ThePlace: Wadi Qanuna Dam, one of largest barrages in Saudi Arabia

Photo/Saudi Press Agency
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Photo/Saudi Press Agency
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Photo/Saudi Press Agency
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Photo/Saudi Press Agency
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Updated 07 March 2023

ThePlace: Wadi Qanuna Dam, one of largest barrages in Saudi Arabia

Photo/Saudi Press Agency
  • The site is a popular tourist destination, especially during winter
  • The site is a popular tourist destination, especially during winter

With a capacity of 79.2 million cubic meters of water, the Wadi Qanuna Dam is considered one of the Kingdom’s largest barrages.
The structure, which is 326 meters long and 70 meters high, contains a water purification plant with a daily production capacity of 18,000 cubic meters. Once treated, the water travels to the beneficiary areas.
Located within Qanuna Valley, one of the country’s most beautiful areas, water flows from the dam through the valley all year round, with farms, palm and perennial trees spread along its sides.
The site is a popular tourist destination, especially during winter, and the valley is characterized not only by its running water and natural beauty, but also unique rock formations and archaeological inscriptions, plus bankside Habasha market.
A road runs along the sides of the dam allowing visitors the chance to view the breathtaking scenery.
Al-Ardyat is one of Makkah region’s governorates and is in the far south between Al-Baha and Asir in the Tihama area. It has a rich cultural heritage and a rapidly developing tourism sector.

 

 


Saudi Investment Ministry signs 14 deals at grand prix

Saudi Investment Ministry signs 14 deals at grand prix
Updated 13 sec ago

Saudi Investment Ministry signs 14 deals at grand prix

Saudi Investment Ministry signs 14 deals at grand prix
  • Deals to establish Formula 4 academies in Saudi Arabia and build infrastructure for motor racing circuits

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih was present as 14 agreements were signed during Formula One’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to help develop sports and entertainment sectors in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Investment is looking to support Saudi Vision 2030, increase public participation in sports, and sponsor talent development paths.

The agreements support the sports sector, and include qualitative projects, events, academies and medical clinics.

The deals also look to establish Formula 4 academies in Saudi Arabia and build infrastructure projects for motor racing circuits and training circuits for professionals, in addition to supporting investors in the field of sports studies and consulting.

The ministry highlights all investment opportunities in the Kingdom through its Invest Saudi platform, and allows investors to identify promising opportunities in each sector.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court calls on Muslims to look for Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening

A Saudi man uses binoculars to spot the first crescent of the moon, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, in Taif.
A Saudi man uses binoculars to spot the first crescent of the moon, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, in Taif.
Updated 20 min 42 sec ago

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court calls on Muslims to look for Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening

A Saudi man uses binoculars to spot the first crescent of the moon, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, in Taif.
  • Ramadan 2023 will begin either on Wednesday or Thursday depending on the sighting of the crescent

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening, Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Tuesday corresponds to Shaban 29, 1444 and if the Ramadan crescent is spotted on Tuesday evening, then Ramadan will begin on Wednesday. If not, the holy month will start on Thursday.

The court said anyone who sights the Ramadan crescent with their eyes or through binoculars should notify the nearest court to their location and record their testimony there, or contact the nearest center so that they can be directed to the nearest court.


Two holy mosques ready to receive millions of Ramadan visitors

The Grand Mosque in Makkah is ready to host millions of worshipers and visitors during Ramadan. (@ReasahAlharmain)
The Grand Mosque in Makkah is ready to host millions of worshipers and visitors during Ramadan. (@ReasahAlharmain)
Updated 49 min 57 sec ago

Two holy mosques ready to receive millions of Ramadan visitors

The Grand Mosque in Makkah is ready to host millions of worshipers and visitors during Ramadan. (@ReasahAlharmain)
  • Muslims will increase their visits to the two holy mosques during Ramadan
  • Presidency said it strives to provide the best services so that worshipers can carry out rites with ease and comfort

RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah are ready to host millions of worshipers and visitors during Ramadan, the head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques said on Monday.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said that all stairs, elevators, sound systems, guidance services, and technical services have been prepared to receive the influx of visitors that the two mosques will see during the holy month.

Muslims from all over the world and within the Kingdom will visit the two holy mosques, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan, to pray taraweeh, perform Umrah, and pay their respects to the Prophet.

The presidency said it strives to provide the best services and coordinate with the relevant authorities so that pilgrims and worshipers can carry out their religious rites with ease and comfort.

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Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019 have attracted a total audience of 120m

Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019 have attracted a total audience of 120m
Updated 20 March 2023

Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019 have attracted a total audience of 120m

Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019 have attracted a total audience of 120m
  • The entertainment authority also held over 50 exhibitions in various fields, including animation, games, cars and jewelry

RIYADH: The entertainment events held by the General Entertainment Authority have attracted a total audience of 120 million since 2019 and until the first quarter of 2023, according to GEA Chairman Turki Al-AlSheikh.

The record number is a result of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support for this vital and promising sector, Al-AlSheikh added.

He revealed that the authority has issued 11,136 licenses for various entertainment activities since the launch of the new licensing system in 2019.

In addition, 470 entertainment destinations have been licensed in over 42 cities and governorates in the Kingdom, while 1,402 restaurants have been licensed in 50 cities and governorates, Al-AlSheikh added.

The number of activities during this period was estimated at 8,732.

The most prominent events included the Saudi Seasons, Joy Awards, Super Classico Championship, Maradona Cup, Riyadh Season Cup, WWE shows, Oud Festival, Arabian horse beauty contests, and chess and baloot tournaments.

The entertainment authority also held over 50 exhibitions in various fields, including animation, games, cars and jewelry.

The Merwas art and entertainment factory was also established for music recording, podcasting and cinematography, and includes 22 studios in one building. It was certified by Guinness World Records as the largest music production studio in the world.

The authority has obtained several Guinness World Records certificates, which have contributed to the creation of a large number of jobs, Al-AlSheikh added.


Saudi ministry introduces 3 new fonts to celebrate Kingdom’s culture

Saudi ministry introduces 3 new fonts to celebrate Kingdom’s culture
Updated 20 March 2023

Saudi ministry introduces 3 new fonts to celebrate Kingdom’s culture

Saudi ministry introduces 3 new fonts to celebrate Kingdom’s culture
  • The fonts, celebrating the Kingdom’s culture, will be available free of charge

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture on Monday launched an initiative creating three new Saudi fonts.

The fonts, celebrating the Kingdom’s culture, will be available free of charge to individuals and organizations wishing to use them in design, artistic, and creative works, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Masmak font has been named after the historic Masmak Fortress, characterized by its durability and strong structure. The font has been described as clear and easy to read and was developed without reference to traditional calligraphy methods, the SPA said.

The second new font, Al-Naseeb, resembles handwritten notes, and has been recommended for use in headlines, texts, literary works, poetry, and children’s stories.

Watad, the third font, was inspired by the tent peg with its letters having curved corners. Its suggested use was for text relating to festivals and sporting events.

The Ministry of Culture launched the initiative in celebration of the Arabic language. In a statement, it said: “It is introducing a unique touch that gives a Saudi identity to Arabic fonts and celebrates Saudi heritage and cultural symbols.”

The fonts can be downloaded at https://engage.moc.gov.sa/fonts.