‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ initiative launched with Flynas

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A Flynas airplane with ‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ livery. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 September 2022
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‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ initiative launched with Flynas

  • ‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ will include various activities, partnerships and promotions to celebrate the Kingdom’s rich coffee heritage
  • Flynas passengers will be provided with free Saudi coffee during flights until the end of the year

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Culinary Arts Authority and the airline Flynas, has activated the “Year of Saudi Coffee” initiative aboard one of Flynas’ planes.

Graphics celebrating the initiative will be found on Flynas boarding passes and passenger registration banners at airports, whilst Flynas passengers will be provided with free Saudi coffee during flights, in cups decorated “Year of Saudi Coffee” graphic designs until the end of the year.

The 2022 initiative, also supported by the Quality of Life Program, will include various activities, partnerships and promotions to celebrate the Kingdom’s rich coffee heritage, with the drink an authentic cultural symbol, full of customs and traditions.

Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest consumers of coffee, and achieving self-sufficiency in domestic coffee production, in accordance with the plans of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Program, is vital for consumption and economic progress.

There are three areas in the Kingdom suitable for coffee cultivation: Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha. 

In particular, the Khawlani coffee bean — named after the Khawlan bin Amer tribe who inhabited the mountainous areas between Saudi Arabia and Yemen where its trees are cultivated — is one of the most expensive and rare types of coffee bean in the world.

The cooperation between the ministry, Flynas and the CAA comes in line with several other partnerships and agreements to celebrate Saudi coffee and the values of the Saudi nation it is associated with, such as generosity and hospitality.

The ministry has also implemented many other events related to the “Year of Saudi Coffee” since the beginning of 2022, in cities and regions of the Kingdom.


Drug smuggling operations foiled across Kingdom

Updated 5 sec ago
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Drug smuggling operations foiled across Kingdom

  • Patrols in the Asir region led to the arrest of four Ethiopians for smuggling 122,550 tablets regulated for medical circulation
  • Border Guard authorities in Al-Raboah, Asir, arrested six Ethiopians for smuggling 225 kg of qat plants

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have carried out multiple drug-related arrests across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

Border Guard patrols in the Al-Dayer sector of the Jazan region resulted in the arrest of 11 Ethiopians for smuggling 288 kg of qat. In another operation, the smuggling of 504 kg of qat was thwarted.

Patrols in the Asir region led to the arrest of four Ethiopians for smuggling 122,550 tablets regulated for medical circulation. A firearm was seized.

Border Guard authorities in Al-Raboah, Asir, arrested six Ethiopians for smuggling 225 kg of qat plants. Another attempt to smuggle 175 kg of qat was also thwarted.

The General Administration of Mujahideen in the Eastern Province arrested a citizen for selling hashish, while, in Makkah, two citizens were arrested with 2,475 tablets regulated for medical circulation.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and all seized items handed to the relevant authorities.

The public is urged to report drug smuggling or sales by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be submitted confidentially to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.


Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah

Updated 07 April 2025
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Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah

  • ‘Your Passport to the World’ celebrates traditions from Sudan, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh

Riyadh: A cultural festival hosted by Saudi Arabia will bring the rich traditions of Sudan, India, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to Alkhobar and Jeddah.

Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the “Your Passport to the World” event will celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of expatriate communities in the Kingdom.

The month-long festival will offer an immersive experience that reconnects participants with their roots, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through a series of performances, culinary showcases, traditional crafts, and hands-on workshops, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate global traditions.

The festival will debut in Alkhobar, with each community featured for four days throughout April, according to the SPA.

The Sudanese pavilion will kick off the event from Wednesday to Saturday, followed by India from April 16-19, the Philippines from April 23-26, and Bangladesh from April 30 to May 3. Afterward, the festival will move to Jeddah.

Each cultural showcase will offer a holistic experience, incorporating folkloric patterns, textiles, natural elements, and architectural heritage unique to each nation, the SPA reported.

Specialized zones will highlight heritage clothing, dance performances, authentic cuisine, crafts, open-air markets, performance theaters, and interactive installations.

The initiative aims to celebrate cultural diversity, foster connections, provide an engaging family experience, and highlight cultural heritage through art and cuisine.

With its festive atmosphere and vibrant showcases, the event is expected to attract large crowds, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance entertainment and improve quality of life for residents.


Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners

Updated 07 April 2025
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Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners

  • Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University to celebrate contributions in science, arts, economic, humanities

RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh will host a ceremony on Wednesday to honor the winners of the seventh Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, will be hosted at the university’s Conference and Convention Center and will be attended by Princess Fahda bint Falah Al-Hathleen, the spouse of the king.

This year’s award will recognize outstanding contributions in six categories: Natural sciences, health sciences, social initiatives, artistic works, economic projects and humanities.

The categories, covering both theoretical and practical fields, were opened for nominations last October, according to the SPA.

This year’s award marks a milestone, receiving a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom, highlighting the increasing recognition and impact of the initiative.

Last year, the award introduced refined evaluation and selection processes, adopting more precise and objective criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.

The award framework was also updated to reflect national priorities and global developments, further enhancing credibility and reach.

The Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence aims to highlight the accomplishments of Saudi women and recognize distinguished and creative people.

It also seeks to support outstanding women-led efforts and inspire future generations of women to contribute to comprehensive national development.


New program to boost tech skills of Saudi leaders

Updated 07 April 2025
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New program to boost tech skills of Saudi leaders

  • The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation

RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy has launched the Future Tech Leaders program, a six-month course designed to enhance the technical skills of professionals in leadership roles, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sponsored by the National Technology Development Program and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the program is conducted in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley.

It uses a hands-on learning approach to equip CEOs and IT managers with skills to keep pace with emerging technologies, according to the SPA.

The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation — fields that are increasingly in demand.

Tuwaiq Academy seeks to develop national leadership in modern technologies through professional programs and bootcamps.

It partners with global leaders such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Stanford University to train skilled professionals across various sectors.

The academy also offers additional programs for various age groups, available at tuwaiq.edu.sa.

The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the rapid evolution of modern technologies and the needs of the labor market.


RCRC warns public against intermediaries offering assistance in applying for land use in Riyadh

Updated 07 April 2025
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RCRC warns public against intermediaries offering assistance in applying for land use in Riyadh

  • Any claims or messages published regarding the existence of entities that allow or facilitate applications are baseless, RCRC warns
  • The Commission said it is developing an electronic platform dedicated to receiving land use applications directly from citizens

RIYADH: Beware of unauthorized individuals or groups offering assistance in applying for land use in the national capital, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) advised the public on Sunday.

The Commission issued the warning as it announced that it has begun implementing the royal directive issued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on taking practical measures to achieve balance in the real estate sector in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The RCRC noted that it is currently working on developing an electronic platform dedicated to receiving land use applications directly from citizens without the need for any intermediaries or external parties. 

Any claims or messages published regarding the existence of entities that allow or facilitate applications are baseless, the RCRC said. 

The Commission also called on everyone to obtain information from official sources only, and to beware of any fraudulent attempts claiming to grant land outside the regulatory framework. 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier directed a series of measures aimed at achieving stability in the sector.

Among these measures was the lifting of restrictions on land transactions and development in northern Riyadh, as recommended in a study by the RCRC and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.