RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will host the inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah from April 22-24.
The forum, to be held under the patronage of Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan, is part of a series of events held by the ministry to improve pilgrim services.
Following a record-breaking 13.55 million Umrah pilgrims visiting the Kingdom in 2023, the forum will serve as an important platform for dialogue, exchange of expertise, and the unveiling of innovative services and solutions that improve the Umrah experience.
The event will include dialogue sessions, discussion groups, interactive workshops and an exhibition displaying the latest advancements in the sector.
It aims to broaden local and international connections, promote collaboration and forge lasting partnerships in the service of Umrah performers and visitors.
Government agency officials, Umrah operators, hospitality providers, transport and logistics companies, health care services, tech and telecom companies, AI pioneers, media outlets, construction firms, travel agents, consumer product suppliers and financial organizations will take part in the forum.
The Kingdom will showcase its latest Umrah initiatives and new operational strategies at the three-day event, as well as future schemes in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Developing Hajj and Umrah services in the Kingdom is a key priority of the Saudi government and an extension of the country’s historic role in serving Muslims and Islam worldwide.
Hajj Ministry to host first Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah
https://arab.news/yrfjn
Hajj Ministry to host first Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah
- The forum is part of a series of events held by the ministry to improve pilgrim services
- The event will include dialogue sessions, discussion groups and interactive workshops
Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region
- To develop future ‘cultural architects,’ says CEO Khaled Al-Baz
- ‘Nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and sense of belonging’
BURAIDAH: The Qassim Children’s Theater Festival opened on Tuesday bringing together professionals from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
The event is being held under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Qassim, at the Science Center in Unaizah governorate.
It has been Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Association and executed by the Unaizah Theater Association, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Running until Jan. 31, it features shows, panel discussions, as well as training workshops to develop children’s theater and strengthen professional skills in the field.
Khaled Al-Baz, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Association, told the SPA the festival forms part of a broader strategy to position children’s theater as a distinct cultural sector.
“Children today constitute genuine audiences — tomorrow’s cultural architects,” Al-Baz said.
Ahmed Al-Humaimidi, president of the Unaizah Theater Association, said it was an investment in young people, noting that it extends beyond performances to include cultural and educational programming.
He said the initiative aims to nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and a sense of belonging, while also identifying emerging talent and encouraging knowledge exchange among theater practitioners.
“Our association recognizes children’s theater as foundational to cultivating aware, creative character,” he said.
The festival serves as both an artistic showcase and a platform for professional dialogue, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding cultural landscape and growing focus on children’s theater as an educational and cultural tool, the SPA noted.
This occurs alongside support for signature initiatives and performing arts promotion as quality-of-life enhancement.
