Saudi air force begins Cobra 2023 drill in UK

1 / 2
The Royal Saudi Air Force began an exercise with the air forces of friendly countries at RAF Coningsby in the UK. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 09 March 2023
Follow

Saudi air force begins Cobra 2023 drill in UK

RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Air Force has began an exercise with the air forces of friendly countries at the Royal Air Force Coningsby in the UK

The RSAF participated in the “Cobra-2023” with six Typhoon aircraft.

Lt. Col. Atallah bin Humaid Al-Osaimi, the commander of the air force group participating in the exercise, said that this type of drill aims to raise the combat readiness of the RSAF, and exchange expertise with the participating forces to enhance the efficiency of air, technical and support crews.

He added that exercise maneuvers are carried out in a real fighting environment, which includes electronic warfare and jamming, supporting surface forces, and avoiding land threats.

Al-Osaimi also said that the preparations were carried out to the fullest extent to befitt the Kingdom’s standing, and reah the desired goals of its participation.


Saudi interior minister holds meeting with employees on scholarship in London

Updated 22 July 2025
Follow

Saudi interior minister holds meeting with employees on scholarship in London

  • Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif highlighted the ministry’s commitment to offering scholarships, educational opportunities for staff

LONDON: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif in London on Tuesday met several ministry employees studying in the UK.
During the meeting, Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the ministry’s commitment to offering scholarships and distinguished educational opportunities to its employees, adding that investing in individuals is key to achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
He said that scholarship holders will return to the Kingdom after acquiring academic and professional skills, bringing science and knowledge to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s development.
Assistant Minister of Interior Dr. Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al-Falih and several senior officials from the ministry attended the meeting in the English capital.


The vintage trucks that once connected Saudi Arabia’s villages and cities

Updated 22 July 2025
Follow

The vintage trucks that once connected Saudi Arabia’s villages and cities

  • From the 1940s through the 1970s, trucks — typically from American manufacturers such as Ford — played a crucial role in transport
  • Red truck held a unique social standing as the main alternative to camels

RIYADH: The vintage red truck, referred to in Arabic as a “lorry” after the British synonym, has become a cherished symbol of heritage in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf.

From the 1940s through the 1970s, these trucks — typically from American manufacturers such as Ford — played a crucial role in transport, connecting remote villages with bustling cities at a time when travel options were scarce and conditions often difficult.

Historian Abdullah Al-Zahrani told the Saudi Press Agency that residents, visitors and religious pilgrims depended heavily on these vehicles for extended journeys, which could last several days.

He said that the red truck marked a turning point in transportation, providing families and children with a new level of comfort.

Beyond carrying passengers, the red truck was vital to the local economy. It transported food supplies to markets and commercial centers, enabling merchants to move goods such as dates, spices, livestock, and textiles. This, in turn, boosted rural trade and strengthened regional connections.

Salem Al-Abdali, a local resident whose father once drove a red truck in the villages south of Taif, fondly recalled its signature red paint, handcrafted sunroof, juniper wood floors, and hand-stitched canvas roof that sheltered passengers from harsh weather.

Al-Abdali noted that the red truck held a unique social standing as the main alternative to camels, and it became intertwined with memories, stories and traditional songs recited during journeys.

He added that some drivers would even transport villagers free of charge, reflecting the era’s strong sense of cooperation and community spirit.


Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade

Updated 22 July 2025
Follow

Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade

  • Saudi Cabinet reaffirms support for joint efforts in rebuilding Syria
  • Council of Ministers welcome joint statement by 28 countries calling for end to Gaza war

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for joint efforts in rebuilding Syria while ensuring the country’s security, stability, unity and sovereignty.

In its weekly meeting, chaired by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, the Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom’s support for the joint statement issued by foreign ministers of several brotherly countries regarding developments in Syria.

It also followed up on the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom to the Syrian people.

The Council of Ministers welcomed a joint statement by 28 countries that called for ending the war in Gaza and condemned Israel’s obstruction of aid delivery to civilians in the strip.

The countries urged Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid, and ensure its safe delivery to residents in the Palestinian enclave.

The Cabinet renewed the Kingdom’s call to the international community to urgently take decisions and practical steps in response to Israel’s obstinacy, which deliberately prolongs the crisis and undermines regional and international peace efforts.


Ministry of culture highlights 2024 achievements in historic Jeddah

Updated 22 July 2025
Follow

Ministry of culture highlights 2024 achievements in historic Jeddah

  • Important archaeological findings further enriched Jeddah’s historical narrative

JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has unveiled a series of landmark achievements in the revitalization of Historic Jeddah, illustrating continued progress under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Launched in 2021, the project plays a key role in the national strategy to preserve the Kingdom’s heritage and enhance its cultural landscape, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

In 2024, the ministry successfully restored 27 historic buildings, rehabilitated an additional 10 structures, and supported the stabilization of 39 others, fortifying the district’s unique architectural identity.

As part of broader adaptive reuse efforts, the first three heritage hotels opened their doors, delivering luxury experiences steeped in authenticity. This is the beginning of an initiative to transform 34 heritage buildings into boutique accommodations that merge cultural heritage with modern hospitality.

Important archaeological findings further enriched Jeddah’s historical narrative. Excavations at the Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed Ceylonese wooden fragments on mihrab pillars dating back to the 1st century AH (7th century CE).

Also, the discovery of a 13th-century pottery shard reaffirmed Jeddah’s long-standing status as a pivotal maritime and commercial hub linking the Islamic world to the Far East.

In a milestone of urban regeneration, the ministry completed Phase I of the Al-Arbaeen Lagoon waterfront project, which included the removal of obstructive infrastructure to reconnect the sea with the historic Al-Bunt Port.

In parallel, 90,000 sq. meters of green space were developed, significantly enhancing the environmental and visual quality of the district. To enhance operational readiness, 110 pieces of equipment were used to service a six-sq. kilometer area.

Historic Jeddah is also going through a surge in cultural engagement. The Red Sea International Film Festival was hosted at Culture Square for the first time, attracting local and international audiences.

Simultaneously, the ministry inaugurated the teamLab Borderless Jeddah museum, spanning 10,000 sq. meters, and launched a Performing Arts and Cinema Centre, offering immersive experiences that bridge traditional heritage with contemporary expression.

A significant step in skills development was marked by the opening of the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, which promotes local craftsmanship and empowers Saudi youth to participate in cultural restoration. To integrate leisure with heritage, the ministry introduced Irth, a concept store and cafe that blends cultural offerings with a modern hospitality experience.

In support of long-term sustainability, the ministry signed six strategic agreements aimed at bolstering investment and enhancing cultural infrastructure. A dedicated digital tourism platform was also launched to provide comprehensive access to landmarks, events, and visitor services in the district.

In 2024, more than 140 educational trips were organized, engaging 2,100 students in immersive cultural experiences. To enrich visitor journeys, 500,000 copies of the official visitor map were distributed. These efforts contributed to a record-breaking 5.7 million visitors to Historic Jeddah over the year, including 2.5 million during Ramadan.

As part of the Historic Jeddah Master Plan, the Ministry of Culture is committed to restoration, infrastructure enhancement, and improving livability. These endeavors aim to position the district as a global destination for cultural tourism and creative industries, reflecting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and celebrating the Kingdom’s enduring cultural legacy.


Saudi Arabia digitizes its documentary heritage to enrich public knowledge

Updated 22 July 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia digitizes its documentary heritage to enrich public knowledge

RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom’s accelerating digital transformation, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, continues to strengthen its role as a leading authority in preserving Saudi history and safeguarding the nation’s documentary heritage through forward-looking initiatives that expand public access to knowledge.

Last month, Darah launched its strategic initiative, Darah Documents, as part of a broader development plan to enhance access to historical sources and improve the user experience for its research services.

Prince Faisal bin Salman, chairman of Darah’s board of directors, endorsed efforts to expand access to the foundation’s content and transform it into a comprehensive digital resource that supports researchers and reinforces the role of documents in shaping national identity, according to Darah CEO Turki Alshuwaier.

Alshuwaier told Arab News the Darah Documents initiative builds on the foundation’s work to collect, classify, and make national documents accessible through innovative means.

“It also represents one of the main pillars of our new strategic plan,” he said, “which focuses on maximizing knowledge impact by organizing initiatives to reinforce Darah’s authority in historical preservation and broaden its reach.”

The initiative seeks to digitize and archive a curated selection of high-value historical documents, making them available through an advanced digital portal. (SUPPLIED)

He said that the initiative seeks to digitize and archive a curated selection of high-value historical documents, making them available through an advanced digital portal and the Beneficiary Services Center, to facilitate fast and efficient access for scholars and the general public.

Alshuwaier described Darah Documents as “a qualitative leap in national archiving,” transferring records from traditional paper formats into organized digital content that supports the knowledge economy and strengthens the Kingdom’s presence in digital history.

He explained that Darah applies a comprehensive system of scientific and technical procedures — including acquisition, verification, digitization, indexing, and access — using high-resolution scanners and international standards to ensure accuracy and fast retrieval.

According to Alshuwaier, the documentary content is preserved in secure digital and physical repositories in an intelligent institutional environment, enabling researchers to access reliable primary sources seamlessly and efficiently for their academic and knowledge-driven projects.

“The objectives of the initiative go beyond preservation and accessibility,” he added. “It aims to transform the document into a living knowledge tool that enriches cultural and scientific output and applies across history, education, politics, society, and the arts — contributing to a national digital narrative for future generations.”

He also emphasized Darah’s ambition to lead the national historical content landscape through initiatives that blend authenticity with innovation, turning documents into a dynamic platform that serves both knowledge and society.