Boost for nonprofits in Saudi cultural sector

The program offers a multi-faceted support system, including mentorship, training, promotional support and grants. (X @LPTC_MOC)
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Updated 13 April 2025
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Boost for nonprofits in Saudi cultural sector

  • To qualify, applicants must be registered in Sauddi Arabia and show readiness to launch initiatives aligned with literature, publishing and translation sectors

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has launched a new program designed to boost the role of the nonprofit sector in the cultural landscape.

Known as Madeed, the initiative underscores the commission’s commitment to strengthening cultural partnerships with nonprofit entities and empowering them to contribute to the nation’s cultural transformation.

It seeks to create lasting community impact while supporting Vision 2030 goals in literature, publishing and translation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program offers a multi-faceted support system, including mentorship, training, promotional support and grants.

Operating through two tracks — one for third-sector organizations and another for student clubs — it guides participants from application and evaluation to implementation and final assessment.

To qualify, applicants must be registered in the Kingdom and show readiness to launch initiatives aligned with literature, publishing and translation sectors.

Interested organizations can apply via engage.moc.gov.sa/madeed.

 


Festival of fun: Riyadh expo highlights best in entertainment technology

Updated 21 sec ago
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Festival of fun: Riyadh expo highlights best in entertainment technology

  • Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo set to welcome 12,000 visitors over 3 days
  • Hologram zoo, inflatable monsters among attractions on show

Some of the weirdest and most wonderful innovations are on show at this year’s Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo in Riyadh.

With 350 exhibitors plus talks and discussions with industry leaders from around the world, the three-day event opened on Tuesday and is expected to attract about 12,000 visitors.

Among the products on show is a hologram zoo designed by Australian company Axiom Holographics, which was featured in Time magazine’s list of technologies of the year for 2023.

Brendan Hodgkins, global sales manager, said: “We package a full suite of hologram equipment that can be integrated into family entertainment centers, theme parks or shopping malls.

“During our trials, we attracted 25,000 people in just 42 days, generating over $550,000 in revenue.”

He said that the company had already sold more than 40 of its “zoos” around the world and was keen to expand into the Saudi market.

“We’re eager to bring this innovation to Saudi Arabia to help shape the future of entertainment in the Kingdom.”

Another of the exhibits on show, and possibly the largest, is a 20-meter tall inflatable ogre, designed and built by Anka Inflatable Co. from Guangzhou in southern China.

A representative of the company, who gave his name only as John, said the product was ideal for larger venues, like amusement parks.

While the purple monster attracted plenty of visitors at the show, the technology can be adapted to suit the end-user’s needs, John said.

“(It) can be customized in many shapes and the skin can be changed after one, two, or three years. It’s also collapsible and easy to transport,” he said.

Anka was also keen to increase its profile in the region, he said.

“Many of my friends have built successful companies here. The relationship between China and Saudi Arabia is strong and this is a very good market for us.”

Besides the products on show, the expo is also being used to attract new people into the industry, with the Saudi Entertainment Academy promoting a series of training programs with links to future career opportunities.

“Our vision is to focus on professional training through diploma programs,” Sultan bin Jumaiah, a sales specialist with the academy, said.

“We aim to provide professional candidates for companies looking to hire. After completing our diploma, students will have the opportunity to join various companies in this sector.”

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities for Saudi citizens.


New program backs 20 AI startups in Saudi Arabia

Updated 6 min 41 sec ago
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New program backs 20 AI startups in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched a specialized incubator to support the growth of artificial intelligence startups, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

This initiative by the ministry’s Center of Digital Entrepreneurship strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a regional innovation hub and reinforces AI’s role as a key driver of digital economic growth.

The program includes 20 AI startups, empowering innovators to turn ideas into viable tech solutions, according to SPA.

The four-month program targets tech enthusiasts, experts, and industry leaders.

It offers training, financial support from the National Technology Development Program, mentorship, digital incentives, networking opportunities, and office space.

In collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence, SambaNova, and BIM Ventures, the program fosters a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.


AI-powered robot to assist Hajj pilgrims at Grand Mosque in Makkah

Updated 21 May 2025
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AI-powered robot to assist Hajj pilgrims at Grand Mosque in Makkah

  • Updated 2nd version of the high-tech helper features designs inspired by Islamic motifs and architecture in Makkah and Madinah
  • The robot will act as a reference point for religious inquiries and offer direct video calls with muftis

MAKKAH: As preparations continue in Saudi Arabia for the start of Hajj, pilgrims in need of assistance will this year be able to call on the services of a new high-tech helper that blends the traditions of Islam with the latest developments in artificial intelligence.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque unveiled the updated second version of its AI-powered Manarat Al-Haramain Robot on Wednesday, as part of an initiative that aims to leverage the power of advanced technologies to enhance the spiritual experiences of pilgrims.

It said the robot will act as a reference point for religious inquiries at the Grand Mosque, and can connect worshippers and other visitors to direct video calls with muftis who can answer any questions they might have, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The robot's updated version and software features designs inspired by traditional Islamic motifs and architecture found at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. It combines authenticity, modernity, and advanced technology to help enhance the experiences of pilgrims by providing easy access to information, the presidency said.

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage every Muslim is obliged to undertake at least once in their life if they are physically and financially able to do so, is expected to begin in Makkah on June 4 and end on June 9. Pilgrims from around the world began to arrive in the Kingdom this month.


Saudi Arabia, Japan sign MoU to boost judicial ties

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Japan sign MoU to boost judicial ties

  • Ministers sign memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in the judicial field
  • Walid Al-Samaani reviewed recent developments in Saudi Arabia’s judicial and legal sectors

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Justice Walid Al-Samaani met with his Japanese counterpart Keisuke Suzuki during an official visit to the East Asian country.

The ministers discussed ways to strengthen judicial ties between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Al-Samaani reviewed recent developments in Saudi Arabia’s judicial and legal sectors, supported by King Salman and overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, particularly regarding specialized legislation aimed at ensuring prompt justice.

He highlighted key advancements, including promoting transparency through audio and video documentation of court sessions — both in-person and virtual — and the publication of judicial rulings.

He also emphasized efforts to activate the preventive justice system by documenting contracts as enforceable instruments, SPA reported.

On the sidelines, Al-Samaani and Suzuki signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in the judicial field, including the exchange of expertise and information, and collaboration in legislation, capacity building, and dispute resolution.


Shoura Council calls for metro systems in major Saudi cities

Updated 21 May 2025
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Shoura Council calls for metro systems in major Saudi cities

  • Council urged the Public Transport Authority to expand the training programs offered by the Saudi Logistics Academy
  • Council members also emphasized the importance of improving the standards used to evaluate the quality of shuttle transport services for pilgrims

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council has called for studies into developing metro systems in the Kingdom’s major cities, Asharq Al-Awsat has reported.

On Tuesday, the council urged the Public Transport Authority to expand the training programs offered by the Saudi Logistics Academy.

Council members also emphasized the importance of improving the standards used to evaluate the quality of shuttle transport services for pilgrims to ensure efficiency.

They stressed the need to increase the passenger capacity of the Kingdom’s railway network and to raise train speeds to match those of the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which spans the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and offers transport for pilgrims.

Riyadh’s metro network opened in December last year and became fully operational in January.

The Kingdom also has a passenger railway network connecting Riyadh with the Eastern Province and Northern Borders regions.

One of the country’s goals under Vision 2030 is to improve the public transport network with the aims of easing traffic congestion in cities and lowering carbon emissions.