"The Saudi spring began 82 years ago when Saudis planted in the desert," said Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal after he launched the University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Dahban, about 50 km north of Jeddah, on Tuesday.
“Last Sunday, as I watched men, women and children carrying the Saudi flag and celebrating the achievements of this country, I recalled a book entitled “A miracle on the sand,” which I read years ago, and I now better understand what the author meant by miracle. The miracle is all of you who planted the desert for the betterment of the future of the country, Arab and all Muslims,” he told the audience.
UBT is a private university that started in 2000 as an institution that grants diplomas. In 2003, the institution obtained the Ministry of Higher Education’s approval to be transformed into a College of Business Administration. The college at the time had more than 3,000 male and female students.
In 2008, the college introduced its first postgraduate program, a master of business administration, and opened its College of Engineering and Information Technology. In 2010, the approval was granted for the opening of the College of Advertising, which will start its programs by the beginning of the next semester in February 2013.
Prince Khaled congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on the Saudi National Day and the opening of the university.
“These days we celebrate several occasions: the anniversary of the foundation of this country, the safe arrival of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and his inauguration of the largest expansion project of the Prophet’s Mosque, and the establishment and opening of this university.
“I greet, from the the bottom of my heart, everyone who took part in this educational edifice," he said during the opening ceremony that was attended by officials, businessmen, consuls and diplomats.
The university’s chairman of the Council of Trustees, Abdullah Saleh Dahlan, thanked the chairman of the Higher Education Council, King Abdullah, for approving the establishment of the university after it met the conditions for approval.
Makkah governor launches private university at Dahban
Makkah governor launches private university at Dahban
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
- Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
