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Riyadh: A cultural festival hosted by Saudi Arabia will bring the rich traditions of Sudan, India, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to Alkhobar and Jeddah.

Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the “Your Passport to the World” event will celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of expatriate communities in the Kingdom.

The month-long festival will offer an immersive experience that reconnects participants with their roots, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through a series of performances, culinary showcases, traditional crafts, and hands-on workshops, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate global traditions.

The festival will debut in Alkhobar, with each community featured for four days throughout April, according to the SPA.

The Sudanese pavilion will kick off the event from Wednesday to Saturday, followed by India from April 16-19, the Philippines from April 23-26, and Bangladesh from April 30 to May 3. Afterward, the festival will move to Jeddah.

Each cultural showcase will offer a holistic experience, incorporating folkloric patterns, textiles, natural elements, and architectural heritage unique to each nation, the SPA reported.

Specialized zones will highlight heritage clothing, dance performances, authentic cuisine, crafts, open-air markets, performance theaters, and interactive installations.

The initiative aims to celebrate cultural diversity, foster connections, provide an engaging family experience, and highlight cultural heritage through art and cuisine.

With its festive atmosphere and vibrant showcases, the event is expected to attract large crowds, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance entertainment and improve quality of life for residents.

RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy has launched the Future Tech Leaders program, a six-month course designed to enhance the technical skills of professionals in leadership roles, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sponsored by the National Technology Development Program and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the program is conducted in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley.

It uses a hands-on learning approach to equip CEOs and IT managers with skills to keep pace with emerging technologies, according to the SPA.

The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation — fields that are increasingly in demand.

Tuwaiq Academy seeks to develop national leadership in modern technologies through professional programs and bootcamps.

It partners with global leaders such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Stanford University to train skilled professionals across various sectors.

The academy also offers additional programs for various age groups, available at tuwaiq.edu.sa.

The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the rapid evolution of modern technologies and the needs of the labor market.