Tourism Ministry launches second executive master’s program to develop Saudi tourism leadership

Under the ministry’s “Ahluha” initiative, which has already trained more than 100,000 Saudi citizens, domestically and internationally, in 2024. (SPA)
Under the ministry’s “Ahluha” initiative, which has already trained more than 100,000 Saudi citizens, domestically and internationally, in 2024. (SPA)
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Tourism Ministry launches second executive master’s program to develop Saudi tourism leadership

Tourism Ministry launches second executive master’s program to develop Saudi tourism leadership
  • Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that, through the executive master’s program, the ministry works to provide key opportunities for Saudi tourism professionals to receive advanced education and training

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a second executive master’s program, offering four educational packages and teaming up with three prestigious European hospitality institutions — Les Roches in Spain and EHL and Glion in Switzerland, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program aims to train 300 Saudi professionals in international tourism and hospitality management, advancing expertise in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Under the ministry’s “Ahluha” initiative, which has already trained more than 100,000 Saudi citizens, domestically and internationally, in 2024. The program focuses on equipping participants with modern management techniques and high-quality resource management skills for the tourism industry.

Candidates must meet rigorous eligibility criteria, including an honors bachelor’s degree in tourism-related fields, minimum five years of professional experience, proven English language proficiency, willingness to travel for training requirements, and successful completion of a personal interview.

According to SPA, the program builds on the success of its first edition, in which 198 graduates completed managerial training at leading Spanish and Swiss institutions.

Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that, through the executive master’s program, the ministry works to provide key opportunities for Saudi tourism professionals to receive advanced education and training.

He said the program represents a strategic investment in developing Saudi tourism leadership.

“This initiative is crucial for preparing the next generation of Saudi leaders who will drive our growing tourism sector,” he said.

“We are focused on enhancing our national workforce’s capabilities, expanding their horizons and exposing them to global best practices in tourism management,” he added.

 


Meet your sole mate at Sneaker Con in Riyadh

Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
Updated 22 sec ago
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Meet your sole mate at Sneaker Con in Riyadh

Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
  • Visitors can buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition sneakers

RIYADH: Sneaker Con in Riyadh has opened its doors to enthusiasts and collectors, offering a platform to buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition items as part of Riyadh Season.

Billed as “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth,” Sneaker Con is one of the world’s largest sneaker conventions, which has previously been held in cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its Riyadh edition — the first in Saudi Arabia — runs until Feb. 19 at ANB Arena.

A pair of signed sneakers by basketball player Michael Jordan, featured at Sneaker Con Riyadh. (AN photo by Hajar AlQusayer)

The event provides visitors with the opportunity to engage with industry experts and meet influencers in the sneaker community.

One visitor, Fares Indejani, highlighted the growing sneaker culture in Riyadh, pointing out that sneakers have become an integral part of personal style and expression. He told Arab News about the impact of the event on the local sneaker community.

These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space. But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.

Fares Indejani, Sneaker enthusiast

“These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space,” he said. “But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.

Visitors engaging with various shops and exploring exclusive sneakers at Sneaker Con Riyadh. (Supplied)

“You get an idea of what direction we’re heading toward, and that’s valuable knowledge for investors and business owners,” he added. “Really knowing what kind of communities are popping up, seeing how loud and real they are, and recognizing that they exist, have a voice, and are moving, is crucial.”

Abdulmohsen Al-Ahmari, another visitor, said the event provides an opportunity to see sneakers that are not typically available.

“Making connections at Sneaker Con and getting to know people helps me later,” he said.

Chase Young, a sneaker trader and founder of Culture Kicks, said: “There are people with crazy pairs of shoes and a lot of different collectors’ items here, and very high-end shoes, so (the market) is definitely big here.”

Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.

 


Diriyah literary festival inspires children

In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals. (SPA)
In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals. (SPA)
Updated 1 min 11 sec ago
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Diriyah literary festival inspires children

In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals. (SPA)
  • Children had the opportunity to show their artistic skills in the Story and Drawing Corner in which the little ones transformed stories into paintings that reflected their creative visions

RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival, which concluded on Feb. 8, aimed to encourage a love of reading and storytelling in young children.

As part of a series of events in Diriyah Season boasting the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” the festival transformed Diriyah into a magical world for children, one in which they moved between pavilions.

Photo/Saudi Press Agency

In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals.

Shadow Shows, meanwhile, transported children to realms inspired by the book “Kalila and Dimna,” offering a unique visual experience that blended art with literature.

Photo/Saudi Press Agency

Children also had the opportunity to show their artistic skills in the Story and Drawing Corner in which the little ones transformed stories into paintings that reflected their creative visions.

The interactive performances were no less captivating, presenting historic tales inspired by Diriyah’s rich heritage in a theatrical, interactive format that encouraged children to actively engage. This added a rich educational and cultural dimension to their experience.

The initiative was organized to strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a hub for arts and literature on the world stage.

 


Sri Lankan envoy celebrates diplomacy, independence

Sri Lankan envoy celebrates diplomacy, independence
Updated 1 min 24 sec ago
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Sri Lankan envoy celebrates diplomacy, independence

Sri Lankan envoy celebrates diplomacy, independence
  • The envoy highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka

RIYADH: Sri Lanka’s ambassador in Riyadh, Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, gave a speech on the 77th anniversary of Sri Lankan independence and 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Sri Lanka on Feb.5 at the Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarters in Riyadh on Feb.5.

“I take this opportunity to extend my sincere greetings to all the Sri Lankan nationals living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day of Sri Lanka,” he said.

The envoy’s speech focused on Sri Lanka’s politics, tourism and economy.

He also highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.

“Although the modern diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia were established 50 years ago, the ancient diplomatic relations between the two countries, in fact, began in the 7th century A.D., when the then King of Sri Lanka, called Aggabodhi III (623-640 AD) dispatched his ambassador from Sri Lanka to Madina Al-Munawwarah on a factfinding mission at the time of Prophet Muhammad to learn about the new religion of Islam. This incident is reported in the Ajaib-Al-Hind by Ibn Shahriyar,” he said.

 


Saudi fund chief receives Argentinan minister

Sultan Al-Marshad (L) and Gerardo Werthein in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Sultan Al-Marshad (L) and Gerardo Werthein in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 1 min 30 sec ago
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Saudi fund chief receives Argentinan minister

Sultan Al-Marshad (L) and Gerardo Werthein in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • The two sides discussed the Saudi fund’s development activities in Argentina

RIYADH: Sultan Al-Marshad, the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, received the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerardo Werthein and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Saturday.

The two sides discussed the Saudi fund’s development activities in Argentina, its official account wrote in a post on X.

Al-Marshad recently received the Executive Director and Secretary-General of the International Desalination and Reuse Association Shannon McCarthy, and the parties discussed ways to cooperate to help support the water sector in developing countries around the world.

 


KSrelief distributes food, dates in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mali and Malaysia

KSrelief distributes food, dates in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mali and Malaysia
Updated 08 February 2025
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KSrelief distributes food, dates in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mali and Malaysia

KSrelief distributes food, dates in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mali and Malaysia

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) recently distributed food and dates for residents in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mali and Malaysia, state news agency SPA reported.

In Bangladesh, KSrelief handed out 595 food parcels in several regions to residents affected by floods and cyclones. The recent initiative benefited 2,975 individuals.

In the Upper Chitral District of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Saudi aid agency gave out 492 food boxes, which benefited 3,546 individuals mostly affected by recent floods.

KSrelief also gifted 25 tonnes of dates to Malaysia and another 50 tonnes to Mali as part of the Kingdom’s support to ‘brotherly and friendly nations in various fields.’

In the southern Gaza Strip, KSrelief delivered 25 truckloads medical supplies to hospitals and health centers to enhance their capacities amid the difficult humanitarian conditions facing the sector.

The Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief's executive partner in Gaza, received the supplies and has begun distributing them.