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Human Capability Initiative conference features thought leaders, policymakers

Human Capability Initiative conference features thought leaders, policymakers
The Human Capability Development Program has unveiled the line up for the second Human Capability Initiative conference. (SPA)
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Updated 10 March 2025

Human Capability Initiative conference features thought leaders, policymakers

Human Capability Initiative conference features thought leaders, policymakers
  • Conference will take place on April 13-14 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh under the theme Beyond Readiness
  • Conference will bring together more than 300 speakers, including thought leaders, experts and policymakers, participating in 120 dialogue sessions

RIYADH: The Human Capability Development Program — one of the initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030 — has unveiled the program for the second Human Capability Initiative conference. 

To be held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the conference will take place on April 13-14 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh under the theme “Beyond Readiness.”

The conference sessions will center around three main themes — the first focuses on unlocking potential to develop human capabilities by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to create lifelong learning opportunities, support research and innovation, and enhance the skills needed to adapt to global changes.

The second theme underscores the significance of embedding core values and strengthening a sense of belonging to cultivate cohesive societies that collaborate effectively to achieve development goals. 

The third theme focuses on channeling efforts toward creating opportunities and fostering cross-sector partnerships to amplify impact and develop sustainable solutions for a thriving future.

The conference’s dialogue sessions will be hosted across five key platforms, each dedicated to different aspects of human capability development — the Beyond Future Readiness Arena, Human Capability Initiative Dialogues, L.A.B Stage, Mastery Stage, and Success Stage.

The conference will bring together more than 300 speakers, including thought leaders, experts and policymakers, participating in 120 dialogue sessions. 

The goal is to facilitate insightful discussions and exchange perspectives on enhancing human capabilities to keep pace with global advancements.

The conference will host sessions on the role of human capabilities as a catalyst for economic growth by exploring strategies to unlock potential and drive prosperity. 

Discussions will also focus on global equity and the creation of inclusive opportunities through a comprehensive and balanced approach. 

Additionally, the impact of artificial intelligence on human capabilities will be examined, highlighting both the growth opportunities it presents and the need for well-balanced, sustainable solutions.

CEO of the Human Capability Development Program Anas Al-Mudaifer said that the conference was more than just a platform for exchanging ideas — it was a catalyst for transformation and meaningful impact. 

He highlighted that the diverse range of topics covered in the program underscored a commitment to comprehensive dialogue, fostering greater investment in human capability development and equipping individuals to successfully navigate future challenges.


‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World

 ‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World
Updated 23 October 2025

‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World

 ‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World
  • Latest attraction delivers a captivating fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers alike

RIYADH: Riyadh’s Boulevard World has opened a new aquatic attraction, “Amazonia Awakens,” as part of Riyadh Season 2025, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of adventure, imagination, and stunning visual effects.

The experience draws guests into an imaginative story inspired by the mystique of tropical rainforests, offering an interactive journey through a vividly designed, Amazon-inspired, immersive world, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The adventure begins aboard a boat gliding through ancient-like ruins and a dark tunnel filled with dramatic sound, light, and interactive effects.

It builds up to a heart-pounding moment where the boat plunges 20 meters down in a breathtaking splash, crowned by a massive wave that stands out as one of Boulevard World’s most thrilling moments.
 

Amazonia is just one of the latest offering of Boulevard World, one of the venues for Riyadh Season, which opened on October 10 and will run until May 2, 2026. (SPA)

Lasting about ten minutes, Amazonia Awakens delivers a captivating fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers alike.

With its high-quality design and immersive experience, Amazonia adds a distinctive touch to Riyadh Season’s lineup of attractions. 

Amazonia is just one of the latest offering of Boulevard World, one of the venues for Riyadh Season, which opened on October 10 and will run until May 2, 2026.

Several other festivals are held elsewhere in the Kingdom the whole year round in a bid to boost tourism, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030. 

During a pre-opening announcement on Oct. 6, Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh reported that Riyadh Season attracted 20 million visitors from 135 countries.

Apart from the Boulevard World, Riyadh Season’s other key venues include Boulevard City, major event spaces such as Kingdom Arena and ANB Arena, and other notable areas like Dunes of Arabia for desert experiences and Riyadh Zoo for family-friendly activities. 
 


Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat
Updated 23 October 2025

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

RIYADH: Ƶ’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their condolences to the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Wednesday following the death of Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the age of 75.

He was a diplomat who served in several high-ranking positions, including acting undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and director of the ministry’s European Department, The Times Kuwait reported.

In separate cables, the king and crown prince offered their prayers that God would forgive the deceased and have mercy on him, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Ƶ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land

Ƶ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land
Updated 22 October 2025

Ƶ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land

Ƶ condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land
  • Kingdom says it firmly rejects all settlement and expansionist activity by Israeli occupation authorities in the West Bank
  • Foreign Ministry reminds international community of its responsibility to implement UN resolutions and halt Israeli encroachment

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Foreign Ministry condemned the preliminary approval by the Israeli parliament on Wednesday of two draft laws, one of which seeks to legitimize an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, and another attempting to impose Israeli sovereignty over the entire territory.

The Kingdom said it firmly rejected all settlement and expansionist activity by Israeli occupation authorities in the West Bank, and reaffirmed its support for the right of Palestinians to establish an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions.

The ministry reminded the international community of its responsibility to implement UN resolutions and halt Israeli encroachments on Palestinian territory, and called for a peace process that results in a two-state solution to achieve security and stability in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Earlier, Israeli lawmakers voted in the Knesset to advance two bills related to annexation of the West Bank, a goal promoted by far-right ministers. The drafts will have to go through three additional votes in the parliament to become law.

The first bill, which passed by 32 votes to 9, proposes annexation of a large Israeli settlement east of Jerusalem. The second, which proposes annexation of the entire West Bank, narrowly passed by 25 votes to 24.


Eastern Province governor receives Belgian envoy to Ƶ

Eastern Province governor receives  Belgian envoy to Ƶ
Updated 22 October 2025

Eastern Province governor receives Belgian envoy to Ƶ

Eastern Province governor receives  Belgian envoy to Ƶ

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received the Belgian Ambassador to the Kingdom Pascal Gregoire in Dammam on Wednesday.

He also received UAE’s ambassador to Ƶ, Matar Salem Al-Dhaheri, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meetings, all sides discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest.


Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan appointed Grand Mufti of Ƶ

Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of Ƶ. (Screenshot)
Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of Ƶ. (Screenshot)
Updated 22 October 2025

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan appointed Grand Mufti of Ƶ

Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of Ƶ. (Screenshot)
  • Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23

RIYADH: Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed Grand Mufti of Ƶ and the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars.

The appointment was made by royal decree and based on a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The religious scholar will also undertake the role of president of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, SPA said.

Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23.