A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom’s music scene

A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom’s music scene
Crowds from across the world flocked to attend A Thousand and One, MDLBEAST’s new festival concept, where global musicians like DJ Snake and R3hab have come to Saudi Arabia to perform. (AN Photos by Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
Short Url
Updated 26 April 2025
Follow

A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom’s music scene

A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom’s music scene
  • The dance music festival is equipped with four stages — Sahaab, Bustan, Qafilah, and Qasr
  • The festival also features the Bizarre Bazaar, a reimagined Middle Eastern souq where music, food, art, and culture collide

RIYADH: Crowds from across the world flocked to attend A Thousand and One, MDLBEAST’s new festival concept, where global musicians like DJ Snake and R3hab have come to Saudi Arabia to perform.
The dance music festival is equipped with four stages — Sahaab, Bustan, Qafilah, and Qasr — each designed with their own sub-theme under the main concept, inspired by the timeless folktale.
“I think (the theme) is really smart. It’s a good way to attract Saudi people as well as the expats,” Irma Saric from Bosnia told Arab News.




.Crowds from across the world flocked to attend A Thousand and One, MDLBEAST’s new festival concept, where global musicians like DJ Snake and R3hab have come to Saudi Arabia to perform. (AN Photos by Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)

She came to the festival alongside her friend, Ifeta Selimovic. The two Bosnians have been living in Saudi Arabia for several years and were excited to see a DJ from their home country, Salvatore Ganacci, on stage.
“What attracted me the most is the diversity in techno music and how there’s a mix of culture, but yet it’s so modern here … The music scene in Saudi is amazing. I love everything about it. I love the diversity the most. I love how they’re also trying to mix Arabic music with modern beats,” Saric told Arab News.

Selimovic is a regular attendee of MDLBEAST’s events, including its flagship Soundstorm festival, and was excited to see DJ Snake and Turkish DJ Mahmut Orhan alongside Ganacci.
“I love the DJs a lot, the atmosphere, how they made this whole concert and everything. And I love, also, ‘her’ zone, because it’s only us girls gathering and having fun … You are in your own world. You are just focusing on the music, and that’s it, and it’s not too crowded,” she told Arab News.




Crowds from across the world flocked to attend A Thousand and One, MDLBEAST’s new festival concept, where global musicians like DJ Snake and R3hab have come to Saudi Arabia to perform. (AN Photos by Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)

Located in Banban, where Soundstorm’s underground section took place, the four stages have transformed into magical, folkloric sets. The Qasr stage is inspired by a sultan’s palace with Arabian architecture, where electronic and experimental sounds take over; the Qafilah stage echoed the spirit of camel caravans and Saudi Arabia’s rich trading heritage, with tech house and melodic beats; the Bustan stage is a lush, immersive garden experience inspired by the ancient “Kalila Wa Dimna” tales, featuring a diverse mix of genres; while the Sahaab stage was inspired by Aladdin’s flying carpet.
The festival also features the Bizarre Bazaar, a reimagined Middle Eastern souq where music, food, art, and culture collide.
“These kinds of festivals only happen, like, every three months, so I love to come and dance and have fun,” Saudi attendee Fares Alkudsi, who came especially for DJ Snake, said.
“The music scene has been good here ever since, but before 2019 there was not much attention to it, so now they’re giving a lot of attention to the youth, they’re giving a lot of attention to the artists that we love, so it’s a good thing for us.”




Crowds from across the world flocked to attend A Thousand and One, MDLBEAST’s new festival concept, where global musicians like DJ Snake and R3hab have come to Saudi Arabia to perform. (AN Photos by Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)

William Shakkour, from Syria but born and raised in Saudi Arabia, decided to attend the festival on a whim, and said it reminded him of the first edition of Soundstorm.
“It was basic, simple, and fantastic, so I think in the next versions, it (A Thousand and One) will be better than this one,” he told Arab News.
“Saudi Arabia has become an icon for music festivals, for the Red Sea Festival, for cinemas, for everything. I think in the near future, it will be the icon of the Middle East in different ways, like cinema, music festivals, and all the other things (in) entertainment,” he said.
Vinyl Mode has been a part of the underground music scene for two decades, where many local DJs convened for the love of music, and he has since performed on countless stages during his career. On Thursday, he closed off the Sahaab stage with his house music set.




Crowds from across the world flocked to attend A Thousand and One, MDLBEAST’s new festival concept, where global musicians like DJ Snake and R3hab have come to Saudi Arabia to perform. (AN Photos by Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)

“I am excited because it’s a very new concept. We are used to the massive production at the end of the year, and I have been always thinking, ‘well, you know, what if we do something mid-year,’ and it’s happening, but with style,” he told Arab News. “What makes it special is that it’s a new moment, a new feeling, a new experience.”
Hyped-up Saudi crowds have become a testament to the strength and growth of the music landscape in the region.
“The people (are) loving the music, the people getting more, learning more, being more educated. So I believe we are very lucky to be a part of this movement,” he said.


Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations 

Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations 
Updated 06 May 2025
Follow

Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations 

Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations 

RIYADH: Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi minister of defense, met with Yemen’s newly-appointed Prime Minster Salem Saleh Bin Braik.

The pair discussed ways to boost Saudi-Yemeni relations, in addition to regional developments and the situation in Yemen. 

”I reaffirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for the government of Yemen in ways that will meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people,” Prince Khalid said in a post on X.

He also conveyed the Saudi leadership’s best wishes to Bin Braik after his appointment as Prime Minister, as well as their hopes for his success and for the stability, security, and prosperity of the people of Yemen. 

Yemen’s internationally recognized government named finance minister Bin Braik as its new prime minister on Saturday.


UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
  • Destination showcases Kingdom’s natural and cultural diversity, UNESCO official says
  • In April, UNESCO listed North Riyadh Geopark and Salma as part of its Global Geoparks Network

RIYADH: UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, visited North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, praising the destination for preserving both nature and history.

The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designated North Riyadh Geopark in April as part of its Global Geoparks Network, which aims to protect geological heritage sites and promote sustainable development.

Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, accompanied Brito during her visit.

They explored significant geological features at the North Riyadh Geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff. They also stopped to explore Ghamra Village, known for its natural adventure routes on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Brito said that the North Riyadh Geopark showcases the natural and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, and will enhance eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In April, UNESCO designated North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. The Kingdom hopes to register 13 other sites on UNESCO’s network, the SPA added.


Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection

Pixel Games adds to the Kingdom’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)
Pixel Games adds to the Kingdom’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection

Pixel Games adds to the Kingdom’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)
  • Center designed to engage people physically, mentally

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia encourages more active and social lifestyles, a group of young Saudi entrepreneurs in Riyadh has created a space that blends movement, mental challenges, and social connection.

Opened in 2024, Pixel Games is a locally developed gaming center designed to engage people both physically and mentally. It is also a testament to the vision and drive of young Saudis, who are shaping the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape.

Pixel Games adds to Saudi Arabia’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)

Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts.

While the founders would like to keep a low profile, they are working behind the scenes to address the local appetite for interactive social spaces that go beyond traditional arcades or seasonal pop-ups.

FASTFACTS

• Activities at Pixel Games range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together.

• Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.

The center features nine themed “moving rooms,” with more than 40 group-based physical and mental challenges.

Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts. (Supplied)

Activities range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together. Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.

Visitors have responded positively to the experience. Nawaf Aloggayel, a recent guest, said: “The place is beautiful, the games are different and fun, and the prices are reasonable.

Pixel Games adds to Saudi Arabia’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)

“I advise people to come … it’s the best entertainment place in Riyadh so far.”

Ahmed Al-Ahmed, marketing representative for Pixel Games, said: “Pixels is an entertainment center that gathers challenges and fun into a group of different movement activities.

“Groups can enjoy a private room, which makes it more exciting and comfortable.”

What sets it apart is its year-round availability, making it a go-to spot for spontaneous plans or scheduled outings. It provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can burn off energy, develop problem-solving skills, and socialize with their peers.

Whether you are looking for a quick group activity, a family outing, or a way to try something new with friends, Pixels offers a low-key alternative for playful competition and connection.

 


Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators

General view in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
General view in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators

General view in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
  • The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a biotechnology accelerator program to empower Saudi innovators in biotechnology and life sciences.

The initiative aims to enhance their scientific and commercial readiness, attract investment, and expand their global market reach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also seeks to boost their contributions to healthcare quality, aligning with the National Biotechnology Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030, which envisions a thriving, innovation-driven economy and a vibrant society with sustainable health and quality of life.

The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts.

It includes workshops, seminars, individual consultations, and a chance to present innovations at the BIO 2025 Conference.

The application deadline is May 8. Interviews and initial selection will take place from May 15-20, with final acceptances announced on May 25.

The ministry continues to advance health innovation and accelerate the progress of promising national projects. It encourages all Saudi innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups to register for the program and inquire via [email protected]

 


Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025

The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food). (X @ensanorg)
The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food). (X @ensanorg)
Updated 05 May 2025
Follow

Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025

The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food). (X @ensanorg)
  • Programs aim to meet needs through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, direct assistance

RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh, also known as Insan, implemented several programs during the first quarter of 2025 aimed at meeting the needs of families through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, and direct assistance.

Total expenditure on services and initiatives provided during the first quarter amounted to SR55.09 million ($14.66 million), which included basic, seasonal, and other services.

The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food).

It also deposited SR2,790,600 for the Ramadan Basket Project, benefiting 9,251 families to meet their needs during the holy month of Ramadan, and SR1,060,800 for the Eid Gift Project, helping 5,304 through special gifts during Eid Al-Fitr.

There were more than 21,000 beneficiaries from the Zakat Al-Fitr project during the first quarter, covering their food needs before Eid Al-Fitr, at a cost of SR3.86 million.

The quarterly report issued by Insan highlighted the numerous programs and activities provided by it, including Imaniyat, Pioneers of the Future, Be a Human Compass, Mualham, and Medad.

These programs included developmental and empowerment paths, helping 2,853 beneficiaries.

In line with its commitment to meeting the needs of beneficiary families, Insan provided 7,725 diverse services during the first quarter, including emergency assistance, social and health support, bill payments, housing expenses, furnishing and maintenance, contributions to home purchases, healthcare, and other services. The society spent SR19,773,339 on these services.

It also conducted 1,469 visits to families in the first quarter. These assessed conditions, listened to needs, and identified requirements. The family satisfaction rate reached 93 percent.

In an effort to empower beneficiaries in various fields, the society conducted 436 applications for training, diploma, bachelor’s degree, employment, and project financing.