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‘Color Your Summer’ program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors

‘Color Your Summer’ program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors
The Saudi Tourism Authority, in partnership with Jazeera Airways, has announced the launch of direct flights between Kuwait and Asir region, starting July 15 and continuing through the end of September. The flights will operate three times per week. (SPA)
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Updated 21 June 2025

‘Color Your Summer’ program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors

‘Color Your Summer’ program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors

The Saudi Tourism Authority has launched “Color Your Summer,” a program showcasing Ƶ’s natural and cultural diversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The initiative will run until the end of September.

Activities will be hosted in six main destinations “that blend the sea and mountains and merge adventure with relaxation.”

The STA expects the program to attract more than 41 million visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom this year, with projected tourism spending surpassing SR73 billion ($19.47 billion).

Asir will host its Summer Season, featuring “a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events such as Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event,” as well as “adventure trails and outdoor activities amid lofty mountains and pleasant weather, while the region’s ancient stone houses evoke a rich cultural memory, adding an authentic touch for visitors.”

The STA, in partnership with Jazeera Airways, recently announced that direct flights from Kuwait to Asir will be available three times a week from July 15 until the end of September, strengthening the airline’s presence in the Saudi market and supporting the authority’s efforts to promote various summer destinations in the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Riyadh will make its mark this summer by hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, which is set to attract visitors from around the world. “The city is also a hub for artistic and cultural events and a variety of entertainment shows throughout the summer,” the SPA stated.

Jeddah will be welcoming visitors with new beaches and luxury resorts this summer, and its diverse selection of marine activities and “relaxation events” make it “the right place for family and water sports enthusiasts alike,” the SPA wrote, adding: “Visitors can explore City Walk and circus performances at Circus 1903.”

Sheybarah and Ummahat islands will also be featured as part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network. “With their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, the islands add a maritime adventure to the portfolio of the Kingdom’s destinations,” the SPA stated.

Taif will greet its summer visitors this year with “refreshing mountain breezes and the fragrant blooms of Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, nestled between traditional markets and lush orchards,” according to the SPA. “Meanwhile, Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains cast a magical misty aura, providing experiences for adventure and culture enthusiasts steeped in the city’s rich heritage and history.”

And in Baha, visitors will encounter “stunning natural beauty from the heights of the mountains to the depths of the valleys in Raghadan Forest.”


9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
Updated 16 sec ago

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
  • Supports 30 STEM teams to transform research into startups
  • King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology backs project

RIYADH: Nine teams have advanced to the finals of the SR2.25 million ($600,000) Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup competition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The teams that advanced are Plansulin, Queed, iRama, Quantasphere Ltd., Advanced Future Technology, Novo Genomics, Larimar, Visi Ground, and iBoat.

The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology hosted the semifinal stage at its Academy 32 facility, the SPA reported.

The event was set up to support 30 teams in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to transform research projects into market-ready startups.

Jameel, organized by StartSmart Entrepreneurship Center, and implemented through partnerships with KACST, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority.

It targets deep tech innovations in the health, energy, environment and climate sectors, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to empower research-based startups.

The semifinal event featured sector-specific training sessions, interactive product development challenges within fixed timeframes, cross-disciplinary workshops and business model refinement exercises.

Participants received specialized mentorship to overcome technical and commercial hurdles.

Radwan Noor, KACST’s general manager of Venture Attraction, said in a statement that they are enabling researchers to convert scientific outputs into viable tech companies with tangible market impact.

KACST supports this through scientific expertise, mentorship, judging, and access to laboratories and research infrastructure.

He said several participating startups graduated from KACST’s Ventures Program, demonstrating successful pathways from national labs to market solutions.

Mohammed Abdulghaffar, senior general manager at Community Jameel, added that this collaboration empowers scientists and innovators to commercialize research.


Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh
Updated 4 min 13 sec ago

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh
  • Running until Aug. 25, the event attracts top breeders and farms from within the Kingdom and around the world
  • Auction provides an opportunity for people across the world of falconry to meet, interact and share ideas

RIYADH: The International Falcon Breeders Auction opened on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh.

Running until Aug. 25, the event attracts top breeders and farms from within the Kingdom and around the world, with Europe, the Americas and Asia all represented, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than just a sales platform, the auction provides an opportunity for people across the world of falconry to meet, interact and share ideas on this ancient sport. The many pavilions, including a “Falconer of the Future” stand, provide a showcase for breeding farms and equipment suppliers.

The event also supports the Saudi Falcons Club’s efforts to promote the heritage, culture and development of falconry, including pioneering breeding farms, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the sector.

Last year’s auction saw 872 birds changing hands for a combined value of more than SR10 million ($2.7 million). That represented a 25 percent increase in revenue and a 36 percent rise in the number of birds sold from 2023.

This year’s event is expected once again to attract the very best falconers and breeders from across the globe, highlighting Ƶ’s leadership in preserving intangible cultural heritage and its growing international stature in the falconry world.


Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts
Updated 05 August 2025

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Sri Lankan Ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh.

The officials discussed various topics related to Islamic affairs and ongoing cooperation between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the envoy praised the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting Islamic causes and promoting the values of tolerance and moderation globally, particularly in Sri Lanka.

Ameer Ajwad emphasized that these efforts reflect the true message of Islam, the SPA reported.

“We take pride in the Kingdom’s remarkable role in promoting the values of tolerance and moderation — a noble mission that truly represents the lofty message of Islam,” the envoy said.

He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous support to Sri Lanka across various fields, and especially their service in response to Qur’anic injunctions.

The ambassador also praised the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for spreading a message of moderation worldwide.

He commended the ministry’s awareness programs, training for imams and preachers, and its organization of Qur’an competitions.


Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers
Updated 05 August 2025

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

Madinah fair empowers Saudi authors, publishers

MADINAH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has empowered the nation’s authors and publishers at the fourth Madinah Book Fair, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The week-long event, held from July 29 to Aug. 4, hosted more than 300 local and international publishing houses and agencies across more than 200 exhibition booths.

Abdullatif Alwasel, the commission’s CEO, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their continued support of the nation’s arts and culture sector.

He said the fair marks a key milestone in advancing the publishing industry and spreading knowledge across society.

Alwasel noted that this year’s edition saw unprecedented participation and a wide range of cultural events tailored to various age groups and intellectual interests.

The fair offered broad opportunities for local publishers and authors, improved book accessibility, and strengthened Ƶ content, he added.

Notable initiatives included a discounted book zone and upgrades to the fair’s technical infrastructure, enhancing visitor engagement and overall experience.

The fair attracted large numbers of people from diverse backgrounds who actively engaged with the cultural program presented by distinguished writers and intellectuals.

The sessions featured panels and workshops on key literary topics for the benefit of the public, according to the report.

The book-signing platform hosted several Ƶ authors with their latest work, while various government and cultural organizations showcased their latest initiatives and contributions to the sector.


Hackathon to drive innovation in AlUla tourism

Hackathon to drive innovation in AlUla tourism
Updated 05 August 2025

Hackathon to drive innovation in AlUla tourism

Hackathon to drive innovation in AlUla tourism

RIYADH: Vibes AlUla, an entrepreneurship and innovation hub launched in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, has opened registration for a sustainable tourism hackathon, set for Aug. 10 to 12.

The hackathon is aimed at empowering national talent and fostering innovative solutions to support AlUla’s tourism sector, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Participants will benefit from a comprehensive training program, including specialized workshops, mentoring sessions, and expert guidance in innovation, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

AlUla residents are invited to contribute projects that showcase the region’s environmental and cultural richness while promoting a more sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystem.

Vibes AlUla recently hosted the closing event of the AlUla Entrepreneurs Incubator Program, attended by public and private sector representatives, as well as entrepreneurs and innovators.

Participants showcased a range of startup projects developed by local entrepreneurs, focusing mainly on the film and tourism industries.

These projects contribute to economic diversification and align with AlUla’s vision for a sustainable creative economy, the SPA reported.

As one of the Kingdom’s leading tourism destinations, AlUla offers unique natural and historical assets, making it an ideal hub for entrepreneurial ventures and high-quality investment in tourism and creative sectors, the report added.