Saudi state minister attends King Charles reception

Prince Turki shakes hands with King Charles. (SPA)
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Updated 06 May 2023
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Saudi state minister attends King Charles reception

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd attended a reception held by King Charles III on Friday ahead of the coronation this weekend, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Turki, who is a representative of King Salman to the state event, conveyed the Saudi king’s greeting on the royal occasion. 
King Charles expressed his thanks and appreciation to the king and his crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
The reception was also attended by the Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar. 
“King Charles has shown leadership and understanding with an impact far beyond his own country,” Prince Khalid wrote in a column. “While, as he himself has acknowledged, his role must necessarily change following his accession to the throne, his ability to bring the nations and the peoples of the world closer together will be undiminished.”

The coronation will take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey where King Charles will be anointed with holy oil and crowned with the 17th century St Edward’s Crow.

Thousands are expected to gather at the abbey and its surrounding streets in London to witness the historic event, its glorious pageantry, and to swear allegiance to their new king.

Dignitaries from around the world will be in attendance including a who’s who of Arab royalty; ruling families who have shared close bonds with the House of Windsor over seven decades during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II and whose members the new British king knows well. 

 


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.