Saudi labor minister heads delegation at ILC in Geneva

Ahmad Al-Rajhi. (SPA)
Updated 09 June 2019
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Saudi labor minister heads delegation at ILC in Geneva

  • Saudi delegation will meet with representatives of other member states and participate in meetings of Gulf Cooperation Council, Asia Pacific and G20 countries

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of labor and social development, Ahmad Al-Rajhi, will head the Kingdom’s delegation at a major international gathering in Geneva later this month.
Government, business and worker representatives will be among the Saudi party attending the 108th session of the International Labor Conference (ILC) taking place in the Swiss city from June 10 to 21.
The session will celebrate the centenary of the International Labor Organization (ILO), with the participation of leaders of the UN agency’s 187 member states.
Items for discussion will include the reports of the ILO’s president of the governing council, and its director-general, which will take in a global outlook on the future of labor.
The conference will review the ILO’s programs and budget for approval. It will also study a report on governments’ implementation of labor conventions, and surveys on global social protection, social justice and sustainable development.
The drafting and adoption of the ILO’s declaration for the centenary will be discussed along with other topics and events related to the jobs market, including efforts to end workplace violence and harassment.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Kingdom’s delegation will meet with representatives of other member states and participate in meetings of Gulf Cooperation Council, Asia Pacific and G20 countries.


Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage

The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. (SPA)
Updated 19 December 2025
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Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage

  • Festival now established as a premier annual event

AlUla: The Winter at Tantora Festival launched on Thursday in AlUla. It runs until Jan. 10 and presents a cultural season which celebrates the region’s rich civilizational, cultural, and historic legacy.

The festival’s program includes a wide array of cultural, artistic, and traditional activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency. 

Attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.

FASTFACT

In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities.

In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.

The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities. The modern festival honors this tradition by marking the onset of winter and the start of the planting season.

This year’s edition offers a range of experiences to celebrate heritage, genuine local culture, and traditional craftsmanship. 

As part of AlUla Moments, the Winter at Tantora Festival supports efforts to boost cultural and tourist engagement while enhancing the visitor experience.

The initiative reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing cultural tourism and promoting the Kingdom’s historic landmarks.

The festival has established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, consistently attracting both domestic and international audiences.