Saudi property fund branches begin reopening to public

Branches of the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund (REDF) have begun reopening to the public to deal with beneficiaries of the subsidized mortgage loan scheme. (SPA)
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Updated 03 June 2020
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Saudi property fund branches begin reopening to public

  • Officials have urged citizens to communicate online
  • The REDF has been providing its services remotely during the lockdown period through 30 e-services on its website

RIYADH: Branches of the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund (REDF) have begun reopening to the public to deal with beneficiaries of the subsidized mortgage loan scheme.

However, officials have urged citizens to communicate online and only visit branches in person where absolutely necessary and after booking an appointment through the fund’s website, www.redf.gov.sa.

REDF spokesman, Hamoud Al-Osaimi, said: “The branches started gradually opening during the week to welcome citizens with prior bookings after making sure they are abiding by the preventive measures.

“Thirty-four branches have already been opened, while Makkah’s branch, along with Riyadh’s and Dammam’s women branches, will open on June 21.”

He stressed the importance of “respecting the preventive health measures such as wearing masks, washing and sterilizing hands, avoiding handshakes, and keeping a safe distance of two meters.”

Al-Osaimi added: “The services in the branches will be provided only when necessary and to those who have not completed their requests online. People should use the e-services to avoid visiting branches. REDF is keen to provide the services of the subsidized mortgage loan program electronically to ensure citizens’ safety.

“The branches’ employees will provide the necessary services while prioritizing social distancing. I ask citizens to adhere to the safety requirements and preventive measures adopted by the health authorities to preserve their safety.”

He pointed out that halls, reception, and administrative offices were being regularly sterilized.

The REDF has been providing its services remotely during the lockdown period through 30 e-services on its website. The beneficiaries care center (199088) and the fund’s social media platforms are also available to handle inquiries about the subsidized mortgage loan program and financing solutions.


Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)
Updated 15 February 2026
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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. 

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)

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.