Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors
Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors/node/2620202/saudi-arabia
Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors
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The China zone at Boulevard World offers visitors a rich journey through Chinese heritage, arts, and traditions. (SPA)
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The China zone at Boulevard World offers visitors a rich journey through Chinese heritage, arts, and traditions. (SPA)
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The China zone at Boulevard World offers visitors a rich journey through Chinese heritage, arts, and traditions. (SPA)
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The China zone at Boulevard World offers visitors a rich journey through Chinese heritage, arts, and traditions. (SPA)
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The Indonesia zone invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Indonesia. (SPA)
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The Indonesia zone invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Indonesia. (SPA)
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The South Korea zone offers an immersive cultural experience that reflects the richness of South Korean heritage and civilization. (SPA)
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The South Korea zone offers an immersive cultural experience that reflects the richness of South Korean heritage and civilization. (SPA)
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The South Korea zone offers an immersive cultural experience that reflects the richness of South Korean heritage and civilization. (SPA)
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The Kuwait zone highlights the authentic Kuwaiti identity and pride in its cultural heritage. (SPA)
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Updated 8 min 37 sec ago
Arab News
Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors
Updated 8 min 37 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: As part of Riyadh Season, the China zone at Boulevard World offers visitors a rich journey through Chinese heritage, arts, and traditions.
Designed with traditional Chinese architecture, the area features cultural highlights such as tai chi demonstrations that embody the Chinese philosophy of movement, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.
The zone also includes a tea-tasting pavilion showcasing traditional preparation methods, along with exhibits of traditional clothing and handicrafts from China鈥檚 diverse regions.
Meanwhile, the Indonesia zone invites visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Indonesia.
This new destination offers an interactive experience showcasing the country鈥檚 diverse heritage, traditional arts, and authentic cuisine, the SPA reported.
The zone features architecture inspired by traditional Indonesian houses, handcrafted goods, and live entertainment, offering visitors a deep experience of Indonesian culture.
The South Korea zone, another new destination in Riyadh Season, offers an immersive cultural experience that reflects the richness of South Korean heritage and civilization.
The attraction is part of efforts to promote cultural diversity and encourage interaction among different peoples, the SPA added.
Visitors can explore key elements of South Korean culture through traditional architecture, artistic performances, authentic cuisine, and shops offering handicrafts and cultural products.
This addition is part of Boulevard World鈥檚 expanded lineup for the current Riyadh Season, which features 24 zones representing cultures from around the world.
The Kuwait zone highlights the authentic Kuwaiti identity and pride in its cultural heritage. It welcomes visitors with a design inspired by prominent Kuwaiti landmarks, both historical and modern.
Notable features include recreations of the Kuwait Towers, traditional wooden ships, and old Kuwaiti houses.
The zone offers a comprehensive cultural experience with performances reflecting Kuwaiti folklore, traditional food stalls, and shops displaying local products and handicrafts that embody Kuwait鈥檚 cultural identity.
Boulevard World has quickly become a major tourist attraction, captivating both local and international visitors, and cementing its status as one of Riyadh Season鈥檚 top destinations, the SPA reported.
On Friday, General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season has attracted 1 million visitors since its launch on Oct. 10.
听
How Neom Nature Reserve is shaping the Kingdom鈥檚 biodiversity and ecological restoration strategy
Neom has dedicated team of conservations on the project
鈥楤uilding legacy of environmental excellence for the future鈥
Updated 25 October 2025
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: In the Neom Nature Reserve a team of dedicated 黑料社区 conservationists are steadily redefining the future of biodiversity and ecological restoration in the Kingdom.
These experts are safeguarding the area鈥檚 distinctive ecosystems and species while leading groundbreaking methods in one of the world鈥檚 most visionary environmental conservation initiatives.
Tariq Aljohany, a field restoration specialist at Neom, with experience in flora and fauna studies and familiarity with the local desert landscape, recently told Arab News about the work underway.
鈥淚鈥檓 responsible for collecting seeds of native species across Neom. These seeds are then propagated at Neom鈥檚 Mneifa Plant Nursery, where we grow plants for active restoration efforts 鈥 reintroducing species that should be part of our landscape but have disappeared due to overgrazing and off-road driving.鈥
Tariq Aljohany is a field restoration specialist at NEOM with experience in flora and fauna studies and familiarity with the local desert landscape. (Supplied)
Aljohany has a deep connection to the desert and its biodiversity. 鈥淪ince I was a child, my father would take me to visit these landscapes and teach me about their species and cultural value.
鈥淩ealizing that these landscapes and species were under threat made me determined to restore them to their former glory for future generations to enjoy,鈥 he said.
Aljohany shared how he and colleagues rescued four Caralluma petraea plants before development began in Trojena.
鈥淲e brought them to the Mneifa Plant Nursery and propagated them by cuttings and seed. Now, we have a healthy population of nearly 100 plants in ex-situ conservation, ready to restore populations in Trojena.鈥
Opinion
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The reserve serves as the foundation for Neom鈥檚 commitment to protect 95 percent of its area for nature.
Under a larger initiative to restore 1.5 million hectares of habitat and revitalize vital wildlife populations, the reserve aims to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs, and grasses to rejuvenate the natural environment.
The reserve also plans to restore the populations of the Arabian oryx, and mountain and sand gazelles.
In the middle of this year, Neom reintroduced over 1,100 animals across six species to its reserve, a significant milestone in its mission to secure a balanced ecosystem.
In the middle of this year, Neom reintroduced over 1,100 animals across six species to its Nature Reserve, a significant milestone in its mission to secure a balanced ecosystem. (Supplied)
Bushra Alabdulhafith, a wildlife conservation science lead at Neom, told Arab News how she was inspired to take up this work.
鈥淪ome of my fondest childhood memories are of racing up great sand dunes, visiting wadis during the rainy season, or camping with my family in winter.
鈥淏eing in nature brought me peace and a sense of belonging, which fueled my goal to actively protect it,鈥 she said.
Bushra Alabdulhafit and her team also monitor existing wildlife in Neom by setting up camera traps to understand current biodiversity. (Supplied)
鈥淓very animal released, every tree planted, every small change that positively impacts the environment around us has strengthened my inspiration and commitment to this path.鈥
In her work, Alabdulhafith supports the Rewilding Program鈥檚 animal releases and monitoring, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, mountain gazelles, Nubian ibex, and red-neck ostriches.
鈥淚 also monitor existing wildlife in Neom through our Long-Term Monitoring Program, setting up camera traps to understand current biodiversity, including Arabian wolves, red foxes, and striped hyenas, and inform future conservation planning,鈥 she said.
In the middle of this year, Neom reintroduced over 1,100 animals across six species to its Nature Reserve, a significant milestone in its mission to secure a balanced ecosystem.
Alabdulhafith recounted how excited she was leading Neom鈥檚 first raptor-release program.
鈥淭hanks to our partners at the Saudi Falcon Club, the Hadad Program began at the end of 2024 and continues today. We have released Barbary falcons, monitored them, and successfully recorded baby Barbary chicks hatching.鈥
鈥淭his is just the beginning of our work with raptors, and we aim to expand our conservation efforts to other great birds of prey,鈥 she said.
Neom is recognized as an essential sanctuary not only for its terrestrial biodiversity but also marine megafauna, providing refuge in the Red Sea for species including dolphins, turtles, and dugongs.
Neom is recognized as an essential sanctuary not only for its terrestrial biodiversity but also marine megafauna. (Supplied)
Last year, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology announced a collaboration with NEOM, through the KAUST Beacon Development environmental consultancy, to enhance research and protection efforts for these distinctive species.
Environmentalists and researchers are using artificial intelligence to analyze extensive drone footage of key megafauna habitats.
This technology allows more precise and effective conservation strategies for Neom鈥檚 remarkable marine life, including humpback dolphins, dugongs, green and hawksbill turtles, sharks, and rays.
DID YOU KNOW?
鈥 NEOM Nature Reserve aims to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs, and grasses to rejuvenate the Kingdom鈥檚 natural environment.
鈥 The reserve serves as the foundation for Neom鈥檚 commitment to protect 95 percent of its area for nature.
鈥 The world鈥檚 most extensive coral garden is within Neom, a collaboration with KAUST.
Mishari Alghurair, a marine species conservation manager at Neom, with experience of over a decade, leads a cross-functional team focusing on protecting key species.
The team鈥檚 initiatives include satellite tracking of turtles and seabirds, development of conservation plans for marine mammals, and the creation of artificial nesting habitats.
鈥淥ne of our most exciting breakthroughs has been the successful implementation of artificial nesting platforms for sooty falcons and ospreys on the Neom islands
Mishari Alghurair, a marine species conservation manager at Neom, with his team. (Supplied)
鈥淭hese structures have provided safe breeding sites, leading to increased nesting success rates and population growth where natural habitats were under pressure,鈥 he said.
Alghurair has fond memories of family trips to the Red Sea coast which strengthened his love for the environment and taught him to appreciate the Kingdom鈥檚 rich land and seas.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about turning that personal pride into meaningful action 鈥 protecting species like the sooty falcon and sea turtles and pushing the boundaries of conservation through innovation and collaboration.
鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding to be part of a movement that鈥檚 building a legacy of environmental excellence for future generations.鈥
RIYADH: Sheikh Al-Khatib, head of Lebanon鈥檚 Higher Islamic Shiite Council, has praised the role 黑料社区 is playing in Lebanon and its 鈥渨isdom in bridging divides between the Lebanese parties to achieve stability in the country.鈥
In a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari, Al-Khatib said the people needed to regain trust in the state, 鈥渨hich should address their daily, social and security concerns above all else.鈥
Al-Khatib added: 鈥淪hiites in Lebanon have never been a factor in creating division; rather, they have worked toward achieving unity.鈥 He hailed 黑料社区鈥檚 role in achieving stability in Lebanon, noting that it had done so previously, such as through the Taif Accord.
Bukhari said 黑料社区 was not 鈥渁t odds with Shiites in Lebanon or elsewhere.鈥
He added that he trusted the Lebanese leadership in guiding the country toward stability.
鈥淲e always count on the leadership to do so. No Lebanese component should be excluded; this is at the core of the Taif Accord,鈥 Bukhari said.
The threads of life: Syrian artist Hayat Saker鈥檚 solo show opens in Dammam/node/2620152/saudi-arabia
The threads of life: Syrian artist Hayat Saker鈥檚 solo show opens in Dammam
鈥楾he threads, though neatly stitched in parts, poke out seemingly at random, like life itself: a little messy, unexpected, yet still following a certain pattern and path,鈥 her daughter says
Updated 24 October 2025
Jasmine Bager
DAMMAM: There is something deeply personal and poetic about Syrian artist Hayat Saker鈥檚 work: threads stitched into fabric, narratives woven and embedded into memory on acrylic paintings. Each piece has order and balance, yet stray strands burst out like colorful plumes of calm chaos.
Her second solo show, 鈥淯ntitled,鈥 which is at the 黑料社区n Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam, collects 41 works that were created in two countries over a period of several years.
Saker鈥檚 art is not only handmade, it鈥檚 鈥渉eart-made.鈥
鈥淚 feel like it is my country 鈥 I belong here,鈥 she told Arab News. 鈥満诹仙缜 is very similar to Syria in that I have peace of mind.
鈥淪ome of these works were made in Damascus and I shipped them over for this show. However, the majority of them were made in Saudi during my time here over the last two years.
鈥淭he technique is something that has been in our tradition for a long time 鈥 my sisters and family members use it 鈥 but I like to offer my own signature, my own slice of life, deep in nature, and emote feelings and characters that resonate with me. I consider my works to be my friends.鈥
Saker鈥檚 latest exhibition has been a family affair. Her husband, Nedal Al-Hmeidi, was by her side on opening night, as were their three children: twin daughters Sewar and Emar, who have also exhibited at the space, and son Rami.
The artist with her family. (AN photo)
Sharing her thoughts about her mother鈥檚 work, Sewar, who is a pianist, told Arab News: 鈥淭he threads, though neatly stitched in parts, poke out seemingly at random, like life itself: a little messy, unexpected, yet still following a certain pattern and path.
鈥淭hey hold their place, reflecting the beauty and complexity within us. It stirs something deep within me, and it鈥檚 very important to me. None of these works have titles; she deliberately leaves them open for each person to find their own meaning.鈥
Son Rami has vivid memories of the creative energy that goes into the works.
鈥淢y mother was an artist long before we came into the picture,鈥 he told Arab News. 鈥淲hen she was still living at her family home in Syria, whenever she spotted an empty space on the wall, she would draw on it. She had this passion from the very beginning.
鈥淎fter she got married, she began teaching art in schools, so it became part of her daily life. Later, she became an art therapist.鈥
Rami explained that his mother has an interesting relationship with the concept of eyes.
鈥淯sually, eyes are seen as symbols of beauty 鈥 windows to the soul 鈥 but in her work, they represent surveillance and a cautious, watchful eye. In Syria, we grew up fearing the gaze, the eyes.鈥
His favorite work by his mother features a scarecrow.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of symbolism and playfulness in her art,鈥 Rami said. 鈥淭he scarecrow, for example, is something that frightens birds but a mature viewer could recognize its sense of play.鈥
Growing up surrounded by his mother鈥檚 creativity left its mark on him.
鈥淪he tried to teach us that every child is capable of creating art, but one becomes an artist only after working on their craft,鈥 he said.
鈥淚 leaned more toward music, like one of my sisters; I played the violin and the viola, elegant and professional instruments. I also explored sound and movement as part of my art, along with tennis and filmmaking.鈥
Emar highlighted two works, featuring roosters, among the 41 on display that are her favorites. 鈥淭hese roosters stand out,鈥 she said.
The run-up to the exhibition was not easy for Saker. Just five months ago, she was in a horrific car accident that left both of her hands broken.
鈥淓verything she was finishing came to a sudden, brutal halt,鈥 Emar said.
The exhibition had been scheduled to open just days later but had to be delayed as Saker slowly recovered and found her way back to the canvas and threads.
鈥淎fter the car accident, I was forced to postpone the show to give me time to heal,鈥 she said.
Her resilience and personality shines through in every stitch.
Emar said: 鈥淭hrough these works, you see the true nature and life of the artist, Hayat. Most of the works were created before the accident.鈥
Each mixed-media piece, made with acrylic paint and thread, also reflects her signature spontaneity.
鈥淪he doesn鈥檛 sketch,鈥 Emar explained. 鈥淪he does it directly into the piece and lets the thread decide how it wants to move within the space. Only three women in the world are currently using this technique as their art form; it鈥檚 also very contemporary.鈥
鈥淯ntitled鈥 is more than simply an exhibition, according to Emar, it is also an educational experience.
鈥淚t鈥檚 very important, especially for the children, so they can train their eyes from youth,鈥 she said.
Saker created some of the works on display in just two or three days. Others took as long as three months.
鈥淚t looks like a regular, pretty painting but once you move your face closer, you can see the true details,鈥 Emar said. 鈥淲e are not used to seeing this in Saudi, especially. I am so glad that we have this space in Dammam that supports different ways of creating art.鈥
She emphasized the value of that support and thanked Yousef Al-Harbi, the director of the 黑料社区n Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam, for providing a space that 鈥渁llows students and visitors to witness mom鈥檚 work, to study it, to let themselves be moved by it, and to carry that vision forward in ways they might never forget.鈥
Saker鈥檚 husband, Nedal, mingled with the guests who stopped by to gaze and reflect on his wife鈥檚 works, pausing by one of his favorite pieces, which was also the one used for the event poster.
鈥淭hese palm trees with their circular blue shapes, it鈥檚 familiar but my wife did it with her own twist,鈥 he said with a smile.
鈥淯ntitled鈥 is at the Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam until Oct. 29.
Mauritanian president arrives in Jeddah to perform Umrah
Updated 24 October 2025
SPA
JEDDAH: President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani and his accompanying delegation arrived in Jeddah on Friday to perform Umrah.
The president was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Makkah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and a number of senior officials.
Earlier this month, Saleh Al-Suhaibani, permanent representative of 黑料社区 to the OIC, met with Ambassador of Mauritania to 黑料社区 Moktar Ould Dahi.
The officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation and assist the OIC in its mission to assist Muslims worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Discussions focused on avenues for the two missions to ensure prosperity, stability and peace throughout the Islamic world.
Additionally, the officials addressed the organization鈥檚 ongoing efforts in various fields.
Saudi Film Confex attracts major Saudi companies and global stars听
Hollywood star听Johnny Depp听took center stage to deliver a masterclass titled听鈥淭he Genius of Embodying Different Roles鈥
Updated 25 October 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: The Saudi Film Confex, which took place in Riyadh from Oct. 22 to 25, attracted major Saudi companies and global stars, highlighting the Kingdom鈥檚 rising influence in the filmmaking industry, as well as its growing creative economy.
Hollywood star Johnny Depp took center stage to deliver a masterclass titled 鈥淭he Genius of Embodying Different Roles.鈥 Hosted by Saudi actress and filmmaker Fatima Al-Banawi, the session provided attendees with a rare look into Depp鈥檚 artistic process, his approach to character building, and the lessons he has learned over his four-decade career.
Now in its third year, the Saudi Film Confex has become a key platform for the Kingdom鈥檚 creative industries, uniting local talent, international studios, and investors under one roof. This year鈥檚 event featured an expansive exhibition, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
The Saudi Film Confex took place in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Film AlUla鈥檚 acting executive director Zaid Shaker described the Kingdom鈥檚 filmmaking progress as 鈥渘othing short of transformative.鈥
He said: 鈥淪audi filmmaking is not just advancing but experiencing transformative acceleration. In a few short years, the industry has gone from nascent to dynamic. Storytelling has always been part of Saudi culture 鈥 from poetry to oral histories 鈥 and film has become the newest chapter of that tradition, especially among the younger generation.鈥
Film AlUla has emerged as one of the driving forces behind this transformation, providing infrastructure, incentives, and natural backdrops that attract both local and international productions. The destination has hosted several global projects, including 鈥淜andahar鈥 starring Gerard Butler, and is one of the most visually striking filming locations in the Middle East.
The Saudi Film Confex took place from Oct. 22 to 25. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Shaker emphasized that the Saudi film industry鈥檚 growth is powered by two essential elements: organic creative momentum and strategic national investment.
鈥淭he sector has naturally leaned toward quality over quantity, which has ensured its early success,鈥 he said. 鈥淪audi-born auteurs like Shahad Ameen and Tawfik Alzaidi are earning global recognition 鈥 鈥淣orah鈥 was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, and 鈥淗ijra鈥 is the Kingdom鈥檚 official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards. These filmmakers are defining a new cinematic identity for 黑料社区.鈥
He also credited the government鈥檚 deliberate approach to building an integrated ecosystem that nurtures both creativity and professionalism.
The Saudi Film Confex attracted major Saudi companies and global stars. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
鈥淚n AlUla alone, we have established world-class infrastructure through partnerships with industry leaders such as MBStudios,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e offer a competitive 40-percent cash rebate and provide upskilling programs with international partners to cultivate Saudi talent.鈥
Film AlUla鈥檚 collaborations extend across the Kingdom鈥檚 creative ecosystem. Shaker highlighted its ongoing partnership with the Red Sea Fund, which supported the co-production of 鈥淗ijra,鈥 filmed entirely in AlUla.
鈥淭hese collaborations are setting the foundations for a new generation of filmmakers who are rooted in the region and inspired by it,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e are building not only an industry, but also a cultural legacy that reflects 黑料社区鈥檚 landscapes, people, and stories.鈥
The Saudi Film Confex highlighted the Kingdom鈥檚 rising influence in the filmmaking industry. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Beyond production, Film AlUla鈥檚 vision also encompasses tourism, education, and heritage preservation, positioning AlUla as both a cultural destination and a creative laboratory for the Kingdom鈥檚 future storytellers.
鈥淲e are seeing a vibrant creative community forming around this ecosystem,鈥 Shaker said. 鈥淔ilm Confex gives us a chance to connect with emerging filmmakers, offer training through workshops, and inspire new storylines. When young Saudis see AlUla鈥檚 landscapes on screen, it ignites ideas 鈥 they want to tell stories that belong to this land.鈥
Arabia Pictures, a creative boutique dedicated to transforming ideas into intellectual properties, was participating for the third year in succession. Abdulaziz Nayta, project management and business development lead, described the company as 鈥渁 one-stop shop for bringing creative visions to life.鈥
Nayta said: 鈥淲e offer a unique blend of services 鈥 from ideation and concept development to project management and commercial guidance. Our core focus is on content creation, IP ownership, and monetization.鈥
The Saudi Film Confex highlighted the Kingdom鈥檚 growing creative economy. (AN Photo/Loai Elkelawy)
Arabia Pictures provides both financial backing and industry expertise. The company鈥檚 portfolio spans films, series, gaming, and events 鈥 adapting Arabic stories for global audiences while also working on international brand collaborations.
鈥淓vents like Saudi Film Confex empower the industry鈥檚 infrastructure and open new business lines in production and distribution,鈥 Nayta added. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an excellent initiative by the Saudi Film Commission, and we鈥檙e confident it will continue to yield great results for the future.鈥
Making its debut appearance at the event, the Saudi Entertainment Academy 鈥 the first accredited entertainment academy in the Middle East 鈥 attracted significant interest from visitors and industry professionals alike.
Founded in 2019, SEA provides training programs that lead directly to employment in the entertainment and event management sectors. CEO Eihab AbouRukbah said the event offered valuable opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
鈥淭his was our first time participating, and it was amazing,鈥 he said. 鈥淪o many people came to ask about our programs 鈥 how we discover talents, what we teach, and how we can partner with companies to build the sector together.鈥
He said the academy continues to expand its curriculum to match the rapid growth of 黑料社区鈥檚 entertainment landscape.
鈥淲e are still growing, and so is the market,鈥 he said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of potential for cooperation, innovation, and development within the community.鈥
The Saudi Film Confex has become a dynamic engine for industry growth 鈥 connecting filmmakers, producers, and investors while highlighting 黑料社区鈥檚 potential as a regional hub for cinema. The event鈥檚 success reflects the nation鈥檚 broader cultural transformation under Vision 2030, in which film and entertainment are central to diversifying the economy and telling authentic Saudi stories to the world.
By fostering collaboration, nurturing local talent, and attracting global expertise, the Saudi Film Confex continues to solidify its place as the Kingdom鈥檚 premier film industry event 鈥 one that mirrors the ambition and creative energy driving 黑料社区鈥檚 new cultural era.
