Saudi Cultural Mission in Japan celebrates Kingdom’s 93rd National Day

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The event included lectures and a video shown about Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz. (ANJ)
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The event included lectures and a video shown about Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz. (ANJ)
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Updated 22 September 2023
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Saudi Cultural Mission in Japan celebrates Kingdom’s 93rd National Day

  • Officials, students laud leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Mission in Japan recently hosted a gathering to celebrate the Kingdom’s 93rd National Day, attended by officials and students from both nations.

Badr Al-Otaibi, director of the office of the Saudi cultural attache in Japan, extended his “sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and to His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and to the Saudi people” in his welcoming remarks at the event on Sept. 20.

“On this day, we remember the sublime principles upon which our beloved country was founded, based on the shariah of Islam and entrenching the values of justice, equality and tolerance,” Al-Otaibi said. “We also remember the heroic historical deeds of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, may God have mercy on him, along with the first founding fathers to establish this blessed country, unify it and extend its influence over wide areas of the Arabian Peninsula.”

“The subsequent phase of construction and development was led, after the founder, may God have mercy on him, by his sons, the kings, until reaching the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God protect him, who leads our country with a wise vision and sound steps in all fields. His highness the crown prince supports him in this regard through the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, through which our country seeks to occupy an advanced position among the developed countries in the world,” Al-Otaibi said.

The event included lectures by Dr. Kaoru Yamamoto, assistant professor at Keio University, titled “Arabic Literature in Japan,” and “Saudi National Day” presented by Faisal Sarbland, a master’s student at Tokai University.

A video was shown about Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz, followed by a lecture — “My Journey to Mecca” — presented by Aqeel Qureshi, a bachelor’s degree student at Keio University.

This was followed by the introduction of Takushoku University students, and the awarding of certificates of appreciation.

According to data from the cultural mission, there are 64 students from Saudi Arabia studying in Japan, majoring in nuclear, aerospace and information systems engineering, as well as dentistry, and speech and hearing therapy.


Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life

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Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life

  • By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and community

 

MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.

Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.

Makkah’s Hira Cultural District has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity. (SPA photo)

Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.

A living legacy 

The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.

These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.

City’s transformation recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. (SPA photo)

Economic and social impact 

The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.

By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.