446 hobby clubs set up across Saudi Arabia

446 hobby clubs set up across Saudi Arabia
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Hawi initiative offers hobby clubs in pottery making, fashion, artisanry, public speaking and reading. (Twitter: @HawiSaudiArabia)
446 hobby clubs set up across Saudi Arabia
2 / 2
Hawi initiative offers hobby clubs in pottery making, fashion, artisanry, public speaking and reading. (Twitter: @HawiSaudiArabia)
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Updated 04 June 2023
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446 hobby clubs set up across Saudi Arabia

446 hobby clubs set up across Saudi Arabia
  • Platform offers hobby clubs for people to develop their interests and meet like-minded individuals

RIYADH: A rapid rise in the number of hobby clubs in Saudi Arabia is helping to bring communities together, as well as broaden people’s interests and opportunities.

Since the launch of the Hawi initiative, part of the Saudi Quality of Life program, in October 2022, 446 hobby clubs have been established in 50 cities and provinces around the Kingdom.

From pottery making, fashion, and collecting valuable items, to artisanry, public speaking and reading, the platform offers hobby clubs for people to develop their interests and meet like-minded individuals.

In recent weeks, events, activities and gatherings around the country have been organized or supervised by Hawi in cooperation with amateur clubs, attracting people from all age groups.

The activities and events are associated with the Quality of Life Program Center, which aims to register 6,000 amateur clubs in the Kingdom by 2030.

Khalid Albaker, the center’s CEO, said: “These tours play an important role in effective communication between the Hawi portal, amateur clubs, and their members, as they contribute to creating a fun, engaging, and secure atmosphere where people can practice their hobbies.

He said the leadership places a lot of emphasis on the hobby sector, and is keen to improve both the quality of life for individuals and society by providing the necessary resources to fulfill Saudi Vision 2030.

“The hobby sector is part of a comprehensive plan that seeks to achieve and benefit all segments of society, as well as for individuals’ lives to flourish through the practice of favored hobbies,” Albaker said. 


Kingdom’s transformation a ‘renaissance,’ Arab News assistant editor-in-chief tells Rome panel

Kingdom’s transformation a ‘renaissance,’ Arab News assistant editor-in-chief tells Rome panel
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Kingdom’s transformation a ‘renaissance,’ Arab News assistant editor-in-chief tells Rome panel

Kingdom’s transformation a ‘renaissance,’ Arab News assistant editor-in-chief tells Rome panel
  • Discussion held against backdrop of Saudi Village event highlighting Saudi culture, heritage and aspirations
  • ‘People-to-people’ event organized to celebrate Kingdom’s National Day and 90 years of Italy-Saudi relations

ROME: A panel discussion focusing on the dramatic changes underway in Saudi Arabia has likened the nation’s transformation to a “renaissance.”

Leading figures in media, sports and international relations gathered in the Italian capital to shed light on developments in the Kingdom.

Discussions explored Saudi Arabia’s evolving media landscape, with a special focus on the sports sector and women’s empowerment, as well as its alignment with the Vision 2030 initiative.

Noor Nugali, assistant editor-in-chief of Arab News, set the stage by drawing parallels between the Kingdom’s transformation and a renaissance, akin to the transformative period Italy witnessed centuries ago.

“The changes that are happening, they’re happening on a broad scale,” Nugali told the panel.

“They’re changing not only my country, but every country that surrounds it,” she said, adding that public acceptance and eagerness to witness these changes are a key aspect of what she described as the Kingdom-wide “renaissance.”

The panel discussion coincided with a Saudi Village event highlighting the Kingdom’s culture, heritage and attractions.

 

 

Set in the neoclassical building of Casina Valadier in Villa Borghese, the historic park in the heart of Rome, Saudi Village is showcasing the very best of the Kingdom. Over five days, starting from Sept. 25, residents of Rome will be able to explore Saudi Arabia’s culture, history, heritage, cuisine, tourist attractions and future aspirations.

The panel discussion also shed light on developments in the sports industry, underscoring its pivotal role within Vision 2030, not only for its contribution to the country’s economy, but also for its crucial role in supporting social transformation.

Nugali highlighted how the remarkable changes in the industry, from a surge in female business ownership to the emergence of Saudi women in sports leagues, reflect profound societal changes accompanying these developments.

Discussing collaborations between the Kingdom and Italy in media and sports, Gianni Merlo, president of the International Sports Press Association, said that gender equality in sports benefits everyone.

“When I was in Saudi, I was very surprised to see that the (sporting) prizes given to men and women were exactly the same,” he said.

“This is a fantastic approach that even our countries have not yet implemented, signifying that women will be more interested in investing in sports.”

During the panel discussion, Merlo highlighted the collaborations between Saudi Arabia and Italy, underlining the positive impact of sports diplomacy on fostering international relationships.

The exchange of experiences, especially in sports journalism, is a promising avenue for strengthening ties, he said.

 

 

Saudi Village, with Arab News as a media partner, was organized by the Saudi Embassy in Italy on the occasion of Saudi National Day and to celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Several Italian and Saudi companies were represented at the event, which was also attended by representatives of the Kingdom’s ministries of investment, sports and education, as well as the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Royal Commission of AlUla.

Paola Di Prospero, a representative of the Saudi Embassy in Rome, told Arab News that the Saudi Village event offers people in Rome a significant opportunity to learn more about Saudi culture and heritage, strengthening relations between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

“This year we took a different approach. Rather than hosting a private ceremony with institutional representatives, we decided to open it to the public,” she said.

“It’s a people-to-people event aimed at drawing the Italian population toward the Kingdom and its wonders.”


Border Guards in Jazan region thwart plot to smuggle 80kg of qat

Border Guards in Jazan region thwart plot to smuggle 80kg of qat
Updated 28 September 2023
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Border Guards in Jazan region thwart plot to smuggle 80kg of qat

Border Guards in Jazan region thwart plot to smuggle 80kg of qat
  • In a separate incident, Ministry of Commerce officials raid factory in Khamis Mushayt producing substandard, counterfeit household cleaners

JAZAN: Saudi Border Guards foiled an attempt to smuggle 80 kilograms of qat in Al-Aridah governorate in Jazan region, officials said.
In a separate incident, a Saudi citizen in Qurayyat, in Al-Jawf province, was arrested for allegedly selling hashish and methamphetamine. The case has been referred to the relevant legal authorities.
Elsewhere, monitoring teams from the Ministry of Commerce office in Asir, in cooperation with local police, raided a factory in Khamis Mushayt for failing to comply with regulations. Officials said it was producing and selling counterfeit household cleaners that did not meet required national standards, and used undocumented labor in violation of residency and employment regulations in the Kingdom.
During the raid, the officials added, the teams arrested a number of undocumented laborers who were manufacturing more than 37,000 containers of poor-quality household cleaners, on which were placed labels resembling those of legitimate brands.


ROSHN partners with Riyadh Book Fair 2023 as official sponsor

ROSHN partners with Riyadh Book Fair 2023 as official sponsor
Updated 28 September 2023
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ROSHN partners with Riyadh Book Fair 2023 as official sponsor

ROSHN partners with Riyadh Book Fair 2023 as official sponsor
  • Company will host children’s creative workshops, two panel sessions

RIYADH: ROSHN, Saudi Arabia’s national real estate developer and Public Investment Fund-backed giga-project, is the official sponsor and partner of the Riyadh Book Fair 2023, as part of its Yuhyeek corporate social responsibility program.

The event, which runs until Oct. 8, features one of the most diverse cultural programs in the Arab world.

In addition to its sponsorship, the company will host various activities, including children’s creative workshops, alongside storyteller Ibrahim Al-Maidi and several literary guests.

The firm will also host two panel sessions with Sumayah Al-Solaiman, the CEO of the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission, as well as sponsor five publishing awards.

ROSHN’s group chief marketing and communications officer, Ghada Al-Rumayan, said: “Our dedication goes beyond business benchmarks; it’s about empowering minds, heartening experiences, and elevating the quality of life across the Kingdom.

“By ardently supporting pivotal cultural events like the Riyadh Book Fair, we’re deepening our connection with the rich cultural, artistic, and literary heritage of Saudi society.

“The event, a beacon of literature’s transformative essence, welcomes individuals from every walk of life, emphasizing the enduring allure of books in promoting personal and intellectual growth.

“With enthusiasm, we look forward to collaborating with authors, publishers, and the broader cultural and creative community, fostering a lifelong love for literature, heritage, arts, and culture,” she added.

The company has previously supported other initiatives linked to community enrichment, the arts, culture cultivation, responsible environmental practices, health and welfare enhancement, and the progression of education and innovation.

And it has collaborated with the ROSHN Saudi League, Riyadh Season, and Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
 


Saudi crown prince receives written message from Chad president

Saudi crown prince receives written message from Chad president
Updated 28 September 2023
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Saudi crown prince receives written message from Chad president

Saudi crown prince receives written message from Chad president
  • Message related to bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to expand them in various fields.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby relating to bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to expand them in various fields.
The message was received by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during his meeting with Chadian Ambassador to the Kingdom Hassan Saleh Algadam Aldjinedi on Thursday in Riyadh.
The two officials reviewed aspects of bilateral relations as well as issues of mutual interest, Saudi Press Agency reported.


World Expo 2030 host country to be elected Nov. 28

World Expo 2030 host country to be elected Nov. 28
Updated 28 September 2023
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World Expo 2030 host country to be elected Nov. 28

World Expo 2030 host country to be elected Nov. 28
  • Saudi Arabia’s candidature is for a World Expo in the city of Riyadh between Oct. 1, 2030 and Mar. 31, 2031 under the theme ‘The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow’
  • Host country will be elected by member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) during the organization’s 173rd General Assembly on Nov. 28

PARIS: Three countries are in the running to host World Expo 2030: Saudi Arabia (in Riyadh), the Republic of Korea (in Busan) and Italy (in Rome).

The host country will be elected by member states of the Bureau International des Expositions during the organization’s 173rd general assembly, taking place on 28 November.

• Saudi Arabia’s candidature is for a World Expo in the city of Riyadh between 1 October 2030 and 31 March 2031 under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”

• The Republic of Korea’s candidature is for a World Expo in the city of Busan between 1 May and 31 October 2030 under the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.”

• Italy’s candidature is for a World Expo in the city of Rome between 1 May and 31 October 2030 under the theme “People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation.”

During the 173rd General Assembly on 28 November, following Expo progress reports, each of the three candidates will make final presentations of their Expo projects.

Eligible and present member states of the BIE, represented by government-appointed delegates, will then vote for the World Expo 2030 host country by secret ballot using electronic voting. Each member state has one vote.

BIE rules stipulate that in the case of more than two candidates, a candidate must gather two-third of votes cast to be elected outright.

With three countries in the running to host World Expo 2030, if no candidate gathers two-third of votes cast in the first round, the third-place candidate is eliminated and the two remaining candidates will immediately move into a second round. The host country of World Expo 2030 will then be elected by a simple majority.

World Expos, officially known as International Registered Exhibitions, are global gatherings of nations addressing universal challenges of our time. These unparalleled global events offer a journey inside a chosen theme through engaging and immersive activities.

Taking place every five years and lasting up to six months, World Expos welcome tens of millions of visitors, allow countries to build extraordinary pavilions, and transform the host city for years to come.

The most recent World Expo, Expo 2020 Dubai, took place under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” and received over 24 million visits.

The next World Expo, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, will take place between April 13 and Oct. 13, 2025, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

For more information on the candidature process.