Saudi National Water Co. pumps 21 million cubic meters of water to serve pilgrims in Madinah
The company provided its services to pilgrims in Madinah during the pre-Hajj season by pumping water round the clock to meet their needs
The water was pumped at the Prophet’s Mosque, in the central area of Madinah and at religious sites
Updated 26 June 2023
Arab News
MADINAH: More than 21.4 million cubic meters of water were distributed by the National Water Co. to serve pilgrims in Madinah between May 21 and June 24.
The National Water Co. said that the operational figures for the water distribution system in Madinah showed that more than 11.4 million cubic meters of water were treated, while more than 13,000 laboratory tests were conducted on water samples to validate their quality and compliance with health requirements and standards.
The company provided its services to pilgrims in Madinah during the pre-Hajj season by pumping water round the clock to meet their needs. The water was pumped at the Prophet’s Mosque, in the central area of Madinah and at religious sites.
This was part of the National Water Co.’s efforts to provide sustainable high-quality water services and to provide the best amenities to pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.
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
Updated 15 February 2026
Arab News
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.
