Tourism minister launches Saudi Summer program

The event brought together more than 120 partners from across the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem, including representatives from both the public and private sectors. (@AhmedAlKhateeb)
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The event brought together more than 120 partners from across the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem, including representatives from both the public and private sectors. (@AhmedAlKhateeb)
The event brought together more than 120 partners from across the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem, including representatives from both the public and private sectors. (@AhmedAlKhateeb)
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The event brought together more than 120 partners from across the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem, including representatives from both the public and private sectors. (@AhmedAlKhateeb)
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the Saudi Summer program under the theme “Colour Your Summer” in Riyadh. (@AhmedAlKhateeb)
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Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the Saudi Summer program under the theme “Colour Your Summer” in Riyadh. (@AhmedAlKhateeb)
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the Saudi Summer program under the theme “Colour Your Summer” in Riyadh. (@AhmedAlKhateeb)
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Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the Saudi Summer program under the theme “Colour Your Summer” in Riyadh. (@AhmedAlKhateeb)
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Updated 25 May 2025
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Tourism minister launches Saudi Summer program

The event brought together more than 120 partners from across the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem.
  • New campaign features six destinations, 600 experiences, and aims to welcome 41m visitors
  • Program highlights include Esports World Cup, new resorts, and cultural festivals across the Kingdom

RIYADH: Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the Saudi Summer program under the theme “Color Your Summer” at a workshop recently organized by the authority in Riyadh.

The event brought together more than 120 partners from across the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem, including representatives from both the public and private sectors.

The workshop fostered collaboration ahead of the summer season, aligning efforts to achieve the program’s goals and maximize its economic and tourism impact.

Running from May to September 2025, the Saudi Summer program will feature six distinct destinations — from the moderate coastal escapes of Jeddah and the Red Sea to the cool, scenic highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir.

Key highlights include the Esports World Cup in Riyadh from July to August, along with the vibrant Jeddah and Asir seasons, offering diverse events, activities, and promotional campaigns.

“Bringing together our partners each year through this workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of the Saudi tourism industry,” Al-Khateeb said.

He added: “This year, we are encouraged to see the private sector contributing more than SR300 million ($80 million) in preparation for what promises to be an incredible summer. With its rich culture and breathtaking diversity, Saudi Arabia continues to inspire travelers from around the world while fueling a vibrant domestic tourism scene.”

Al-Khateeb noted that summer is more than just a peak travel period — it is a key opportunity for the sector to innovate, grow, and make a lasting impact.

“This year, we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round,” he said.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized the transformational nature of the Kingdom’s tourism offerings: “Saudi is redefining how the world views summer travel. In partnership with more than 120 stakeholders, this summer will introduce more than 600 unique tourism products and experiences, along with more than 250 special offers.”

He added: “From the pristine islands of Shebara and Umhat along the Red Sea, to iconic new luxury resorts such as St. Regis and Desert Rock, to five new beaches in Jeddah, and the cool retreats of Asir, Taif, and Baha — Saudi Arabia is turning every visit into a vibrant summer highlight reel.”

The program’s theme, “Color Your Summer,” reflects the diversity of Saudi Arabia’s tourism assets. It is designed to meet the expectations of various types of tourists, offering coastal and mountain destinations, international events, exclusive offers, and a wide range of tourism experiences across the Kingdom.


‘Frozen’ in concert melts hearts at Ithra

‘Frozen’ in concert melts hearts at Ithra
Updated 09 July 2025
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‘Frozen’ in concert melts hearts at Ithra

‘Frozen’ in concert melts hearts at Ithra
  • The film’s sweeping score was performed concert-style by Armenian State Symphony Orchestra

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture was swept into a winter wonderland this week as Disney’s “Frozen” came to life in a dazzling film-in-concert experience.

The two-day live event at Ithra, which concluded with two performances on July 9, featured a full orchestra performing the film’s score live on stage while the original movie plays on a screen with dialogue and vocals intact.

The music was played live on stage, resulting in an immersive, multi-sensory experience for audiences of all ages.

A sea of tulle could be seen as young girls in Queen Elsa-inspired ice-blue gowns filled the theater, with long lines forming at a nearby “Frozen”-themed space offering optional printed keepsakes for those who patiently waited.

Arab News spoke with audience member Norah Al-Otaibi and her 5-year-old daughter, Mai, during the 20-minute intermission.

“It’s my third time watching it — the first two times was at home. This is nice but I like watching it at home more because you can turn it on or off whenever you want,” said Mai.

“Here, you have to wait until the song you want comes on. But I like the music and singing part here more, it’s better than the regular screening.”

Mai, who turns 6 soon, attended the concert screening as an early birthday present.

Al-Otaibi, a fan of the film herself, added: “Ithra gave it a nice vibe. It’s definitely not just a regular viewing experience, they elevated it.”

Returning to the podium was Erik Ochsner, considered one of the leading conductors in the film-with-live-orchestra format. He led “The Lion King” in concert at Ithra a few days prior and shared his enthusiasm ahead of the performance.

“Perhaps we’re going to build a snowman together and you must be ready to let it go,” Ochsner told the crowd, hinting at the ever-popular songs “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”

“I’m thrilled to be able to share the stage tonight with the wonderful musicians from the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra … you are so fortunate to have such a beautiful center here, Ithra,” he added.

Ochsner conducted the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under artistic director and principal conductor Sergey Smbatyan.

At Ithra’s “Frozen” concert, the audience sang along to the catchy, now classic songs, from the film.

Released in 2013, “Frozen” was inspired by the 1844 original novel-styled fairytale narrative “The Snow Queen,” written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Arendelle, while a fictional Kingdom, is inspired by the real Norwegian town of Arendal.

It tells a heartwarming story of a newly-crowned young Nordic queen, Elsa, with secret ice-making powers who accidentally freezes everything in her path as her fearless sister, Anna, sets out to save her — and the whole kingdom.


Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 highlights nation’s culture and artists

Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 highlights nation’s culture and artists
Updated 09 July 2025
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Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 highlights nation’s culture and artists

Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 highlights nation’s culture and artists
  • Since opening in April, the studios have hosted more than 115 events

OSAKA: The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 is showcasing contemporary Saudi Arabia artworks tailored for a Japanese audience, which is aimed at promoting cultural ties between the two countries.

The artworks are on show within two cultural studios that are also used to host workshops and exhibitions.

Since opening in April, the studios have hosted more than 115 events, including exhibitions and live performances, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The events in the cultural spaces feature Saudi Arabia artists who showcase the Kingdom’s heritage.

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at Expo 2025 is the second-largest after Japan. It has registered more than 1 million visits.

Expo 2025 Osaka began in April and will conclude in October.


Saudi Arabia to host cultural week in Osaka

Saudi Arabia to host cultural week in Osaka
Updated 09 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia to host cultural week in Osaka

Saudi Arabia to host cultural week in Osaka
  • Calligraphy, art and Japanese-Saudi photographic show from July 12-15

OSAKA: The Kingdom’s Ministry of Culture will host a Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka from July 12 to 15, which will highlight the nation’s rich heritage and showcase handmade products.

Taking place at the Expo Gallery EAST, the event coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

It will feature the Heritage Commission, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy.

Additionally, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives will present a series of photographs highlighting the cultural relations between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will feature more than 700 immersive cultural activities, showcasing the Kingdom’s innovation and heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The cultural week is a part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia, Japan and other nations.


Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push

Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push
Updated 08 July 2025
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Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push

Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push
  • Leaders discuss ties and regional stability
  • Prince Mohammed urges dialogue and diplomacy as means of resolving disputes

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Their meeting came as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries and navigate a turbulent regional landscape.

 

 

During the meeting, Prince Mohammed and Araghchi reviewed the state of Saudi-Iranian relations and exchanged views on recent developments across the region.

The crown prince underscored the Kingdom’s hope that the current ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel would help lay the groundwork for enhanced regional security and stability.

Reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for diplomatic solutions, the crown prince stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving regional disputes and reducing tensions.

For his part, Araghchi expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s stance in condemning Israeli aggression, and praised Prince Mohammed’s personal commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and National Security Advisor Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Iranian counterpart in Makkah, where the two officials also discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to foster regional cooperation.

Their talks focused on the evolving situation in the region and mutual efforts to safeguard security and stability.


Cabinet commends HRC adoption of resolution to protect children in cyberspace

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet held a session on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet held a session on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025
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Cabinet commends HRC adoption of resolution to protect children in cyberspace

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet held a session on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Crown prince briefed the Cabinet on the contents of his discussions with Indonesian president and phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

RIYADH: The Cabinet commended on Tuesday the Human Rights Council’s unanimous adoption of a resolution submitted by the Kingdom to protect children in cyberspace.

The resolution, submitted by Saudi Arabia, aims to protect children in cyberspace and is rooted in the global initiative “Child Protection in Cyberspace” launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in October 2024.

The Cabinet said that Saudi Arabia maintaining 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 adds to a series of achievements made by this sector in record time.

Saudi Minister of State and Cabinet member Issam bin Saad bin Saeed said the Kingdom’s first-place ranking globally in the ICT Development Index 2025 issued by the International Telecommunication Union is a confirmation of the strength of the its digital infrastructure.

It was also testament to the attractiveness of its investment environment and the development of the local digital economy, which has reached SR 495 billion ($132 billion) in size, he added.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s efforts and contributions at the international level to support multilateral action and enhance global economic growth rates, including continued cooperation with OPEC+ producers to maintain stability in oil markets.

The crown prince also briefed the Cabinet on the contents of his discussions with the President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and a phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.