Saudi Arabia’s 5 host cities will offer plenty of off-the-pitch action for World Cup visitors

Sindalah Luxury Resort in NEOM promises to offer world-class accommodation and entertainment options for visitors, setting a new standard for hospitality in the region. (NEOM)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s 5 host cities will offer plenty of off-the-pitch action for World Cup visitors

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup is not only a demonstration of the country’s passion for football, it also represents a major opportunity to showcase its rich culture and renowned hospitality to a global audience.

As it was the only nation to submit a bid to FIFA before the deadline at the end of October last year, the Kingdom looks set to host what would be the largest staging of the tournament in a single country to date, with matches being played in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, NEOM and Alkhobar.

But in addition to the action and excitement on the pitch, Saudi Arabia has plenty more to offer World Cup visitors.

Riyadh:

One place in Riyadh that is sure to be worth exploring is Qiddiya City, a futuristic entertainment hub that is under construction and expected to be a major tourist attraction when it is up and running.

Of particular interest to football fans, the 360-square-kilometer development will include the state-of-the-art Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, with a planned capacity of 46,979.

In the immediate vicinity of the stadium, fans will be able to explore a 50,000-square-meters area bustling with shops, restaurants, cultural attractions and entertainment spaces. There will also be a wide range of other attractions nearby, including a gaming and esports district, a racetrack, theme parks, and a center for the performing arts, Qiddiya City spokesperson Majed Al-Dusaimani told Arab News.




MBS Stadium will be surrounded by a bustling area with 50,000 square meters of shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment spaces. (Supplied)

Accommodation options will be provided to suit all pockets, from the most luxurious hotels and serviced apartments to more budget-friendly offerings.

Elsewhere, Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the heart of Riyadh and the historical birthplace of the Kingdom. It offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the carefully preserved history of Saudi culture, spanning more than six centuries, alongside the chance to shop and dine in style. This sensitive juxtapositioning of past and present is sure to make Diriyah a must-visit destination for football fans with an interest in the cultural history of the host nation.

Masmak Fortress in Riyadh’s Al-Dirah neighborhood offers another glimpse into the Kingdom's storied past.

Meanwhile, an expansive Royal Arts Complex is planned for the under-construction King Salman Park, which will be one of the world’s largest urban parks when complete. The design of the complex, by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, aims to combine modern and traditional Salmani architecture to ensure a memorable visitor experience.




Diriyah, known as the heart of Riyadh and the birthplace of the Kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. (AN photo)

The Royal Arts Complex will also include a Museum of World Cultures, a National Theater, and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts.

Visitors will be able to marvel at the Mukaab futuristic structure in the new Riyadh downtown: New Murabaa.

The cubic structure will stand at a height of 400m, and is set to be the tallest building in the city. 

Inside, it will boast numerous cutting-edge entertainment venues, high-end dining and retail offerings, and a vast public art program. 




Al-Murabba is set to become the biggest urban structure globally, with enough space to accommodate 20 Empire State Buildings within its walls. (Supplied)

 

Jeddah:

The Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah is home to bustling markets, stunning waterfront views and a thriving art scene.

Its Historic District, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, contains vibrant marketplaces and more than 600 historic structures in distinctive traditional architectural styles, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of the city’s inhabitants through the years.

Jeddah Central is under development as a top-tier entertainment zone featuring four prominent attractions: a museum, opera house, stadium and oceanarium.




Jeddah Central is a top-tier entertainment zone featuring four prominent attractions: a museum, opera house, stadium, and the Oceanarium. (Supplied)

Abha:

Abha, in southwestern Saudi Arabia, offers a refreshing change of scenery, thanks to a cooler climate and particularly picturesque landscapes.

The Soudah Peaks, which include the highest point in the country, are characterized by lush greenery and stunning views that provide the perfect backdrop for fans of the great outdoors, whether they are interested in an activity holiday or simply want to relax.

Visitors also have plenty of options for exploring the city’s rich heritage and traditional architecture.




Soudah Peaks luxury mountain tourism destination in Abha is situated 3,015 meters above sea level. (Soudah.sa) 

NEOM:

This futuristic megacity that is under development in northwestern Saudi Arabia has been designed to be a showcase of the Kingdom’s vision for more sustainable development and urban innovation.

But that does not mean it will be short of attractions for visitors; quite the contrary. The proposed Sindalah luxury resort, for example, promises to offer world-class accommodation and entertainment options.

NEOM will also be home to Trojena, a mountain ski village featuring luxury resorts and a plethora of retail and dining offerings.




Sindalah Luxury Resort in NEOM promises to offer world-class accommodation and entertainment options for visitors, setting a new standard for hospitality in the region. (NEOM) 

Alkhobar:

Visitors to Alkhobar can explore the architectural marvel that is the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra, which was built by Saudi Aramco. It was inaugurated in 2016 and is considered a pioneering force in the Kingdom’s artistic and cultural scenes.

The city is also a good base from which to explore Al-Ahsa city, only a 90-minute drive away, which is renowned for its ancient history and archaeological discoveries dating back more than five millennia.

Al-Ahsa is also the world’s largest oasis, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of about 30,000 acres, sustained by more than 60 artesian springs.

Shoppers in search of a bargain can explore Al-Qaisariya Souq, a historic market established in 1822, where sellers offer a wide range of products, including handcrafted items, oils and perfumes.


Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud hails Saudi-Japan ties

Updated 19 May 2025
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Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud hails Saudi-Japan ties

  • Prince Abdullah highlights investment growth with Japan
  • Praises role of Arab News Japan in boosting cooperation 

TOKYO: In an interview with Arab News Japan, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud has lauded the strong ties between Japan and the Kingdom, and said he was deeply honored to have received a top honor from the Asia nation.

The former governor of the Saudi General Investment Authority received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun last month.

“Receiving the Imperial Award is indeed a great honor. Like many in the Kingdom, including officials and former officials, I hold the Japanese emperor, government and people in the highest regard,” Prince Abdullah said in the recent interview with Arab News Japan. 

Reflecting on his tenure at SAGIA, now the Ministry of Investment, Prince Abdullah highlighted the collective nature of the recognition. 

“The award reflects the work carried out during my tenure at SAGIA ... This recognition is not solely mine, it is a shared achievement with my colleagues.

“More importantly, it reflects the leadership’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relations with Japan,” he said. 

He emphasized the Kingdom’s investment in international cooperation, noting the evolution of SAGIA into a full ministry under the Council of Ministers. 

“The elevation of SAGIA to a full ministry ... highlights the strategic importance the Saudi leadership places on investment and international cooperation,” he added.

During his recent visit to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Prince Abdullah shared his impressions of the Saudi Pavilion, which he described as a powerful representation of the Kingdom’s transformation and culture. 

“The Saudi Pavilion was excellent,” he said of the expo which opened on April 13 and ends Oct. 13. 

“I was particularly interested in the design elements of the Saudi Pavilion, how it captured the essence and transformation of our land, and how quickly and effectively the structure was developed.”

He praised the role of the Ministry of Culture and the young Saudis staffing the pavilion.

“The presence of talented young Saudi men and women at the pavilion was especially noteworthy.

“The structure itself, using stones especially brought from the Kingdom, was impressive, with features such as embedded loudspeakers, combining aesthetics and functionality,” he told Arab News Japan.

Prince Abdullah, who previously served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, also lauded the Japanese Pavilion, saying it was “outstanding. Their designers, architects, and scientists demonstrated exceptional innovation.”

 “I even recommended our ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, who began his academic career in physics, to revisit the pavilion, as the advanced technologies on display merit deeper understanding,” he said. 

Turning to the broader significance of Saudi Arabia-Japan relations, Prince Abdullah emphasized the need for robust media and cultural exchange, pointing to Arab News Japan’s role as a valuable bridge between the two nations. 

“First, I would like to commend the efforts behind Arab News Japan. It is an important initiative, both in its content and in the way it delivers information. 

“It serves a valuable audience and contributes meaningfully to deepening understanding between our two countries.” 

He added: “There is deep mutual respect between our peoples. There is great potential for cooperation, especially among small- and medium-sized enterprises on both sides,” he said. 

Praising Japan’s technological innovation and the Kingdom’s transformative development, he said: “What we can realize by our partnership is amazing.” 

Prince Abdullah added that Japan and Saudi Arabia will benefit from increased cooperation, as well as the global economy.


Riyadh hosts a world of jewels

Updated 19 May 2025
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Riyadh hosts a world of jewels

  • Jewelry exhibition showcasing Saudi designers and global luxury pieces dazzles visitors

RIYADH: Under the chandelier-lit halls of Riyadh’s Mandarin Oriental Al-Faisaliah Hotel, the Jewels of the World exhibition gathered more than 60 brands for an eager crowd of jewelry and watch enthusiasts.

The exhibition, which ended on Monday, featured notable global names including Bil Arabi, Yoko London, Scavia and FerriFirenze.

Local talent was also spotlighted, notably Renad Al-Amoudi’s striking Marque Legacy collection, which draws inspiration from the flora of the Saudi deserts, including Ruby Lily and Petit Iris.

Nader Freiha, director and organizer of Jewels of the World, said that the exhibition this year is “the culmination of a journey that began in 2016.”

He added that hosting the event in Riyadh reflects “the remarkable growth of the jewelry market in the Kingdom, which has become a destination for global brands thanks to its discerning clientele.”

The exhibition offers the opportunity to explore new collections debuting in Saudi Arabia, from everyday jewelry to ornate bridal sets, many of which are inspired by global artistic and cultural heritage, Freiha said.

“The exhibition is a benchmark for ensuring both quality and luxury simultaneously,” he added.

Ahmed Al-Shirazi, director of SJC Saudi Arabia, a destination for luxury jewelry, said that the exhibition is an opportunity to strengthen brands and attract new customers through showcasing designs and engaging directly.

The Bahraini jeweler observed a rising inclination among clients to use luxury jewelry as a form of self-expression and personal style, highlighting a heightened appreciation for the finer details in their overall look.

Nezar Mukhtar, a member of the Precious Metals and Gemstones National Committee at the Saudi Chambers Federation, observed visitors’ keen interest in renowned brand names.

“Hosting exhibitions locally spares enthusiasts and designers the hassle of traveling and saves them valuable time,” he said.

Mukhtar added that events like Jewels of the World support the national economy and spotlight the sophisticated taste of Saudi consumers.

“Such an exhibition addresses the expectations of many discerning clients seeking specific quality standards in jewelry,” he said.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Level Up’ social hub in Riyadh

Updated 19 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Level Up’ social hub in Riyadh

Level Up is a social hub in Riyadh for those seeking entertainment and connection. For just SR60 ($16), visitors gain access to activities ranging from board games and video games to virtual reality experiences.

This multifaceted venue stands out as a gathering place for individuals with shared interests, making it easy to forge new friendships.

One of the highlights at Level Up is its open mic nights, where local bands showcase their talents. This not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community among those attending.

The friendly vibe welcomes both extroverts and introverts, making it a space where people can comfortably engage in conversation or simply enjoy the performances.

The hub also sells PlayStation 5 consoles and accessories, catering to gaming enthusiasts, as well as a range of anime and video game action figures for those into pop culture.

One of the items on the menu I enjoyed was the iced matcha, which is popular among patrons.

While visiting with a friend, I was captivated by the talented musicians at the open mic event, followed by an engaging session of board games.

Level Up hosts discussions every Tuesday, featuring industry leaders such as marketing heads, board members, talent acquisition directors, CEOs, and founders.

These events provide opportunities to learn from and engage with influential figures, helping to enrich the community experience.

Whether you are looking to socialize, enjoy live music, or dive into gaming, Level Up is well worth a visit.


Saudi deputy FM receives Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Updated 19 May 2025
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Saudi deputy FM receives Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Oraz Mohammed Charif, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed economic issues of common interest, the foreign ministry said in a post on X on Monday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during which they reviewed bilateral relations and regional and international developments


Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

Updated 19 May 2025
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Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

  • Ali Al-Khabouri: AI will help the project managers to predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns
  • Al-Khabouri: AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions

RIYADH: Industry leaders and innovators discussed the role of artificial intelligence in advancing project management during the final day of the Global Project Management Forum in Riyadh on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, which has Arab News as a media partner, Ali Al-Khabouri, co-founder of Matrix Oman, told Arab News that AI is playing an increasingly important role in supporting decision-making in project management.

“AI will help the project managers to predict some of the information, predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns,” he said.

Al-Khabouri also discussed the importance of defining a clear strategy for AI adoption, adding that organizations should evaluate whether adopting AI is a value-adding step or simply a response to market trends.

During a panel discussion titled “The Future of Project Management: Leadership, Innovation and Strategic Integration of People, Process and Technology,” Marko Golob, head of IT PMO at SIJ d.d., highlighted the need for education in project management.

“We have a gap of 30 million project (managers) in the board in the next 10 years — 30 million. It’s a lot.”

Al-Khabouri highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in improving decision-making within project environments.

He said: “AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions.”

He added that while the essence of decision-making remains constant, the tools, processes and organizational mindset supporting it are evolving in response to technological advancement.

Imad Al-Sadeq, transformation delivery partner at EY MENA, discussed the growing concern of over-reliance on artificial intelligence in project management.

“The risk here (is) that some people, including project managers, will over rely on (AI). Some people will mistrust the human side for the sake of AI,” he said.

Al-Sadeq added that this trend is already emerging in some settings, and he highlighted the need to strike a balance between technology and human insight.

“We still need to keep the human at center, keep the trust with the human judgment. Otherwise, we are not only calling for best effect, but we are calling only for best practice or previous work. And this is a big difference,” he added.