Saudi Ministry of Media launches ninth ‘Media Oasis,’ coinciding with Trump visit
Saudi Ministry of Media launches ninth ‘Media Oasis,’ coinciding with Trump visit/node/2600606/saudi-arabia
Saudi Ministry of Media launches ninth ‘Media Oasis,’ coinciding with Trump visit
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The ninth Media Oasis, a flagship initiative of the Saudi Ministry of Media, began in Riyadh on Tuesday, coinciding with the visit to the Kingdom by US President Donald Trump. (Supplied)
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The ninth Media Oasis, a flagship initiative of the Saudi Ministry of Media, began in Riyadh on Tuesday, coinciding with the visit to the Kingdom by US President Donald Trump. (Supplied)
Saudi Ministry of Media launches ninth ‘Media Oasis,’ coinciding with Trump visit
More than 2,500 media professionals expected to attend 2-day event in Riyadh showcasing new media technologies
Updated 13 May 2025
Arab News
Riyadh: The ninth Media Oasis, a flagship initiative of the Saudi Ministry of Media, began in Riyadh on Tuesday, coinciding with the visit to the Kingdom by US President Donald Trump.
The two-day event at Riyadh’s Green Halls venue is showcasing new media technologies and includes a number of multi-zoned exhibitions within a 2,000-square-meter space, organizers said. It also aims to provide a dynamic platform supporting extensive coverage of Trump’s visit, and highlight Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving global image, they added.
More than 2,500 local and international journalists and other media professionals were expected to attend, making it one of the largest media-related gatherings in the region. It is held in collaboration with the Quality of Life Program, one of the key pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and economic diversification.
The event features an “Oasis Valley” zone set up to provide live coverage of the US president’s visit. Another prominent feature is the “Oasis Exhibition” zone, which offers in-depth information and insights about the transformative initiatives launched under Vision 2030.
There is also a focus on ongoing collaborative projects between the Kingdom and the US in sectors such as infrastructure and tourism. A dedicated exhibition marking 90 years of Saudi-American diplomatic relations traces the shared history of the two nations, highlighting pivotal moments in the relationship and shedding light on the cultural, political and economic foundations that have helped shape decades of cooperation.
In addition, four advanced studios have been created on-site to allow local and international TV networks to provide uninterrupted, professional-grade reporting.
Government agencies and other key Vision 2030 stakeholders actively involved in the event include the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, the NEOM megacity project, New Murabba Development Company, Qiddiya Investment Company, and the official team behind Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025
National digital transformation strategy helps propel Kingdom to forefront of international standards, officials say
Saudi Arabia cited as Tier 1 ‘role-modeling’ nation by UN specialist agency, further underlining its world standing
Updated 07 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook.
The cybersecurity indicator ranking reflects what officials describe as continued support from the country’s leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Officials added the leadership’s national digital transformation strategy has helped propel the Kingdom to the forefront of international benchmarks.
They also said the Kingdom’s achievements in cybersecurity stem from a comprehensive, long-term strategy that balances national security with economic and technological development.
Saudi Arabia was also designated a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, further underlining its international standing.
Central to this model is the National Cybersecurity Authority, the country’s primary body for overseeing cybersecurity affairs, and the Saudi Information Technology Company, which serves as its technical and strategic partner.
Together, these institutions have helped strengthen national cyber defenses, localize key technologies, and expand collaboration both domestically and internationally.
The NCA, which acts as the national reference point for all matters relating to cybersecurity, is tasked with enhancing the Kingdom’s digital resilience by safeguarding critical infrastructure, key sectors, and government services.
It is also responsible for setting policies, frameworks, and standards while encouraging innovation, investment, and growth within the Kingdom’s cybersecurity sector.
These initiatives form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to build a secure and trusted digital environment that supports economic growth and global cooperation.
Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar
Updated 07 July 2025
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city’s new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar.
Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting.
For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.
Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
“The most challenging aspect has been getting to the station and back home in a way that made sense. I’d say parking is an issue if you don’t go early,” he said.
“I go before it gets too hot to walk from the parking to the station … The stations are well AC’d … but it does get hot, so you just have to bear it.”
He recommends that passengers take a seat during the transit, whenever they are available, to minimize the burden of the trip.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Riyadh Metro features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.
• The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution.
• Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.
“Getting first class is worth it, and avoiding the rush and the sun. If you’re walking from the car to the station, I see a lot of people taking umbrellas, so that helps.”
Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads.
The system includes several sustainable features, such as energy-efficient trains and stations, and regenerative braking technology that helps cut energy use.
To boost accessibility, rideshare platforms such as Uber are offering free connections through the RPT Link service, which transports passengers to metro stations within a 3 km radius.
Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
Nouf Al-Dossari, a content creator, said she relies on the metro for attending events and work-related outings. “It has been cost-friendly to me and saves me lots of time,” she said.
“Usually I’d leave my house an hour before to just reach in time because of the traffic, but now I leave 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time. It’s been wonderful.”
She encourages others to use the metro during the hot months, but also advises staying hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.
Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
“I believe the most challenging part is trying to find an available seat when coming back home, and even in the morning because everyone is heading to work,” she said.
While she is used to the Riyadh heat, she still uses Uber to reach the stations for safety reasons.
“Some are located near highways or busy roads which makes it a bit difficult to safely walk to and from,” she explained.
People purchase tickets at the King Abdullah Finance District "KAFD" metro station in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 1, 2024. (AFP)
Noura Al-Dakhil has been using the metro for her daily commute for over a month and says that the transition has been relatively smooth.
“The stations I use have a big sidewalk next to it, safety measures, and comfortable access. Although the parking situation isn’t ideal — or, let’s say, nonexistent,” she said.
While she used to walk to a nearby station in cooler months, the summer heat has forced her to adapt.
The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. (Supplied)
“In the summer, I use my car and park next to the station,” she said. For those without that option, she recommends preparing for the weather, such as using an umbrella.
“It’s a game changer. And wear airy fabrics. I switched to cold caffeinated beverages, which helped too.”
The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. It features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.
The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution. Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.
Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback
Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling
Updated 07 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region.
For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.
For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
Now the traditional items are being celebrated as a lasting emblem of Bedouin heritage, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling.
FASTFACT
At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.
More than just functional, Al-Samil reflects a self-sufficient way of life and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Today, interest in Al-Samil is being reived at heritage festivals and handicraft exhibitions held across cities and governorates in the region.
The container is still valued for storing wild ghee and fermented yogurt, with the leather adding a distinct flavor. Many rural homes and farms still use it.
At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.
The market has become a key attraction for both residents and tourists looking to experience the region’s cultural heritage firsthand, the SPA reported.
They reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest
Updated 07 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh on Monday.
During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, ambassador of Djibouti and dean of the diplomatic corps, in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed economic matters of mutual interest.
