GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh launches Riyadh Season 2023 edition

Update GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh launches Riyadh Season 2023 edition
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Updated 05 October 2023
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GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh launches Riyadh Season 2023 edition

GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh launches Riyadh Season 2023 edition
  • Now in its fourth edition, the popular Riyadh Season could see as many as 12 million visitors: Turki Alalshikh

RIYADH: Saudi General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh on Saturday announced the launch of the Riyadh Season 2023 edition, which opens on Oct. 28 with a ceremony organized by some of the world’s top event planners, he said in a video posted on his X account.

In the video, the event’s new branding was revealed, with Alalshikh highlighting the range of sports, music, gaming and film experiences visitors can expect.

The grand activities will take place at Boulevard Hall, an exceptional multipurpose building able to accommodate more than 40,000 visitors simultaneously and host all types of events.

Around 60 percent of the events will be “new experiences. The first of these experiences is the world of ‘Barbie,’ which will revive the history of the brand,” the video revealed.

For the first time in the Middle East, Riyadh will host the “Disney castle for its centennial celebration (and) will include amazing shows all inspired by the most famous animated Disney movies.”

Visitors can expect other new and unique immersive experiences, such as the “Dancing Fountains,” “House of Hype,” connecting the real world with virtual reality, and “Cats ‘n Cups by Mocha, Japan,” a cafe for cat lovers.

The video announced “Blippi Wonders,” an educational and entertainment experience for chlidren, the “Zero Latency Experience,” which allows visitors to interact with digital content in a realistic way, and “Five Nights at Freddy” for thrill seekers.

This season’s sports events include a heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, which “will be watched live all around the world,” the chairman said.

“For football enthusiasts, we present the Legend Museum … home to over 30,000 rare artifacts and various interactive experiences,” the video revealed, adding that the season will also host “La Liga Cafe, which will combine gastronomy, entertainment, football and sports at a new facility based on innovation and technology.”

Alalshikh continued: “In partnership with Mike Tyson, we will have a unique boxing club, which will be the first specialized striking gym in the region that will develop and train those interested in the sport.”

Riyadh Season will feature the CR7 Experience, “an exclusive museum designed around Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature and life story. It will feature all his trophies, personal memorabilia, as well as interactive experiences.”

It will also host a wrestling event featuring John Cena and a special WWE center for “fans to enjoy and live the excitement.”

This season will feature more than 30 international shows and concerts with the world’s most renowned artists and will host the fourth edition of the Joy Awards.

Visitors can expect many surprises this year, from culinary experiences — with over 100 international food trucks expected to come from London, New York and Tokyo — to adventure, with a treasure hunt competition featuring an SR6 million ($1.5 million) reward.

Alalshikh said the fourth edition “aims to create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and enable nearly 2,000 local and international companies.” It will cover an area of over 7 million square meters of entertainment experiences.

“This season is different,” he said. “Big Time.”


Saudi Arabia’s RCU strengthens partnership on cross-cultural exchange with France’s Centre Pompidou

Royal Commission for AlUla, France’s Center Pompidou sign cultural cooperation agreement. (Supplied)
Royal Commission for AlUla, France’s Center Pompidou sign cultural cooperation agreement. (Supplied)
Updated 28 November 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s RCU strengthens partnership on cross-cultural exchange with France’s Centre Pompidou

Royal Commission for AlUla, France’s Center Pompidou sign cultural cooperation agreement. (Supplied)
  • Centre Pompidou to expand in Saudi Arabia, open new art museum in Al-Ula Cultural Complex

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla signed an agreement with the Paris-based Centre Pompidou to formalize, strengthen, and expand collaboration and knowledge sharing ahead of the establishment of a new contemporary art museum in AlUla in 2027.

Officially signed in Paris on Monday, the new executive program agreement builds on the long-time cultural partners’ shared principles of reciprocity and skills transfer and creates a strategic roadmap toward a more expansive and mutually beneficial working relationship in sectors related to the promotion and conservation of art, culture, science, and heritage, said the RCU in a statement on Tuesday.

The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between the RCU and Centre Pompidou in March to develop a world-class contemporary art museum in AlUla, with defined multi-year phases leading up to its public opening in 2027.

RCU has made significant progress in its plans to establish the new museum, including the announcement of Lina Gotmeh as architect tasked with creating a new cultural destination for the ancient Arab oasis city and the wider region in the northwest of Saudi Arabia.

Chosen for her track record of high-quality designs that merge outstanding levels of creativity with sustainability, most notably demonstrated in her acclaimed 2023 Serpentine Pavilion in London, the new museum will reflect Gotmeh’s responsible, considered, and conscious vision of a modern art landmark inspired by AlUla.

Carbon-efficient and merging sensitively into AlUla’s oasis, the museum will set new standards in sustainable design, showcasing how architecture can be a catalyst for urban regeneration and environmental renewal while offering opportunities for engagement with the community through a calendar of workshops, school programs, and more.

A hub for cultural and artistic expression, the museum will create a platform for critical thinking in contemporary art by offering a regional and international collection that highlights the artists’ overall production and unique research.

The museum is building its legacy through various initiatives, including art residencies, exhibitions, commissions, and publications.

The residencies have facilitated artistic production from artists such as Daniah Saleh (Saudi Arabia), Muhannad Shono (Saudi Arabia), and Sabine Mirlesse (France/US), while the landscape program commissions work from artists like Manal Al-Dowayan (Saudi Arabia), Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim (UAE), Superflex (Denmark), and Serge Attukwei Clottey (Ghana), among others.

The signing of the new executive program agreement is an opportunity to fine-tune and enhance the existing ecosystem of successful partnerships and cross-cultural cooperation between RCU and Centre Pompidou.

With a defined artistic and curatorial strategy, the program allows for the ongoing exchange, acquisition, loan, and display of artwork and artifacts between RCU and Centre Pompidou, as well as the promotion of various scientific and cultural initiatives based around the sharing of unique items from each partner’s collection.

Centre Pompidou’s experience and expertise in creating a comprehensive strategy to attract international visitors will support RCU’s goal of transforming AlUla into the world’s largest living museum and a global hub for cultural and heritage tourism.

Nora Al-Dabal, arts and creative planning director at the RCU, said: “The signing of the executive program agreement marks a new phase in our mutually beneficial partnership that is helping to define successful cross-cultural collaborations between AlUla and our colleagues at one of France’s leading institutions.

“By establishing a clear roadmap of growth that covers key areas of cooperation in diverse sectors related to culture, heritage, and art, this partnership will allow for the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and new ideas. It will give colleagues from Paris and AlUla the chance to work closely in important fields related to museology and to contribute to the development of AlUla’s new contemporary art museum. Both sides of this partnership have a great deal to offer and … learn from the other. I look forward to deepening RCU’s relationship with Centre Pompidou.”

 


Saudi Cabinet reiterates call for complete ceasefire in Gaza

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet held a meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet held a meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 13 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi Cabinet reiterates call for complete ceasefire in Gaza

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet held a meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Cabinet emphasised the Kingdom’s view that stability can only be achieved through establishment of independent Palestinian state

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s call for a complete ceasefire in Gaza and the protection of civilians in the territory.

A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas entered a fifth day on Tuesday after the deal was extended to allow further releases of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The Cabinet also stressed the need to provide civilians with aid and emphasised the Kingdom’s view that security and stability can only be achieved in the region through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Cabinet also confirmed its commitment to combating climate change and prioritising the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment which it said reflects the Kingdom’s interest in enhancing international cooperation and finding concrete solutions to support the global economy.

The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Fifth Arab Water Conference which was recently held in Riyadh, and highlighted the Kingdom’s active role in addressing regional and international water challenges. This includes the establishment of the Global Water Organization and the provision of technical solutions that support achieving sustainable water security.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s participation in a number of recent international meetings as part of its efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with international partners, and contribute to efforts to achieve justice and peace in the world.


Saudi crown prince receives Brazil president in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Updated 16 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives Brazil president in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Riyadh on Tuesday.
  • A memorandum of understanding between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in the field of energy was signed on Tuesday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The two leaders held a session of talks and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between their countries in the field of energy, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and his Brazilian counterpart Alexandre Silveira signed a MoU on Tuesday. (SPA)

The visit coincides with Tuesday’s announcement that Riyadh has been chosen to host the 2030 World Expo. 


Saudi Arabia sends 22nd relief plane to aid Gaza

Saudi Arabia sends 22nd relief plane to aid Gaza
Updated 28 November 2023
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Saudi Arabia sends 22nd relief plane to aid Gaza

Saudi Arabia sends 22nd relief plane to aid Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia sent on Tuesday its 22nd plane carrying aid destined for Gaza, which departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh for Al-Arish International Airport in Egypt.

Operated by KSrelief, the aircraft is preparing to transport essential aid to those affected by the crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Onboard the relief plane are 39 tons of aid supplies, including food, shelter, and medical provisions. This initiative is part of an ongoing campaign dedicated to alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.


‘What Singapore did in 60 years, Saudi Arabia wants to accomplish in 15 years’: Diriyah Group CEO

‘What Singapore did in 60 years, Saudi Arabia wants to accomplish in 15 years’: Diriyah Group CEO
Updated 28 November 2023
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‘What Singapore did in 60 years, Saudi Arabia wants to accomplish in 15 years’: Diriyah Group CEO

‘What Singapore did in 60 years, Saudi Arabia wants to accomplish in 15 years’: Diriyah Group CEO
  • Media Oasis gathers Saudi delegation for 3-day event ahead of BIE Expo 2030 announcement
  • For Diriyah, chief executive says 140m sq m must be finished by 2030 to welcome people from around world

PARIS: Media Oasis is a three-day event organized by the Saudi Ministry of Media, highlighting the Kingdom’s economic, development, and culture transformation.

The fifth edition, being held at the Pavillon Vendome in Paris ahead of the Bureau International des Expositions announcement of the Expo 2030 host country, gathers a delegation of Saudi ministers, the mayor of Riyadh, and the leadership of Saudi megaproject companies, to talk about their latest and upcoming projects under Vision 2030, what the Kingdom will look like by 2030, and why Riyadh is the place to be and host the next world expo following Osaka in 2025.

The Media Oasis comprises nine sections from hospitality to culture and sport with Riyadh Expo 2030, Diriyah, NEOM, the Ministry of Sport, Visit Saudi and more present to showcase the “city of tomorrow,” Saudi heritage, and the country’s cultural gems.

The Ministry of Sport is working on 33 new events for 2024 in addition to hosting Asia 2027, Trojena winter games, with sustainability factored into the Kingdom’s transformation efforts, sustainable sports events, and activities.

Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Group, told Arab News how Diriyah was at the heart of the Kingdom’s transformation journey for 2030 and beyond.

Diriyah is a model for urban development and cultural renaissance, and an ambitious project aiming to become one of the leading culture centers, tourism hubs, and entertainment destinations on a global scale.

“We’re very blessed at this point in time to have two great visionary leaders of one time, King Salman, and the dynamic Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their vision of the Kingdom to give happiness and well-being to all its people is 2030.

“The reason why this Expo is more important to Saudi than anybody is because we feel that it will allow us to welcome people from all over the world to see the accomplishments of the Kingdom by 2030.

“The crown prince said we will not only show our commitment, but we will also physically be there to show how much this means to us and I think it was a very thoughtful and brilliant strategy,” Inzerillo said.

Moving forward and beyond the announcement, the megaprojects are in progress to achieve the targets of Vision 2030, alongside a continued conversation between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world to meet the Kingdom’s economic, culture, and hospitality objectives.

With 50 years of experience in the tourism industry, Inzerillo highlighted authenticity and passion as a driving force behind the Diriyah projects, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the birthplace of the Kingdom.

“Winning the bid is when the work begins, because we have a giant task to do to get everything completed by 2030. In the case of Diriyah, 140 million square meters must be finished by 2030 and we will be ready to welcome everybody from all over the world,” he added.

In the six years leading up to 2030 the biggest challenge was expected to be manpower.

Inzerillo said: “We’re lucky because the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a very young population, highly educated.

“What Singapore did in 60 years, what the Emiratis did just in tourism in 30 years, the crown prince wants to accomplish that in 15 years.

“Diriyah will be very famous by 2030. Now we have to get NEOM going, Red Sea going, the city of Riyadh will be unrecognizable, one of the great G20 cities of the world, as the crown prince continues his global leadership as a G20 head of government,” he added.