Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra

Special Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at Ithra. (Supplied/Ahmed Al-Thani)
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Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at Ithra. (Supplied/Ahmed Al-Thani)
Special Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra
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Ambassador Morino Yasunari visits Ithra’s wagashi-making workshop (Japanese confectionary). (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani, Ithra)
Special Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra
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Ambassador Morino Yasunari pose for a group photo with Japanese professionals. (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani, Ithra)
Special Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra
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Ambassador Morino Yasunari visits the tea-making workshop at Ithra. (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani, Ithra)
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Updated 29 January 2025
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Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra

Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at Ithra. (Supplied/Ahmed Al-Thani)
  • Yasunari tours exhibits, drops in on sushi-making workshop
  • Locals, expats and Japanese visitors try tea ceremonies and other activities

DHAHRAN: Japan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended a cultural event in Dhahran on Monday as the two countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), where events run until Feb. 8. The envoy even dropped in on a sushi-making workshop where Arab News was in attendance.

Communal tables were set up and a professional sushi chef instructed the 20 participants on how to prepare three kinds of sushi, using select ingredients. The ticketed class allowed sushi-lovers to roll out their own sushi and then eat it.




It is the first time that Japanese culture is truly immersed at Ithra. (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani)

Those at the table joked that perhaps the ambassador popped in to see their work because he could not resist the delicious aromas coming out of the space.

One of those participants at the class was Danah Al-Harbi. The ambassador happened to visit her session, and she told Arab News that his visit showed his commitment to understanding the similarities between the two countries.

“It was honestly a completely new experience for us in the Eastern Province. It is the first time that Japanese culture is truly immersed at Ithra, and one of the most notable highlights of this event for me was the sushi-making experience.

Saudis that maybe did not go to Japan have a chance to taste the flavor of Japan. I hope to see you next time in Japan but today, you can come to Ithra.

Rieko Ono, Workshop facilitator

“I had to try it and it was truly exceptional. I love eating sushi, but I didn’t know how to make it until today,” Al-Harbi told Arab News. “Now, I can eat it after making it.”




Saudis making sushi at the Japan Cultural Days workshop. (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani)

Yasunari also visited the Japanese House experience where visitors took part in a traditional tea ceremony, serving and drinking matcha while making wagashi, the delicate, plant-based traditional Japanese confectionary crafted by hand to complement the unsweetened tea.

“The most interesting part is that I find something similar and also something in common between the two countries, Japan and Saudi, I found that the Arabic coffee and tea culture is something very close to each other, and we use this too for friendship and harmony,” Rieko Ono, who flew over from Tokyo to lead some of the workshops, told Arab News.

“I came to Saudi Arabia a few years ago, that was also fun, so it’s my second time and I love this. I’m very happy that Saudi Arabia is open now and so welcoming — I admire this.

“Saudi people love Japanese culture and anime helped us a lot,” she said. “Saudi people that maybe did not go to Japan have a chance to taste the flavor of Japan. I hope to see you next time in Japan but today, you can come to Ithra.”

 


Saudi deputy foreign minister attends BRICS meeting in Brazil

Saudi deputy foreign minister attends BRICS meeting in Brazil
Updated 15 sec ago
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Saudi deputy foreign minister attends BRICS meeting in Brazil

Saudi deputy foreign minister attends BRICS meeting in Brazil
  • Waleed Al-Khuraiji said the Kingdom aims to enhance the work of BRICS and remains committed to efforts to resolve international crises and tensions
  • Saudi Arabia was invited in 2023 to join the group, which aims to foster economic cooperation among emerging economies, but has yet to do so

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji on Tuesday attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Kingdom is not a member of BRICS, which aims to foster economic cooperation among emerging economies and promote their interests in the realm of international politics. It was invited in 2023 to join the group but has yet to do so.

Al-Khuraiji addressed the meeting during a session focusing on the “role of Global South countries in promoting multilateralism,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He said the Kingdom aims to enhance the work of BRICS, and remains committed to efforts to resolve crises and tensions while working closely with the international community to promote a multilateral and prosperous world.

The Kingdom is leading efforts to gain international support for a two-state solution to the conflict between Palestine and Israel as a way to achieve lasting peace and security for all, he added.

Faisal Ghulam, the Saudi ambassador to Brazil, and Shaher Al-Khenini, the director general of the Saudi Foreign Ministry’s International Organizations Department, joined the deputy foreign minister at the meeting.

BRICS was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa became a member the following year, and in late 2023 Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE accepted invitations to join. Indonesia became a member in January 2025. Several other countries have accepted invitations to participate as “partner” nations.


Saudi Arabia welcomes first Hajj pilgrims in Jeddah, Madinah

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser receives first group of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser receives first group of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims.
Updated 45 min 31 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia welcomes first Hajj pilgrims in Jeddah, Madinah

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser receives first group of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims.
  • Flights from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and India start the annual pilgrimage season

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser received the first group of Hajj pilgrims on Tuesday at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

The flight, carrying 396 pilgrims from Dhaka, Bangladesh, was one of several scheduled to arrive at Jeddah airport and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

Al-Jasser said: “Six main airports have been allocated to serve the pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.”

He said flights will continue until the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, supported by an integrated system of services to ease pilgrims’ journeys from arrival to departure, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in serving the Two Holy Mosques and worshippers.

In another flight from Bangladesh, 414 pilgrims arrived at Jeddah airport and were received by Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia M. Delwar Hossain and officials from both countries.

The envoy extended his best wishes to the arriving Hajj pilgrims and assured them that the Bangladesh Embassy, consulate, and Hajj mission are always available to support them if needed.

The pilgrims expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and efficient arrangements at the airport. A total of 87,100 people from Bangladesh are expected to perform Hajj this year.

The first flight carrying 442 beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative from Islamabad, Pakistan, arrived in Madinah on Tuesday.

More than 89,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel under the government’s scheme during Pakistan’s 33-day Hajj flight operation.

Pilgrims will travel to Makkah and Madinah on 342 flights, with the last departing Pakistan on May 31.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Pakistan’s minister for religious affairs, and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki bid farewell to the pilgrims at the airport.

Yousaf advised Pakistani pilgrims to strictly adhere to Saudi Arabia’s laws and respect the local culture during the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

“As Hajj pilgrims, you are traveling to the sacred land as the guests of Allah and ambassadors of Pakistan, and you are urged to respect the laws and culture of Saudi Arabia,” the minister said in a televised address as he bid farewell to the pilgrims.

Yousaf said he would “soon” travel to Saudi Arabia to review Hajj arrangements.

“I will take every possible measure to resolve the issues faced by Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and will personally be among them to provide facilities,” he added. 

Yousaf said the government was pushing to extend the Makkah Route Initiative facilities to more Pakistani cities in the future.

Yousaf said each pilgrim was provided a mobile SIM card that contains an application, which can be used to guide pilgrims with directions in case they lose their way in Mina.

Meanwhile, the second Hajj flight of the day left from Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore, carrying 150 pilgrims to Madinah via AirSial airline.

Six flights are scheduled to depart from Pakistan for the Kingdom on Tuesday: two from Lahore and one each from Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta and Multan.

This year’s annual pilgrimage will take place in June, with nearly 89,000 Pakistanis expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme and more than 23,620 Pakistanis expected to perform Hajj through private tour operators.

From Malaysia, the first group of Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims arrived in Madinah on Tuesday from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from participating countries. It includes completing all travel procedures in the pilgrims’ home countries, such as issuing electronic visas, confirming health status, and finalizing passport control at the departure airport.

Additionally, luggage is coded and sorted according to each pilgrim’s transport and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom.

Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah, and their luggage is delivered directly to their accommodation.

The Makkah Route Initiative is a Ministry of Interior program implemented in cooperation with the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and other government entities.

The first group of Indian Hajj pilgrims also arrived in Madinah on Tuesday, when 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad were received by officials who greeted them with flowers and souvenirs.

Entry procedures were completed efficiently and smoothly, thanks to the coordinated efforts of various entities operating at the airport.

All relevant authorities have launched their operational plans to ensure the pilgrims’' smooth arrival and transfer to their accommodation in Madinah, reflecting the Kingdom’s strong commitment to facilitating the pilgrims’ journey and enabling them to perform their rituals with ease. 


Foreign ministers co-chair Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Doha

Foreign ministers co-chair Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Doha
Updated 29 April 2025
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Foreign ministers co-chair Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Doha

Foreign ministers co-chair Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Doha
  • Discussions include ways to enhance cooperation between the countries in the energy, sports and tourism sectors

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, co-chaired a meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council’s executive committee in Doha on Tuesday.

The topics for discussion included ways to enhance Saudi-Qatari cooperation in the energy, sports and tourism sectors, and investment activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi and Qatari delegations also reviewed progress on initiatives implemented so far, praised the cooperation between the council's coordinating committees, and emphasized the need to maintain the momentum in service of the shared interests of both countries.

Sheikh Mohammed said the council is evidence that Qatar and Saudi Arabia are “able to achieve exceptional results in the fields of politics, security and military cooperation,” the Qatar News Agency reported.

Riyadh and Doha have also become prominent international destinations in the sports, culture and tourism sectors, he added, and role models for future hosts of major sports and cultural events. Their achievements not only boost their national economies, he said, but help project a strong image of both countries on the international stage.

Earlier, Prince Faisal was welcomed at the airport upon arrival in Doha for his official visit by Ahmed Al-Hammadi, secretary-general of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan, the Saudi ambassador to Qatar. His trip follows an official visit to Oman where he held talks with his counterpart, Badr Al-Busaidi, on Monday.


New survey to improve public health services in Saudi Arabia

The initiative uses the methodologies and questionnaires of the WHO’s World Health Survey Plus. (SPA)
The initiative uses the methodologies and questionnaires of the WHO’s World Health Survey Plus. (SPA)
Updated 29 April 2025
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New survey to improve public health services in Saudi Arabia

The initiative uses the methodologies and questionnaires of the WHO’s World Health Survey Plus. (SPA)
  • The survey targets a representative sample of citizens and residents across Saudi Arabia’s regions through individual and household questionnaires

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched field visits, as a part of the World Health Organization’s flagship plan, to improve public services, and monitor trends and behaviors.

The initiative uses the methodologies and questionnaires of the WHO’s World Health Survey Plus, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It supports the Kingdom’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing quality of life for the nation’s people.

The survey targets a representative sample of citizens and residents across Saudi Arabia’s regions through individual and household questionnaires.

These cover demographics, health status, risk factors, and healthcare system data, the SPA reported.

To strengthen the national health information system and identify sector priorities, the survey includes more than 14,000 participants across 13 administrative regions via health clusters.

It also aims to build a reliable health database, track SDG indicators, support early detection of chronic diseases, raise awareness of healthy behaviors, and guide the development of health services based on community needs.

 


Vision 2030 creates foundations for success, Saudi investment guru says

Sultan Ghaznawi, chairman and managing director of Scene Holding, speaks about his lifelong passion for building businesses.
Sultan Ghaznawi, chairman and managing director of Scene Holding, speaks about his lifelong passion for building businesses.
Updated 29 April 2025
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Vision 2030 creates foundations for success, Saudi investment guru says

Sultan Ghaznawi, chairman and managing director of Scene Holding, speaks about his lifelong passion for building businesses.
  • Scene Holding boss Sultan Ghaznawi praises ‘vibrant’ business environment

RIYADH: Saudi Vision 2030 has created an environment in which people can build successful companies, a leading Saudi investment entrepreneur said.

Speaking during an episode of “The Majlis” podcast, produced in collaboration with Arab News, Sultan Ghaznawi, chairman and managing director of Scene Holding, talked about his lifelong passion for building businesses.

“From a young age I was fascinated with the concept of creating value or exchanging value in return,” he said.

“I remember in fourth grade I used to make prayer beads. The first time I sold them in a family gathering, I made SR30 ($8). On the same day I went to the supermarket and I had the absolute freedom of deciding what to buy. That feeling ignited something inside me.”

But it was in high school, with the encouragement of his older brother, that he realized he was destined to become a businessman.

“He gave me a curiosity to find a purpose in life,” Ghaznawi said. Soon after, he created his first company, a creative agency that later became Backyard Symphony.

On the early days of the business, he said: “There was no General Entertainment Authority. Every summer there was an annual festival that happened and for decades there were three or four companies that dominated that bid.

“So we did the joint venture, developing content and integrating emerging tech with it. At that time, 3D projection mapping and holograms and augmented reality.

“It was revolutionary technology back in 2014. We were responsible for the event management, the business development, the financing and the experiential performances.”

This early success gave him the confidence to start several other businesses.

Speaking about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Vision 2030, Ghaznawi said: “He gave us the vision, fostering a vibrant environment, making the policy shift economic and political.”

Entities like the General Entertainment Authority and new sectors created opportunities, he said.

“Whether it was accelerator programs, incubators, angel investor networks, venture capital, enablement programs … the government, the customers unlocked new sectors, new types of SMEs to come to the market. And international companies showed interest in the Saudi market.”

Another of Ghaznawi’s ventures, Vibes Offices, develops and operates co-working spaces to foster entrepreneurial growth.

“The Vibes became my school of entrepreneurship because every day I meet new startups, new founders across multiple sectors,” he said. “As the trends of each sector grow, you see startups that grow and scale.”

According to Ghaznawi, building a successful business needs great technology, the right team and great timing.

“Somebody once told me a business is like a ship. You either adjust the sail or change the vessel or abandon the ship before it sinks. So you pivot. If the market is changing but you have a good foundation and you can change your strategy to adapt, you emerge.”

On the future of AI, he said: “I think it’s going to be extremely interesting to see the intersection of AI-based economies and government management with venture building.”