DUBAI: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will make an official visit next week to France, expected to focus on culture and investments but also the long-running war in Yemen, sources with knowledge of his plans told AFP.
The 32-year-old Prince Salman "will be on an official visit Monday and Tuesday, mainly to discuss culture, tourism, investment and new technologies," a source close to the Saudi delegation said
The crown prince has been on a lengthy tour of the US, during which he has met with President Tump, as well as former members of the country’s government.
He has also met representatives of the international media including Warner Brothers, when they discussed Saudi Arabia’s plans to open cinemas for the first time in decades.
In March Mohammed bin Salman signed a multibillion dollar investment deal with Egypt’s President Sisi.
He also went to the UK where he held meetings with Prime Minister Theresa May, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and dined with the British royal family.
During his visit to the UK the two countries signed a massive $60 billion trade deal.
Saudi prince to make official visit to France next week: sources
Saudi prince to make official visit to France next week: sources
- Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been on a royal tour since the beginning of March that has taken him to Egypt, the UK and the US
- During his visits to the various countries he has signed numerous deals worth billions of dollars
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
