Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day

Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
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Locals with their children adorned with the national flag, enjoyed shows, parades and cultural exhibitions. (SPA)
Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
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Locals with their children adorned with the national flag, enjoyed shows, parades and cultural exhibitions. (SPA)
Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
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The parade started from the Royal Commission in Yanbu Industrial City and continued to the historic district in Yanbu Al-Bahr. It involved local security forces, industrial security from the commission, and 21 volunteers, all expressing their joy for Saudi National Day. (SPA)
Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
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Locals with their children adorned with the national flag, enjoyed shows, parades and cultural exhibitions. (SPA)
Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
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Locals with their children adorned with the national flag, enjoyed shows, parades and cultural exhibitions. (SPA)
Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
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The General Entertainment Authority also organized fireworks displays throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the day. (SPA)
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Updated 23 September 2024
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Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day

Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
  • Art, music, parades, fireworks and more mark occasion enjoyed by children and families

RIYADH: Monday marked a day of joy and expressions of pride as people throughout the Kingdom took to the streets flying the Saudi flag high at various events organized by local authorities to mark the occasion.

The Royal Guard Presidency organized a celebration of the 94th Saudi National Day on Sept. 23 in Jeddah, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Suleiman Al-Hudhaili, the commander of the Royal Guard Group in the Western Region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The celebration included musical performances of Saudi melodies, a motorcycle parade, a show by the Honor Guard, and other activities.

The official ceremony began with the national anthem and recitation of verses from the Qur’an, followed by a performance of an operetta titled “And Blessings,” presented by Dar Al-Tarbia Al-Hadetha School, a documentary film about the occasion, and a film by the Royal Guard, all themed around the special day.




The General Entertainment Authority also organized fireworks displays throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the day. (SPA)

The ceremony also featured welcoming words, poems and national melodies, with attendees gathering to enjoy the festive atmosphere and promote the values of national unity.

The 94th National Day celebrations in the Jazan region, organized by the municipality in the northern coastal area of Jazan city, also attracted a large and diverse crowd of visitors of all ages.

Locals with their children thronged the event venue adorned with the national flag, enjoying shows, parades and cultural exhibitions organized by local associations and clubs in partnership with the Ministry of Sports. The activities took place along the cultural street in Jazan.

People visited art stations to admire national-themed artworks symbolizing allegiance, patriotism and admiration for the nation and its leadership.




Locals with their children adorned with the national flag, enjoyed shows, parades and cultural exhibitions. (SPA)

The cultural street, stretching more than 450 meters, featured a wide range of attractions for visitors along its length. People could stroll shaded pathways adorned with decorative motifs featuring the national flag, relax in designated seating areas, and pose for photos next to beautiful sculptures.

Families and children in Madinah also enjoyed an atmosphere of happiness at events and programs held in parks and squares. The events were held under the slogan “We Dream, We Achieve.”

In Hail and Tabuk, thousands of children draped in the national flag and dressed in its colors, also celebrated National Day, joining their families at various public spaces for celebrations organized by the local municipalities.

A bicycle parade in Yanbu featured 130 cyclists carrying national flags to celebrate the day. The event was attended by Yanbu Governor Saad bin Marzouq Al-Suhaimi, government officials and numerous enthusiasts.




A bicycle parade in Yanbu featured 130 cyclists carrying national flags to celebrate the day. (SPA)

The parade started from the Royal Commission in Yanbu Industrial City and continued to the historic district in Yanbu Al-Bahr. It involved local security forces, industrial security from the commission, and 21 volunteers, all expressing their joy for Saudi National Day.

In the Northern Borders region, cities and governorates were decorated with more than 6,000 flags raised in gardens, public parks, streets and squares, and 650 advertising boards.

Festivities included entertainment and cultural events organized by the region’s municipality and held in Arar Water Tower Park.

The General Entertainment Authority also organized fireworks displays throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the day. The fireworks were launched simultaneously in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlKhobar, Buraidah, Tabuk, Madinah, Abha, Hail, Arar, Najran, Baha, Al-Jouf and Jazan.


Saudi Museums Commission launches transformational agenda

Saudi Museums Commission launches transformational agenda
Updated 16 sec ago
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Saudi Museums Commission launches transformational agenda

Saudi Museums Commission launches transformational agenda
  • Roadmap highlights 5 operational and 19 under-constructions across the Kingdom

RIYADH 
 
The first “Open Talk” of the year saw the Saudi Museums Commission launch its agenda for transforming the Kingdom’s museums sector.

The virtual event, held via Webex, also highlighted the commission’s roles, responsibilities, achievements and future prospects.

Mona Khazindar, adviser to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, underlined the commission’s pivotal role in documenting and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage for future generations, and its commitment to creating impactful museum experiences that educate and inspire.

Khazindar also emphasized the commission's dedication to supporting local artists and placing Saudi art on the global stage.

The talk was facilitated by Jana Jabbour, communication and media director at the Museums Commission, and included key presentations detailing the organization’s strategic initiatives.

Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, general manager of the Museums and Cultural Assets Development Department, unveiled the roadmap for museum development, featuring five operational museums and 19 currently under construction across the Kingdom.

Khaled Baassiri, general manager of the Partnerships and Business Development Department, presented innovative strategies for public-private and nonprofit partnerships to enhance visitor experiences and foster sustainable growth within the sector.

Perihan Kutbi, manager of the Licensing Department, clarified the procedures and requirements for licensing private museums, paving the way for increased private sector engagement in the cultural landscape.

Taghreed Al-Saraj, director of the Education and Talent Development Department, highlighted comprehensive education and talent development programs, ensuring the future of the museum sector was secured by skilled and enthusiastic professionals.

Established in 2020 and operating under the Ministry of Culture, the Museum Commission aims to cultivate a vibrant and evolving cultural landscape.


Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince express their condolences after Washington air crash

Emergency response units search the wreckage of an American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after it crashed. AFP
Emergency response units search the wreckage of an American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after it crashed. AFP
Updated 30 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince express their condolences after Washington air crash

Emergency response units search the wreckage of an American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after it crashed. AFP
  • King Salman offered his condolences to Trump, the families of the victims, and the American people
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable separately

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince sent cables of condolences on Thursday to US President Donald Trump after an American Airlines passenger jet collided with an army helicopter on Wednesday.

At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the jet late Wednesday as it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, officials said.

King Salman offered his condolences to Trump, the families of the victims, and the American people. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable separately.

The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew. Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. At a press conference at the White House, Trump said that there were no survivors from the crash.

The plane was found upside-down in three sections in waist-deep water and the helicopter wreckage was also found.


Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO

Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO
Updated 30 January 2025
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Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO

Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO
  • More than half of employees think that their job is at risk because of AI
  • “Technology should complement our intelligence, not replace it,” says Al-Yamani

RIYADH: Technology has fundamentally redefined the relationship between humans and work over the past two decades, presenting both immense opportunities and unprecedented challenges, Ahmad Al-Yamani, CEO of Takamol, told Arab News.

Al-Yamani said: “Technology should complement our intelligence, not replace it,” emphasizing the urgency of preparing the workforce for this transformation.

He cited research from the Global Labor Market Conference, which found that employees worried that technological advances were disrupting the job market: “More than 50 percent of workers surveyed across 14 countries fear their skills could become partially or fully obsolete within the next five years.”

For Saudi workers, 23 percent expressed concerns that computers and robots might replace their jobs. However, Al-Yamani claimed that this evolution provided a pivotal opportunity to adapt and innovate alongside advanced technologies.

He spoke about how the use of technology was spreading and “taking over various aspects of our lives.”

Al-Yamani called for a comprehensive overhaul of skills and education systems, warning that the current workforce was ill-prepared for the pace of technological change.

“We must reprioritize education to prepare for an economy that will eventually no longer exist,” he said, advocating for proactive policies to prevent economic instability and ensure inclusivity.

The CEO highlighted the pressing need to embrace the discomfort of change brought about by rapid technological advancement, while posing a critical question: “Are we going to allow AI to amplify inequality, or will we utilize it to level the playing field?”

Al-Yamani said that the answer depended on the boldness of actions taken today: “Those who adapt will ultimately thrive.”

On the rise of generative AI, he said that this technology had shifted from being a supportive tool to becoming a creator. “With generative AI, machines are producing works such as movies, books and paintings that feel almost human.”

Despite AI’s capabilities, Al-Yamani stressed the irreplaceable value of genuine human connection.

“We need to invest in relationships and a healthier, more interactive society,” he said, suggesting initiatives such as reducing the work week to four days to strengthen social bonds.

He warned: “Without strong social connections, we risk isolation, subordination to machines and losing what truly makes life meaningful.”

Al-Yamani addressed the uncertainty surrounding the pace of AI’s transformation: “AI might reshape everything in five years, or several decades, we aren’t exactly sure.” Despite this unpredictability, he emphasized a clear path forward; investing in humanity.

Looking ahead, Al-Yamani emphasized the importance of collaboration among global labor stakeholders to address these challenges. Platforms such as the GLMC provided critical spaces where governments, employers and workers could align their priorities.

“Workers want fair opportunities and security, governments seek stability, and businesses strive for innovation and growth. These priorities are interconnected,” he said, calling for unified efforts to craft meaningful solutions.

Al-Yamani said that in a time of rapid technological change, “collaboration remains our most powerful tool to secure a better, more equitable future.”


An inside look at the operations center keeping Riyadh Metro running smoothly

An inside look at the operations center keeping Riyadh Metro running smoothly
Updated 30 January 2025
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An inside look at the operations center keeping Riyadh Metro running smoothly

An inside look at the operations center keeping Riyadh Metro running smoothly
  • Hundreds of employees in constant communication with city’s commuters
  • Networks covered 24/7 by more than 14,000 security camera

RIYADH: The Riyadh Metro has been buzzing with passengers ever since its launch in December, reaching its full operational capacity with the inauguration of the Orange Line earlier this month and marking a grand milestone for the capital’s urbanization strategy.

Arab News got a look inside the Riyadh Public Transport Control Center, located west of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

The center hosts 600 employees who oversee the management of three vital parts of the transportation system: the Riyadh Metro, Riyadh Bus, and the advanced traffic control system.

So how does the center contribute to improving everyday users’ experiences?

A spokesperson said that the center received more than 10,000 calls daily via the unified network number (19933), which is designated for inquiries, complaints, suggestions, and calls about missing items.

Operators are in constant communication with the people of Riyadh who use public transport, and they work to keep the system running smoothly.

Safety is a priority for the Transport General Authority. All of the city’s public transport systems are monitored 24/7 through more than 14,000 security cameras that are distributed across the network.

These cameras are equipped with facial recognition technologies which monitor and analyze the use of public transport and inform the authorities immediately in case of any incidents.

In the event that a commuter loses any personal property, the user must contact the Riyadh Public Transport Control Center through the unified number, and a special complaint ticket will be issued and sent via email or text.

They can use the number to follow up on any updates regarding the complaint until the lost item is retrieved.

Planning for the metro system began back in 2012, and aimed at enhancing mobility and providing comfort for users, residents, and visitors of Riyadh.

The Riyadh Metro includes 85 stations and extends a distance of 176 km across six tracks.

Riyadh’s bus network consists of 87 routes across the city using 842 vehicles with some 3,000 service stations.

The traffic control system also oversees 650 road intersections, monitoring and managing the flow of traffic.

The Riyadh Bus system has transported 50 million passengers in the last year.


Muslim World League chief in talks with Italian leader

Muslim World League chief in talks with Italian leader
Updated 30 January 2025
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Muslim World League chief in talks with Italian leader

Muslim World League chief in talks with Italian leader
  • Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa thanks Sergio Mattarella for supporting Palestinian rights, two-state solution
  • Extremism, whatever its source, does not represent values that religions call for, Mattarella says

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Presidential Palace in Rome.

During the meeting, the contributions of religion to global peace efforts and enhancing friendship between people were discussed.

Al-Issa said that Islam called for mutual understanding between nations and people, respect for human dignity, and peaceful coexistence, according to a statement.

He thanked the president for his position on Palestinian rights, especially his support for the two-state solution.

The Italian leader voiced his appreciation for the MWL’s efforts to promote religious and cultural peace, praising the values of Islam in this regard.

Mattarella said that extremism, whatever its source, represents only itself, and does not represent the cultural values called for by religions.