RIYADH: Cities across Saudi Arabia are set to host the largest traditional cultural show simulating human struggle since the founding of the Saudi state and the development it has gained throughout its luminous history full of achievements.
The show, which will be held from Feb. 22 to 24 to commemorate Founding Day, will present visitors with a cultural celebration of traditional Saudi garments and costumes, and the aroma of traditional Saudi coffee, as the Kingdom’s history unfolds before their eyes, organizers said.
King Salman had issued a royal decree designating Feb. 22 as Founding Day, to recognize the foundation of the First Saudi State in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.
In the era of the Saudi state, Diriyah was a meeting point for Hajj and trade caravans coming from outside the Arabian Peninsula, and the area has been renowned since the pre-Islamic era for its different markets that vary in terms of tradition and heritage and in the number of pilgrims, a statement on Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.
It includes a simulation of the movement of the well-known commercial markets throughout the Kingdom, especially the “Nejnaj, a place where ancient flea markets burst to life.”
The Nejnaj event was divided into five regions (central, eastern, northern, western, and southern), and each region has a gate that includes a mini-art exhibition consisting of old photos from each region showing its ancient heritage and history during the Saudi state. Each region will have actors and narrators telling real stories from the founding period.
The night sky will also light up with a fireworks and drone show on Thursday.
A virtual historical exhibition will be held on Tuesday, whereby students participated by submitting a picture, painting, or a form of expressive writing defining the Founding Day and the historical depth of the Kingdom.
The exhibition is the first and largest virtual exhibition in the world in terms of space, participants and global competition,” SPA reported, adding that it will be managed through a control panel for each participant on the Saudi virtual reality system VRSA, which is the latest global smart Saudi 3D interactive technology in the world.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a large musical show will be held in Riyadh that will take audiences back to the first days of the Kingdom up until the current time, and highlights the establishment and unification stages of the Kingdom. It also shows its transition to modern life, while preserving the language, religion, customs, traditions and social relations.
The “Founding Day Operetta” aims to celebrate the founder and other historical icons throughout three centuries in a musical led by Mohammed Abdo, Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Rashed Al-Fares, Majed Al-Mohandes, and Dalia.
It was composed by Saham, Nasser Al-Saleh and Nawaf Abdullah, and written by Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsin, Mohammed Al-Anizi, Naif Saqer, Najla Al-Mahya and Ahmed Alawi.
Saudi Arabia to hold a number of events over three days to celebrate the first Founding Day
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Saudi Arabia to hold a number of events over three days to celebrate the first Founding Day
Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and cooperation between the two countries in the military and defense fields, SPA added.
They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.
Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians
- The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Phillipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, in Riyadh on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian people, according to a post by the Foreign Ministry on X.
The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA.
Separately, Elkhereiji met with the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Neil Crompton, and they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, as well as prominent developments in the regional and international arenas.
RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system
- US-led THAAD program involved operational exercises, combat simulations
- Training part of Kingdom’s strategy to enhance armed forces’ capabilities
RIYADH: A second company from the Royal Saudi Air Force graduated this week after completing their training in an American anti-ballistic missile defense system.
The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, was attended by Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute commander and other representatives from the two countries.
The US-led program involved technical and operational exercises, combat simulations and advanced field training supervised by representatives of the manufacturers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and military experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Another company of RSAF graduates completed the program last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of its forces through professional training.
The THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced and precise methods to tackle ballistic missile threats and has been adopted by the Kingdom as part of its air defense strategy.
Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands
- Deal will help island nation reduce its reliance on conventional energy
- Since 1974, SaudFund for Development has financed 800 projects worth more than $21bn
RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development on Tuesday signed a $10 million development loan agreement with the Solomon Islands to support a renewable energy project.
The deal was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and the Solomon Islands’ Finance and Treasury Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
The project aims to develop renewable energy infrastructure in the country by establishing solar power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts and energy storage systems.
This will reduce its reliance on conventional energy and support sustainable development goals for economic and environmental growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The loan is the fund’s first to the Solomon Islands and demonstrates its commitment to supporting developing countries and small island states in overcoming economic, social and environmental challenges.
Since its foundation in 1974, the fund has financed more than 800 projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries.
Through its global initiatives, the fund enhances livelihoods, expands access to services and empowers communities, fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities worldwide.
On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad and his delegation met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They discussed the fund’s 50-year development efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation.
Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis
- Environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources
- Center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the SGI, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.
This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.
