure, graduates of this Data Science and AI diploma will form the backbone of future AI-powered data centers and directly contribute to the Kingdom’s digital transformation.”

The launch of the diploma aligns with the global trend of accelerated investment in AI, which is expected to contribute more than $320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030.

is set to capture the largest share of this growth thanks to its plans to build a fully integrated digital economy based on knowledge and innovation.

The academy aims to attract additional industry partners to launch the first cohort of the program, which will include 100 trainees, half women, with training set to begin in November.


Saudi cabinet praises outcomes of Munich Security Conference meeting in AlUla

Saudi cabinet praises outcomes of Munich Security Conference meeting in AlUla
Updated 3 min 34 sec ago

Saudi cabinet praises outcomes of Munich Security Conference meeting in AlUla

Saudi cabinet praises outcomes of Munich Security Conference meeting in AlUla

Ithra brings culture and literary creativity to Riyadh book fair

The pavilion is divided into four sections. There is an introductory area outlining Ithra’s key facilities.
The pavilion is divided into four sections. There is an introductory area outlining Ithra’s key facilities.
Updated 22 min 41 sec ago

Ithra brings culture and literary creativity to Riyadh book fair

The pavilion is divided into four sections. There is an introductory area outlining Ithra’s key facilities.
  • The Aramco-backed cultural center is spotlighting its latest titles, offering a platform for cultural exchange

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, an initiative of Saudi Aramco, is spotlighting local creativity and knowledge exchange through its pavilion at the Riyadh International Book Fair until Oct. 11.

Ithra, participating for the 12th time, is presenting a comprehensive cultural experience centered on its renowned library, showcasing new publications, digital resources, and rare books, alongside diverse programs and events.

The pavilion is divided into four sections. There is an introductory area outlining Ithra’s key facilities, including its library, museum, theater, and cinema.

In addition, there are two zones for library programs featuring workshops and discussion panels; and a bookstore offering Ithra’s latest titles spanning culture, art, philosophy, and heritage.

Abdullah Al-Hawas, director of Ithra, said the center’s participation reflects its mission to foster cultural dialogue and align with the fair’s annual theme.

“Every year, Ithra participates in the Riyadh International Book Fair with a new concept,” Al-Hawas said. “This year, the theme is Riyadh Reads, and we’ve aligned our initiatives and programs with it by presenting 13 publications covering philosophy, literature, and art — most of which were produced in recent years.”

He added that Ithra strives to produce “unique content that appeals to experts and specialists” while engaging general readers.

“One of our most in-demand books is ‘The Mu’allaqat for the Millennial Generation,’ which simplifies classical Arabic poetry for today’s readers,” Al-Hawas added.

“We also published ‘Arabic Proverbs for the New Generation,’ featuring over 150 Arabic proverbs with commentary, encouraging readers to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural heritage.”

Another title, “Hijra: In the Footsteps of the Prophet,” details the eight-day travel of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah, presented as “one of the most significant journeys in human history.” 

The pavilion also offers titles on camels, crafts, and philosophy, carefully selected for their cultural value and appeal.

Al-Hawas said Ithra’s publications have reached international audiences through translations into several languages including Spanish, German, Korean, Chinese, French, and English.

“We aim to translate as many as possible to expand the global reach of Arab culture,” he said.

The Ithra Library, one of the Kingdom’s largest and first fully digital, spans four floors and houses more than 357,000 books and thousands of digital resources.

Designed as a cultural hub, it also hosts programs including the Ithra Reading Club; and Majaz, a program celebrating poetry and literature.

In addition, it has Ithra Library Saturdays, a monthly gathering; Your Book in a Minute, an interactive experience; and Bridges to the World, a cultural exchange initiative.


Al-Baha’s distinct architectural style a tourist draw, says expert

Al-Baha’s distinct architectural style a tourist draw, says expert
Updated 07 October 2025

Al-Baha’s distinct architectural style a tourist draw, says expert

Al-Baha’s distinct architectural style a tourist draw, says expert
  • Traditional buildings are designed in ways that take into account environmental conditions such as terrain and climate
  • It intends to help modernize the Saudi urban landscape, while keeping the character and tradition of the country’s architecture alive

RIYADH: The distinctive architectural style of ’s Al-Baha region, included earlier this year in the national Saudi Architecture Characters Map, is one of the region’s draws for tourism, an expert told the Saudi Press Agency.

Abdullah bin Abdulqader Haridi, associate professor of architecture and building technology at Al-Baha University, said that the region’s style, influenced by its natural mountainous features, also contributes to energy efficiency.

Haridi said there were three main styles in the region: traditional, transitional, and contemporary.

Al-Baha’s architecture has distinctive features, including forts, external staircases, patterned doors and windows and the Zafir column style.

The architectural style of Al-Baha is inspired by the mountainous features of the region. (SPA)

Traditional buildings are designed in ways that take into account environmental conditions such as terrain and climate, as well as regional customs that encourage gathering in designated spaces.

Adhering to traditional styles allows for the development of real estate projects that complement local identity, motivating investors to adopt these standards, Haridi added.

The Saudi Architecture Characters Map was introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March, designating 19 architectural styles unique to the Kingdom’s regions.

It intends to help modernize the Saudi urban landscape, while keeping the character and tradition of the country’s architecture alive.

Haridi said that the Al-Baha architectural style is energy-efficient, using natural building materials available locally.

The architectural style of Al-Baha is inspired by the mountainous features of the region. (SPA)

Mohammed bin Salem Al-Ghamdi, 73, has worked building stone houses in the region for decades.

He told the SPA that the difference in climate and terrain between the areas of Sarat and Tihama led to a difference in building styles due to the construction materials available.

Al-Ghamdi said that the ancient architecture in Al-Baha was characterized by its  reliance on nature, as the houses were built from local stones such as granite and basalt rocks decorated with myrrh stones, and roofed with juniper woods covered with clay, in harmony with the surrounding environment.

In recent years, ancient architecture in Al-Baha has witnessed a resurgence of interest from people who have taken the initiative to restore and revive their heritage houses.

Many have also been inspired by the old style in the construction of new houses, using stones, patterns and decorations inspired by the history of the place.


Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan for official visit 

Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan for official visit 
Updated 07 October 2025

Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan for official visit 

Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan for official visit 
  • Al-Sheikh was met at Islamabad International Airport by Sadiq
  • The visit was arranged in response to an invitation from Sadiq following the signing of the defense pact between the two countries

RIYADH: Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, arrived in Islamabad at the start of an official visit to Pakistan following the signing of a landmark defense pact last month, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

He is heading a delegation from the council in response to an invitation extended by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Al-Sheikh was met at Islamabad International Airport by Sadiq. Also present to receive him were the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, along with several senior officials from the Pakistani National Assembly.

During the visit, Al-Sheikh will hold an official session of talks with Sadiq and meet with several senior Pakistani officials to review relations and discuss ways to strengthen ties.

The visit was arranged in response to an invitation from Sadiq following the signing of the defense pact between the two countries in September during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to .

The pact states that any aggression against either country would be treated as an attack on both, and it comes at a time of heightened tension in the region.

The relationship between the countries, which was established in 1947, has evolved into a comprehensive partnership spanning diplomatic, economic, and military spheres.

The foundation of this bond was laid in September 1947, when became one of the first countries to recognize Pakistan following its independence. This recognition was quickly followed by the signing of a Treaty of Friendship in 1951, which formally cemented bilateral ties.

The delegation accompanying Al-Sheikh includes council members Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Buraik, Ibtisam bint Abdullah Al-Jubeir, Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al-Wardi, as well as other council officials.