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RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program.

The program, launched in May with the slogan “Color Your Summer,” runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea’s coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities.

Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality.

He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif’s natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA.

Al-Khateeb said at the program’s launch in May: “This year we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect ������Ƶ’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.”

The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures.

Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather.

Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer.

Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903.

Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures.

Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards.

The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region’s rich heritage.

Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.

RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, or Wrth, has opened registration for six specialized academic programs in collaboration with leading international universities and academies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The programs aim to preserve Saudi traditional arts, promote their global presence and support the Year of Handicrafts 2025, in line with the Kingdom’s cultural development goals.

Offerings include master’s degrees in traditional furniture design, costume design for performances, museum and exhibition curation, and digital heritage, as well as a higher diploma in traditional product development and an intermediate diploma in choreography.

Programs last one to two academic years and are held in person at Wrth’s Riyadh headquarters. There are no tuition fees, the SPA reported.

The programs combine theory and practice to prepare specialists to transform the traditional arts sector into a sustainable cultural and economic resource.

Wrth invites interested applicants to register and review program details at wrth.edu.sa/programs/construction-diploma-program, with studies beginning at the start of the academic year.

The institute works to promote national identity, enrich Saudi traditional arts, recognize talent in the field, and encourage the mastery and development of these crafts.

Meanwhile, Wrth is taking part in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, which runs until July 15. The initiative aims to promote Saudi traditional arts internationally, support entrepreneurs and offer interactive experiences to the public, in line with the Year of Handicrafts.

The event also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between ������Ƶ and Japan, reflecting the strong cultural ties between the two countries, and fostering new opportunities for collaboration and creativity.

Wrth’s program features activities blending Saudi and Japanese cultures in a contemporary style while preserving the authenticity of each tradition, the SPA reported.

A live demonstration by Saudi artisan Salman Al-Hamad and Japanese artisan Yuho Ohkota showcases Al-Ahsa Bisht embroidery applied to a Japanese kimono in a modern artistic form.

The participation also includes a workshop where visitors can craft a Japanese fan decorated with Saudi-inspired patterns using innovative stamps designed by Fidaa Al-Amri, a Wrth graduate with an advanced diploma in traditional product development.