New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry. (SPA)
The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry. (SPA)
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Updated 23 December 2024
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New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry
  • Deal will help promote local talent, foster innovation

RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry.

The commission’s CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Nesma’s Managing Director Rami Al-Turki on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for collaboration in professional development and industry innovation.

The partnership aims to prepare a new generation of Saudi professionals to compete on the world stage and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for architecture and design excellence.

“The initiative aims to empower architects and designers to develop their skills and enhance their capabilities, creating an environment that nurtures Saudi talent while fostering innovation and creativity in the sector,” Al-Solaiman said.

It would also help to advance the commission’s mission to forge strategic alliances with industry leaders, she said.

Under the deal, the two sides will cooperate in areas such as industry best practice, knowledge exchange and professional workshops. It will also involve the joint sponsorship of competitions, awards and conferences.

“As a leading Saudi contractor, we are committed to providing training and creating employment opportunities for Saudi architects,” Al-Turki said.

“Our strategic partnership with the commission reflects our values of innovation, excellence and social responsibility.”

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for sector development, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem for architecture and design professionals.

The commission emphasized its commitment to advancing scientific research and creating an integrated environment that supports the sector’s creative community.


Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament
Updated 11 sec ago
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Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

RIYADH: The speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, received his counterpart from the Arab Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, during the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

During the meeting in Jakarta, the two reviewed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy carried out through active participation in regional and international conferences and forums.

They also discussed strengthening the mechanisms of joint Arab parliamentary action to serve Arab issues, as well as other topics of common interest.


King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates
Updated 7 min 37 sec ago
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King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language held a ceremony in Riyadh recently to celebrate the graduation of the second group of non-native speakers from the Abjad Center.

A total of 168 male and female students were honored after fulfilling all the program’s requirements, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said the Abjad Center offers a learning experience designed to equip non-native speakers with strong and effective communication skills.

Al-Washmi added that the program reflects the refinement of the academy’s educational model, reinforcing its role as a leading scientific authority on the Arabic language.

The initiative amplifies the academy’s educational and cultural impact in line with the objectives of the nation’s Human Capability Development Program, he said.


Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration
Updated 12 min 54 sec ago
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Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration
  • The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub

MADINAH: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and the Royal Commission for AlUla have formalized a collaboration agreement to enhance cultural exchange and establish a framework to broaden global understanding of northern Arabia’s ancient civilizations and cultural legacy.

The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub. Rooted in mutual dedication to cultural preservation and celebration, the collaboration will unlock new research opportunities and deepen insights into ancient Kingdom artistry, with special focus on the Dadanite civilization.

Experts will conduct joint initiatives in art conservation, historic research, archaeological exploration, and scientific analysis. The institutions will collaborate on exhibitions and artifact exchanges, bringing cultural treasures to international audiences.

Professional development programs covering exhibition curation, research methodologies, narrative development, and museum operations will enhance expertise among staff at AlUla’s museums and the Smithsonian.


Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting
Updated 16 min 33 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

RIYADH: The Kingdom, represented by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, took part in the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, held on Thursday via video conferencing.

Nazaha President Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous expressed his thanks to the association’s president and Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, Danny Woo, for organizing the meeting and for the association’s efforts to promote international cooperation in combating corruption.

He added that the Kingdom, represented by Nazaha, has paid significant attention to strengthening international partnerships in the fields of combating corruption and protecting integrity, and these efforts have resulted in a number of tangible achievements.

Al-Kahmous said that the Kingdom believes in the pivotal role played by the association in solidifying the principles of transparency and facilitating the exchange of expertise, knowledge and experiences.


Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital

Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital
Updated 24 min 19 sec ago
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Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital

Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital

If you are looking for an authentic taste of Japanese curry in Riyadh, look no further than Kokoro.

Nestled in Al-Yasmeen district, this cozy restaurant has made its way from Alkhobar and quickly captured the hearts of curry enthusiasts.

On entering Kokoro, you are transported into a minimalist Japanese setting that feels like stepping into a traditional home. The ambiance is warm and inviting, enhanced by the friendly staff who make you feel at home.

Kokoro specializes in Japanese curry, offering a delightful departure from the more common Indian curry. The menu features a variety of options, including chicken, shrimp, and beef curry. You will love the Kokoro Special, designed for two at a reasonable price of SR51 (about $14).

The curry here is distinctively good, offering a distinctive flavor profile. The spice levels range from 0 to 5.

You might start with some appetizers. The gyoza dumplings are a standout. They are perfectly cooked and flavorful, while the sweet potatoes are decent but don’t quite impress. For the main course, you might indulge in the chicken Katsu curry, which is crispy and juicy, and never disappoints.

The service is impressively fast.

Kokoro can get quite busy, so downloading the Requeue app to manage your wait time is recommended. While the line can be long, the food is undoubtedly worth it. You also must try both the shrimp and chicken Katsu; each dish is flavorful and well-spiced.

The vibrant flavors and cozy atmosphere here make it a memorable dining experience. If you are in Riyadh and craving Japanese curry, Kokoro is a must-visit.