Latest sightseeing area in Boulevard Riyadh City showcases Japanese culture

Latest sightseeing area in Boulevard Riyadh City showcases Japanese culture
There are various Japan-related shops, where visitors can try Japanese food, and wear kimonos. They can also engage in activities such as calligraphy, and origami. (Supplied)
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Updated 04 August 2022

Latest sightseeing area in Boulevard Riyadh City showcases Japanese culture

Latest sightseeing area in Boulevard Riyadh City showcases Japanese culture
  • The Boulevard, where Japa Mura has been created, brings together cultures and collectibles from a variety of countries, and features restaurants, cafes, and shops that cater to visitors of all ages

RIYADH: In preparation for the 2022 Riyadh Season and the Gamer Season festivals scheduled at the end of this year, Japa Mura, a Japanese village supported by Saudia, has been completed in Boulevard Riyadh City.

The Boulevard, where Japa Mura has been created, brings together cultures and collectibles from a variety of countries, and features restaurants, cafes, and shops that cater to visitors of all ages. Approximately 900,000 square meters in size, it features nine areas, and parking spaces for over 20,000 cars.

Some of the areas include City Area, Studio Area, Sports Area, and Torocadero Area. The Japa Mura will also gain a lot of attention from a variety of concerts that will be held from July 20 to Sept. 1. Talented Arab and international artists will also attend until July 8.




(Supplied) 

There are various Japan-related shops, where visitors can try Japanese food, and wear kimonos. They can also engage in activities such as calligraphy, and origami.

Artist Jo Naoya, came to Saudi Arabia to showcase the Japanese art of Kintsugi gold lacquer pottery repair at Japa Mura.

Naoya said: “Since long ago in Japan, we have a culture of using things carefully over long times, and I want to be able to teach about Kintsugi. When I heard there was a Japanese culture event in Saudi Arabia, I came immediately!”

Decoder

Boulevard Riyadh City

Also known by the acronym BLVD RUH, Boulevard Riyadh City is an open entertainment and recreational area in the Kingdom's capital. Approximately 900,000 square meters in size, The Boulevard — as it is also simply called — is located in Riyadh City's Hittin neighborhood. It is one of the designated sites for the annual Riyadh Season entertainment festival. The Boulevard features attractions such as the Square sub-zone, a replica of New York's Times Square; the Trocadero, inspired by London's Coventry Street; and the Takenda center. For Riyadh Season this year, The Boulevard will open its new Japa Mura, a Japanese village supported by Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia.


Fight against Daesh must continue: Czech deputy foreign minister

Updated 16 sec ago

Fight against Daesh must continue: Czech deputy foreign minister

Fight against Daesh must continue: Czech deputy foreign minister
  • Saudi Arabia is set to host global leaders and delegates on Thursday, June 8 for the meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh
  • “We sincerely appreciate that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS ministerial meeting,” Marian said

RIYADH: The Czech Republic’s deputy foreign minister, Jan Marian, extended his gratitude to the Kingdom for its efforts in hosting the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh’s ministerial meeting, and stressed the importance of continuing the fight against the group.

“Daesh’s territorial defeat has not ended its kinetic threat. Our fight against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, as well as in Africa, Afghanistan, and Central Asia must continue,” Marian told Arab News.

Saudi Arabia is set to host global leaders and delegates on Thursday, June 8 for the meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh.

“We sincerely appreciate that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS ministerial meeting,” Marian said.

The deputy foreign minister stressed that the Czech Republic remains firmly committed to the coalition’s mission.

“Alongside our involvement in international military missions, our activities focus on the prevention of radicalization and improvement of the socio-economic conditions in terrorism-affected areas,” Marian stressed.

“One of the Czech instruments for humanitarian aid and reconstruction activities in the MENA region is The Reconstruction program for the Middle East region.”

The deputy foreign minister explained that in 2023, Prague is planning to allocate 134 million Czech crowns ($6.1 million) for stabilization aid to Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East region.

He explained that of that, almost crowns would be aid to Syria.

“The primary focus of our aid continues to be on supporting medical and sanitation services and education,” Marian said.

Speaking on the changes he has witnessed in the Kingdom, Marian added: “In Saudi Arabia, we are witnessing a unique and revolutionary attempt to rebuild the country, its economy, and the society.

“The positive effect of the ongoing Saudi reforms is very visible and appreciated in the international arena.

“Riyadh has, more than ever, become a stabilizing regional pillar and an important partner.”

The deputy foreign minister described the Kingdom’s agreement with Iran as “a clear demonstration of political maturity and sense of responsibility for the Middle East developments.”

Saudi Arabia and Iran spent four days in talks between March 6 and March 10. The dialogue resulted in an agreement to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in the two countries.

The deputy foreign minister also highlighted the bilateral ties between the Kingdom and the Czech Republic.

He said that the visit from the Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky in May 2023 only reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s interest in “deepening ties with the Kingdom.”

Marian emphasized that he hopes that he can host his Saudi counterparts in Prague in the near future.

“We are keen to discuss regional developments, instruments for ensuring sustainable energy security, and new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation,” he said.

“The Kingdom’s reform framework Vision 2030 in this respect represents a huge opportunity for Czech companies who can offer expertise and transfer of technologies.”


Saudi FM and Blinken discuss strategic partnership during Riyadh visit

Saudi FM and Blinken discuss strategic partnership during Riyadh visit
Updated 2 min 42 sec ago

Saudi FM and Blinken discuss strategic partnership during Riyadh visit

Saudi FM and Blinken discuss strategic partnership during Riyadh visit

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council states’ ministerial meeting in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of the strategic Saudi-US partnership and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. They also discussed regional and international developments.

The two sides also discussed the most prominent issues raised in the US-Gulf meeting, and ways to strengthen US-Gulf relations in various fields.
The meeting was attended by Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the US.


13th Saudi relief plane lands in Sudan

13th Saudi relief plane lands in Sudan
Updated 39 min 59 sec ago

13th Saudi relief plane lands in Sudan

13th Saudi relief plane lands in Sudan
  • Plane was carrying 30 tons of food baskets and medical supplies

RIYADH: A 13th Saudi relief plane on Wednesday landed at Port Sudan New International Airport carrying 30 tons of food baskets and medical supplies, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The latest aid flight is part of the Kingdom’s air bridge initiative, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, to help the people of Sudan.
 


Saudi authorities foil drug-smuggling attempts

Saudi authorities foil drug-smuggling attempts
Updated 40 min 13 sec ago

Saudi authorities foil drug-smuggling attempts

Saudi authorities foil drug-smuggling attempts
  • A number of people were arrested in connection with the smuggling bids

RIYADH: Saudi border patrols in the Najran, Jazan, and Asir regions have thwarted attempts to smuggle 62.5 tons of qat, 1.842 tons of hashish, and 692,106 tablets of a controlled drug into the Kingdom.

Col. Misfer Al-Quraini, spokesperson for the General Directorate of Border Guard, said a number of people had been arrested in connection with the smuggling bids and their cases referred to the Public Prosecution, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Earlier on Wednesday, authorities arrested three nationals in two separate attempts to smuggle and sell illegal drugs in the Kingdom.


Saudi envoy to Bangladesh visits Makkah Route airport hall in Dhaka

Saudi envoy to Bangladesh visits Makkah Route airport hall in Dhaka
Updated 07 June 2023

Saudi envoy to Bangladesh visits Makkah Route airport hall in Dhaka

Saudi envoy to Bangladesh visits Makkah Route airport hall in Dhaka
  • Al-Dahilan was briefed on the airport hall, procedures in Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to facilitate the pilgrimage

RIYADH: Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Issa bin Youssef Al-Dahilan recently visited a hall dedicated to the Kingdom’s Makkah Route initiative at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The scheme allows pilgrims to pass seamlessly through immigration facilities at airports in their respective countries.

Al-Dahilan was briefed on the progress of work at the airport hall as well procedures implemented in Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to facilitate the pilgrimage.

The envoy said the initiative, launched by the Interior Ministry, was aimed at streamlining the whole pilgrim travel experience, enabling Hajj visitors from seven countries to complete immigration, cargo, and travel procedures prior to departing for the Kingdom.

Al-Dahilan lauded Bangladesh, Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkiye, and the Ivory Coast for their participation in the initiative.