Layali Diriyah 2025 and Minzal: A celebration of heritage, innovation, and art

Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
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Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
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Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
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Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
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Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
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Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. (Courtesy/Roberto Conte)
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Layali Diriyah 2025 and Minzal: A celebration of heritage, innovation, and art

Layali Diriyah 2025 and Minzal: A celebration of heritage, innovation, and art

RIYADH: Layali Diriyah returns for a third year — set against a historic landscape — as the open-air event celebrates Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future.

The event, from February to April, focuses on three themes: heritage and craftsmanship; education and knowledge; and nature.

More than just a cultural event, Layali Diriyah is an immersive journey that blends heritage with artistic legacy. Since its debut in January 2023, it has attracted more than 110,000 visitors. 

Led by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, this initiative highlights the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s founding place. 

The retreat combines gastronomy, retail, art and entertainment on a picturesque palm tree farm near At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Visitors can take a culinary journey featuring eight restaurants, a retail village, and five stages presenting predominantly local talent.

A standout feature this year is the Chef’s Table, where high-profile chefs present live cooking demonstrations for groups of up to 23 guests. Each restaurant offers distinct themes, ranging from circular pods nestled among trees for privacy to mudbrick-inspired grilling stations, enhancing the dining experience with cultural resonance.

Installations by local and international artists play a central role in Layali Diriyah. Khulod Albugami’s “Lahauj,” inspired by Najdi architectural windows, symbolizes a bridge between past and present. Dr. Saad Al-Huwaidi’s “Three Golden Stages” narrates the evolution of Saudi identity through the use of “Qitan,” a material from traditional garments representing pivotal moments in the country’s history. 

Hibah Albakree, managing partner and co-founder of Designlab Experience, expressed her excitement about the event. “One of the things that is really nice about Layali Diriyah is the familiarity of the guest journey. Each year, it repeats, giving guests a sense of comfort. If you have to turn left instead of right, people might wonder why it’s different. This familiarity is the anchor of the project.”

As guests navigate the event, they encounter an enchanting display of lights. “Layali is always about lights,” Albakree said.

This year, the lighting has evolved significantly. “In the first year, we used vibrant flowers to create a blooming effect. The second year (we) elevated the lights to highlight the palm trees. This year, we are using oversized lighting elements inspired by local flora, such as palm trees,” she said.

The art installations are not merely decorative, they tell stories deeply woven into Saudi culture. For instance, Zahara Alghamdi’s “Birth of a Place” is an elegy to Diriyah’s ancestral foundations through sculptural clay forms that symbolize cycles of destruction and rebirth.

Minzal, another project developed by Designlab Experience in Diriyah, complements Layali Diriyah. Set in the historic birthplace of Saudi Arabia, Minzal offers an innovative cultural retreat that harmonizes with the rugged landscape. It features diverse experiences such as stargazing, horseriding, live performances, and luxury glamping, all while integrating Saudi heritage.

Yvonne Hoffzimmer, chief operating officer of Designlab Experience, said: “We have three distinct areas: glamping, interactive workshops, and hospitality. It’s a casual, relaxed outdoor experience, allowing guests to spend several hours enjoying the atmosphere. While Layali is typically a shorter experience, Minzal invites guests to immerse themselves fully.”

Minzal has areas for glamping and stargazing, while Birwaz is a vibrant community space for cultural and commercial activities, featuring workshops, food kiosks, and performance zones. 

“The architectural language employs mud-textured finishes and colorful geometries, creating a tactile narrative of the region's legacy,” Hoffzimmer said.

Almashab invites social interaction around a central bonfire, with shisha lounges and tensile structures, providing a space for guests to gather and unwind. The stargazing station features intimate pods designed for celestial exploration, allowing visitors to enjoy astronomy sessions while savoring Saudi coffee.

Layali Diriyah 2025 and Minzal are more than mere festivals, they are celebrations of Saudi identity, innovation and art, presenting the Kingdom’s rich cultural tapestry while paving the way for future artistic endeavors.


Saudi FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss regional developments in phone call

Saudi FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss regional developments in phone call
Updated 50 min 19 sec ago
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Saudi FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss regional developments in phone call

Saudi FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss regional developments in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone on Friday with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their conversation, they discussed the latest regional and international developments, as well as ongoing efforts to address them, SPA added.

 


Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid

Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid
Updated 14 March 2025
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Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid

Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid
  • The Etaam project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's aid agency KSrelief recently launched its Etaam Ramadan project in Djibouti to deliver 6,640 food parcels for the benefit of 9,840 people, state news agency SPA reported on Friday.

The announcement comes as KSrelief continues to deliver food to some of the world’s most needy during the holy month.

In Nigeria’s Kebbi state there were 433 parcels delivered, benefiting 2,598 people. And in Bucharest and Constanta in Romania, a further 299 packages to aid 1,495 people were distributed.

Also, 172 packages were sent to Syrian and Palestinian refugees and vulnerable families in the Lebanese governorate of Mount Lebanon.

And in Bangladesh’s Naogaon town, 250 were sent for 1,250 people.

In the Teyarett district of the Mauritanian capital, 220 parcels were sent for the benefit of 1,320 people.

The Etaam project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million), the SPA added.


Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined

Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined
Updated 14 March 2025
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Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined

Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined
  • Saudi attorney general decision effective March 1
  • Addicted individuals will be given choice of rehab

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib has outlined the list of criminal offences related to the drug methamphetamine.

Sheikh Saud’s decision, dated March 1, 2025, is a part of efforts to combat the use and distribution of drugs in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The criminal offences that warrant arrest include possession, smuggling, obtaining, purchasing, transporting and manufacture. In addition, personal use and consumption are also criminal offences.

Methamphetamine — also known as shabu, crystal meth, or the poor man’s cocaine —  causes serious psychological and behavioral disorders, and contributes to the rise in crime and violence.

As such, the scourge has to be dealt with firmly in accordance with deterrent legislation and decisions, the report stated.

While the law against drug trafficking and abuse is harsh, it also allows for individuals to seek reform and rehabilitation.

Article 42 of the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law stipulates that the user “shall be granted the opportunity to receive treatment.”

The legislation further states that this can be done without “legal accountability, by not filing a lawsuit against the user or addict, if he or one of his relatives comes forward intending to receive treatment.”

In addition, the law requires that the person “hands over the narcotic or psychotropic substances” and provide “information about their location.”


Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally
Updated 14 March 2025
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Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Yazeed Al Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

After winning the title in the cars category, Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to accomplish the feat in the rally, one of the world's most prestigious motorsports championship.

The Crown Prince congratulated Al-Rajhi on winning a tough competition, featuring a number of prominent international competitors. He emphasized that the achievement should serve as motivation for Saudi athletes to continue developing their skills for future success.

Al-Rajhi thanked the Crown Prince for the gesture.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, attended the reception.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.


Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf King Salman, received newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors to a number of countries.

The ambassadors took oath of office before the crown prince at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, attended the ceremony.