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AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples

The exhibition at AlUla will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome. (Supplied)
The exhibition at AlUla will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome. (Supplied)
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Updated 07 November 2024

AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples

The exhibition at AlUla will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome. (
  • Exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments

AlUla: The Royal Commission for AlUla signed a new strategic partnership agreement with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to showcase a collection of antiques in the Kingdom and in AlUla for the first time.

The museum is an addition to the commission’s network of cultural partners, joining leading heritage and education institutions from the United Kingdom, France, China and Italy, to cooperate in preserving, studying and celebrating AlUla’s shared history of 20,000 years.

Built in 1777, the museum is also a landmark in an Italian heritage capital, embracing some of Europe’s richest cultural treasures, including Roman and Greek statues preserved in excellent condition, as well as bronze pieces, mosaics, and other works of art.

The agreement between the royal commission and the museum of Naples allows the transfer of a selection of artifacts from Naples in southern Italy to AlUla, northwest the Arabian Peninsula, to showcase the masterpieces of the museum.

The exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome, and will be one of the main cultural events of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2024, which will take place in AlUla from Nov. 7 to 30.

During the exhibition, visitors will also have the opportunity to attend the AlUla World Archaeology Symposium.


Crown Prince, French president speak ahead of two-state summit

Crown Prince, French president speak ahead of two-state summit
Updated 32 sec ago

Crown Prince, French president speak ahead of two-state summit

Crown Prince, French president speak ahead of two-state summit
  • The two leaders reviewed the outcomes of the high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian issue

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call on Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders reviewed the outcomes of the high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian issue through peaceful means and implementing the two-state solution, co-chaired by Ƶ and France.

They also discussed preparations for the resumption of the conference at the summit level on Sept. 22, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza and achieve lasting peace leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The call highlighted the adoption of the New York Declaration, issued by the conference and endorsed by an overwhelming majority at the UN General Assembly.

Both sides also noted the growing number of countries announcing their intention to recognize a Palestinian state, reflecting a broad international consensus on advancing toward a peaceful future that ensures the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to independence.


Ithra announces lineup of events for Saudi National Day

Ithra announces lineup of events for Saudi National Day
Updated 20 September 2025

Ithra announces lineup of events for Saudi National Day

Ithra announces lineup of events for Saudi National Day
  • Wide-ranging program will highlight Kingdom’s cultural diversity through heritage, art, music
  • Schedule includes musical performances, interactive installations, workshops, film screenings, family-friendly activities

DHAHRAN: The Eastern Province building at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will be the focus of attention as it marks Ƶ’s 95th National Day with a program running from Sept. 22–27.

The Dhahran-based cultural hub will be transformed into a lively destination for arts, culture and entertainment, offering musical performances, interactive installations, workshops, film screenings and family-friendly activities.

Locals and visitors are invited to celebrate with both indoor and outdoor activities. Wearing green and white or a national garment from your Saudi region is encouraged, but not required.

Ithra’s six-day program aims to highlight Ƶ’s cultural diversity through heritage, art, and music.

Visitors can explore the “Saudi Emblem Archive” and “From Bean to Cup” exhibitions celebrating national identity and coffee traditions.

Interactive experiences include the “Saudi Time Capsule,” which invites participants to record messages and images that will be preserved and sent back to them in 2030.

Musical showcases such as “Dialogues of Tunes” will feature the oud, a classic Arab lute, and the semsemiah, a Red Sea coastal lyre, while fireworks will light up Ithra’s gardens.

Families can enjoy the Children’s Museum and creative workshops such as “Craft a Lavender,” “Stamp of Glory,” “Art Speaks Saudi,” and “RoboCamel Adventure,” offering a festive, family-friendly celebration of Saudi heritage.

Films include “The Molokhia Conflict,” “Namousa,” “Qen,” “Mermaid Gifts,” “Epic of Identity: Hobal,” and “Chibi Maruko-Chan.”

Building on the success of National Day celebrations in recent years, Ithra Theater plans an immersive “Sing-Along” experience for its audience.

Entry to Ithra is free, but some events and activations require a purchased ticket, with Ithra Members receiving special discounts on select offerings. Tickets can be bought on the premises.

The center will be open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on these dates. Refer to Ithra.com for full details and schedule.


Ministry arrests 25,533 people in single week for violating residency, labor and border laws

Ministry arrests 25,533 people in single week for violating residency, labor and border laws
Updated 20 September 2025

Ministry arrests 25,533 people in single week for violating residency, labor and border laws

Ministry arrests 25,533 people in single week for violating residency, labor and border laws

RIYADH: A total of 25,533 people were arrested between Sept. 11 and 17 for violating residency, labor and border security laws, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

This included 1,391 people who were apprehended while trying to cross into Ƶ, with 31 arrested for trying to leave the Kingdom illegally.

The Ministry of Interior recorded a total of 21,638 violations over the course of the week, including 12,958 related to residency laws, 4,540 to border security regulations and 4,140 to labor laws.

Statistics published by the SPA stated that 54 percent of those attempting to cross the border illegally were Yemeni nationals, while 45 percent were from Ethiopia and 1 percent from other countries. Nineteen people involved in transporting, sheltering and employing violators were arrested.

The SPA reported that 32,149 expatriates — 29,265 men and 2,884 women — are currently the subject of legal procedures. Those arrested were instructed to contact the relevant embassies or consulates to obtain the proper travel documents.

In addition, 1,610 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 13,375 were repatriated.

The ministry stressed that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance, or any other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SAR1 million. Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.

The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.


Saudi FM arrives in New York to lead delegation at the UN General Assembly

Saudi FM arrives in New York to lead delegation at the UN General Assembly
Updated 20 September 2025

Saudi FM arrives in New York to lead delegation at the UN General Assembly

Saudi FM arrives in New York to lead delegation at the UN General Assembly

NEW YORK: Ƶ's forgien minister Faisal bin Farhan arrived in New York city reported state news agency SPA on Saturday.

The minister is set to lead the Kingdom's delegation at the United Nation's 80th session general assembly.


KSrelief expands global reach with aid initiatives

KSrelief expands global reach with aid initiatives
Updated 20 September 2025

KSrelief expands global reach with aid initiatives

KSrelief expands global reach with aid initiatives

DUBAI: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has launched a series of wide-ranging humanitarian programs across three countries this week, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). 
In Port Sudan, KSrelief medical teams have begun a voluntary plastic-surgery campaign to treat burns and congenital deformities. Seventeen volunteer doctors and specialists are participating in the effort, which has already examined 23 cases and successfully performed 25 complex surgical operations.
The project is part of KSrelief’s medical volunteer program designed to bring advanced care to areas where specialized services are scarce.
Meanwhile, in Yemen's Hadhramaut Governorate, KSrelief is addressing unemployment and economic hardship through its career paths project. The center has distributed vocational kits to 80 young men and women, equipping them with the tools and skills to launch small, income-generating businesses.
Officials said the initiative is intended to raise living standards and foster self-reliance, offering long-term solutions beyond immediate aid.
Whilst, in Sidon, Lebanon, KSrelief teams distributed 773 food parcels, reaching 3,865 individuals in disadvantaged communities. This assistance is part of Ƶ’s ongoing food aid distribution program, which aims to ease the impact of economic and political crises on vulnerable families.