RIYADH: Saudi scholarship students in the UK on Friday organized their second forum on Vision 2030 at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, the SPA reported.
The event, sponsored by Ambassador Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz and supervised by the Saudi Cultural Mission in London, aimed to shed light on key features of Vision 2030. The event was opened by the acting cultural attaché, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Naim.
Heriot-Watt University officials and guests saw an exhibition accompanying the forum, which contained artwork depicting national, technical and cultural features of Saudi students in the UK.
The assistant attaché for cultural and social affairs, Nasir bin Abdullah bin Ghali, addressed the event and praised the forum, which he said is an important part of the Cultural Mission’s programs aimed at linking scholarship students with Vision 2030.
He said Vision 2030 aims to create a strong national identity depending on Saudi youths, including scholarship students, who are providing hope and ambition through these forums in various British cities.
British officials representing Scottish universities appreciated the excellence and good interactions of Saudi students in British universities.
A documentary on the features, programs and objectives of Vision 2030 was presented. The documentary also showcased the achievements of Saudi students in scientific research, which has earned them reputable global awards.
A panel discussion contained successful Saudi examples in scientific research and entrepreneurship. Some speakers dealt with the objectives and features of Vision 2030.
Before Edinburgh, the first forum was at Birmingham University last February, while the third is scheduled for March in London.
Saudi students organize 2nd forum on Vision 2030 in UK
Saudi students organize 2nd forum on Vision 2030 in UK
Makkah’s urban shift enhances city’s quality of life
- By harmonizing religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah proves that a city can honor its past while embracing the future
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is at present witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle.
By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — more than 60 percent of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35 per cent increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SR3 million ($800,269) in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities such as the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have featured a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million visitors a year. This cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18 percent.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes the soul and the community.
