Camel festivals attract investors, promote growth

The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
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The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
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The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
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The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
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The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
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Updated 30 September 2024
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Camel festivals attract investors, promote growth

The Camel Avenue Festival is currently taking place in Taif. (SPA)
  • Since Sept. 19, camel owners have competed in 36 rounds
  • The festival, which ends on Oct. 1, features a total of 40 rounds and offers 300 prizes worth SR20 million

RIYADH: The judging committee and spectators at the Camel Avenue Festival in Taif witnessed a dazzling display of over 1,900 camels in a single day, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Since Sept. 19, camel owners have competed in 36 rounds. The festival, which ends on Oct. 1, features a total of 40 rounds and offers 300 prizes worth SR20 million ($5.3 million).

Camel festivals are valuable for heritage and economic growth, providing significant opportunities for citizens and investors in the camel industry.

The economic returns from these festivals stimulate investment and create new avenues for growth in Saudi Arabia.

Marzouq bin Fawaz Al-Dhiabi, an investor in the camel market, said that auction sales alone reached over SR6 million, while private deals among owners exceeded SR30 million.

The festival’s camel market saw more than 250 daily transactions involving a wide range of camels.

About 15,000 camels of various colors were on display, attracting investors from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries.


Saudi crown prince, Pakistani PM meet in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince, Pakistani PM meet in Riyadh
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince, Pakistani PM meet in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince, Pakistani PM meet in Riyadh
  • Sharif and his accompanying delegation in Kingdom to attend FII summit

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The prime minister and his accompanying delegation are in the Kingdom to attend the Future Investment Initiative conference.

During the conference, Sharif shared with attendees his government was looking forward to forging new partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), education and health.

Speaking at the summit, Sharif said Pakistan was laying foundations for a knowledge-based economy, driven by innovation in the domains of AI, education and health.


Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia
Updated 9 min 31 sec ago
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Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia
  • Ben Elliot, founder of the luxury services company Quintessentially, highlights development of key tourism destinations AlUla and NEOM
  • Hollywood TV producer Brent Montgomery says he sees great potential for the Saudi entertainment industry in an increasingly interconnected world

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has experienced an “avalanche” of opportunities in the entertainment and tourism sectors in recent years, an industry leader told the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Ben Elliot, founder of the luxury services company Quintessentially, said the developments in dining, hospitality and cultural tourism offer a wealth of new entertainment options for Saudis and foreign visitors alike.

“You’ve seen an avalanche, in the last five years, of opportunities for people not just in Saudi but people traveling to Saudi,” he said during a panel discussion.

The British businessman, a former co-chair of the Conservative Party, highlighted Sindalah, a luxury island resort that opened on Sunday and is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s flagship NEOM megacity project, as a prime example of the new hospitality offerings in the Kingdom.

“That — if we’re sitting here, God willing, in three years time — will be an extraordinary holiday destination for all manner of people, not just people from Saudi,” said Elliot.

He also praised AlUla as another of the country’s key tourism destinations. The ancient city, with its characteristic ornate rock carvings and rock dwellings, dates back about 2,000 years ago to the days of the Nabataean Kingdom. It opened up to international tourists to an unprecedented level when Saudi Arabia introduced its first tourist visa system in 2019.

“It’s amazing,” said Elliot. “But we wouldn’t have had any of these conversations three or four years ago; none of it was opened up. So I think everything is changing very fast. The key thing is to make sure that everything is done fastidiously well, not to rush some of those things.”

Hollywood TV producer Brent Montgomery, the CEO of Wheelhouse Entertainment who, among other achievements, is credited with creating the hit reality TV series “Pawn Stars,” was also a member of the panel.

He said he sees real potential for the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia, as an increasingly interconnected world presents new opportunities for the development of content in regions other than North America.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity to show and experience this region in non-fiction,” he added.

“I think the region is so serious about content … Because of Netflix and these other global platforms, you’ve seen creators, whether they be in front of the camera or behind the camera, making content that goes global.

“It used to be that when many of us TV producers would make a show in one region, it would take two or three years to hit other regions. Now, these programs hit immediately and I think people want to see it in other places.”


Crown Prince of Jordan arrives in Riyadh for FII summit

Crown Prince of Jordan arrives in Riyadh for FII summit
Updated 2 min 15 sec ago
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Crown Prince of Jordan arrives in Riyadh for FII summit

Crown Prince of Jordan arrives in Riyadh for FII summit
  • The Crown Prince's participation comes as the FII marks its eighth edition

RIYADH: Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday with his accompanying delegation to attend the Future Investment Initiative (FII), Saudi Press Agency reported.

At King Khalid International Airport, the crown prince was received by Deputy Governor of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz; Saudi Ambassador to Jordan, Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi; Jordanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Haitham Abu Alfoul; and several other senior officials.

The Crown Prince’s participation comes as the FII marks its eighth edition, themed ‘Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow,’ which convenes over 6,000 participants from around the world, including heads of state, business leaders, and policymakers.

Launched by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2017, the forum has gained international prominence as a platform for discussions on investment, economic trends, and sustainable development.

This year, participants will explore pressing issues such as advancements in artificial intelligence, the transition to clean energy, and the future of global finance.

The FII aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil by fostering innovation and forging global partnerships to drive long-term economic growth.


Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire
Updated 29 October 2024
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Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire
  • The cabinet said Saudi Arabia was optimistic that this gathering will yield concrete measures to bolster international peace efforts, establish a timeline for a sovereign Palestinian state

The Saudi cabinet expressed optimism that Wednesday’s high-level meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in Riyadh will establish a timeline for a sovereign Palestinian state and advance efforts to end the occupation.

Reiterating its position from the recent BRICS Plus 2024 Summit, the cabinet firmly opposed any escalation of conflict in the region.

It highlighted the serious threat that ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza pose to both regional and global security, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unobstructed humanitarian assistance, and a renewed commitment to achieving lasting peace.

The cabinet also stressed the importance of coordinated support for Lebanon, as articulated at the "International Conference in Support of the People and Sovereignty of Lebanon."

Saudi Arabia emphasized the need for collective assistance to help Lebanon navigate its current crisis, alleviate humanitarian impacts, and strengthen state institutions to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and extend full sovereignty across all territories.


Indonesia’s vibrant culture shines bright at Suwaidi Park

Indonesia’s vibrant culture shines bright at Suwaidi Park
Updated 29 October 2024
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Indonesia’s vibrant culture shines bright at Suwaidi Park

Indonesia’s vibrant culture shines bright at Suwaidi Park
  • Music, dance and food feature at ‘Indonesia Days’ event
  • Praise for Kingdom’s ‘remarkable’ care for other cultures 

RIYADH: The three-day “Indonesia Days” event at Suwaidi Park in Riyadh was a captivating celebration of the rich and vibrant culture of the archipelago.

Concluding on Oct. 29, the event not only showcased the diverse traditions of Indonesia but also highlighted the broader cultural tapestry found within Saudi Arabia, fostering an interactive and engaging experience for all attendees.

As visitors entered the park, they were greeted by the lively sounds of traditional Indonesian music. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the graceful rhythms of the performers.

The performances featured talented musicians and dancers who delighted with their distinctive tunes and movements, creating a joyful sense of community.

A range of games and competitions were designed to introduce young visitors to Indonesia’s rich culture in a fun and educational manner. 

The main stage was a focal point showcasing a variety of artistic performances that included mesmerizing traditional dances and authentic Indonesian songs. 

Each performance told a story, immersing the audience in the cultural narratives that have been passed down through generations. The vibrant costumes and intricate choreography highlighted the beauty and diversity of Indonesian art forms. 

The “Indonesia Days” event featured a bustling bazaar filled with an array of traditional dishes. Food stalls offered everything from savory street snacks to exquisite main courses, allowing for a gastronomic journey through Indonesia. 

The bazaar included shops selling traditional outfits, antiques and cultural artifacts, offering a glimpse into the nation’s artistic heritage. 

Among the unique offerings was a shop Wonderful Indonesia, which specialized in puppets representing famous Indonesian characters.

One of the highlights was the Wayang, a traditional form of puppet theater that originated from the Indonesian island of Java. Wayang performances are still popular in Indonesia, notably in Java and Bali, where they are often featured in rituals, ceremonies and tourist attractions. 

Layla Bieserova, who was selling Wayang dolls, said it was part of the culture. “Each one has a different personality, and it’s like a puppet show that tells a story,” she explained. 

On her experiences in the Kingdom, she said: “I am happy with what is happening in Saudi Arabia and the openness we are witnessing here. The way they care about other cultures is truly remarkable. 

“For example, this event at Suwaidi Park, where everyone is dancing to Indonesian music and joining in with the performers, is wonderful to see.” 

The event provided an opportunity for the Indonesian expatriate community to connect and enjoy traditional dances and food that remind them of home.

Suwaidi Park has hosted events featuring India and the Philippines, and will soon welcome cultural nights from Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, the Levant, Bangladesh and Egypt.

Entry into the park is free.