DiplomaticQuarter: Saudi-Pakistan ties unique and deep-rooted in history, says diplomat 

Pakistan’s Consul General Khalid Majid at his office in Jeddah. (Photo/Supplied)
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Updated 25 March 2021
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DiplomaticQuarter: Saudi-Pakistan ties unique and deep-rooted in history, says diplomat 

Khalid Majid, consul general of Pakistan in Jeddah, extended warm greetings to expatriates living in Saudi Arabia on the National Day of Pakistan.

The holiday is celebrated on March 23 every year and commemorates the passage of the Lahore Resolution in 1940 when leaders of the sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for Muslims. 

Seven years later, Pakistan was founded under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. 

“It was a historic feat as Pakistan was achieved without war and practically by moral and intellectual force,” Majid said. 

The country also adopted its first constitution on March 23, 1956, making Pakistan the world’s first Islamic republic.

“Since its inception, Pakistan has made significant socio-economic development and progress as the effective role of Pakistani expats cannot be neglected in this progress,” Majid said.

“Our community has served both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia alike with loyalty, commitment and dedication. It is, in fact, the most remarkable link between our two countries.”

The consul general said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share common political, strategic, and socio-economic objectives. He said the relationship between the two countries is unique and deep-rooted in history. 

Majid said Pakistan fully supports the Kingdom’s structural reform policy through the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and society.

“On this auspicious occasion, let us pledge to enhance our efforts to further deepen the existing time-tested relationship between the two brotherly countries,” he said. “Let us pray for the security and prosperity of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”


Jeddah Fit Expo 2026 offers inspiration, innovation

Updated 29 January 2026
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Jeddah Fit Expo 2026 offers inspiration, innovation

  • Sports, fitness, wellness in spotlight at Jeddah Superdome
  • Gyms and fitness brands offer visitors a wide range of interactive experiences

JEDDAH: Jeddah Superdome welcomed more than 1,000 athletes of all ages on Wednesday for a heart-pounding session which placed sports, fitness and wellness in the spotlight.

The Jeddah Fit Expo 2026 is taking place until Jan. 31 and visitors on the first day were treated to a heady environment filled with high-intensity energy and in which cutting-edge fitness trends met the inspirational spirit of sportsmanship.

More than 300 brands and over 200 exhibitors engaged in in-depth exchanges and interactions according to organizers, while jointly forging an event for the global sports and fitness industry.

Mohammed Al-Aidarous, from the event’s organizing committee, told Arab News the expo aimed to spread the culture of fitness as a daily lifestyle and sought to encourage best international expertise and practices, while empowering and developing local sports talents.

He said: “The sports and fitness industry is a rapidly growing sector globally. Especially in Saudi Arabia, there is an increasing focus on health and fitness among the general public. Consequently there is a growing demand for fitness-related products and services.”

The exhibition, which is in its fourth edition, has brought together suppliers of fitness equipment and sports and leisure products, along with representatives from nutrition and health sectors, wellness clinics, youth sports education, and artificial intelligence solution providers.

Many of the participants are introducing new products to meet changing market trends, leveraging the national fitness policies, deeply exploring market demand, and expanding their presence in the sports industry market, thereby providing users with more professional services.

Gyms and fitness brands at the event are offering visitors a wide range of interactive, educational and commercial opportunities designed to promote healthy lifestyles while showcasing the latest industry innovations.

Danya Aljamal, an event coordinator at GymNation, said: “We are here to show sports enthusiasts who we are and what we can do to make them change their lifestyle with sports. GymNation is about enjoying your time, having fun, challenging yourself and making the best form of your body.”

She added: “We will be offering visitors our famous Hyrox class. It is designed to help enhance your strength and explosive power through a combination of targeted, high-intensity exercises and I hope people enjoy it.”

AI is rapidly reshaping athletic training environments. The exhibition features platforms that analyze an athlete’s movement, track progress, and offer automated corrections.

Saudi entrepreneur Mohammed Kaki, founder and CEO of FitLife, an Al-powered health-tech startup delivering B2B personalized nutrition and wellness plans, said: “We are proud to share the FitLife platform and feel excited to take these insights and relationships to the next level during this three-day event.

“FitLife is an app developed to make people’s fitness journey much easier and more convenient. Our algorithms were developed to produce accurate programs with a full range of workouts and recipes designed to fit people’s daily schedule and preferences.

“Our objective at FitLife is to foster growth and revolutionize the way people perceive health and fitness.”

Kaki indicated that the startup was also aiming to support coaches and specialists in sports and health organizations through AI solutions.

Beyond the exhibition stands and workshops, bodybuilding, calisthenics, taekwondo and volleyball are among the activities taking place at Jeddah Superdome.