Halloween revelers experience glory and gore on Riyadh Boulevard

Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
The event was complete with enhanced sound effects and spooky decorations. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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The event was complete with enhanced sound effects and spooky decorations. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
A witch with velvety red hair and a festive hat, accompanied by her friend Catwoman. They told Arab News about their experience:
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A witch with velvety red hair and a festive hat, accompanied by her friend Catwoman. They told Arab News about their experience: "There’s an energy inside of us, we have to let it out." (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Another attendee decided to represent his love for Western movies and zombie gore, combining the two as he dressed as a decayed cowboy:
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Another attendee decided to represent his love for Western movies and zombie gore, combining the two as he dressed as a decayed cowboy: "This is the second costume event they’ve had at the Boulevard. It’s really great and all the young men and women are out in amazing costumes." (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Khaled Alharbi came with his family dressed up as a bloodied doctor, a nurse, and a consultant. They arrived at the Boulevard just in time for the city’s biggest costume party. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Khaled Alharbi came with his family dressed up as a bloodied doctor, a nurse, and a consultant. They arrived at the Boulevard just in time for the city’s biggest costume party. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event. (AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
One attendee, Abdulrahman, showcased the North American mythological creature Wendigo. This was Abdulrahman’s first time celebrating Halloween in the country.(AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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One attendee, Abdulrahman, showcased the North American mythological creature Wendigo. This was Abdulrahman’s first time celebrating Halloween in the country.(AN Photo/Saleh AlGhannam)
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Updated 29 October 2022

Halloween revelers experience glory and gore on Riyadh Boulevard

Halloween revelers experience glory and gore on Riyadh Boulevard
  • Dressed-up visitors were granted free entry to the Boulevard on the condition that they wore scary costumes

RIYADH: Spooky season festivities began in Riyadh after the Boulevard was transformed into a venue-wide costume party during the “Scary Weekend” event, which took place on Thursday and Friday.

Dressed-up visitors were granted free entry to the Boulevard on the condition that they wore scary costumes.

The event was dedicated to showcasing terrifying disguises and parading the creative designs of Saudis and residents. The goal was to create an atmosphere filled with fun, thrills and excitement as people discovered the stories behind various character costumes.

One attendee, Abdulrahman, showcased a costume of the North American mythological creature Wendigo. The legend says that the folkloric creature is a malevolent spirit that possesses human beings, calls on feelings of greed and hunger, and cannibalizes people, feeding on their flesh. This was Abdulrahman’s first time celebrating Halloween in the country.

“It’s a great celebration, honestly, and there’s a spirit of joy… In terms of haram or halal, I don’t know about it. We celebrate it just for the fun of it and nothing else. We don’t believe in anything,” he told Arab News.

While Halloween has long been shunned across the Gulf, attendees at the event described the occasion as a form of harmless entertainment.

One eventgoer, Khaled Alharbi, said: “Actions are based on intentions. I’m just here to have fun.”

Alharbi came with his family, with members dressed as a bloodied doctor, nurse and consultant. They created a backstory behind their costumes, arriving at the Boulevard just in time for the city’s biggest costume party. Alharbi carried a two-year old family member dressed as witch, who playfully cast an insanity spell on the rest of the family.

This was also the family’s first time celebrating Halloween.

Nearby, another witch sat with velvety red hair and a festive hat, accompanied by her friend, dressed as Catwoman. Sitting on a sidewalk, completing their costumes with temporary tattoos, the two told Arab News about their experience.

“I tried to create a mix of jewelry and eyeliner tattoos. I think makeup inspires me as well. This is my first time celebrating Halloween. Last year I missed the date, so I will not miss it this time,” the witch, Ameera, said.

The pair added that the event was a great occasion to express their creativity and celebrate with the Saudi public. Both work in a hospital and said that dressing up was a great way to relieve stress and enjoy themselves.

“I support it. There’s an energy inside of us — we have to let it out. This celebration is the place to channel this energy. If there’s someone really creative and talented, who has a vivid imagination, they can let it out these days. For example, through drawing or cinematic makeup,” Ameera said.

Another attendee, Abdulaziz bin Khaled, decided to represent his love for Western movies and zombie gore, combining the two as he dressed as a decayed cowboy carrying a sign that read: “Be Careful It’s A Zombie.”

Bin Khaled said: “That’s my favorite type of movie: Cowboys, American wars, scary movies and Westerns. I love the Denzel Washington movie ‘The Magnificent Seven.’

“This is the second costume event they’ve had at the Boulevard. It’s really great and all the young men and women are out in amazing costumes. Everyone’s creating cool things inspired by movies and horror, and others. It’s so good that we can see this during Riyadh Season,” he added.

The event was complete with a fireworks show, enhanced sound effects and spooky decorations. A similar event took place earlier this year at Boulevard Riyadh City and Winter Wonderland on March 17 and 18.


Umrah pilgrims must book via app, says Saudi interior ministry

Umrah pilgrims must book via app, says Saudi interior ministry
Updated 22 March 2023

Umrah pilgrims must book via app, says Saudi interior ministry

Umrah pilgrims must book via app, says Saudi interior ministry

JEDDAH: Pilgrims who wish to perform the Muslim Umrah ritual are now required to reserve an appointment via the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps, the Saudi interior ministry announced on Tuesday.

“The Umrah security plan for (this) year included managing and organizing crowds and traffic, providing humanitarian services, supporting and empowering the entities participating in implementing the plan, and distributing manpower,” said Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami.

He said that there were a “sufficient” number of bookings available, and called on pilgrims to adhere to their specific dates, all of which were being organized in coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

He was speaking to reporters during a press conference for the leaders of the Umrah security forces on the ministry’s plans and preparations for this year’s Umrah season at the 911 Unified Operations Center in Makkah, the state-run SPA news agency reported.

“The expected densities in public transport stations at the entrances to Makkah and the vicinity of the Third Ring Road and next to the Holy Mosque of Makkah were taken into account, and the paths were reorganized to ensure crowd movement safety,” Al-Bassami said.

He stressed the importance of wearing face masks to preserve public health and in compliance with instructions for preventive measures and health regulations.

Al-Bassami said that large crowds would be directed accordingly and beggars who entered these sites would be dealt with firmly and strictly.

Director-General of Civil Defense Maj. Gen. Hammoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj said: “The General Directorate of Civil Defense has completed its preparations in all sites frequented by pilgrims and visitors to ensure readiness, fire prevention and protection, especially in areas that witness high density.”

He said that the Civil Defense had coordinated with authorities to take legal measures by applying regulations and controlling violations.

Al-Faraj said that the directorate was ready for intensive deployment around the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and important sites through safety inspectors and support forces.

He praised the fire and rescue services in Makkah, Madinah, the holy site centers, and the deployment of mobile units at specific times.

Al-Faraj also praised the creation of a number of rapid intervention teams, especially in the central area in Makkah, around the Prophet’s Mosque and other vital sites.

Maj. Gen. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Passports, said that his authority had worked on early social and technical preparations and equipment for the Umrah season, developed plans and executive programs, raised media awareness, enhanced communication, and supported and assisted operating agencies for pilgrims.

He said that the directorate had completed its operational preparations by equipping ports with manpower and modern technologies to easily complete the procedures for pilgrims at all international ports, through qualified staff that spoke a number of languages to guide visitors to adhere to Umrah instructions.


King Salman sends best wishes for Ramadan to Saudi citizens and all Muslims

King Salman sends best wishes for Ramadan to Saudi citizens and all Muslims
Updated 22 March 2023

King Salman sends best wishes for Ramadan to Saudi citizens and all Muslims

King Salman sends best wishes for Ramadan to Saudi citizens and all Muslims
  • It came as he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting, during which ministers reviewed the outcome of recent meetings and approved a number of international agreements

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Tuesday sent his best wishes for Ramadan to citizens of the Kingdom and Muslims everywhere, expressing his hope that the holy month will bring hope and peace to Muslims and the entire world.

He instructed authorities involved in providing services for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques to continue to work with the highest levels of efficiency and excellence to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and tranquility, the Saudi press Agency reported.

The king was speaking as he chaired the weekly Cabinet session at Irqah Palace in Riyadh, after the Supreme Court announced that Ramadan would begin on Thursday.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari said ministers reviewed a number of issues that were discussed during meetings involving senior Saudi officials in the past week that aimed to develop relations and cement the regional and international status and role of the Kingdom.

Ministers reviewed Saudi Arabia’s participation during the 49th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, during which its representatives affirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for joint action, particularly in the humanitarian and development fields, and its unwavering stance in support of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect worldwide.

The Cabinet noted the Kingdom’s pledge, during an International Donors’ Conference in Brussels on Monday, to support the victims of the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria, help mitigate the effects of the disaster, and assist the recovery process.

Ministers affirmed that such efforts reflect the Kingdom’s constant commitment to showing solidarity with communities in need around the world and helping to address their needs.

The Council of Ministers said that recent positive evaluations by credit-rating agencies of the Kingdom’s economy reflected the effectiveness of the reforms implemented by the state, including the development of public-finance management, improvements to the quality of financial planning, and the more efficient use of resources under the financial sustainability program.

Al-Dosari said that the fact the Kingdom climbed 15 places on the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index 2022 is a reflection of the continued interest in and support for upgrading the quality of the research, development and innovation sector, which is helping to enhance the Kingdom’s global competitiveness and leadership in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding for cultural cooperation between the Saudi and Mexican cultural ministries, and another relating to the digital economy between the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and its Chinese counterpart.

It also authorized the minister of Islamic affairs, dawah and guidance to sign a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of Islamic affairs with the Somali Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs.

Ministers approved two agreements with South Africa, one for cooperation in a feasibility study for establishing a joint fund to encourage direct investment, and another for cooperation in the field of maritime transport.

They authorized the minister of transport and logistics and the chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation to sign a draft agreement for air services with the Polish government.

The Cabinet also authorized the chairman of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to sign a draft cooperation agreement for the evaluation and accreditation of Arab language curricula and programs with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization.

Ministers approved an agreement between the Saudi Public Prosecution Office and its Tajik counterpart for combating terrorism and its financing, money laundering, and other related offenses.

They also added the Human Rights Commission to the membership of the secondment and employment committee of regional and international organizations and bodies, and approved amendments to a bylaw for protecting personal data.


Ramadan Season to take place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah throughout holy month

Ramadan Season to take place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah throughout holy month
Updated 22 March 2023

Ramadan Season to take place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah throughout holy month

Ramadan Season to take place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah throughout holy month
  • The series of events aim to celebrate aspects of the Kingdom’s historical and cultural heritage that relate in particular to Ramadan

RIYADH: Ramadan Season, a series of cultural experiences and events organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, will take place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah throughout the holy month.

The season aims to celebrate aspects of the Kingdom’s historical and cultural heritage that relate in particular to Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

A wide range of events and activities are scheduled, including Qur’an-memorizing competitions, calligraphy workshops, outdoor cinemas, puppet theaters, interactive art events and a volleyball championship.

They will take place at a number of locations and venues in each of the cities, which will also offer Saudi coffee, food stalls, cafes, and shops selling Ramadan sweets, ornaments and other traditional products.

 


Saudi FM holds foreign policy discussion with researchers

Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting with thinkers and researchers in Riyadh. (Twitter @KSAMOFA)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting with thinkers and researchers in Riyadh. (Twitter @KSAMOFA)
Updated 21 March 2023

Saudi FM holds foreign policy discussion with researchers

Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting with thinkers and researchers in Riyadh. (Twitter @KSAMOFA)
  • The session’s talks covered the main aims and objectives of Saudi foreign policy

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday met with thinkers and researchers to discuss priorities in relation to the Kingdom’s policies abroad.

The session’s talks covered the main aims and objectives of Saudi foreign policy, its role in helping create the conditions for achieving the goals of Vision 2030, consolidating security and stability in the country and wider region, and strengthening partnerships with other nations.

 

 


Riyadh conference to focus on AI in healthcare

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh. (SPA)
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 21 March 2023

Riyadh conference to focus on AI in healthcare

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh. (SPA)
  • The conference will focus on applied artificial intelligence in healthcare, presenting cutting-edge technologies

RIYADH: The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh will on May 16 host a digital health conference with delegates attending from around the world.

More than 50 speakers from leading healthcare markets and thousands of attendees from at least 15 participating countries are expected to gather in the city for the event.

The conference will focus on applied artificial intelligence in healthcare, presenting cutting-edge technologies and showcasing its benefits in promoting best practices for healthcare safety, cost-effectivity, sustainability, and practicality.

The two-day meeting will include exhibitions, workshops, panel sessions, and sections on emerging technology.

Osama Alswailem, chief information officer at the center, said: “The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center believes in emerging technologies and the power of AI in advancing regional healthcare toward better care quality, efficient operations, and better patient experiences.

“These technologies complement the continuous digital healthcare transformation the country is undertaking.

“This conference will converge world-class thought leaders, digital solutions, and technologies to innovate and disrupt the current healthcare models,” he added.