Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show

The varied National Day celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern day. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
1 / 7
The varied National Day celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern day. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
2 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
3 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
4 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
5 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
6 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
7 / 7
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Short Url
Updated 01 October 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show

Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
  • 500 Amazon assistants harmonize Saudi national anthem
  • Saudi heritage at the forefront of National Day celebrations in the historic town

RIYADH: Diriyah made history on Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day by setting a mark recognized by Guinness World Records for the largest display of virtual assistant devices.

The show, featuring more than 500 Amazon Echo devices and Alexa voice assistants, was part of Diriyah’s celebrations of the Kingdom’s national day.

According to the Diriyah Gate Development Authority news release, the Echo devices were orchestrated to harmonize Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and other patriotic songs at Bujairi Terrace.




Photo/Saudi Press Agency

Officials from Guinness World Records were on hand to witness the extraordinary feat.

“Congratulations on achieving the Guinness World Records’ title for the largest display of virtual assistant devices,” said Kanzy El-Defrawy, senior adjudicator for Guinness World Records.

“Diriyah has consistently been at the forefront of introducing cutting-edge entertainment to the people of Saudi Arabia, and this achievement reflects your relentless drive to fuse artificial intelligence with cultural celebrations.”

The DGDA’s chief executive, Jerry Inzerillo, said: “This historic moment underscores Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit and Diriyah’s commitment to preserving and promoting our rich heritage and culture.”

HIGHLIGHT

Echo devices were orchestrated to harmonize Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and other patriotic songs at Bujairi Terrace in a Guinness world record-setting feat.

Raf Fatani, Amazon’s regional general manager of Alexa in the Middle East and North Africa, said the attempt to set a world record was “a celebration of our deep reverence for the Kingdom’s rich culture and heritage. Through this collaboration, we weave a tapestry that intertwines artificial intelligence with the timeless threads of Saudi culture.”




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

The celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern-day.

South African visitor Karien told Arab News: “I feel energized. The atmosphere is just really so relaxed, and it is inviting.”




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

As you walk around, taking in the Najdi architecture in a style that blends the old with the new, your first stop takes you to the front of Salwa Palace for the ardah show, a traditional dance of swords and drums.

Next, the Diriyah Museum displays historical artifacts dating back to the First Saudi State, including a 300-year-old hand-written copy of the Qur'an, a manuscript of “Mokhtasar Sahih Al-Bukhari,” a book written by Sheikh Muhammed bin Abdul-Wahab, and the attire of Imam Mohammed bin Saud.

This historic moment underscores Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit and Diriyah’s commitment to preserving and promoting our rich heritage and culture.

Jerry Inzerillo, Chief executive, Diriyah Gate Development Authority

The various National Day displays brought together local and international visitors eager to join the celebration.

“I saw the airshow yesterday. It was great to see all the different aircraft flying around, in Saudi colors,” Dan, a UK native, told Arab News.




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Isabella, who is Brazilian, told Arab News that a high point of the day for her was learning about the internal anatomy of a horse and “how it is used to the desert, how it survives here” at the Horse Museum.

One of the highlights of the celebrations was the samri dance at the Prince Thunayan Palace. Traditionally performed in the desert when families gathered around at night, samri involves singing poetry and drumming on a daff drum while sitting on one’s knees.




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Lara, from Germany, told us that she was fascinated by how people in Saudi Arabia express their national pride on this day.

“What they wear, they decorate their cars and their buildings, and I have seen so many flags everywhere … it is really exciting,” Lara said. “I feel like so many more people out there need to experience Saudi Arabia because it is a whole different place. It is like going in a different universe.”




Photo/Saudi Press Agency

To mark the historical significance of Diriyah, a video was projected on the side of Salwa Palace showing the battles fought at the establishment of the First Saudi State.

Karien noted the progress made by the Kingdom. “There is development in so many areas. I can already see a diversity of people around. And because my husband has a mobility difficulty as well, it is interesting to see that there are more people in wheelchairs here as well.”

From poetry readings to an interactive palm tree growing branches with more online social engagement, all the while serving Saudi coffee everywhere you go, the Saudi National Day events in Diriyah were a salute to 94 vibrant years, and a welcoming of the many more to come.

 


Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo

Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo

Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo
  • Organization’s secretary-general: Israel making life for Palestinians ‘impossible’
  • International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People organized by UN since 1977

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the Arab League, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Matar, attended an event marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the organization’s headquarters in Cairo on Sunday. 

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, also attended, as did Saeed Abu Ali, an assistant on the Palestinian issue to Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, among other Arab ministers and officials. 

They confirmed full solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle to achieve their legitimate rights of freedom and independence, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Aboul Gheit said Israeli actions in the Occupied Territories aim “at ending the Palestinian presence, liquidating the project of the Palestinian state, and forced displacement, by making the life of Palestinian society ... impossible.” 

The Arab League honored UNRWA during a ceremony for its vital work in delivering aid and securing shelter for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People has been organized by the UN since 1977.

Events worldwide, including at the UN headquarters in New York, are planned yearly on Nov. 29. 


Right on track: Riyadh Metro commuters on board with excitement

The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1. (AN photo)
The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1. (AN photo)
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Right on track: Riyadh Metro commuters on board with excitement

The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1. (AN photo)
  • Arab News speaks to commuters at King Abdullah Financial District Station

RIYADH: The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1.

Stations were buzzing with excitement across the blue, yellow, and purple lines as commuters celebrated the opening of a project which was 12 years in the making. 

At the King Abdullah Financial District Station, which connects all three lines, Saudis, residents, and tourists spoke to Arab News about their eagerness to try out the city’s new mode of transportation.

Khalid Alohari, who was en route to visit his grandmother, told Arab News: “I live in the north, near to the KAFD Station, and my grandma is in the far east, so going by car was always a hassle. Now the metro will make visiting her so much easier. The experience is just phenomenal. I’ve been waiting for this.”

Medical student Khalid Alohari. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

As a medical student at King Saud University, he was eligible for a 50 percent discount on all fares. He plans to use the metro system regularly to attend classes.

He added: “A month (of) using public transport, the metro, the buses, the supplementary cars, for just SR70 ($18) for a student, it’s just something we didn’t imagine could happen. I have a station close to my home. I’m going to take it to the university, and use it for the commute.

“As a medical student, I can use the 30-40 minutes of the commute to study, and it will also have a positive impact on my grades. It’s a win-win for everyone basically.”

He said that the metro will play a crucial role in reducing the growing traffic problem in Saudi Arabia, while also making transportation a greener experience as the system runs primarily on electrical energy rather than oil combustion.

Tourists Greg and Emma Turra were visiting Riyadh from Australia. Unsure how to spend their last day in the city, they decided to hop on the train to see where it took them. They were surprised to learn that the special day was the first they could have accessed the mass transit system.

Greg told Arab News: “We were just looking at a bit of time to waste on our last six hours, and what better way than doing this? It’s not every day you ride a train on its opening day.”

Tourist Greg Turra. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

They started their journey from Alinma Bank Station on the blue line and made it to KAFD.

Emma said: “The first thing we saw was that it was brand new, modern, futuristic, and the architectural brilliance of it, really, is quite special.

“Everyone was so excited to be traveling on it — we couldn’t believe that. That’s how we realized that it was obviously the first day.”

Tourist Emma Turra. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

She added that the system could be an attraction for tourists as the city’s traffic has been a well-known problem for tourists.

She added: “Before I came to Riyadh I was told the traffic was a nightmare. And when we arrived, we took close to two hours to get to our hotel. This line goes to the airport so that might be another option for people.”

Ameera Alrumaih, a student at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, told Arab News: “I've been thinking about this project for forever.

Ameera Alrumaih, a student at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

“I’ve been seeing it being built near our house. Every outing we have, I always see the metro. I’ve been excited for forever to try it.”

Alrumaih and her friend hopped on the train from the university to grab breakfast at KAFD, and headed back to continue their classes.

Alrumaih said: “We traveled from our university to KAFD in less than 10 minutes, which is so much easier, especially for me. I think I would use it. I live in the east so from east to east I’ll still use my car, but from east to north I think I’ll use the metro.

“I’ve tried the metro in Istanbul and London. I think (in Riyadh) it is much clearer, much nicer and well-lit.”

Osama Alharbi. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

Commuter Osama Alharbi arrived at KAFD Station from Khurais Road with a sense of pride, and said: “It was so easy to come here. It’s around 15 or 20 minutes around this time but if you take a car from my house to KAFD, maybe an hour.

“When I came to the train station the support was so amazing. The (station managers and assistants) came up to the door to bring me to the ticket (machine) and tell me about the prices.”

The only issue he noted was that there was no clear direction between the standard and first-class sections so travelers could easily hop in any of the cars.


Saudi crown prince arrives in UAE on private visit

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is greeted by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival in the country.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is greeted by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival in the country.
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Saudi crown prince arrives in UAE on private visit

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is greeted by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival in the country.
  • Prince Mohammed was greeted by the UAE’s president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in the UAE on Sunday on a private visit, Saudi Press Agency reported.  

He was greeted by the country’s president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival.

Earlier on Sunday, the crown prince participated in a Gulf Cooperation Council summit held in Kuwait.


Saudi and Ethiopian diplomats discuss cooperation in Riyadh

Saudi and Ethiopian diplomats discuss cooperation in Riyadh
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Saudi and Ethiopian diplomats discuss cooperation in Riyadh

Saudi and Ethiopian diplomats discuss cooperation in Riyadh
  • Talks focus on regional and international affairs and ways to strengthen the relationship between Riyadh and Addis Ababa

RIYADH: Saudi and Ethiopian diplomats held a round of political consultations and talks in the ministry of foreign affairs’ official diwan in Riyadh on Sunday to discuss cooperation in various fields. 

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji chaired the meeting with the Ethiopian delegation led by Mesganu Arga Moach, the state minister of foreign affairs at the foreign ministry in Addis Ababa, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The two sides discussed the latest developments in regional and international affairs, ways to strengthen cooperation, and the friendly relationship between Riyadh and Addis Ababa. 

In August, the two countries established the Saudi-Ethiopian Business Council to strengthen economic ties and enhance trade and investment opportunities for the period 2024 to 2028 term. 

The meeting on Sunday was attended by Fahad Alhumaydani, the Saudi ambassador to Ethiopia; the director of the general department of expatriate affairs at the foreign ministry, Mohammed Al-Shammari; and the Ethiopian ambassador


Deputy foreign minister receives Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Deputy foreign minister receives Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Deputy foreign minister receives Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Deputy foreign minister receives Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia
  • The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, in addition to discussing topics of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji received Iranian Ambassador to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Sunday.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, in addition to discussing topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Makkah Fareed bin Saad Al-Shehri received Mohamed Rameez, the consul general of the Maldives, in Jeddah on Sunday for friendly talks.