AlUla to host Instagram Creators Summit 

The agenda includes interactive panel discussions, keynote speeches, and conversations about the future of content creation, covering topics such as social media, artificial intelligence, and the evolving digital landscape. (SPA)
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Updated 17 April 2025
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AlUla to host Instagram Creators Summit 

  • This groundbreaking summit is the first of its kind in the region and will bring together leading content creators from around the world

ALULA: AlUla is poised to host the first Instagram Creators Summit in the Middle East and North Africa. The event will take place from April 20 to 22, organized by Meta, the technology company, in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, and in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and Riyadh Air.

This groundbreaking summit is the first of its kind in the region and will bring together leading content creators from around the world. The agenda includes interactive panel discussions, keynote speeches, and conversations about the future of content creation, covering topics such as social media, artificial intelligence, and the evolving digital landscape.

These creators collectively reach more than 231 million followers worldwide, highlighting the growing importance of influencer marketing in today’s travel destinations.

The summit will also feature sessions on how to best utilize platform tools, explore the latest technical updates, and identify new opportunities in the creator economy.

Interactive dialogues will allow participants to engage directly with Meta’s product managers, while open forums will encourage the sharing of expertise and the building of strong collaborations among creators.

This summit presents an opportunity to gain insights, connect with industry leaders and stay at the forefront of the ever-changing digital scene.


Baha’s farms cultivate more than crops as tourism grows

Baha’s rural farms are drawing travelers looking for a slower pace of life. (SPA)
Updated 36 min 8 sec ago
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Baha’s farms cultivate more than crops as tourism grows

  • Region is home to 23 licensed rural farms
  • More are expected as part of broader effort by Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to license up to 50 farms across Baha

RIYADH: Tucked into Saudi Arabia’s mountainous southwest, Baha’s rural farms are drawing travelers looking for a slower pace of life.

Fruit picking, farming and rustic charm meet Saudi hospitality in the growing tourism trend.

The region is home to 23 licensed rural farms, with more expected as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to license up to 50 farms across Baha, the Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

The growth is part of a national initiative to promote agritourism and rural development, with farms contributing to the local economy by combining agriculture with heritage-based tourism.

The ministry has supported this development by distributing 15,000 seedlings of crops suited to the region, including blackberries, pistachios, saffron, roses and strawberries.

Seven demonstration fields have been set up as models for successful farming, and small farms have been developed to host agritourism activities, including fruit picking, livestock care and tree planting.

Five agritourism workshops and several entrepreneurial training sessions have been held for farm owners. The ministry has also conducted 25 workshops on licensing procedures and 114 field visits to facilitate agricultural licensing processes.

The licensed farms span various governorates and offer a range of experiences that combine traditional hospitality with the region’s agriculture and cultural identity.

Visitors can sample local cuisine, take part in agricultural activities, and explore handicrafts and social traditions.

During the summer, the farms produce a variety of fresh fruits, including grapes, figs, apricots, pomegranates, blackberries, prickly pears and peaches.


Riyadh financial hub earns Guinness Record for 15.46 km pedestrian skyway

Updated 06 July 2025
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Riyadh financial hub earns Guinness Record for 15.46 km pedestrian skyway

  • Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily

RIYADH: The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh was awarded a Guinness World Record on Sunday for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skyway network.

The network spans 15.46 km, linking 95 buildings through 42 climate-controlled skywalks, allowing year-round pedestrian access.

Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily through the district while avoiding traffic and weather.

Built with 30,000 sq. meters of glass and more than 3,000 tonnes of steel, the project required more than 5 million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel.

The skywalks connect offices, homes, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it easier to walk between work, home, and leisure.

“This recognition by Guinness World Records affirms KAFD as a platform for urban development,” said Faddy AlAql, chief asset delivery officer at KAFD Development and Management Co.

“The skywalk network reflects a mobility strategy that connects assets, enhances walkability, and supports our goal of delivering a smart city experience.”

Mbali Nkosi, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, said: “First set in Minneapolis in 2016, this record has now been redefined by KAFD. In an era where sustainability drives innovation, KAFD’s skyway network sets a new benchmark for walkable urban design.”

The district hosts more than 90 international and local companies and 19 regional headquarters, including Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, and PepsiCo.


Qassim shines as date harvest fills local markets

Qassim region is abuzz as the early date harvest begins, yielding more than 50 varieties and filling local markets. (SPA)
Updated 06 July 2025
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Qassim shines as date harvest fills local markets

  • Qassim contributes more than 390,000 tonnes annually to Saudi Arabia’s total date production
  • With more than 11 million palm trees, Qassim produces popular varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi and anbari

JEDDAH: Qassim region is abuzz as the early date harvest begins, yielding more than 50 varieties and filling local markets, reaffirming the region’s role as a major center for date cultivation and marketing in the Kingdom.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Qassim contributes more than 390,000 tonnes annually to Saudi Arabia’s total date production.

This output strengthens its leadership in food security and boosts Saudi agricultural exports, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

With more than 11 million palm trees, Qassim produces popular varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi and anbari.

This abundance supports local food security and supplies dates to more than 100 countries worldwide, the SPA added.

Date farmer Abdulaziz Al-Baridi praised the support farmers receive from the ministry branch in Qassim, including education on irrigation techniques and pest control, and preparation of markets for date trade.

As the harvest gains momentum, preparations are underway for the Buraidah Dates Festival. It is expected to boost economic activity, raise nutritional awareness, and strengthen market links between farmers and consumers.

The festival aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by promoting agricultural sustainability and diversifying the economy.


Islamic coalition hosts training program in Riyadh

Updated 06 July 2025
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Islamic coalition hosts training program in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition launched a specialized training program titled “Collection Management” on Sunday at its Riyadh headquarters.

This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and build the capacities of nominees from coalition member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to enhance integration and cooperation among member states in the fight against terrorism.

It targets 25 nominees from 14 member states, providing theoretical knowledge and practical skills in collection operations, data analysis, and supporting decision-makers in counterterrorism and anti-extremism.

The five-day program, supervised by military and information experts, includes training sessions, simulations, and workshops to improve institutional readiness and capacity for current security challenges.

This training is part of a broader coalition effort, now comprising more than 46 specialized programs covering areas like ideology, terrorism financing, military coordination, and media engagement.


Saudi program empowers small livestock farmers

Updated 06 July 2025
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Saudi program empowers small livestock farmers

JEDDAH: The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, highlighted the importance of supporting small livestock farmers across Saudi Arabia to boost productivity and investment.

The program reviewed last year’s efforts in digital management of intensive livestock farms, including the first implementation of the Saudi Smart Flock system, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Reef Saudi spokesperson, said the Saudi Smart Flock is a digital system that uses smart technology, including facial recognition, to manage both traditional and intensive livestock farms. It is the first of its kind to be applied to small ruminants and has been tested on six small farms.

Al-Buraikan said that the system, which identifies animals by their facial features, also monitors productivity, provides health updates, and manages animal records through its platform. It reduces losses, improves quality, and supports decision-making with accurate data.

The small livestock sector is a key focus of Saudi Reef, aiming to increase productivity, raise farmers’ income, improve livelihoods, and develop traditional production systems while supporting food security.