Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh

Singers on stage as the public celebrates Egyptian music and culture at the Global Harmony Initiative event in Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 29 November 2024
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Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh

  • Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture

RIYADH: The Global Harmony initiative concludes its week-long celebration of Egyptian music, art and tradition in Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season.

Running from Nov. 24-30 and organized by the Ministry of Media, the event invites visitors to experience Egypt’s rich heritage through a range of cultural activities.

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Speaking to Arab News, Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Tarek El-Meligy highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. “The Egyptian community is the most harmonious, coexistent and understanding in a positive way within Saudi society,” he said.

“If you ask any Egyptian which country they would like to live in after Egypt, they will say Saudi Arabia.”




The Egyptian ambassador to Saudi Arabia visits the Egyptian festival at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, held as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Sarry Shaaban, an executive and consultant at the General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are talking about millions of visitors, both residents and Saudis, entering the park. Whether I’m a resident, a Saudi or from a country hosting the event, it provides an opportunity for residents to learn about your culture, colors, explore its arts, food, crafts, and traditional industries.”

Live music and dance performances displaying Egypt’s cultural traditions, with the rhythm of drums and flutes and performers in traditional costumes, have brought the life and spirit of Cairo’s streets to Riyadh.

A separate bazaar area has been set up featuring Egyptian cuisine, traditional clothing and handcrafted items.




Performers showcase traditional Egyptian folk costumes and dances during celebrations at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, part of the Global Harmony Initiative, on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“An event like this carries positive messages and highlights something we strive to emphasize every day, that we are one people, united by love and affection,” said El-Meligy.

Egyptian Sameh Nabil emphasized the feel of unity: “This initiative brought us closer together as Egyptians, and with Saudis here, I feel like we are brothers. I always feel like we are not expatriates.”

And visitor Khaled Zahir said: “This event reflects the love, connection and affection between Egyptians living in the Kingdom and Saudis.”




Performers in Egyptian attire take part in a parade at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, celebrating Egyptian culture as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Egyptians make up 11 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population, according to the Saudi Census, meaning such exhibitions are important in promoting mutual respect and harmony.

El-Meligy said Saudi Arabia hosted the largest Egyptian expatriate community abroad, with remittances from those in the Kingdom forming a significant part of their home nation’s income.

“In recent months, remittances from Egyptians abroad have increased substantially, thanks to the facilities between the two countries and the confidence in both the Saudi and Egyptian economies,” he added.




Performers in Egyptian attire take part in a parade at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, celebrating Egyptian culture as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo/@RiyadhSeason)

Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture. In his October visit to Cairo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss investment opportunities and the establishment of a supreme coordination council to deepen bilateral relations.

Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw a 35.16 percent annual increase in the first half of 2024, according to the General Authority of Statistics. The increase was driven by a 73.44 percent surge in Saudi imports from Egypt, totaling $4.18 billion.

Egypt has also shown a growing interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, with a 71 percent rise in licenses granted to Egyptian firms in the second quarter of 2024.

The festival, which began in October, highlights the lives, contributions and cultural integration of its residents. So far, it has celebrated cultures including Indian heritage and moving through Philippine, Indonesian, Pakistani, Yemeni, Sudanese, Bangladeshi, Jordanian, Lebanese and Syrian traditions.


Saudi deputy FM receives Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

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Saudi deputy FM receives Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Oraz Mohammed Charif, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed economic issues of common interest, the foreign ministry said in a post on X on Monday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during which they reviewed bilateral relations and regional and international developments


Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

Updated 19 May 2025
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Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

  • Ali Al-Khabouri: AI will help the project managers to predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns
  • Al-Khabouri: AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions

RIYADH: Industry leaders and innovators discussed the role of artificial intelligence in advancing project management during the final day of the Global Project Management Forum in Riyadh on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, which has Arab News as a media partner, Ali Al-Khabouri, co-founder of Matrix Oman, told Arab News that AI is playing an increasingly important role in supporting decision-making in project management.

“AI will help the project managers to predict some of the information, predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns,” he said.

Al-Khabouri also discussed the importance of defining a clear strategy for AI adoption, adding that organizations should evaluate whether adopting AI is a value-adding step or simply a response to market trends.

During a panel discussion titled “The Future of Project Management: Leadership, Innovation and Strategic Integration of People, Process and Technology,” Marko Golob, head of IT PMO at SIJ d.d., highlighted the need for education in project management.

“We have a gap of 30 million project (managers) in the board in the next 10 years — 30 million. It’s a lot.”

Al-Khabouri highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in improving decision-making within project environments.

He said: “AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions.”

He added that while the essence of decision-making remains constant, the tools, processes and organizational mindset supporting it are evolving in response to technological advancement.

Imad Al-Sadeq, transformation delivery partner at EY MENA, discussed the growing concern of over-reliance on artificial intelligence in project management.

“The risk here (is) that some people, including project managers, will over rely on (AI). Some people will mistrust the human side for the sake of AI,” he said.

Al-Sadeq added that this trend is already emerging in some settings, and he highlighted the need to strike a balance between technology and human insight.

“We still need to keep the human at center, keep the trust with the human judgment. Otherwise, we are not only calling for best effect, but we are calling only for best practice or previous work. And this is a big difference,” he added.


Jazan’s craft revival supports heritage goals

Some 30 artisans are enrolled on a year-long program focused on qa’aid making, taqiyah weaving, and seashell crafts. (SPA)
Updated 19 May 2025
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Jazan’s craft revival supports heritage goals

  • The program aims to revive qa’aid making, once used to create beds and chairs in traditional Jazan homes
  • Trainers teach palm frond binding methods and encourage innovative designs suitable for today’s markets

RIYADH: The Artisans House in Jazan is helping to preserve traditional handicrafts that have declined in recent years in the face of modern technology.

This effort, to help contribute to the region’s cultural heritage, supports the Heritage Commission’s goal of developing Saudi artisans’ skills while promoting the aesthetic and authentic qualities of local crafts through training, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Some 30 artisans are enrolled on a year-long program focused on qa’aid making, taqiyah weaving, and seashell crafts, reconnecting with regional traditions.

Guided by specialized trainers, participants learn traditional techniques and explore modern design adaptations, the SPA added.

The program aims to revive qa’aid making, once used to create beds and chairs in traditional Jazan homes. Trainers teach palm frond binding methods and encourage innovative designs suitable for today’s markets.

Trainees in taqiyah weaving use white thread for traditional knitted caps.

Artisans also work with seashells to make bracelets, necklaces, ornaments, bags, and sculptures inspired by marine themes.

The Artisans House provides local youngsters with hands-on experience in heritage crafts, serving as a center for cultural education and training.

The initiative supports knowledge transfer to future generations and aligns with the Year of Handicrafts 2025, which aims to preserve and promote Saudi Arabia’s craft traditions.


Tokyo governor to attend top women’s summit in Riyadh

Updated 19 May 2025
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Tokyo governor to attend top women’s summit in Riyadh

  • Yuriko Koike will discuss role of women in public leadership positions
  • Fortune Magazine’s conference features outstanding female leaders from Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies

TOKYO: Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike will attend Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh on May 20 and 21.

Koike, who will be in the country until May 23, will speak at the closing main-stage session and also participate in a panel discussion titled “Leadership: Women in Public Service.”

The theme of the conference this year is “A New Era for Business: Partnering for Global Prosperity.”

Koike will discuss the role of female leaders in the public sector and talk about Tokyo’s advanced initiatives for female leaders and government officials.

She will also have discussions with representatives of local government agencies, and conduct site visits to pursue collaboration on ways to develop city governance.

Fortune Magazine’s conference features outstanding female leaders from Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies, as well as from sectors including government, philanthropy, education, sports, and the arts.


Saudi Arabia condemns escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza

Updated 19 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza

  • The Kingdom said Israel's actions contradict the will of the international community, violate human rights law and United Nations charters

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday strongly condemned the Israeli military’s intensified operations in both northern and southern Gaza, denouncing what it described as an expansion of the occupation of large parts of the territory.

In an official statement, the Kingdom said the actions “contradict the will of the international community, violate human rights law and United Nations charters, and obstruct efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.”

The ministry renewed Saudi Arabia’s firm denunciation of all ground operations conducted by Israeli forces, warning that such actions threaten the lives of Palestinian civilians and further aggravate the already dire humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave.

The statement also cautioned against the continuation of “flagrant and unjustified violations,” emphasizing that they constitute a breach of international law and a direct assault on the rights of the Palestinian people.