Saudi Arabia celebrates World Heritage Day with 6 days of events in Riyadh

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An immersive experience transports visitors to eight World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia, showcasing their cultural significance through storytelling, a digital light show and live recreations of heritage sites. (AN photo)
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Updated 16 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia celebrates World Heritage Day with 6 days of events in Riyadh

  • The events, from April 16-21 at Laysen Valley, aim to honor and promote the historical and cultural values of the Kingdom and its heritage through educational and interactive activities
  • Visitors will be greeted with an immersive experience that transports them to the Kingdom’s eight World Heritage Sites and showcases their cultural significance

RIYADH: A series of special events are taking place this week at Laysen Valley in Riyadh in celebration of World Heritage Day on April 18.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission, they run from April 16-21 with the aim of honoring and promoting the historical and cultural values of Saudi Arabia and its heritage through educational and interactive activities.

Visitors to Laysen Valley will be greeted with an immersive experience, organizers said, that transports them to the Kingdom’s eight World Heritage Sites and showcases their cultural significance through storytelling, a digital light show and live recreations of the locations.

A number of artists are participating in the events, including Abdullah Al-Fawzan, whose carved wooden works are inspired by Najdi designs. The doors of old Najd, known for their rich decoration and designs based on natural structures, are emblematic of the deep roots and culture of the central Saudi region. 




Abdullah Al-Fawzan is one of the artists participating in the event, presenting his carved wooden works inspired by Najdi door designs. (AN photo)

Al-Fawzan told Arab News that woodcarving is an essential element of his family’s traditions, dating back six generations. Under the guidance of his father, he began learning the skill at the age of seven years old. He has created about 100 Najdi-style doors for numerous projects in various parts of the capital, including Diriyah and Al-Doho, a historic neighborhood in southern Riyadh.

“We could say that craftspeople are considered the bridge between the past and the present,” he said. “We are working on pieces that are completely handmade, while preserving the authenticity and the identity of Najd.”

Al-Fawzan works for six to 10 hours a day carving and painting his works, and his craft has taught him the art of patience, especially when he encounters problems.

“We have a saying that says ‘He who is patience, triumphs,’” he explained. “I can’t work on anything big if I am in a bad mood. I must be in a clear mood, far away from any problems and ready to work.”

Other attractions at the Heritage Day events include a dedicated children’s area, and pavilions showcasing traditional arts and crafts. There are also workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and marketplaces where craftspeople will be selling handmade items. In addition there will be a series of drone shows at Wadi Al-Turath on April 18.


Saudi crown prince, Macron discuss repercussions of Israel-Iran clash

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince, Macron discuss repercussions of Israel-Iran clash

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and France's President Emmanuel Macron had a phone call on Friday to discuss the latest developments in the region, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The two leaders discussed the repercussions of Israeli strikes on Iran, which has killed 78 people, including generals and scientists, and wounded 320 others.

Iran retaliated later in the day, raining missiles and weaponized drones on Israeli cities, causing destruction.

In their phone conversation, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Macron "emphasized the necessity of making every effort to de-escalate the situation, the importance of exercising restraint, and resolving all disputes through diplomatic means," the SPA report said.

Macron had earlier announced that a UN conference on a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians that France and Saudi Arabia planned to co-chair next week in New York had been postponed because of the Israel-Iran clash.

"While we have to postpone this conference for logistical and security reasons, it will take place as soon as possible," Macron said at a press conference.
 


How Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation

Updated 14 June 2025
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How Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation

  • OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit focused on deep-sea exploration and global marine science collaborations
  • On its Around Africa Expedition, the foundation emphasized human-centered approaches to conservation

RIYADH: As the curtains closed on this year’s UN Ocean Conference in the French city of Nice, the Saudi-led foundation OceanQuest emerged as one of the standout contributors to marine sustainability — not only in policy circles but also in the depths of the world’s oceans.

Fresh from its pioneering Around Africa Expedition, OceanQuest, in partnership with OceanX, brought remarkable scientific discoveries and a powerful message to UNOC — that true marine conservation must combine exploration, collaboration, and education.

“This expedition went around Africa and engaged on-ship around 16 African scientists and more than 200 port stops,” Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, told Arab News.

From surveying megafauna by helicopter to exploring seamounts more than 1,000 meters beneath the surface aboard the OceanXplorer, the team used cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity to illuminate previously uncharted ecosystems.

OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit incubated at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. It is rapidly becoming a key player in the global marine science arena, dedicated to deep-sea exploration, design innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

DID YOU KNOW?

• OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit focused on deep-sea exploration and global collaborations in marine science.

• The foundation emphasizes human-centered approaches to conservation by training African scientists and educators.

• Discoveries on its Around Africa Expedition include new seamounts vital for biodiversity and sustainable fisheries.

One of its flagship missions — the Around Africa Expedition — offered not only new data but a model of inclusive, equitable marine science.

Using robotic vehicles, manned submersibles, and remote sensing tools, the team made multiple dives during the mission.

In total, they spent 53 hours underwater, collected nearly 90 samples, and mapped thousands of square kilometers of the seabed, including around the Nola Seamounts and Santo Antao Island. Flights over 922 nautical miles provided additional data on large marine animals.

Among the major outcomes was the identification of new underwater seamounts, crucial for fisheries and marine biodiversity.

“We will be the ones who go to seamount systems and explore what is there, look at the species, look at the functions and understanding, then share that with the community, to provide reasons why certain seamounts should be protected,” said Visbeck.

This insight is critical as countries consider the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty — formally the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement — a major focus at UNOC.

OceanX and OceanQuest have successfully completed their ground-breaking ‘Around Africa Expedition,’ a collaborative journey that explored Africa’s vast and diverse marine environments. (Supplied)

“Biodiversity protection beyond national jurisdiction means the protected areas in the high seas, outside of a country’s own legal role,” said Visbeck.

OceanQuest’s approach is not just technical — it is human-centered.

Working alongside top African entities such as the National Research Foundation, the University of Cape Town, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the expedition helped build capacity for African marine science.

Twenty-four early-career professionals from across the continent were trained in seafloor mapping, environmental DNA analysis, and deep-sea sampling.

“This wasn’t just about what we discovered in the ocean. It was also about who we empowered on the ground,” said Visbeck. “By investing in people — students, young professionals and educators — we’re building a foundation for Africa’s long-term leadership in ocean science.”

He sees this collaborative model as a roadmap for future conservation.

“These collaborations are the future of ocean science in Africa,” he said. “We’ve seen what’s possible when scientists, governments and regional institutions align behind a common purpose, advancing knowledge, access and opportunity.”

This year’s UNOC provided the perfect platform for OceanQuest to share these achievements and ambitions.

“I decided that it would be amazing to celebrate and launch OceanQuest and share with the ocean world our arrival on the scene at UNOC,” said Visbeck.

Over 24 participants from several countries, like Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Africa, were able to have a first-hand experience through the Early Career Ocean Professionals program. (Supplied)

“We are using UNOC to celebrate with our partners, friends and ocean-policy people on the scene and share with them our mission and vision.”

In a time of mounting ocean crises — from plastic pollution to overfishing and climate change — Visbeck says awareness is a powerful tool.

“What we are trying to do is fight ignorance by providing data and information. Once the information is more clear, it can be a basis for regulatory agencies.”

From the Red Sea to the high seas, OceanQuest is helping reframe the future of ocean conservation — not just by mapping the seafloor, but by drawing a new map for global cooperation.
 

 


King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

Updated 14 June 2025
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King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

  • Directive issued after authorities in Tehran close their airspace following attack by Israel said to have targeted Iranian nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs
  • Plan for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide help to the stranded pilgrims presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: King Salman on Friday ordered Saudi authorities to ensure that Iranian Hajj pilgrims stranded in the Kingdom receive all necessary support until it is safe for them to return home.

The directive came shortly after Israeli authorities launched early-morning airstrikes against Iran, which they said targeted nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs. Tehran closed the country’s airspace in the aftermath.

The plan to provide help to stranded Iranian pilgrims was presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been tasked with ensuring they receive all necessary support.

The annual pilgrimage, a key pillar of Islam that all Muslims are required to complete at least once during their lives if physically and financially able, concluded on Monday. Tens of thousands of Iranians visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj each year. More than 1.6 million pilgrims from all over the world took part this year and authorities described it as a success.

Iran retaliated to the Israeli attack later on Friday by targeting Tel Aviv with missiles, raising fears of prolonged and more-dangerous exchanges of fire.


Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call

  • Two leaders stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, including the ongoing Israeli military operations against Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call on Friday, the two leaders stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.

They also affirmed the importance of continued joint efforts to promote security, peace, and stability across the region.


Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture

Updated 13 June 2025
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Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture

  • Immersive experience showcases history, transformation of Islam’s most sacred sites
  • Exhibition fuses traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with rare artifacts, architectural models on display

MAKKAH: Visitors to Makkah are being offered an unprecedented journey through Islamic architectural history, showcasing the remarkable evolution of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque across 14 centuries of development.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200 sq. meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts and architectural models that document the transformation of Islam’s most sacred sites.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200-square-meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts. (SPA)

The exhibition building itself exemplifies the fusion of traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with architectural elements deliberately echoing the Grand Mosque’s distinctive style.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, this design philosophy creates an immersive environment in which visitors experience visual and cultural connections to the sacred spaces.

FASTFACT

The exhibition building exemplifies the fusion of traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with architectural elements deliberately echoing the Grand Mosque’s distinctive style.

Following comprehensive upgrades, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the exhibition’s trial operations phase. The modernization included complete technical infrastructure overhauls, contemporary presentation methods for historical artifacts, and sophisticated lighting systems that illuminate intricate details while enhancing the visitor experience.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200-square-meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts. (SPA)

The exhibition’s renewed mission extends beyond simple display, aiming to transmit the Two Holy Mosques’ heritage to both Islamic communities and global audiences, the SPA said.

Through interactive experiences and educational programming, the facility seeks to broaden understanding of Islamic architectural principles, while connecting contemporary visitors with their civilizational roots.

Those interested in visiting can schedule appointments through the official booking portal at https://visits.alharamain.gov.sa/