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Busy time at Buraidah Dates Carnival

Farmers aim to surpass this figure by planting more than 2 million palm trees, supporting Vision 2030’s goal to boost non-oil revenues. (SPA)
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Farmers aim to surpass this figure by planting more than 2 million palm trees, supporting Vision 2030’s goal to boost non-oil revenues. (SPA)
Busy time at Buraidah Dates Carnival
2 / 2
Farmers aim to surpass this figure by planting more than 2 million palm trees, supporting Vision 2030’s goal to boost non-oil revenues. (SPA)
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Updated 9 min ago

Busy time at Buraidah Dates Carnival

Busy time at Buraidah Dates Carnival
  • The export yard processes thousands of tonnes of dates for packaging and distribution to cities across the Kingdom and to more than 100 countries worldwide, including the US and nations in Europe

RIYADH: The Buraidah Dates Carnival receives more than 1,000 vehicles each day loaded with tonnes of dates, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

The event, which is organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates, and the regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, under the supervision of the Qassim Principality, runs until Oct. 5.




Farmers aim to surpass this figure by planting more than 2 million palm trees, supporting Vision 2030’s goal to boost non-oil revenues. (SPA)

The export yard processes thousands of tonnes of dates for packaging and distribution to cities across the Kingdom and to more than 100 countries worldwide, including the US and nations in Europe.

The Qassim region produces more than 390,000 tonnes annually, contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s total output and reinforcing its leading role in local food security and agricultural exports.

Farmers aim to surpass this figure by planting more than 2 million palm trees, supporting Vision 2030’s goal to boost non-oil revenues.

The export yard serves as a central hub for distributing dates both domestically and internationally. Each day more than 500 medium-sized and large trucks transport over 100 varieties of dates. These are delivered across the Kingdom and to processing factories specializing in sorting, packaging, manufacturing, and converting dates into integrated food products.


Arab sculptors shape Saudi landscapes in Al-Namas

Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium highlighted the region’s ambition to enhance public spaces with contemporary art.
Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium highlighted the region’s ambition to enhance public spaces with contemporary art.
Updated 18 min 27 sec ago

Arab sculptors shape Saudi landscapes in Al-Namas

Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium highlighted the region’s ambition to enhance public spaces with contemporary art.
  • Ten artists crafted works to transform public spaces into cultural canvases during Al-Namas sculpture symposium

MAKKAH: Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium wrapped up in Asir region recently, bringing together leading Arab sculptors under the theme “Linear Rhythms.”

Organized by Al-Namas municipality with artistic direction from Saudi sculptor Mohammed Al-Thaqafi, the symposium, which concluded on Aug. 26, highlighted the governorate’s ambition to strengthen its visual identity and enhance public spaces with contemporary art.

Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium highlighted the region’s ambition to enhance public spaces with contemporary art. (SPA)

The theme drew inspiration from Al-Namas’s striking topography, where mountain ridges and cloud lines merge into sweeping horizons. This natural geometry guided the artists’ designs and interpretations.

Ten renowned sculptors from across the Arab world took part: Saudi representatives Al-Thaqafi, Ali Al-Tokhais, and Ebtesam Saleh were joined by Morocco’s Ikram Kabbaj, the UAE’s Azza Al-Qubaisi, Qatar’s Mohammed Al-Ateeq, Oman’s Yousuf Al-Rawahi, Sudan’s Khalid Abdullah, Tunisia’s Mohammed Bou Aziz, and Egypt’s Omar Toussoun.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Working with locally sourced stone, 10 Arab and Gulf artists created large-scale pieces now installed in gardens and public areas.

• The theme drew inspiration from Al-Namas’s striking topography, where mountain ridges and cloud lines merge into sweeping horizons.

• Participants praised both the artistic exchange and Al-Namas’s natural setting.

Working with locally sourced stone, they created large-scale pieces now installed in gardens and public areas, blending modern creativity with Saudi heritage.

The theme drew inspiration from Al-Namas’s striking topography, where mountain ridges and cloud lines merge into sweeping horizons. (SPA)

Al-Thaqafi told Arab News the event was a platform for celebrating visual culture while making art accessible to the community.

He emphasized sculpture’s role in “advancing visual literacy and urban beautification,” adding that the medium “expresses identity and spirit while transforming public areas into creative showcases of local aesthetics and heritage.”

The theme drew inspiration from Al-Namas’s striking topography, where mountain ridges and cloud lines merge into sweeping horizons. (SPA)

He noted the symposium’s growth in scope and ambition each year, with Al-Namas aspiring to become a regional hub for public art, and he said expressed optimism that other Saudi cities will embrace comparable initiatives.

Participants praised both the artistic exchange and Al-Namas’s natural setting.

Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium highlighted the region’s ambition to enhance public spaces with contemporary art. (SPA)

Egyptian sculptor Toussoun described the invitation as one of the most prestigious moments of his career, drawing inspiration from the region’s “mountainous terrain, valleys, and captivating landscapes.”

Qatari artist Al-Ateeq highlighted the strength of Gulf and Arab participation, saying the symposium offered artists “ideal working conditions” to bring large-scale ambitious visions to life.

With its cool climate, scenic beauty, and cultural vibrancy, Al-Namas continues to position itself as both a tourism draw and a rising cultural destination where art, nature and heritage intersect.

 


Film Commission to launch third Saudi Film Confex in October

The third Saudi Film Confex will be held from Oct. 22-25 in Riyadh. (AN file/Huda Bashatah)
The third Saudi Film Confex will be held from Oct. 22-25 in Riyadh. (AN file/Huda Bashatah)
Updated 18 min 49 sec ago

Film Commission to launch third Saudi Film Confex in October

The third Saudi Film Confex will be held from Oct. 22-25 in Riyadh. (AN file/Huda Bashatah)
  • Event will attract leading filmmakers, producers, industry specialists

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission is preparing to launch the third Saudi Film Confex from Oct. 22-25 in Riyadh.

The event, called “A Gathering That Transforms the Scene,” will bring together leading filmmakers, local and international producers, and industry specialists from across the global cinematic sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Building on the momentum of previous events, the confex will strengthen its role as a catalyst for the growth and empowerment of the Saudi film industry.

FASTFACT

This year’s Saudi Film Confex will strengthen its role as a catalyst for the growth and empowerment of the Saudi film industry.

Initiatives include driving investment, fostering strategic partnerships, and aligning with the Kingdom’s National Culture Strategy under Vision 2030, which places cultural development among its top priorities.

Positioned as a dynamic networking platform, the Saudi Film Confex connects all players in the filmmaking ecosystem, from production and distribution companies to technical and logistical service providers, as well as investors and funding institutions.

The event will highlight filming and production opportunities, encourage high-value collaborations, reinforce the nation’s film infrastructure, and support startups and entrepreneurs in the sector.

It will include an international conference featuring more than 30 panel discussions and workshops, and covering topics such as film financing, content development, and regulatory frameworks.

The program will also include side events and specialized workshops designed to introduce audiences and young talent to career paths and professional specializations within the industry.

The confex will host an expanded exhibition with more than 130 local, regional, and international participants, with dedicated areas for stakeholders including production companies, equipment rental and cinematic technology providers, streaming, distribution, and government and strategic partners.

The exhibition will also feature participants from related sectors, including educational institutions, film associations, and funding and investment bodies.

Exhibitor registration for the Saudi Film Confex 2025 is now open to local and global companies as well as government and regulatory entities.

Registered exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their projects, showcase the latest innovations and opportunities across the film industry value chain, and build strategic partnerships that will drive market growth and strengthen the Kingdom’s global presence.

The upcoming confex is expanding its content and activities to highlight the industry’s growing economic impact and elevate Saudi talent on the world stage, supporting the creation of a competitive Saudi film sector.

 


Saudi project clears 968 explosive devices in Yemen

Saudi project clears 968 explosive devices in Yemen
Updated 22 sec ago

Saudi project clears 968 explosive devices in Yemen

Saudi project clears 968 explosive devices in Yemen
  • Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 512,323 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018

RIYADH: Members of Ƶ’s Project Masam removed 968 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 925 unexploded ordnances, 32 anti-tank mines, four anti-personnel mines and seven improvised explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 512,323 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Tabuk sports event boosts community health

Tabuk Central Park saw community participation in the Move With Us, Tabuk sports program.
Tabuk Central Park saw community participation in the Move With Us, Tabuk sports program.
Updated 31 August 2025

Tabuk sports event boosts community health

Tabuk Central Park saw community participation in the Move With Us, Tabuk sports program.
  • The program attracted hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds, with activities that included running, bicycle races and fitness exercises

RIYADH: Tabuk Central Park saw community participation in the Move With Us, Tabuk sports program, which was organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation to promote physical activity and spread a culture of sports as a way of life.

The program attracted hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds, with activities that included running, bicycle races and fitness exercises. Educational booths also featured, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event aligned with the federation’s efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to increase the percentage of those involved in sports.

The program is part of a series of initiatives aimed at developing youth capabilities, encouraging continued sports practice, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. 


Program launched to boost entrepreneurial growth in Kingdom

Program launched to boost entrepreneurial growth in Kingdom
Updated 31 August 2025

Program launched to boost entrepreneurial growth in Kingdom

Program launched to boost entrepreneurial growth in Kingdom
  • With financial awards, industrial land, consulting support for previous winners, the program equips projects to scale, compete

RIYADH: Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef launched the fourth 1K Mile Program in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The launch took place during the closing ceremony of the third edition, attended by entrepreneurs, representatives of supporting entities, and participants’ families.

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan also attended.

Alkhorayef, who is also chairman of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, said the 1K Mile Program has evolved from an initiative supporting entrepreneurs into a key pillar of the Kingdom’s industrial and entrepreneurial transformation.

He said that the fourth edition reflects the successes of previous editions and the inspiring stories they produced, the SPA added.

Alkhorayef said the program empowers entrepreneurs by helping them develop realistic, sustainable business plans while providing support throughout their projects, ensuring growth, expansion, and readiness to compete.

He emphasized that the program has redefined industrial investment, showing that industry is no longer limited to large enterprises but open to ambitious, innovative young people.

He also highlighted its role in promoting advanced manufacturing and encouraging investment in modern technologies, according to the SPA.

There were 8,001 entrepreneurs registered for the third edition, with 147 projects nominated for aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

The Saudi Investment Bank, the ceremony’s official sponsor, presented financial awards to 20 pioneering projects in the industrial, mining, and logistics sectors.

First-place winners received SR500,000 ($133,000), while second-place winners in each sector received SR250,000.

Program winners also receive an official document offering unique benefits, including financing, industrial land, ready-made factories, and consulting services, designed to support the sustainability and growth of their projects.