Diriyah launches summer program for inquiring young minds

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DGDA launches Diriyah Horizons Youth Summer Program to inspire curiosity, creativity, and cultural awareness. (Supplied)
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DGDA launches Diriyah Horizons Youth Summer Program to inspire curiosity, creativity, and cultural awareness. (Supplied)
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Updated 28 July 2023
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Diriyah launches summer program for inquiring young minds

  • Scheme seeks to nurture creativity, cultural awareness in children aged 9-17
  • Courses in fashion, art, photography, filmmaking, archaeology, archery, pottery on offer

RIYADH: A new hands-on, interactive program designed to nurture curiosity, creativity and cultural understanding among young people in Diriyah gets underway on Sunday.

The Diriyah Horizon Youth Summer Program is open to children aged 9 to 17 and will run for four weeks at the At-Turaif Historical District.

Developed by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the scheme focuses on experiential learning and practical activities to help youngsters develop new skills and fresh ways of thinking.

The program is split into four tracks — World Changers, Diriyah Fusion, Capturing Moments Creating Stories and Diriyah Time Capsule — and comprises courses in subjects as diverse as fashion, art, photography, filmmaking, archaeology, archery and pottery."

fashion, art, photography, filmmaking, archaeology, archery and pottery."

If someone could tweak it, I'd be very grateful.

The organizers said the main objective of the summer program was to inspire young people to think freely and come up with innovative solutions to real world problems.

It also aims to instill the core values of Diriyah and raise cultural awareness.

Founded in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, Diriyah has an important place in the Kingdom’s history. At that time, At-Turaif was one of its principal neighborhoods, home to Salwa Palace, which was the seat of government and residence of the royal family.

In 2010, the district was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being home to one of the largest mud brick communities in the world. In 2017, King Salman issued a royal decree to establish the DGDA.

The summer program is open from 6-10 p.m. five days a week. More details can be found at dgda.gov.sa/Pages/Diriyah-Horizons.aspx?lang=ar-sa.


Hajj Ministry suspends Umrah firm, overseas agent for violations

Updated 29 December 2025
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Hajj Ministry suspends Umrah firm, overseas agent for violations

  • Company fails to provide housing for Umrah pilgrims
  • Actions to ‘safeguard’ rights of visitors, says ministry

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Sunday announced the suspension of an Umrah company and its overseas agent for failing to provide contracted accommodation for pilgrims.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said the company violated regulations governing services for Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the two holy mosques.

It noted that several pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom without mandated accommodation. This prompted immediate action against the company and its overseas agent, the ministry stated.

Pilgrims circumambulate the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in this photo taken earlier this month. (SPA)

“The measures are intended to safeguard the rights of affected pilgrims, prevent a recurrence of such violations, and ensure the continued enhancement of service quality,” it added.

Last June, the ministry suspended seven Umrah companies due to deficiencies in providing transport services for pilgrims.

In an earlier report quoting the Hajj Ministry and the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the SPA said more than 1.7 million Muslims from all over the world arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah during the month of Jumada Al-Akhirah, corresponding to Nov. 22 to Dec. 20.