More German pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, ambassador says

Michael Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Michael Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 04 October 2024
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More German pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, ambassador says

More German pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, ambassador says
  • Envoy spoke at event to mark Unity Day, which celebrates reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990

RIYADH: A growing number of German Muslims are undertaking pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, Germany’s ambassador to the Kingdom said.

Speaking at an event to mark Unity Day, which celebrates the reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990, envoy Michael Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating.

“That is just one example of how we can establish more people-to-people contact,” he said.

As well as marking the 34th anniversary of Unity Day, this year is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany.

Speaking about his work and experiences in the Kingdom, Kindsgrab said: “It’s of course a big honor to be working as German ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Germany as a country is becoming more and more diverse. It is just the right moment to be here to explore new areas of cooperation.




ide the ambassador of Germany to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab. (AN Photo/Huda BashAttah)

“It has been the most interesting and exciting posting that I have had in my career and I really look forward to the next year. I also have to say I really enjoy life here, people are enormously nice and enormously interesting.”

The event at the German Embassy in Riyadh featured a variety of activities and booths showcasing German businesses in Saudi Arabia, including the Goethe-Institut and the German International School.

A military band provided entertainment with renditions of popular jazz, rock and pop songs.

On the importance of Unity Day, Kindsgrab said: “For me, the significance is that it was embedded in European unity, because together with German unity we achieved European unity which makes Germany a country at the heart of Europe surrounded by friends.”

Undersecretary of Riyadh Region Faisal Al-Sudairi was among the invited officials, diplomats and representatives of German-Saudi businesses at the embassy event.


Saudi adventurer sets out to cross Empty Quarter on foot

Saudi adventurer sets out to cross Empty Quarter on foot
Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi adventurer sets out to cross Empty Quarter on foot

Saudi adventurer sets out to cross Empty Quarter on foot
  • Al-Shaibani will walk the full length of the desert with support from a logistics team

JEDDAH: A Saudi adventurer is tracing a historical journey through the Rub Al-Khali, or Empty Quarter, the largest continuous sand desert in the world.

Badr Al-Shaibani will begin the journey on Sunday, crossing the 650,000 square km desert from south to northeast, entirely on foot.

Al-Shaibani will walk the full length of the desert with support from a logistics team.

He wants his journey to spotlight the ecological significance of the Empty Quarter, while documenting its natural and cultural landmarks.

Beyond the expedition itself, Al-Shaibani hopes to inspire a generation of Saudi youth to take on challenges, and discover their untapped potential by stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new experiences.

Speaking to Arab News on the eve of his latest adventure, Al-Shaibani said: “It is the beginning of a new chapter of my adventures. I found myself drawn to one of the most beautiful challenges in my beloved country, which is crossing the Empty Quarter.”

Setting off from the Umm Hadid mining site, which is located in the Afif region, Al-Shaibani expects the journey to take around 18 days. He said that he felt confident about taking on the challenge.

“I am very excited about this because I have done so many adventures around the world, but this one is a special one because it is in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Al-Shaibani’s trek through majestic sand dunes and captivating natural sites will showcase the vast potential of the Kingdom’s deserts as a global tourist attraction.

It also reinforces the role of desert tourism in promoting environmental consciousness, revitalizing the cultural legacy of desert regions, and aligns with Vision 2030’s commitment to sustainable, culturally enriched tourism that draws enthusiasts from around the globe.

Al-Shaibani has previously undertaken adventures that combine physical endurance with nature exploration.

His achievements include an expedition to the South Pole, a documentary journey tracing the Prophet’s migration route, and completion of the Seven Summits challenge.


Saudi Arabia praised by UNESCO for achievements in artificial intelligence

Saudi Arabia praised by UNESCO for achievements in artificial intelligence
Updated 14 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia praised by UNESCO for achievements in artificial intelligence

Saudi Arabia praised by UNESCO for achievements in artificial intelligence
  • Report, part of UNESCO’s initiative to measure AI readiness through its Readiness Assessment Methodology, commended the Kingdom’s achievements as “global benchmark”

RIYADH: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization issued a report on Saturday that highlighted Saudi Arabia’s progress in the field of artificial intelligence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The report, part of UNESCO’s initiative to measure AI readiness through its Readiness Assessment Methodology, commended the Kingdom’s achievements as “a global benchmark for the ethical and innovative adoption of advanced technologies,” according to the SPA.

The UNESCO report evaluated Saudi Arabia’s AI readiness in six key areas: national governance; legislation and regulations; societal and cultural; research and education; economic impact; and technical infrastructure. It concluded that the Kingdom had the capacity to adopt AI ethically and responsibly while achieving sustainable outcomes.

The report highlighted the establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in 2019 and the launch of the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence in 2020 as key steps in Saudi Arabia’s AI journey, and praised the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a robust regulatory environment, promoting innovation while managing risks, enhancing education and workforce capabilities, and empowering women in AI-related fields, the SPA added.

UNESCO’s assistant director-general for social and human sciences, Gabriela Ramos, acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lay strong foundations for AI governance and expressed confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to achieve sustainable, equitable outcomes through the technology.

The Kingdom ranked first globally in the Government Strategy for Artificial Intelligence category of the Global Artificial Intelligence Index 2024, second globally in public awareness of AI per the Artificial Intelligence Index 2023, and first regionally in overall AI performance.

Infrastructure development has been another area of strength. The Kingdom increased the capacity of its data centers to 204 megawatts in 2023, and launched the cutting-edge supercomputer Shaheen 3, and advanced digital communication through platforms including the Saudi Private Integration Network Exchange.

The report also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strides in innovation and scientific research — noting that AI-related research publications more than doubled from 4,100 to 10,500 between 2019 and 2023 — as well as the establishment of institutions including the SDAIA-KAUST AI Center.


Rays of creativity: Noor Riyadh concludes after bright run

Rays of creativity: Noor Riyadh concludes after bright run
Updated 14 December 2024
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Rays of creativity: Noor Riyadh concludes after bright run

Rays of creativity: Noor Riyadh concludes after bright run
  • Festival aims to safeguard ‘Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural heritage,’ says Nouf Al-Moneef

RIYADH: Noor Riyadh 2024 concluded on Saturday after 17 days filled with creativity, art, and culture.

The festival, held under the theme “Light Years Apart,” featured artworks from more than 60 Saudi and international artists across three hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and JAX District.

Each piece was inspired by the history and culture of the Kingdom, weaving together tradition and creativity. The artworks explored the bond between humans and the environment, and emphasized the importance of preserving natural resources.

Fahd Alnuaimah’s light installation “Mangiah” depicted a caravan of white camels and masterfully brought to life the spirit of the desert. Saeed Gamhawi, meanwhile, created a sculpture symbolizing the unification of the Kingdom, composed of 21 lit columns, which became a striking icon of this year’s event.

“Energy of Vision” was an interactive installation created by Hmoud Al-Attawi that embodied the Kingdom’s vision for a bright and prosperous future, glowing brighter when sensors detect a presence nearby. The artwork depicts how “how human contributions are vital to growth and progress,” according to the artist’s statement.

Dr. Effat Fadag, curator of Noor Riyadh 2024, told Arab News that the festival is a valuable opportunity to foster artistic collaboration and knowledge exchange between creators from the Kingdom and around the world.

“This exchange significantly supports local artists and plays a pivotal role in the growth of Riyadh’s art scene, solidifying the city’s position as a global hub for contemporary art,” she said.

One of the key goals of the festival is to enhance the quality of life in the capital by providing an inspiring platform that brings together families, artists, and creatives, encouraging them to embark on a journey of artistic discovery, and “transforming Riyadh into a vibrant cultural destination teeming with creativity,” Fadag added.

Festival director Nouf Al-Moneef noted that Nour Riyadh underscores Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural and creative hub in the region. 

“(The) festival captivated global attention with its extraordinary art installations, while shining a spotlight on the vital importance of safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural heritage,” she said. “Noor Riyadh 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s ability to host world-class events.”


Saudi women shine at Riyadh falconry festival

Saudi women shine at Riyadh falconry festival
Updated 14 December 2024
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Saudi women shine at Riyadh falconry festival

Saudi women shine at Riyadh falconry festival

RIYADH: Saudi female falconers expressed their joy at participating in the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, organized by the Saudi Falconry Club.

The festival, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, runs until Dec. 19 and features prizes exceeding SR36 million ($9.6 million) for both the Al-Mellwah racing and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions.

Participants expressed their gratitude to the club for dedicating a special round to women, saying that this step is significant as it allows them to pursue their hobby professionally under strict regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported

Huda Al-Mutairi, a falconer, said she has previously taken part in falconry competitions and won first place, noting that she is the first Saudi falconer with a disability.

Al-Mutairi added that she has prepared well to compete for first place in this festival.

The festival is a three-time Guinness World Record holder for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons, SPA reported.

It brings together top falconers from around the world to celebrate the cultural heritage of falconry, encourage competition, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The club’s CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, said the festival’s primary aim was “to advance falconry as a cultural hobby, while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.”


Kingdom arrests 19,831 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 19,831 illegals in one week
Updated 14 December 2024
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Kingdom arrests 19,831 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 19,831 illegals in one week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 18,489 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 11,358 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,994 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,479 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,303 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 60 percent were Ethiopian, 38 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 173 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 25 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.