JEDDAH: A military drill aimed at boosting maritime security in the Red Sea ended Thursday, with a top Saudi naval officer saying it was the first exercise of its kind. Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti, Yemen and Jordan were among the countries that took part in Red Wave 1.
Gen. Ali Al-Ghamdi said it was the first joint drill promoting naval security in the Red Sea region, considered one of the most important economic sea routes in the world.
He added that several units took part in the exercise, along with Typhoon fighter jets, and exercises included training on shooting naval and air targets.
The exercise was part of the effort to bolster naval security for the Red Sea countries, protect regional waters, promote military cooperation and exchange expertise among participants.
Saudi Arabia’s military Chief of Staff Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili and his counterparts from participating armed forces were also present for the drill.
Last year, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense organized a massive military exercise to support security, stability and cooperation in the region.
Attended by 23 brotherly countries, the ‘Gulf Shield-1’ drill was considered the largest in the region in terms of the number of participating countries and the techniques used in accordance with the most modern military systems in the world.
Irregular warfare, coastal defense, combat search and rescue, naval warfare exercises and extensive flying operations were conducted during the sea phase of the exercise.
Pakistan was the leading contributor to Joint Gulf Shield-1, both in terms of personnel and assets.
Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry concludes naval drills for Red Sea countries
Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry concludes naval drills for Red Sea countries
- The exercise involved several scenarios that increased combat capability during various naval operations
- Al-Ghanmi said the drill was aimed at bolstering naval security for the Red Sea countries
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
- Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
