RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Japan are working closely to enhance cooperation in the fields of culture and sports within the framework of the Vision 2030.
“The two countries are also discussing the possibility to set up a world-class orchestra in the Kingdom following the performance of a Japanese orchestra concert in Riyadh recently,” said Japanese Ambassador Norihio Okuda, here Tuesday.
The proposal from Saudis is at a preliminary stage, but artists and technicians who participated in the first Japanese orchestra concert are enthusiastic.
“Japanese side has started to discuss the possibility of Japan’s cooperation in the field of culture including the establishment of a Saudi orchestra and the construction of a cultural complex, which is supposed to house cinemas, opera house and concert halls,” Okuda said. “In fact, the first Japanese Full Orchestra Concert was a grand success.”
The orchestra proposal, if given green light, will eventually lead to establishing a large instrumental ensemble accompanying musicians who will be able to perform in the Kingdom. The Riyadh-based King Fahd Culture Center, where Sawakami Opera Foundation staged the first show, has had facilities and musical instruments for setting up the world-class orchestra group.
“Japan has also been asked to provide some knowhow and provide special technology to help make the huge cultural complex a high level facility in Saudi Arabia,” Okuda said. “Japan is very much interested to be part of this project.”
The diplomat also said that the two sides have started “structural cooperation in the field of sports also.”
He noted that Japan dispatched karate experts to Saudi Arabia in January. The experts were sent not only to train Saudi youngsters, but also to see how in the future Japan can collaborate with Saudi Karate Federation.
In March, Japan again sent two judo experts to the Kingdom, giving a new boost to promote Japanese fighting skills.
“In fact, this is now good time to jointly promote Japanese martial art, as Tokyo will host Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020,” he noted. “Hence, we have started promoting our martial arts like judo and karate.”
“We want to help some Saudi judo and karate players to enable them to get some medals in Tokyo Olympic games,” he added. To this end, he said the Kingdom and Japan have set up a joint ministerial group to implement plans and programs of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia to establish world-class orchestra for entertainment
Saudi Arabia to establish world-class orchestra for entertainment
Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy
- The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16
ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.
The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.
It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.
The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.
The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.
It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.
The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.
