ABHA: Abha’s status as “Capital of Arab Tourism” for 2017 will bring dozens of investment opportunities, experts have said.
The Saudi city was earlier named the tourism capital for this year by the Arab Tourism Organization.
Abha has a diverse environment, with forests in the parks Soudah, Dulghan, Al-Hubala, and towering highlands in addition to the eastern plains and western coasts.
Asir Municipality seeks to keep pace with the celebration of the coronation of the city of Abha as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2017 through offering dozens of investment opportunities inside the city to help attract investors.
Director-general of investment in the region Ali Al-Haid explained that tender specifications for those opportunities include international conferences and exhibitions areas, a shopping mall, hotel, two restaurants at two distinct tourist sites in addition to a number of other opportunities.
“The project of exhibition and conference, the airport’s mall and hotel which is located on an area of 200,000 square meters will contribute to the revitalization of tourism in the region throughout the year as well as embracing many programs, events and conferences,” he said.
Al-Haid said that these opportunities include “a shopping mall on King Abdullah Road in an area of 30,000 square meters, near the King Faisal Medical City and the hostel university, in addition to 5-star hotels and villas.”
Al-Haid said that the opportunities include the operation, maintenance and investment of the Airport Park, which has been carried out at a cost of SR33.375 million in a total area of 125,000 square meters.
As ‘Capital of Arab Tourism’, Abha to bring investment opportunities
As ‘Capital of Arab Tourism’, Abha to bring investment opportunities
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
