RCRC brings the world-famous opera ‘Carmen’ to for the first time

RCRC brings the world-famous opera ‘Carmen’ to  for the first time
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) brought the renowned Opera “Carmen” for the first time to . (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 06 September 2025

RCRC brings the world-famous opera ‘Carmen’ to for the first time

RCRC brings the world-famous opera ‘Carmen’ to  for the first time
  • The event is being held as part of the Saudi-China Cultural Year, commemorating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, in collaboration with the China National Opera House, on Thursday night staged Georges Bizet’s world-renowned opera “Carmen” at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, the very first time the masterpiece has been performed in the Kingdom. 

The event is being held as part of the Saudi-China Cultural Year, commemorating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The opening night drew more than 2,500 guests and dignitaries.

Audience members expressed their appreciation for the historic performance. Thomas Dang, who works in Riyadh, described the evening as remarkable. “It was extraordinary — a Chinese cast performing an opera by a French composer about a story set in Spain, all here in . That cultural blend was amazing. It was a wonderful night, and I truly enjoyed it,” he said.

Directed and presented by the CNOH team, the performance brought Bizet’s timeless tale of passion, jealousy, and fate to life through vibrant costumes and a distinguished international cast.




The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) brought the renowned Opera “Carmen” for the first time to . (SUPPLIED)

Since its Paris premiere in 1875, “Carmen” has stood as one of the most celebrated works in operatic history, enchanting generations of audiences worldwide. Its debut in Riyadh represents a significant step in the Kingdom’s growing cultural movement, underscoring ’s increasing engagement with global arts and commitment to enriching the local cultural scene with world-class productions.

Huixian, a Chinese resident in Riyadh, said: “This is my first time attending an opera in , and also my first time watching ‘Carmen’ performed in Chinese. The performance was very good, though I felt the singing could have been more powerful at times. Still, it was a memorable evening and a unique experience.”

“Carmen” will continue at the King Fahad Cultural Center through Sept. 6, 2025, offering audiences the rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most memorable operas on stage in Riyadh.

According to the RCRC, “this first-time performance demonstrates RCRC’s ongoing commitment to enriching Riyadh’s art and culture offerings through a series of world-class events, featuring both classical and contemporary pieces, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.” 


and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh

 and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2025

and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh

 and Japan mark 70 years of diplomacy in Riyadh
  • Bilateral ties play a crucial role in promoting regional and global stability, says Saudi official
  • ‘Tireless work between the two friendly countries can push mutual relations to a new stage’

RIYADH: and Japan held a ceremony in the capital Riyadh on Monday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their countries.

During a speech, Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji highlighted the strong relationship between and Japan. He said that their cooperation, which began in 1955, plays a crucial role in promoting regional and global stability and prosperity.

“The tireless work between the two friendly countries can push mutual relations to a new stage,” he said. Al-Khereiji highlighted that the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 established a comprehensive strategic partnership to achieve common goals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

He expressed the Kingdom’s desire to enhance its relationship with Japan and achieve greater growth and prosperity for both countries, the SPA added.

is the primary supplier of crude oil to Japan, and Japan has become a significant partner for the Kingdom in trade and investment. Under Saudi-Japan Vision 2030, the two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation, including efforts in decarbonization, as highlighted in a blog post by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Palestinian self-rule key to Gaza future, say top Muslim countries

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participates in a ministerial meeting on Gaza hosted by Turkiye on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participates in a ministerial meeting on Gaza hosted by Turkiye on Monday. (SPA)
Updated 04 November 2025

Palestinian self-rule key to Gaza future, say top Muslim countries

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participates in a ministerial meeting on Gaza hosted by Turkiye on Monday. (SPA)
  • Israeli fire kills three in Gaza
  • Military continues to demolish houses

ISTANBUL: Gaza’s future must be Palestinian-led and avoid any new system of tutelage, , Turkiye, and 5 other countries said on Monday after talks in Istanbul.

“Our principle is that Palestinians should govern the Palestinians and ensure their own security; the international community should support this in the best possible way — diplomatically, institutionally and economically,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after the talks.
“Nobody wants to see a new system of tutelage emerge,” he told a news conference.
The talks also involved top diplomats from Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived earlier on Monday in Istanbul to participate in the ministerial meeting. 
The seven countries were called to a meeting with President Donald Trump in September on the margins of the UN General Assembly, just days before he unveiled his plan to end the Gaza war.
Brokered by President Trump, the Oct. 10 ceasefire has been tested by fresh Israeli strikes.
Israeli fire killed three Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday, north of the southern city of Rafah, which remains under Israeli control, according to local health authorities.
Medics said one of those killed was a woman. 
Residents said Israeli forces continued to demolish houses in the eastern areas of Rafah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City, where forces continue to operate.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry said it received 45 bodies of Palestinians killed by Israel, whose bodies were in Israeli custody. 
The Istanbul talks also focused on the humanitarian situation in the enclave.
Countries are still working on a UN Security Council mandate for an international stabilization force in Gaza, and will decide on any troop deployments once a framework is complete, Fidan said.


Saudi forum to highlight sufficiency-based climate policies at UN conference in Brazil

Saudi forum to highlight sufficiency-based climate policies at UN conference in Brazil
Updated 03 November 2025

Saudi forum to highlight sufficiency-based climate policies at UN conference in Brazil

Saudi forum to highlight sufficiency-based climate policies at UN conference in Brazil
  • It emphasizes reducing resource demand at the source before improving efficiency to promote climate justice and balance economic growth with environmental protection

RIYADH: The Saudi Green Building Forum will participate in the UN Climate Change Conference, to be held in Belem, Brazil, from Nov. 10-21.

The participation extends the forum’s role as a national institution with consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council and accreditation from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

It also reflects the contribution of Saudi experts and Vision 2030–inspired best practices in supporting global efforts toward sustainability and green transformation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

This year, the forum will highlight the principle of “Sufficiency Before Efficiency” in climate policies, the SPA added.

It emphasizes reducing resource demand at the source before improving efficiency to promote climate justice and balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Faisal Al-Fadl, the forum’s secretary-general, said the approach represents a shift in sustainable building thought, noting: “Sufficiency does not mean limiting development; it means achieving a balance between human needs and the planet’s capacity to provide resources, ensuring social equity and environmental protection.”

The forum will work to enhance international cooperation to develop sufficiency indicators and policies in coordination with partner countries, international organizations, and public- and private-sector stakeholders, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Saudi Green Building Forum is a nongovernmental organization in the Arab world that collaborates with municipalities and housing authorities on environmental development, climate monitoring, combating desertification, and biodiversity through the Saaf framework.

It promotes the localization of green building and the circular economy across the Arab region, inspired by Saudi practices in sustainability and the green transition.


Jeddah’s cultural revival shines at London travel event

Jeddah’s cultural revival shines at London travel event
Updated 03 November 2025

Jeddah’s cultural revival shines at London travel event

Jeddah’s cultural revival shines at London travel event
  • At the event, Historic Jeddah is unveiling new tourism products and interactive experiences that reflect its growing visitor attractions

JEDDAH: Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, is taking part in the World Travel Market in London, one of the world’s premier tourism industry events that runs from Nov. 4 to 6.

This year’s participation builds on its continuing presence at the exhibition, underscoring the district’s rise as a global cultural and tourism destination.

At the event, Historic Jeddah is unveiling new tourism products and interactive experiences that reflect its growing visitor attractions.

Highlights include diverse guided routes such as the Historic Pilgrimage Route, which traces Jeddah’s role as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and connects 10 archaeological sites through immersive storytelling.

Visitors can also explore digital displays of archaeological discoveries via QR codes that reveal the history behind sites, architecture, and rare artifacts — blending knowledge, heritage, and technology.

Special tourism packages for the teamLab Borderless Museum offer a fusion of modern digital art and the district’s rich heritage. Additionally, Historic Jeddah’s page on Google Arts and Culture allows global audiences to experience virtual tours of its landmarks and cultural treasures.

Through this global platform — which drew more than 40,000 industry specialists last year — the ministry of culture aims to strengthen Historic Jeddah’s international presence and highlight its revival under the strategic development project launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The initiative supports Vision 2030 objectives by preserving ’s architectural heritage, growing its cultural and tourism sectors, and turning history into a driver of sustainable economic development.

Located in the heart of Jeddah, Al-Balad is one of the oldest settlements on the Red Sea coast. For centuries it served as a hub for pilgrims and traders, its distinct Hijazi architecture — wooden rawasheen, coral-stone buildings, and traditional souqs — earning it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

The Jeddah Historic District Program, launched by the ministry of culture in 2018, continues to revive the area’s architectural and cultural vitality through restoration, public space upgrades, and new cultural activities.


Training program boosts Saudi fashion talent

Training program boosts Saudi fashion talent
Updated 03 November 2025

Training program boosts Saudi fashion talent

Training program boosts Saudi fashion talent
  • Move enhances capabilities in building brand identity

RIYADH: The Fashion Commission has launched a new training program on content creation in the industry, aimed at helping Saudi talent develop advanced digital communication and brand storytelling skills.

Targeting mid-level Saudi fashion designers, the program enhances capabilities in building brand identity — using digital marketing tools — and producing high-quality creative content to strengthen brand presence in competitive markets.

Participants will also gain networking opportunities and exposure to international industry standards, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Delivered in collaboration with Fondazione Sozzani, the program begins with a virtual introductory session on Nov. 25, followed by intensive in-person training in Milan from Dec. 15-19.

Conducted in English, the training combines theoretical and practical learning, providing designers with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience to support their professional growth and international visibility.

This initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to empowering creative talent, expanding access to global learning, and advancing the Saudi fashion sector.

Registration is available at engage.moc.gov.sa/reg_forms/tracks/95/.