RIYADH: The Kingdom and China have launched the “Digital Silk Road” initiative.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Mishaigeh, undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for Saudi Planning and Development, made the announcement during a Saudi delegation’s participation in the World Internet Conference, which concluded recently in Wuzhen City in China.
The name “Silk Road” comes from a historical network of trade routes started during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) between Europe, India, China and other countries on the Afro-Eurasian landmass.
The Saudi delegation also held a meeting with the National Development and Reform Commission to activate the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in January 2016.
The MoU was intended to promote and develop the “Digital Silk Road” as well as review the Chinese experience in building smart cities.
Al-Mishaigeh called on the Chinese to boost partnerships and benefit from Saudi investment and geographical capabilities to transfer knowledge and achieve progress in the field of technology, which the Kingdom is betting on as a knowledge economic resource.
Speaking at the conference, Al-Mishaigeh said that Saudi Arabia has started implementing the desired social and economic transformation in accordance with the Vision 2030 plan.
He said that the city of Neom will be the focus of artificial intelligence, automation, manufacturing and renewable energy in the world.
Neom is a $500 billion mega city on the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast, which is part of the national push to diversify the economy.
The 26,500 square meters zone will focus on industries including energy, water, biotechnology, food, advanced manufacturing and entertainment, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said.
“Neom will attract private as well as public investments and partnerships. The zone will be backed by more than $500 billion over the coming years from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, local as well as international investors,” he said.
The Saudi delegation also visited the Huawei Research Center in Shanghai to learn about the latest technologies in infrastructure, smart cities and the Chinese experience in enabling the digital economy.
The conference was organized by the Chinese Electronic Space Administration and Zheijiang Province’s government with the participation of leading figures from governments, international organizations, companies, technical sector departments as well as non-government agencies.
Riyadh, Beijing launch ‘digital silk road’ initiative
Riyadh, Beijing launch ‘digital silk road’ initiative
How private Christmas celebrations in Saudi Arabia offer moments of cultural exchange
- Christmas spirit in major cities is growing as Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its religious diversity
- One of Riyadh’s decorations was held privately in a residential compound
RIYADH: As the days get colder and the year comes to an end, people across Saudi Arabia are looking to their families for warmth and their faith for comfort. For the Kingdom’s Christian residents, the holiday cheer has never been louder.
The Christmas spirit in major cities is growing as Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its religious diversity. One of Riyadh’s decorations was held privately in a residential compound.
The compound’s general manager, Jean Noujaim, told Arab News: “Christmas is being celebrated more and more … things that were frowned upon are now becoming less so.”
Guests were wrapped in fake snow while shopping around the Christmas market, admiring the illustrious decorations, enjoying the live choir, and entertaining their children with a host of games and activities.
The event also included a few very special guest stars including elves, the Grinch, and the season’s hero, Santa Claus.
The compound’s largest event thus far, approximately 1,500 residents and 2,000 visitors were in attendance.
“It showed how much people were missing these types of events,” Noujaim said.
Breaking records in “every way,” the event also saw its highest number of Saudi attendees for a Christmas celebration, having hosted similar festivities on an annual basis.
Noujaim wanted those of all faiths to feel welcome, emphasizing that it was a celebration centered around children and joy.
“Everyone who came told me they had goosebumps during the event. They felt it was magical … their children were very happy.”
The Vives Compound Christmas celebration was held on Nov. 20 and will be held annually.
While celebrations in the Kingdom remain low-key and largely private, they are increasingly shaped by a sense of community, cultural exchange, and shared hospitality, often extending to Saudi friends and colleagues.
For many expats, Christmas in Saudi Arabia is marked by intimate gatherings at home or within residential compounds. Decorations are modest, featuring Christmas trees, lights, and small festive touches that recreate a sense of home far from home.
Jazmin Soledad Huanca, a Peruvian expatriate working in Saudi Arabia, described Christmas as one of the most anticipated moments of the year for foreigners living in the Kingdom.
“Christmas represents unity and family,” she said. “The first thing many of us do is decorate our space, whether with a tree, lights, or a small reminder of Christmas. We prepare to visit close friends or family, exchange secret gifts, and share food together.”
Food, she added, plays a central role in the celebrations, ranging from cookies and hot chocolate to baked turkey served with salads. For many expats who arrived in Saudi Arabia alone, the occasion carries an added emotional weight.
“Here, many of us came individually, which makes Christmas different but equally beautiful,” Huanca said. “In some compounds, activities are organized for children, families, and single people. On that day, we all become one community.”
Inviting Saudi friends to join the celebrations has become increasingly common. “Yes, we invite Saudis,” Huanca said. “For us, Christmas is about unity and family. We want them to feel that.”
She added that hosting Saudi guests brings a special sense of joy. “It feels like having an important guest at home. You want them to feel comfortable, like this is their home too.”
International schools across Saudi Arabia have also been embracing the festive season with inclusive and joyful Christmas celebrations.
At the American International School of Jeddah the campus has been filled with holiday cheer through festive bazaars, extensive decorations including seven Christmas trees, daily morning musical performances by students and teachers, and even a surprise visit from Santa Claus.
Superintendent Robert Rinaldo said: “With more than 1,500 students representing 68 nationalities, we see Christmas celebrations as a true reflection of our diverse community. The festive atmosphere on campus, from holiday-themed decorations to daily musical performances, highlights that diversity and helps create an environment where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging and can come together to share in the joy of the season.”
Raza Ali, headmaster of Jeddah Prep and Grammar School, said: “As a British school overseas, we appropriately acknowledge Christmas during this time of year through school decorations, a winter musical, and references within certain class lessons, while always ensuring that we respect all cultural backgrounds within our community.”
Parents also value this balance. AISJ parent Victoria Joseph said: “Even though we are far from our home in California, my son is able to experience and understand the holiday season just as he would in the United States. It’s wonderful to see how the school embraces the festivities while showing such respect and adaptability toward the celebration in the Kingdom.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a multicultural society, these understated celebrations reflect a broader story of coexistence, where traditions are preserved, shared, and respectfully experienced across cultures.
