‘Ramadan Lights’: Saudi Arabia launches new phase of its global tourism campaign

Muslim worshippers arrive for prayers at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Medina, on April 4, 2024, during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP/ file)
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Updated 17 March 2025
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‘Ramadan Lights’: Saudi Arabia launches new phase of its global tourism campaign

  • While Ramadan days are peaceful and relaxing, the nights come alive with bustling markets, festive stalls, and extended shopping hours in the Kingdom
  • People can explore districts like Jeddah, Al Balad, and Diriyah, visit awe-inspiring mosques, and discover traditional souks filled with unique finds

KARACHI: Saudi Arabia has announced the next phase of its global tourism campaign and named it “Ramadan Lights,” the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) said on Monday, sharing a range of offerings in the Kingdom.
During Ramadan, Saudi transforms into a vibrant hub where tradition meets celebration. While the days are peaceful and relaxing, the nights come alive with bustling markets, festive stalls, and extended shopping hours, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture.
People can explore districts like Historic Jeddah, Al Balad, and Diriyah, visit awe-inspiring mosques, and discover traditional souks filled with unique finds. With a lively atmosphere and special Ramadan events, it’s the perfect time to experience the warm, welcoming spirit of Saudi.
“From the crystalline waters of the Saudi Red Sea, lively coastal city of Jeddah, to the heritage-soaked AlUla, and the vibrant capital of Riyadh, visitors venturing to Saudi can experience a land of firsts, and create memories for a lifetime,” the STA said in a statement shared by its Pakistani PR partner firm. 
“From wellness retreats, stargazing, beach horse riding, paddleboarding and kitesurfing there is somethings for every type of interest. History and heritage come to life in Diriyah, near Riyadh, walking through the ancient rock carved tombs near AlUla, or wending your way through the alleys of Historic Jeddah.”
Ramadan is traditionally a time for family and reflection, and the Kingdom truly comes alive as the sun sets.
In Jeddah, visitors are treated to a diverse selection of Ramadan delicacies to suit every taste, or vibrant Ramadan tents filled with surprises and exciting events. For those wanting to celebrate, the Al Falah Square Bazaar offers a distinctive cultural experience that revitalizes authentic Ramadan traditions whilst offering shoppers a different experience through a range of shops and products.
AlUla is the place where Ramadan’s serene ambiance blends harmoniously with the tranquil surroundings, creating the perfect setting for reflection and relaxation while enjoying nature’s beauty. A visit to Bukhoor Road for shopping and tasting coffee is a must or enjoying wonderful Ramadan events at Al-Manishiyah Square.
Riyadh City offers a unique Ramadan ambiance, where iftar and suhoor gatherings bring families together, and special Ramadan events create a distinct atmosphere. Visitors can wonder through the Souk Al Zal, an exceptional market for incense, traditional artifacts and textiles, combining Saudi heritage with a Ramadan atmosphere, or watch the Ghabga, a Ramadan event that offers a unique experience, mixing traditional and modern atmosphere and featuring a range of entertainment and cultural events to enhance the Ramadan experience.
Saudi Arabia is currently boosting its public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism as part of the Vision 2030 framework, which aims to cut the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.
The Ramadan Lights season is part of the Kingdom’s global tourism campaign, “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia,” a vibrant consumer brand dedicated to sharing Saudi Arabia with the world and welcoming travelers to explore all the country has to offer.
It aims to drive forward the country’s tourism industry through awareness-raising campaigns and to provide a comprehensive array of information and resources for travelers to plan and enjoy unforgettable journeys.


How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia

Updated 4 sec ago
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How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia

  • AI is creating new music experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s musical heritage through initiatives like MusiqAI
  • MDLBEAST Records, another Saudi initiative, leverages AI tools to spark creativity in music production

RIYADH: As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its influence in Saudi Arabia and globally extends far beyond personalizing music experiences. It is reshaping how music is created, consumed, and taught, revolutionizing the industry.

Musicians across the Kingdom are embracing new technology, with major local initiatives such as MDLBEAST Records leading the charge.

“MDLBEAST Records believes AI is a powerful tool for sparking initial creative inspiration in music production — whether generating a first beat, a musical bar, or a legitimate sample,” Matthew Dicks, executive director of music and talent at MDLBEAST Records, told Arab News.

“We encourage our artists to explore these possibilities within a framework of creative freedom.”

Launched in 2020, MDLBEAST Records is a Saudi Arabia label that promotes and develops talent from the Middle East and North Africa region.

Part of MDLBEAST entertainment, its roster includes local stars Cosmicat and Dish Dash, among others, along with international names including Salvatore Ganacci.

While embracing AI’s creative potential, he emphasized the importance of ethics. “We also recognize the ethical complexities surrounding AI in music,” said Dicks. “It is paramount that the rights of original songwriters and rights holders are always respected.

“Copying, ripping, replicating, or infringing on intellectual property is strictly unacceptable. We are committed to navigating the evolving landscape of AI in music responsibly, ensuring its use enhances human creativity while upholding the integrity of artistic ownership.”

Beyond MDLBEAST Records, Saudi Arabia is making strides in preserving its musical heritage while fostering innovation. In late 2024, the Saudi Music Commission launched MusiqAI, an initiative integrating AI-driven interactive learning to teach both Arab and Western instruments.

Unlike global platforms such as Suno, AIVA and Soundful, MusiqAI prioritizes Saudi sounds and Arab musical heritage, offering lessons on traditional instruments including the oud and qanun alongside the piano and guitar.

In line with Vision 2030, the platform nurtures musical talent through AI-powered real-time feedback, personalized lesson plans, and accredited certifications.

By blending cultural preservation with advanced technology, it aims to set a new standard for digital music education both regionally and globally.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The global market for AI in music is projected to grow from $3.9 billion in 2023 to $38.7 billion by 2033.

• AI tools such as AIVA, Mubert, and Suno are already used for backing tracks, jingles, and even entire songs.

• Platforms like Spotify use AI to analyze user preferences and suggest music based on listening habits.

AI has also been used to enhance music discovery by adapting to individual preferences in real time, striking a balance between familiarity and exploration.

“AI and personalization help you listen to more of what you like,” Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA, told Arab News. “And then what we try to do is introduce you to something you haven’t been exposed to in the past, but you might like it.”

Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA. (Supplied)

As generative AI advances, the cost of developing innovative listening experiences is falling — a shift that Harbola believes is transformative for the industry.

“If we were to try to do something like this maybe five years back, it would be impossible because the cost would be so high,” he said. “You would have had to hire transcribers, producers, and you just wouldn’t be able to do it.

“But now we are able to deliver these personalized sessions to millions of users.”

Despite AI’s growing influence, Harbola said human expertise will remain essential. “The role of humans in AI, and when it comes to personalization, is actually going to increase over time — especially in music,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of cultural nuances in AI-driven recommendations, noting that even shared musical tastes can differ by location.

Aas AI continues to reshape the music industry, ethical concerns surrounding copyright and artistic integrity remain a significant topic of debate among musicians and creators. (Supplied)

“Even if you have the same music taste, what makes sense for somebody in Jeddah may not make sense for somebody in Sao Paulo,” he said. “So it’s very important that human and cultural expertise is built into what the machines are recommending and the products we’re rolling out.”

Nevertheless, as AI continues to reshape the music industry, ethical concerns surrounding copyright and artistic integrity remain a significant topic of debate among musicians and creators.

Addressing these concerns, Harbola emphasized the platform’s strict stance on copyright compliance. “We are very clear that any content that infringes copyright cannot be on Spotify,” he said.

Siddiq “Sidney” Malik, a filmmaker and user of AI in music, echoed this sentiment. “We’re at the intersection of creativity and technology,” he told Arab News. “We’re sort of working to adapt the future of entertainment while we’re actively shaping it.”

Malik views AI as an empowering tool that is cost-effective, innovative, and cutting-edge, particularly in breaking linguistic barriers. “This allows for a new era of accessibility and artistic expression,” he said. “It’s more than just a basic tool.”

Malik said it is not just about typing a prompt into a platform like ChatGPT — it is about creating an entire ecosystem.

“We’re deeply invested in the transformative power of AI music, but the key thing is that we believe it’s not about replacing human creativity — it’s about amplifying it,” he said.

However, he warned that musicians who resist AI adoption could later face competition from advanced tools. “It’s a critical moment for creators whereby if they do not embrace and collaborate with AI, they run the risk of competing with AI — which will be impossible.”

Despite AI’s growing influence, human expertise will remain essential, says Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA. (Supplied)

Drawing parallels to shifts in the film industry, Malik noted how creatives have adapted before and must do so again to embrace AI’s possibilities.

“I think we have had these shifts — analog to digital to virtual and now artificial,” he said. “AI gives artists the power to be the masters of their own destiny, which is very important in the music industry.”

Riyadh-based musician Lun encapsulates the cautious yet curious approach many artists are taking toward the rapidly evolving music landscape shaped by AI.

“I have not used AI before in my own music because I never thought I needed to. But as a tool, it can be of help,” he told Arab News.

While intrigued by AI’s potential, Lun highlighted ethical concerns that remain central to discussions across the industry.

“If an artist uses it to help with something they’re stuck on — to compile ideas so they can come up with an original part on their own — then I don’t see any harm in it,” he said.

“But if they use the tool to write the entire thing from A to Z, then I think we have a problem because it is no longer the artist who composed it, regardless of how they spin it.”
 

 


Eastern Province carries out health inspections

Updated 26 min 39 sec ago
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Eastern Province carries out health inspections

DAMMAM: Eastern Province Municipality carried out 10,540 inspections of commercial and food establishments in Dammam this month. It is part of the municipality’s plans to ensure compliance with health and municipal regulations, while also promoting food safety in markets, restaurants and shops.

Inspectors identified 931 violations, including cases of noncompliance with municipal and health regulations, improper food handling and storage, failure to meet hygiene and safety standards, and noncompliance with activity and operating licenses.

The municipality said that it will increase inspections of all commercial and food establishments, and encouraged the public to report any health or regulatory violations by contacting the dedicated complaints center (940).


KSrelief distributes 400 food baskets in ​​South Africa

Updated 32 min 54 sec ago
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KSrelief distributes 400 food baskets in ​​South Africa

PRETORIA: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has distributed 400 food baskets to families most in need in Bakerton, ​​South Africa. The move will benefit 2,400 individuals as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Distribution Project in the country.

The scheme aims to distribute more than 390,000 food baskets to 2,304,104 individuals across 27 countries during the month at a total cost of more than SR67 million ($17.88 million).

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian and relief effort to assist people and nations in need worldwide.

The center also distributed 1,500 food baskets in the Bahri locality of Khartoum State in Sudan, benefiting 10,182 individuals from displaced families. This forms part of the third phase of KSrelief’s food security support project in Sudan.

The project aims to distribute 30,000 food baskets to displaced people returning to their homes under the voluntary return program in different parts of Sudan.


Ramadan’s spirit of giving reflected in SR1.4bn donation to Saudi housing campaign

Updated 20 March 2025
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Ramadan’s spirit of giving reflected in SR1.4bn donation to Saudi housing campaign

  • The program aims to provide adequate housing for families across the country
  • The donations underscore the Saudi leadership’s commitment to supporting national initiatives

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Jood Regions 2 housing campaign has exceeded a total of SR1.4 billion $373 million) in donations and agreements received and made, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The program aims to provide adequate housing for families across the country and has received support from King Salman in the form of SR100 million donation, and a SR50 million donation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The donations underscore the Saudi leadership’s commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at strengthening and providing housing stability for 8,690 families.
Noting that the campaign’s donations reflect the cohesion between the leadership and the community, and all parties’ commitment to support sustainable development efforts, minister of municipalities and housing and chairman of the board of trustees of the Sakani Foundation, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, expressed his pride in this national achievement.
Sakani Secretary-General Abdulaziz Al-Kraidis, emphasized that this achievement reflects the power of serving the community and its members’ awareness of the value of contributing to improving each other’s lives.
Al-Kraidis explained that the campaign embodies the commitment of various government, private, and civil society sectors to promoting charitable and housing work.
He said the Sakani Foundation’s continued efforts in strengthening partnerships to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives and work toward providing more quality of life-improving programs.
The Wad Al-Iskan platform, another Sakani initiative, which aims to engage all people in supporting and enabling deserving families to obtain adequate housing by submitting contributions online, played a pivotal role in the success of the Jood Regions campaign and enhances social solidarity in Saudi Arabia, according to Al-Kraidis.
The Jood Regions campaign was first launched during Ramadan 2024 to provide more than 10,000 housing units for the most needy families across the Kingdom’s 13 provinces.
The initiative includes events to raise awareness and encourage community participation, bringing together entrepreneurs, leaders and others to ensure citizens can access suitable housing with ease and reliability, fulfilling the goals of developmental housing initiatives.


Al-Najdi Mosque on Farasan Island undergoes phase two restoration in crown prince’s project

Updated 20 March 2025
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Al-Najdi Mosque on Farasan Island undergoes phase two restoration in crown prince’s project

  • Al-Najdi Mosque will cover an area of 609.15 square meters and will be able to accommodate 248 worshipers
  • The mosque, which took 13 years to build, features paintings and inscriptions brought from India

RIYADH: The Al-Najdi Mosque is undergoing phase two restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques.

Al-Najdi Mosque, constructed in 1929, is one of the oldest worship sites on Farasan Island in the Jazan region, southwest of Saudi Arabia.

It is currently undergoing restoration as part of the crown prince’s project to open it to the public and to preserve its architectural beauty through plant decorations, artistic formations, and glass voids.

Following the renovation, Al-Najdi Mosque will cover an area of 609.15 square meters and will be able to accommodate 248 worshipers.

The mosque, which took 13 years to build, features paintings and inscriptions brought from India. It is named after Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Tamimi, known as Al-Najdi, the founder of the mosque.

The mosque features a unique pulpit, mihrab, and arches supporting a ceiling adorned with 12 ornate and colorful domes, showcasing a distinctive architectural style, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Najdi Mosque is one of 30 mosques that will be renovated as part of the crown prince’s project, which spans all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.

This includes six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Region, Al-Jouf, and Jazan. Additionally, one mosque will be renovated in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Al-Qassim.