Families enjoy Eid activities across Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Eid is a truly magical time, when families come together to celebrate the culture and heritage of the country. (SPA)
In Saudi Arabia, Eid is a truly magical time, when families come together to celebrate the culture and heritage of the country. (SPA)
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Updated 12 April 2024
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Families enjoy Eid activities across Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Eid is a truly magical time, when families come together to celebrate the culture and heritage of the country.
  • Cities serve up range of entertainment treats for visitors, locals
  • ‘Eid in Saudi Arabia is a truly magical time,’ Jeddah resident says

JEDDAH: Local people and visitors have been embracing the festive spirit of Eid at joyous celebrations across the Kingdom.

In Jeddah, the illuminated corniche is playing host to a plethora of activities for all ages, from leisurely strolls to indulging in street food and traditional games.

The historic district of Al-Balad offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past with charming souqs and landmarks waiting to be explored. Adventurers can find thrills at Mega Paintball at Serafi Mega Mall, while there are dozens of activities on offer at Boost Entertainment Center.




In Saudi Arabia, Eid is a truly magical time, when families come together to celebrate the culture and heritage of the country. (SPA)

There is more fun to be had at Jeddah Promenade throughout the Eid festival, with concerts and shows, activities and lots of places to eat and drink.

“Eid in Saudi Arabia is a truly magical time, where families come together to celebrate amidst the vibrant culture and rich heritage,” local man Mohammed Abdulraheem said.

“The diverse array of entertainment options during Eid showcases the spirit of unity and joy that defines this special occasion.




In Saudi Arabia, Eid is a truly magical time, when families come together to celebrate the culture and heritage of the country. (SPA)

“One of the standout aspects of Eid in Saudi Arabia is the lavish feasts and especially the gatherings that bring us all together. Whether we’re visiting resorts or enjoying the beach, we make sure to create lasting memories with our loved ones,” he said.

“It’s a time to strengthen familial bonds and partake in the vibrant entertainment activities that make this holiday so memorable.”

In Riyadh, the Riyadh Season festival has elevated the Eid festivities and turned the city into an entertainment hub. One of the hot spots is Diriyah, where a host of concerts, live performances and dining options are on offer.




In Saudi Arabia, Eid is a truly magical time, when families come together to celebrate the culture and heritage of the country. (SPA)

Riyadh Zoo in Al-Malaz, with its 1,500 animals from around the world, is another popular attraction, as too are the House of Hype — where virtual reality meets real life — and Snow City, where the entertainment is always cool.

At the Big Fun Museum visitors can see mind-bending illusions and enchanting landscapes during an unforgettable experience.

Visitor Hammad Farooq said: “I enjoy coming to Riyadh from Qassim to spend time with my family and experience various forms of entertainment.




In Saudi Arabia, Eid is a truly magical time, when families come together to celebrate the culture and heritage of the country. (SPA)

“Whether it’s exploring the traditional markets or visiting the modern amusement parks, Eid celebrations in Riyadh offer a perfect mix of joy and fun.

“Even spending time in the parks with my kids is always a memorable experience.”

Elsewhere in the country there is a five-day Eid celebration now underway at Al-Muftaha Heritage Village in Abha, where visitors can enjoy a host of engaging activities and musical shows, while in Dammam, families can savor the simple pleasure of getting together on the city’s waterfront and taking in the activities on offer on the corniche.

At the Dhahran Expo Center visitors can enjoy a range of shows featuring popular singers and performers.

 


Makkah trials hydrogen-powered buses to promote clean energy, sustainability

Makkah trials hydrogen-powered buses to promote clean energy, sustainability
Updated 7 sec ago
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Makkah trials hydrogen-powered buses to promote clean energy, sustainability

Makkah trials hydrogen-powered buses to promote clean energy, sustainability
  • Scheme is part of a MoU between the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites and the Ministry of Energy to implement a pilot project for hydrogen fuel cell buses on designated routes
  • Aims to explore hydrogen applications in transportation, gain commercial and technical expertise, and gather insights for potential future expansion

RIYADH: The second trial of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus has been launched in Makkah.

It is overseen by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the Transport General Authority, the General Directorate of Civil Defense and the General Department of Traffic.

The scheme is part of a memorandum of understanding between the commission and the ministry to implement a pilot project for hydrogen fuel cell buses on designated routes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aims to explore hydrogen applications in transportation, gain commercial and technical expertise, and gather insights for potential future expansion. It also seeks to raise public awareness of hydrogen technology.

Through the initiative, the commission aims to introduce clean energy-based transportation solutions, enhancing quality of life in alignment with Vision 2030’s goals to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

The project also seeks to improve services for pilgrims and Umrah performers, enhancing their experience at the holy sites, the SPA reported.

The hydrogen bus trial is integrated into the Makkah Bus Project, with an operational plan ensuring security and safety. This includes running buses along the designated route and deploying a mobile hydrogen fueling station.

An evaluation of the trial will focus on efficiency, performance, operational sustainability, cost-effectiveness and passenger comfort, ensuring Makkah’s public transportation system evolves into a more sustainable service.


Interim president of Syrian Arab Republic visits SDAIA headquarters

Interim president of Syrian Arab Republic visits SDAIA headquarters
Updated 50 min 50 sec ago
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Interim president of Syrian Arab Republic visits SDAIA headquarters

Interim president of Syrian Arab Republic visits SDAIA headquarters
  • Syrian leader tours facilities in Riyadh

RIYADH: Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the interim president of the Syrian Arab Republic, has visited the headquarters of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Al-Sharaa was received upon his arrival by the Minister of State Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban; the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha; Majed Al-Mazyed, the governor of the National Cyber Security Authority; and Suhail Abanmi, the governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

Al-Sharaa toured SDAIA’s facilities, led by the President of the SDAIA Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi.

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Alghamdi highlighted the technological advancements and efforts made by Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Vision 2030, to make the Kingdom a global center for artificial intelligence technologies.

He also spoke about the Kingdom’s efforts to optimize data usage, including the Tawakkalna application that provides a unified platform for government services.

The National Cybersecurity Authority and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority also delivered presentations.

Established in 2019 by royal decree, the SDAIA is an independent government agency that focuses on AI and big data.

On his first visit to the Kingdom since taking office, Al-Sharaa met Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday and the parties discussed ways to support the security and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic.

They also discussed ways to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries, and reviewed developments in the region more broadly.

The leader of the Syrian Arab Republic then traveled to Jeddah on Monday before heading to Makkah to perform Umrah.

The Saudi Press Agency shared photographs of Al-Sharaa wearing Ihram clothing, garments worn by Muslims during pilgrimage.


Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs hold second strategic meeting in Tokyo

Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs hold second strategic meeting in Tokyo
Updated 03 February 2025
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Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs hold second strategic meeting in Tokyo

Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs hold second strategic meeting in Tokyo
  • Ministers sign pacts on strategic partnership, visa waivers for the two countries’ diplomats and officials
  • Iwaya said he was looking forward to further collaboration between the two nations’ private and public sectors

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday said Osaka Expo 2025 was an “important opportunity” to strengthen collaboration between Japan and the Kingdom. 

At the second Japan-Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministerial Level Strategic Dialogue meeting in Tokyo, Prince Faisal met with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. 

The two officials discussed collaboration and “working together for a better future.” 

Prince Faisal also emphasized that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the two nations’ diplomatic relations.

The two officials signed a memorandum of understanding on the strategic partnership, and visa waivers for the two countries’ diplomats and officials. 

Iwaya said he was looking forward to further collaboration between the two nations’ private and public sectors. 

Japan wants to work with Saudi Arabia to help achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, added Iwaya.


Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 03 February 2025
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Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 732 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 11 anti-personnel mines, 31 anti-tank mines, 685 unexploded ordnances and five explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 480,526 mines had been cleared since its inception 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 initiative 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 safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


HR ministry revises wage protection rule

HR ministry revises wage protection rule
Updated 03 February 2025
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HR ministry revises wage protection rule

HR ministry revises wage protection rule

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has reduced the wage protection file upload period on the Mudad platform from 60 to 30 days, effective March 1.

Previously, establishments could upload files in a two month period, but they must now submit them within one month to ensure accuracy and compliance with wage agreements and payment timelines, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The ministry made this change after a study found that 91 percent of establishments already upload wage files within 30 days.

The goal is to enhance compliance, ensure timely wage payments, and strengthen trust in the work environment, the SPA reported.

Establishments are urged to upload wage files on time and review Payroll Management System details to meet program requirements, support labor market stability, and protect workers’ rights.