RIYADH: President of the Shoura Council Abdullah Al-Asheikh on Monday received a number of reporters, writers and participants in the fourth dialogue session on the comprehensive relationship between Shoura Council and media.
Al-Asheikh welcomed his guests at his office in Riyadh and briefed them on the council’s tasks, and the legislative and regulatory role played by the council and its committees, praising the role of reporters, writers and intellectuals in raising issues that matter to the Kingdom and its people.
He stressed the council’s concern for strengthening the relationship with members of society, stating that the council’s main goal is to take care of citizens and discuss their needs and urgent issues.
The council works hard in studying urgent national issues, seeks to improve the performance of governmental authorities and make a qualitative shift in the regulatory field by proposing regulations and amendments, he added.
He said that the council looks forward to reporters, opinions writers and intellectuals having an important role in the council’s informative and communicative strategy, and stated that the council benefits from constructive criticism in order to better assess its work.
The members of the council participating in the dialogue session stated that since Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program were adopted, the council decided to form a committee that keeps up with the decisions taken by the council to achieve the vision.
The members also called on reporters and writers to be accurate with their information, and not confuse the council’s work with other governmental bodies to avoid any misunderstanding or false information.
Citizens’ proposals and instructive criticism based on true and accurate information are always welcome by the council, they said.
Saudi Shoura speaker meets media personnel
Saudi Shoura speaker meets media personnel
Madinah hosts Hajj permit awareness exhibition
- The event will explain how artificial intelligence is used to manage the Hajj crowds
RIYADH: “No Hajj Without a Permit” is the title of a mobile exhibition being held in Madinah until May 25 to raise awareness about safe and secure Hajj practices.
Organized by the Ministry of Interior, the event will explain how artificial intelligence is used to manage the Hajj crowds. Visitors will also learn about the Makkah Route Initiative, part of the broader Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
As well as highlighting the ministry’s efforts to ensure the security and safety of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, it explains emergency reporting procedures through the unified security operations centers (911) and the services offered on the Absher electronic platform.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority continues to collaborate with government agencies on the Makkah Route Initiative, implementing the scheme at 11 airports in seven countries.
At Jakarta International Airport in Indonesia, for example, SDAIA uses advanced technical systems and infrastructure in the pilgrim hall to simplify the Hajj experience.
The setup includes 12 interconnected workstations equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that integrate with SDAIA’s National Information Center systems, expediting pilgrims’ procedures. Technical support is provided 24/7 by a team of engineers, reflecting SDAIA’s commitment to leveraging AI, innovation and digital transformation to deliver exceptional service.
From Paris to Riyadh: ‘Perfumes of the East’ showcases Arab heritage
- Exhibition highlights cultural significance and art of perfume-making
RIYADH: The “Perfumes of the East” exhibition has made its first international stop in Riyadh.
It is a collaboration between the Saudi National Museum and the Ministry of Culture in partnership with the Arab World Institute in Paris.
The exhibition, which will continue until Sept. 14 at the museum, provides its guests with a journey through the richness of the Arab world’s perfumes, showcasing the fragrances and scents of the East, the cultural traditions that have influenced perfumes and their significant social role in Saudi culture.
The French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ludovic Pouille, and Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador, were among the attendees at the opening ceremony, along with other delegates from the Arab World Institute, leaders from the Ministry of Culture and the Museums Commission, and artists from the Kingdom, the Arab world and France.
“Perfumes of the East is an amazing exhibition, which was brought from Paris to Riyadh,” Pouille said. “It was presented first at the Arab World Institute in Paris, and it was a great success ... so many people visited it.
“It is amazing because you mix history and also artworks. You have artists who have been part of this exhibition, and this is the beauty of it. It is not just the history of perfumes in the Middle East, it is more than that.
“I am amazed by the jasmine dress by a young Saudi artist, who was also there in Paris, and of course, you can smell jasmine, but it is more than that. It is about heritage, the Saudi traditions, and I am fond of it,” the French envoy said.
The exhibition highlighted the cultural and historical importance of perfume in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, providing insight into its origins in the Arabian peninsula, an important trading hub through which aromatic plants and spices were distributed among ancient societies.
“A distinguished exhibition that revives an authentic national heritage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Dalia Seoudy, one of the guests at the museum. “It presents fragrant knowledge and surrounds one of the most important elements of intangible Saudi heritage, a journey between the roses of Taif and the jasmine of the southern region. This museum reminded me of perfumes in Paris, but it is very authentic, creative and beautiful.”
The exhibition has been designed to create a balance of olfactory and visual experiences for visitors, with scent-releasing devices carefully placed and handpicked for the exhibition by internationally acclaimed perfume designer Christopher Sheldrake.
More than 200 artifacts and artworks, both ancient and contemporary, are on display, weaving a narrative of the enduring relationship between the Arab world and perfume.
The exhibition unfolds through distinct spaces — from the raw beauty of nature to bustling town streets and the setting of a private home. This trajectory enables visitors to experience the evolution of perfume-making through a blend of historical treasures and modern artistic expressions.
This exhibition aligns with the National Museum’s commitment to celebrating Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of Arab and Islamic civilization.
It offers a multi-faceted educational and cultural experience, enriched by accompanying workshops and seminars that delve into the composition of perfumes, the intricate process of their creation, and the artistic design of perfume packaging.
Saudi Food Show features top global firms presenting their wares
- 1,000 exhibitors with 100,000 products from 97 countries
- Firms seeking to expand into one of Gulf’s largest markets
RIYADH: The second Saudi Food Show, the Kingdom’s largest event for food and beverage sourcing, which began Tuesday and will continue until May 23, has been featuring some of the world’s leading companies showcasing their wares.
It is sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON.
The event features around 1,000 exhibitors presenting 100,000 products from 97 countries. Also returning are the Top Table Saudi and YouthX Saudi competitions in expanded formats.
House of Pops, which specializes in vegan and plant-based ice cream, gelato, and popsicles, are participating because they are expanding into Saudi Arabia after having gained a foothold in the UAE.
“Health and wellness have been popular in Saudi Arabia, particularly following the pandemic. Everyone is highly aware of what they consume,” Marcela Sancho, co-founder of House of Pops, said. “Our products promote health and wellness. They are 100 percent natural, include no preservatives or food coloring, and are vegan and plant based. So, we really want to tap into the market and the opportunity here.”
The brand is also fully allergen-free, made without soy and gluten, and the creamy options are created with organic coconut milk and cream to create the milky texture.
Also at the event is Bakarman Foods, a top supplier of restaurants and theaters in Malaysia, India, Spain and Belgium.
“Saudi Arabia has one of the largest food markets in the GCC, and we plan to open a factory here in the future. The food quality and standards are high, surpassing those of other Middle Eastern countries. The degree of inspection and testing report is excellent,” said Mohammad Salim, Bakarman Foods’ procurement and supply chain director.
From India, Bharat Industrial Enterprise Private Ltd., a leading basmati rice miller and exporter, has returned this year for the exhibition.
Tushar Aggawal, manager of exports, said the company operates in 55 countries and has been around from almost as many years. “Saudi Arabia is our main market … we are one of the largest suppliers of basmati rice (here).”
Through keynote addresses, panels and workshops, over 90 experts from the public and private sectors shared insights on how to maximize opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s markets.
Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia
- The event features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries
- Kinza beverages are also available in Jordan, Sudan, Libya, Tanzania and Senegal
RIYADH: Consumers in Saudi Arabia are moving away from traditional staple soda drinks toward locally produced, high-quality alternatives, says CEO of Kinza Drinks Bandar Okrin.
At the second Saudi Food Show, Okrin told Arab News: “As more people continue to embrace these alternatives, the beverage industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a renaissance, with innovation and quality at the forefront.”
The event features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries, making it a truly international showcase of food and beverage products and services. Held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the three-day event ends on May 23.
The Saudi brand has returned this year as the “category beverage sponsor.” Okrin added that its presence as a sponsor fostered a sense of pride and support for local businesses.
Al-Jameel International, a Saudi company that recognized the shift toward locally produced drinks in 2022, introduced Kinza, a carbonated beverage that has quickly gained popularity among locals.
According to the SFS, the Saudi food and beverage sector is projected to experience substantial growth, with an expected annual growth rate of 3.44 percent, set to reach $27.83 billion by 2029.
This places Saudi Arabia as an attractive hub for both local and international players in the F&B sector looking for new prospects.
“We (at Kinza) are determined to shake up the beverage industry that a few large multinational companies have dominated for far too long,” Okrin said. “We currently have a strong presence in all GCC countries: Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait.”
Kinza beverages are also available in Jordan, Sudan, Libya, Tanzania and Senegal.
The company’s goal is to establish a strong market presence and become a household name in global markets, with innovative beverage products that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Okrin said that they aim to establish a strong market presence and brand recognition in these regions by effectively distributing products and building relationships with key stakeholders.
Their booth at SFS showcases their range of flavors, including cola, lemon, citrus and orange. “This year, we introduced new flavors like pomegranate, berries, Saudi cocktail, and carbonated water,” Okrin said.
Last week, Kinza launched diet cola and zero lemon options. “These new varieties will be available in all designated stores within the next two weeks,” he said.
Kinza is part of the Made in Saudi Program that unites ministries, government agencies and the private sector in support of Saudi national products under a single brand, which will contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth and the realization of Vision 2030.
Saudi, Iraq officials meet to discuss border security
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Iraq officials have been meeting in Baghdad to discuss border-security issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. Shayie bin Salem Al-Wadaani, director-general of Saudi Arabia’s Border Guards, led the Kingdom’s delegation at Iraq’s Ministry of Interior headquarters.
During the meeting, the officials discussed ways to enhance security cooperation, the SPA reported.
