Ƶ

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition
A model presents a creation of Saudi designer Tima Abid during the Red Sea Fashion Week in Ƶ's Red Sea resort of Ummahat Island. (File/AFP)
Short Url
Updated 16 May 2025

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

Jeddah to host 3rd Saudi Fashion and Text Exhibition

JEDDAH: Pyramids Group held a press conference at the theater hall of the Jeddah Exhibition and Convention Center to unveil details of the third edition of the Saudi Fashion and Textile Exhibition, scheduled to take place from September 25 to 28.

Attended by a select group of prominent figures, media leaders, fashion designers, influencers, and businessmen.

This exhibition is expected to mark a turning point in the fashion industry in the Kingdom, solidifying its position as a global hub for creativity and fashion.

The exhibition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote the creative industries and attract global brands to the Saudi market

Mohammed Al-Sherif, CEO of Pyramids Group for International Exhibitions and Conferences, confirmed the participation of over 550 exhibitors from 25 countries, including Ƶ, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, the USA, Japan, India, the UAE, and others.

“The Saudi Fashion and Textile Exhibition is the gateway to the future of fashion in the Middle East, where the world meets Ƶ. We expect to attract over 18,000 specialized visitors, including wholesalers, fashion designers, retailers, and investors in the industry.”

He added: “The fashion and textile market in the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Ƶ is emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the world, driven by Vision 2030, a young population, booming retail sector, and a strong push for creativity and sustainability.”

Filiz Karakul, Managing Director of Pyramids Group, stated: “Fashion is the interpretation of society through history, it is a cultural home. That’s why we are here in Jeddah, launching the Saudi Fashion Exhibition for the first time. We are bringing together fashion experts from around the globe to create a global hub for textile innovation and style. It’s more than an event; it’s a new chapter for fashion in Ƶ.”

Riyad Bakili told Arab News: “Ƶ has started to attract designers and European brands from France, Italy, Switzerland, and others, reflecting a growing interest in fashion as part of the tourism experience. Tourism represents a major opportunity to support local fashion and open new horizons for passionate young Saudis.

There’s a new generation that has not yet participated in specialized exhibitions or summits, despite the presence of notable Saudi designers and factories.

He added, “This exhibition, offers an opportunity for those interested to explore new trends in design and discover the distinct styles and embellishments of each designer.

Significant developments are underway in the tourism sector, and we hope everyone participates to benefit from shared knowledge and impactful results.”

Mohammed Al-Safh, Director of the Jeddah Exhibition and Convention Center, said: “This major event is a key platform for local and international companies in the field. It reflects Ƶ’s aspirations to achieve sustainable urban development aligned with the goals of its national vision.”

During the press conference, a short promotional video was presented, highlighting the exhibition’s milestones and previous editions, setting the stage for an exceptional edition that reflects the Kingdom’s ambitions and the flourishing of its fashion industry.

The exhibition will blend tradition with innovation, featuring the latest collections from both global and local designers in a showcase that combines elegance, modernity, and cultural diversity.

It was also an exclusive fashion design competition which willbe held during the exhibition, offering local talents the chance to shine on the global stage by presenting their work to international buyers and media. The competition promises prestigious prizes, global recognition, and potential collaborations with leading fashion houses.

Furthermore, the first International Fashion Conference in the Kingdom was revealed. It will take place during the exhibition and feature expert-led seminars, discussion panels, and advanced workshops on topics such as global fashion trends and market forecasts, sustainable fashion and textiles, AI and digital transformation in design, empowering fashion entrepreneurship as well as merging traditional and modern fashion in the Gulf.


Production at hydroponic farm in Madinah tops 2m kg

Production at hydroponic farm in Madinah tops 2m kg
Updated 18 August 2025

Production at hydroponic farm in Madinah tops 2m kg

Production at hydroponic farm in Madinah tops 2m kg
  • The farm has many environmental and economic advantages over traditional agriculture, including reducing fertilizer use by up to 60 percent and water use by as much as 90 percent

RIYADH: A hydroponic farm in Madinah is becoming a model for sustainable crop cultivation after generating more than 2 million kg of produce.

Using 20 air-conditioned agricultural halls spanning 183,000 sq. meters, the facility grows mostly lettuce, celery, rosemary, wild thyme and basil, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Ayman Al-Sayed said that modern agricultural technologies were helping to improve production efficiency and quality while supporting food security and the National Agricultural Strategy. (SPA)

The farm has many environmental and economic advantages over traditional agriculture, including reducing fertilizer use by up to 60 percent and water use by as much as 90 percent.

These qualities are in line with the National Water Strategy 2030 and the nation’s broader drive to improve environmental sustainability.

Ayman Al-Sayed, director general of the Madinah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said that modern agricultural technologies were helping to improve production efficiency and quality while supporting food security and the National Agricultural Strategy.

He highlighted the ongoing support for farmers through agricultural subsidy programs and development plans aimed at boosting the competitiveness of Saudi agricultural products on local and international markets.

 

 


Riyadh workshop promotes cultural heritage in nature reserves

Riyadh workshop promotes cultural heritage in nature reserves
Updated 18 August 2025

Riyadh workshop promotes cultural heritage in nature reserves

Riyadh workshop promotes cultural heritage in nature reserves
  • The reserve is undertaking extensive restoration efforts, planting hundreds of thousands of trees, particularly acacia, across its vast 91,500 sq. km area

RIYADH: The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, organized a workshop on cultural heritage in nature reserves.

It was part of national efforts to integrate cultural and environmental dimensions and promote national identity through the preservation and development of nature reserves, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Attended by various specialists and experts, the workshop explored ways to leverage intangible cultural heritage in nature reserves, emphasizing the vital role of local communities in preserving it and passing it on to future generations.

The initiative reflects the collaborative efforts of national organisations committed to preserving cultural heritage, protecting natural biodiversity, and creating an integrated tourism experience that highlights the richness of Saudi identity in its environmental and cultural dimensions.

The reserve is also undertaking extensive restoration efforts, planting hundreds of thousands of trees, particularly acacia, across its vast 91,500 sq. km area.

This restoration aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to revitalize the reserve’s vegetation and restore ecological balance, the SPA reported.

Acacia trees are crucial to this effort due to their resilience in harsh desert climates and their significant ecological role. They provide grazing, shade and habitat for wildlife while also helping to stabilize the soil and offering a nectar source for high-quality honey.

 


Saudi initiative promotes Arabic in Azerbaijan

Saudi initiative promotes Arabic in Azerbaijan
Updated 18 August 2025

Saudi initiative promotes Arabic in Azerbaijan

Saudi initiative promotes Arabic in Azerbaijan
  • Part of the academy’s global initiative, the program supports Arabic for non-native speakers, boosts its international presence, and strengthens academic cooperation

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language launched its Arabic Language Month program in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Part of the academy’s global initiative, the program supports Arabic for non-native speakers, boosts its international presence, and strengthens academic cooperation.

The launch featured speeches by the academy’s secretary-general, Abdullah Al-Washmi, and Saudi Ambassador to Azerbaijan Essam Al-Jutaili, highlighting cultural ties and the program’s role in promoting Arabic under Vision 2030.

Aimed at teachers, students, and language enthusiasts, the program includes competitions, training courses, and a scientific symposium on Arabic education in Central Asia.

Experts from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Georgia will discuss challenges and opportunities in Arabic teaching.

The event is part of the academy’s series held in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China, Uzbekistan, France, Spain and Brazil.

 


AI boot camp to develop national talent

AI boot camp to develop national talent
Updated 18 August 2025

AI boot camp to develop national talent

AI boot camp to develop national talent
  • The boot camp aims to build on ongoing efforts to develop national talent and provide future-ready tools in support of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification

RIYADH: A “Building AI Agents” boot camp, run by the Saudi Data and AI Authority in partnership with American AI hardware company Groq, aims to empower participants in the use of the technology through a hands-on experience culminating in an applied project.

Organizers said the event will combine real-time reasoning and smart-monitoring systems, as participants design voice- and text-based AI agents and create high-performance AI applications using Groq’s advanced architecture.

The SDAIA said the event is part of its efforts to enhance national AI capabilities and promote the adoption of advanced technology, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The boot camp aims to build on ongoing efforts to develop national talent and provide future-ready tools in support of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, it added, and help reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global data and AI hub.

The boot camp, which features three in-person training days, begins on Sept. 7. Register at sdaia.gov.sa by Aug. 19.

 


Ƶ, South Korea sign MoU to boost audit expertise

Ƶ, South Korea sign MoU to boost audit expertise
Updated 18 August 2025

Ƶ, South Korea sign MoU to boost audit expertise

Ƶ, South Korea sign MoU to boost audit expertise
  • Choe emphasized that the MoU will enhance joint work, boost performance efficiency, and improve auditing quality

RIYADH: Ƶ’s General Court of Audit and South Korea’s Board of Audit and Inspection signed a memorandum of understanding in Seoul on Monday to strengthen cooperation in accounting, auditing, and professional practices.

The agreement was signed by Hussam Alangari, president of the GCA, and BAI chair Choe Jae-hae, with Saudi Ambassador to South Korea Sami Alsadhan in attendance.

The MoU aims to exchange expertise, build professional capacities, and develop manuals for financial, compliance, and performance auditing. Joint workshops and training programs will support these goals.

Alangari said the agreement reflects GCA’s regional and international standing and its role in sharing expertise with member institutions.

Choe emphasized that the MoU will enhance joint work, boost performance efficiency, and improve auditing quality.