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

Special Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia
Left to right: Arab News editor-in-chief Faisal Abbas; Sir Ben Elliot, Founder, Quintessentially; Frederic Court, Managing Partner, Felix Capital Partners LLP; Faraz Khalid, CEO, Noon; Grant LaFontaine, Co-Founder & CEO, Whatnot; and Brent Montgomery, Founder & CEO, Wheelhouse take part in a panel during FII 8 in Riyadh on Tuesday, Oct. 29 2024. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
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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
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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, themed "The New Compass"

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 "The New Compass," 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 24 min 59 sec ago
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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.


KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships

KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships
Updated 29 October 2024
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KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships

KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships
  • Agreement enhances naval readiness, security through expanded training and technical support

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense signed an executive agreement with the Spanish Ministry of Defense in Madrid on Tuesday to support the construction of three multi-mission Avante 2200 corvette ships.

The deal aims to enhance training, experience exchange, and technical and logistical support for the Royal Saudi Navy as part of the Sarawat project’s expansion contract, the first phase of which was completed with the construction and delivery of five combat ships.

The agreement was signed by Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, chief of staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, and Antonio Pineiro Sanchez, chief of staff of the Spanish Navy.

This agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation between the defense ministries to benefit the Royal Saudi Navy’s Sarawat project by constructing and supplying three additional Avante 2200 corvettes.

These capabilities will enhance the naval forces’ readiness to defend the Kingdom, protect vital interests, improve maritime security in the region, and support the national defense strategy under Vision 2030.

The agreement includes technical support from the Spanish Navy during the ships’ construction, system inspection and testing, and cooperation in academic and practical training for the crews of the second group of Avante 2200 ships.

It also covers operational and tactical training after delivery and commissioning for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.

The three additional ships will have technical and combat specifications similar to those of the five previously delivered under the Sarawat project and will be equipped to handle air, surface, and subsurface threats with the latest combat and engineering systems.

At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, Al-Gharibi recorded a message in the VIP register, and both parties exchanged commemorative gifts and took group photos.


Saudi AI chief highlights ethical innovations at Riyadh CSR forum

Saudi AI chief highlights ethical innovations at Riyadh CSR forum
Updated 29 October 2024
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Saudi AI chief highlights ethical innovations at Riyadh CSR forum

Saudi AI chief highlights ethical innovations at Riyadh CSR forum

RIYADH: Combining the use of artificial intelligence with social responsibility has huge potential to create a better world, the president of the Saudi Data and AI Authority has said.

Speaking at the two-day Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum in Riyadh, Abdullah Al-Ghamdi said that by harnessing the power of AI, fundamental changes could be seen in education, health, humanitarian efforts and environmental sustainability.

At the event, themed “From Commitment to Impact” and which ended on Tuesday, he highlighted several of the authority’s initiatives. These included the Elevate program, to train 25,000 women; the International AI Olympiad, with participants from 25 countries; and ALLaM, the first Saudi AI system to answer questions in Arabic.

In the health arena, he talked about “Eyenai,” an AI tool developed for early diagnosis of eye diseases, which helped 846 patients last year.

He also discussed efforts to empower individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, by providing digital access to their Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development cards through the Tawakkalna app.

Al-Ghamdi mentioned the Ehsan platform which helps in the charity and volunteering sector by using AI to manage donations. This has benefited 4.8 million people, with over SR8.3 billion ($2.2 billion) raised.

Collaborating with environmental and energy ministries, the authority also applies AI to projects such as the Saudi Green Initiative’s urban afforestation, he said.

Al-Ghamdi added that by establishing the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics in Riyadh, in partnership with UNESCO, the Kingdom was demonstrating its commitment to AI ethics.

He stressed that realizing AI’s potential required collaboration among governments, companies and individuals, with a priority on ethics and human values.