RIYADH: The major music events that are now an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s social calendar were — not so long ago — merely dreams for music lovers in the Kingdom.
Once, those who loved to play, or listen to, live music would have to make do with low-key underground events. But now the Saudi government is committed to developing the music industry, beginning with the establishment of the Music Commission, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture.
At a recent Xchange event — a conversation with panelists who have played a role in transforming the music industry in the Kingdom — at the MDLBeast headquarters in Riyadh’s Jax District, Gigi Arabia, founder of heavy metal events company Heavy Arabia, Yazeed Ahmed, founder of boutique music festival series Freaks of Nature, and Ayman Al-Zurayer founder of Desert Sound Entertainment, discussed the evolution of music events in the Kingdom, and particularly how the government has helped create a more nurturing environment for promoters, and for musicians to showcase their craft.
Arabia explained that, until very recently, the heavy metal scene in the Kingdom had been mainly underground, with events often taking place in private venues.
“The heavy metal scene has been active since the late 1990s and early 2000s,” she said. “But it didn’t seem to be in anyone’s plans to make it legal.”
Her company, Heavy Arabia, now sponsors many heavy metal bands and procures permission for them to perform at events.
Ahmed noted that organizing authorized events makes safety measures much easier to implement. “When we were doing unlicensed events, it was a bit hard to deal with sensitive situations, because if you try to kick someone out that is causing any disturbance or harassment you run the risk of them running to the authorities,” he said. “But now that we’re doing licensed events, we have the authorities on our side and we coordinate with them.”
Ahmed also discussed the General Entertainment Authority accelerator program, which was established by the authority to offer entrepreneurs interested in the entertainment sector in the Kingdom the necessary guidance and training, connections to experts and consultants with experience in project development, and a network of investors.
He said: “Our first licensed event was at XP Music Futures and, for us, it marked a significant milestone because not only was it our first step, but, before XP, we didn’t know that it was a possibility. We didn’t even see it in our future plans to license events here in Saudi.”
He explained that Freaks of Nature was part of the first cohort of the accelerator program, along with 12 other startups. “The program was helping the industry and NGOs to share information, discuss the challenges, and work together,” he said.
Al-Zurayer spoke about the revolutionary change the government has initiated for musicians. “Doing licensed events right now is like we’re (making) history in Saudi Arabia. Everyone will remember this, and the government is supporting us big time,” he said.
The conversation was moderated by Rayan Al-Rasheed, a senior artist booking and operations manager at MDLBeast. Further Xchange events will be staged in the run-up to XP Music Futures in Riyadh.
From the underground into the spotlight
https://arab.news/c9z58
From the underground into the spotlight
- MDLBeast discussion examines the revolutionary growth of the local music industry
- Arabia explained that, until very recently, the heavy metal scene in the Kingdom had been mainly underground, with events often taking place in private venues
Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian strikes on targets in Qatar
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned strikes launched by Iran on targets in Qatar, a foreign ministry statement said.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the aggression launched by Iran against the sisterly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness,” the statement said.
“It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” it added.
Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure
- Smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership
- Services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations
RIYADH: Consul General of Iran in Jeddah Hassan Zarnegar praised the organization and facilities provided to Iranian pilgrims during their departure via Arar airport and the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.
He said the smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership, and demonstrate attention to pilgrims from all countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Zarnegar added: “The streamlined procedures — from disembarkation and swift passport processing to organized bus transfers — reflect efficient pilgrim management.”
He said that the services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations.
He added that Saudi-Iranian relations are rooted in religious and neighborly ties, and the care shown to Iranian pilgrims reflects this spirit of brotherhood.
On behalf of himself and the Iranian ambassador, Zarnegar expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care and support, provided as part of an integrated system.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Border Guards Maj. Gen. Shaya Al-Wadaani inspected the work of personnel at the Jadidat Arar border crossing and monitored services supporting pilgrims’ departure after Hajj.
Al-Wadaani reviewed the procedures facilitating Iranian pilgrims’ exit, following directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure proper services and support.
He confirmed that the Border Guard has mobilized all resources, in coordination with relevant authorities, to deliver the best services and ensure a smooth departure process.
Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts
- Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions
- Plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters
RIYADH: Despite the harsh desert climate in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders province, native plants have found a way not only to survive but to thrive.
Among the local flora is the Hazaa plant, known scientifically as Ducrosia anethifolia.
The plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is part of the Apiaceae family of plants, which includes crops and medicinal plants, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions.
The plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters.
In addition, its unique appearance comes from its long, oval-shaped gray-green leaves that have sharp points, making the plant easily recognizable among other plants in the wild.
Along with its pleasant smell, the plant produces small, light yellow, umbrella-like flowers during the flowering season, with 12 to 18 flowers on each stem.
The Northern Borders region is also home to other plant species, including Reseda alba, Salsola tetrandra shrubs and lavender.
Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register
- Total is now 34,171, reflecting the cultural richness, diversity of all regions
- Sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation
RIYADH: The Heritage Commission has registered 5,969 new architectural heritage sites in the National Register of Architectural Heritage, bringing the total to 34,171.
These sites reflect the richness and diversity of architectural heritage across the Kingdom’s regions, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The newly registered sites are: 3,893 in Asir, 761 in Qassim, 499 in Baha, 483 in Makkah, 258 in Riyadh, 60 in Hail, eight in Jazan, four in Jouf, and three in the Eastern Province.
The commission said its registration efforts are ongoing and cover all regions. The process is based on heritage regulations and follows a board decision authorizing the commission’s CEO to register sites.
The initiative aims to protect heritage sites from encroachment or neglect and ensure their preservation for future generations, the SPA reported.
Registering new sites is part of a broader effort to identify, document and manage cultural sites. The sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation. A comprehensive database is being built, including documentation and photographic archives.
The commission encouraged citizens and enthusiasts to report urban heritage sites through its reporting platform, X account, or regional branches. It also praised public awareness and participation in preserving national heritage.
Last week, the commission also announced the addition of 744 new archeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061.
The new archeological sites are distributed as follows: Riyadh (253), Madinah (167), Najran (86), Tabuk (72), Asir (64), Qassim (30), Jazan (23), Eastern Province (13), Hail (13), Makkah (11), Jouf (10). and Northern Borders (2).
Saudi royal reserve tightens entry, picnic rules
- Updates aim to protect the environment, vegetation, and wildlife while encouraging ecotourism through public excursions and outdoor activities
- Visitors can access the reserve daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prior authorization via the authority’s website
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has updated entry and picnic regulations for the Al-Suman and Al-Dahna areas within the location.
The updates aim to protect the environment, vegetation, and wildlife while encouraging ecotourism through public excursions and outdoor activities.
Visitors can access the reserve daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prior authorization via the authority’s website, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Permit requests must be submitted at least two days in advance and include visitor details, companion information, vehicle type, and a commitment to follow environmental rules.
Registered residents of administrative centers within the reserve are exempt from this requirement, the SPA added.
The authority stressed the importance of complying with regulations, including bans on hunting, wood gathering, open fires, driving over vegetation, littering, noise, visual pollution, and any other harmful activities.
These measures aim to limit environmental damage, especially in ecologically rich areas showing notable recovery in recent years.
The update aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for royal reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to protect recent environmental gains and promote wildlife and plant growth in thriving basins and meadows.
