Spectacular ‘cultural park’ opens on Jeddah’s waterfront
Updated 17 January 2018
RUBA OBAID & NADA HAMEED
JEDDAH: Events at the cultural park in Nawras Square on the new waterfront are continuing during the mid-year school holiday, offering a variety of cultural, educational and entertainment activities for families.
The cultural park is one of the initiatives of the Jeddah municipality through the Makkah Cultural Forum with the participation of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, King Abdul Aziz University, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and Jeddah Islamic Port.
Mohammad Al-Bugami, public relations director for the Jeddah municipality, told Arab News: “The main aim is to provide Jeddah residents and visitors with entertainment through awareness-raising recreational programs. It is a widely diverse and inclusive event.
“The activities include a theater, children’s actives, a library for readers, health awareness activities and more. I believe that people’s turnout explains their satisfaction.”
Activities and booths organized by the participating bodies and ministries are about interactive education, scientific innovations, and health awareness such as the skills festival to promote youths’ crafting skills; “Your health is our interest” to provide health and awareness services; the “wheel life” exhibition to educate society about the life of people with disabilities; and robot world.
Moreover, the cultural park will continue until Saturday Jan. 20. Programs and performances throughout the days start from 5 p.m. and run until 10 p.m.
Jeddah Entertainment Boulevard
Events at the new waterfront in Jeddah continue for the sixth day, organized by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). The events started Jan. 11 and will continue until Jan. 20.
The events of Jeddah Boulevard are supported by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the GEA; it was organized by Luxury KSA, which has organized 45 events all over the Kingdom.
Admission is free of charge, and activities start at 4 p.m., while the shows start at 6 p.m. and end by 11 p.m.
The event includes six stages such as the Spanish stage, the sailor’s stage, and the big stage, and each provides a different activity.
The big stage presents a wonderful violin performance of well-known songs such as “Despacito” and many famous Arabic tunes.
While walking through the newly opened waterfront area, you will find a variety of 10 activities such as food trucks, games for children and a circus show.
Jumana Al-Qurachi, an architecture student from Effat University, told Arab News: “I am really thrilled to be here; I really cannot believe what am seeing — it is so much fun!”
Amal Al-Thubiti, a 23-year-old psychologist who attended the show, said: “I am really amazed we have such shows here in Saudi Arabia and am looking forward to concerts here of international stars.”
Mohammed Sindi, one of the organizers from Luxury KSA, told Arab News: “The event is held on a one-square-kilometer space that can accommodate 400,000 people. We have over 100 booths, 16 food trucks, breakdance shows, Spanish dancing performers and there are 600 organizers to help keep this event a success; we have police everywhere to make sure everyone is safe.”
Arafat sermon projected to reach 1 billion listeners worldwide
The translated sermons promote peace, coexistence, and a deeper understanding of Islam
Updated 25 min 44 sec ago
Arab News
ARAFAT, Makkah: The Arafat sermon delivered on Saturday at Namira Mosque in Makkah was projected to reach a staggering one billion listeners worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The sermon was translated live into 20 languages as part of the groundbreaking initiative launched by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman's in 2018. Non-simultaneous translations into 17 languages were further made.
Spearheaded by the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the project serves as a cornerstone in spreading the message of moderation and centrism espoused by the holy sites, SPA said.
"The translated sermons promote peace, coexistence, and a deeper understanding of Islam — a religion built on mercy, tolerance, and peaceful living," the report said.
When the project was first launched in 2018, translations were offered in only five languages. Its reach has continued to grow each year. Sermons are translated into an increasing number of languages and broadcast on various platforms, including digital platforms, FM radio, and Islamic television channels.
"These efforts demonstrate the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to serving Islam and the global Muslim community," the report said, adding that the initiative "exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their pilgrims. It further reflects the leadership’s commitment to promoting global peace and the values of tolerance and moderation," said the report.
"Having surpassed 200 million listeners in 2020, the project fulfills the Kingdom’s sacred responsibility of caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. By translating the Arafat sermon, they effectively share the message of these holy sites with the entire Muslim world," it further said.
Interior minister inspects Hajj security forces in Makkah
Prince Abdulaziz met with the commanders of the forces and discussed their preparations for their assigned tasks.
Updated 16 June 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud has inspected the special security forces participating in this year's Hajj security forces in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency said early Sunday.
As part of the visit, Prince Abdulaziz met with the commanders of the forces and discussed their preparations for their assigned tasks.
Prince Abdulaziz was accompanied by several high-ranking officials and senior officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and State Security.
Hajj reaches its pinnacle; number of pilgrims counted 1,83 million
150 treated for heat exhaustion
Sermon includes prayer for war-hit Palestinians
‘Stoning the devil’ ritual begins today
Updated 8 sec ago
Arab News
JEDDAH: Muslims from around the world congregated on Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection amid sweltering heat.
The ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand together asking God for mercy, blessings, prosperity and good health.
Thousands of pilgrims walked here through the predawn darkness. They recited “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (O Lord, here I am answering your call) and verses from the Holy Qur’an.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the number of pilgrims reached 1,833,164.
This year’s Hajj came against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war, which pushed the Middle East to the brink of a regional conflict.
In his sermon at the Namira Mosque in Arafat, imam Maher bin Hamad Al-Mu’wiqly, urged pilgrims to pray for the Palestinians who have been “harmed and hurt by their enemy” that killed them, and “deprived them of what they need from food, medicine and clothing.”
Most of the pilgrims at Mount Arafat carried umbrellas, while others sat in the shade. Many were seen splashing water on their faces and bodies.
Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said more than 150 pilgrims have been treated for heat exhaustion.
He urged pilgrims to drink water and carry umbrellas as they perform Hajj’s rituals.
At sunset on Saturday, pilgrims left Mount Arafat, heading to a nearby site known as Muzdalifah to collect pebbles they will use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina. Pilgrims then return to Mina for three days, coinciding with the festive Eid Al-Adha holiday. Afterward, they return to Makkah for a final circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf. Once the Hajj is over, men shave their heads, and women snip a lock of hair in a sign of renewal.
Saudi FM holds meetings on sidelines of Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland
Updated 15 June 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday met today with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, on the sidelines of the Ukraine Peace Summit, being held in the Swiss city of Lucerne.
During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, opportunities to enhance cooperation between the Kingdom and Ukraine, and ways to support and develop it in many fields, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
Prince Faisal also held talks with Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, where they reviewed relations between their two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them, and discussed regional and international developments.
During the meeting, they discussed ways to strengthen and develop fraternal relations between the two countries, as well as regional and international developments.
In a separate meeting with European Council President Charles Michel, the two sides reviewed relations and existing cooperation between the Kingdom and the EU countries and discussed ways in achieve security and stability in the region and the world.
He also discussed ties with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
The Saudi minister had arrived in Lucerne earlier on Saturday to head the Kingdom’s delegation at the major conference, where more than 100 countries and organizations have gathered to forge a path to peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Successful test flight of electric taxi opens up new vistas for transportation of Hajj pilgrims
Self-driving electric vehicles could be shuttling pilgrims from Jeddah to Makkah by 2026
Saudi Arabia aims to become the first country to operate the sustainable transport technology
Updated 16 June 2024
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Not so long ago, the very notion of flying cars was considered pure science fiction. However, a recent public demonstration in Saudi Arabia has shown that the technology is not only real, but could soon become a staple of the public transport and logistics network.
Officials from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Hajj gathered in the Saudi city of Makkah on June 12 to watch what was billed as the first successful test flight of a self-driving aerial taxi.
The EH216-S eVTOL electric aerial vehicle took off in an autonomous trial designed to showcase its potential for transporting pilgrims between the holy sites, facilitating emergency travel, delivering medical equipment, and providing logistical services.
It is the world’s first air taxi licensed by a civil aviation authority.
The EH216-S eVTOL electric aerial vehicle takes off during a trial flight in Makkah on June 12. (SPA)
Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the minister of transport and logistics and chairman of GACA, said the air taxi trial is part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to provide the latest transport technologies.
“The trial was done in order to make sure the air taxi could provide services during the Hajj season,” Al-Jasser told Al Arabiya, speaking from inside the aerial vehicle.
“Pilotless and controlled from the ground, this aircraft fits in two people and can fly without fuel for a distance of up to 40 km, powered only by electricity, in full compliance with all safety parameters.”
Saudi Transport and Logistics Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser (center front) watch as the electric aerial vehicle takes off during a trial flight in Makkah on June 12. (SPA)
The trial provided valuable insights and data to support GACA’s development of an advanced air mobility road map, including a regulatory framework tailored to provide safe and sustainable air transport solutions for Hajj pilgrims.
Al-Jasser said further trials and experiments would be carried out in future to allow the vehicle to fly over a longer distance and with increased speed.
“We are following up on all the technologies available in order to be among the first countries that can benefit from these services, particularly in serving Hajj pilgrims,” Al-Jasser told Al Arabiya.
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics plans to roll out the new electronic vertical take-off and landing models, or eVTOLs, by 2026. Once up and running, passengers will be able to travel between Jeddah and Makkah in less than 20 minutes.
“This groundbreaking trial is a pivotal step towards a faster, more efficient, and sustainable Hajj travel,” Al-Jasser said in a statement. “Saudi Arabia is leveraging pioneering technologies to empower pilgrims with a seamless and sustainable pilgrimage experience.”
Saudi Transport and Logistics Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser (right) and Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, director of public security, try the electric aerial vehicle during a trial flight in Makkah on June 12. (SPA)
In doing so, Saudi Arabia aims to support a modern transport sector in line with the goals of Vision 2030 — the Kingdom’s economic diversification agenda.
Flying taxis are not the only technology developed under the Kingdom’s national transport and logistics strategy. Electric road vehicles and hydrogen-powered trains are also revolutionizing how the public and cargo will get from A to B.
Alongside the deployment of new vehicles, Al-Jasser said his ministry is developing smart mobility, drafting legislation and regulations, and providing experimental environments to test their real-world application.
These and other innovations, including AI-controlled traffic-management cameras and drones, are expected to help reduce passenger travel times in congested areas, particularly during emergencies, facilitate the transport of goods and medical supplies, and speed up surveillance and inspection tasks.
The EH216-S eVTOL pilotless electric aerial vehicle takes off during a trial flight in Makkah on June 12. (SPA)
Speaking after last week’s demonstration, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of GACA, said he and his department are committed to developing services that will allow pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease.
“This air taxi trial marks a major advancement in integrating advanced air mobility solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape,” he said in a statement.
“GACA is committed to enabling new safe and sustainable forms of air transport, elevating travel for pilgrims and passengers across Saudi Arabia. This trial acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to the advancement of mobility solutions across the Kingdom.”
He added: “We appreciate the instrumental support of Front End and EHang to mark this historic milestone for Saudi Arabia.”
Front End, a leader in integrating advanced technologies across various sectors, was the Saudi company behind last week’s demonstration, supported by its Chinese partner, EHang, a leading urban air mobility technology platform company.
A pilotless EH216-S eVTOL electric aerial vehicle is displayed at the Front End Limited Co.'s showroom. (LinkedIn photo)
“Front End is paving the way to a new era in smart mobility solutions, potentially revolutionizing Hajj transportation,” Majid Al-Ghaslan, the firm’s CEO, said in a statement.
“Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, our purpose is to foster a ‘Connected Kingdom,’ serving as a gateway for our partners to access growth opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
“This achievement stands as a testament to the power of government-private partnerships in accelerating new technology adoption. Partnering with EHang made this pioneering solution a reality.”
He added: “These eco-friendly marvels offer a cost-effective solution for urban transportation, tackling congestion while aligning perfectly with the Kingdom’s goals for a sustainable future. This advancement underscores Front End’s dedication to national progress and its commitment to shaping a greener, more efficient tomorrow in mobility.”
Also speaking after last week’s demonstration, Huazhi Hu, founder, CEO, and chairman of EHang, said: “This debut flight of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in EHang’s ongoing internationalization and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAM reform, showcasing the potential of our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions for widespread adoption in the Middle Eastern market.
Still image from a video showing Huazhi Hu, EHang founder, CEO and board chairman, with one of his company's air mobility vehicle in the background. (EHang video)
“Looking ahead, with the strong support of GACA and in partnership with Front End, we will work together to establish a benchmark for regular AAM operations in Saudi Arabia, driving progress in both regional and global AAM markets.”
Saudi Arabia has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into AAM solutions under the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which aims to transform the Kingdom into the Middle East’s leading aviation hub by 2030.
The strategy is unlocking more than $100 billion worth of investment, with passenger numbers growing by 26 percent in 2023 to 112 million.
Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, has unveiled plans to launch its own air taxis by 2026 to help ferry Hajj pilgrims between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Makkah close to the Grand Mosque. It plans to purchase around 100 aircraft.
The chosen model for these air taxis is the German-made Lilium jet. Although the initial plan is to transport pilgrims, Saudia is also looking at options to connect to various other destinations, contributing to the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector.
The potential for this technology was amply demonstrated in 2021 when NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s new smart city in the Kingdom’s northwest, teamed up with German company Volocopter to establish a joint venture to scale advanced air mobility. They successfully tested a flying taxi in 2023.
Travelers making the Hajj pilgrimage will have to wait until 2026 before they can try out the flying taxis for themselves.
