RIYADH: The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Summit and Expo is set to return to Riyadh from May 7 to 9 with exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest advances in the sector.
Organized by dmg events, SEA 2024 will run alongside the Saudi Light and Sound Expo and will be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center.
The event will showcase innovation and industry trends, bringing together global experts and sector leaders.
At a recent advisory board meeting in Riyadh, members identified key trends for 2024 that would be used to shape the agenda of the SEA Expo. These included exploring global investment strategies, understanding the next-generation market, empowering the Saudi workforce, embracing green entertainment, and examining crypto tech.
Developing next-generation talent emerged as a priority, recognizing the sector’s potential to contribute more than $23 billion (3 percent) toward the Kingdom’s gross domestic product by 2030 while creating at least 100,000 jobs.
Advisory board member and executive director of attractions at Saudi Entertainment Ventures, Doug Stagner, said: “What’s happening in Saudi Arabia has never been done before in the attractions industry.
“There are ground-breaking attractions and rides that have never been built before, and there are new concepts and ideas that will come out of Saudi Arabia, including discussions at this year’s Expo which will end up in other parts of the world, so what’s happening here has a much larger impact that extends beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia.”
This year’s SEA Expo aims to highlight the Kingdom’s entertainment and leisure plans and create opportunities in the industry to drive the country toward achieving its goals under Vision 2030.
With hundreds of international and local brands from more than 40 countries, SEA Expo will act as a platform to showcase new and innovative products from its 350 exhibitors.
Advisory board officials noted that the SLS Expo 2024 would focus on tourism, curating events that capture Gen Zs, and deep diving into the potential of technology.
The SLS Summit, a focal point of the Expo, will delve into the impact of tourism on the entertainment and events realm, looking at how the influx of global visitors was reshaping the industry and inspiring innovation.
Sarkis Kahwajian, portfolio director at dmg events, said: “We are witnessing exponential growth in the entertainment and live events’ space industry in the Kingdom, and it’s driving a demand for the latest technology coupled with a hunger to understand changing market dynamics in the pro light and sound landscape across the country.
“This year, the SLS Expo will set the stage for innovators, manufacturers, and lighting and sound professionals as they generate leads, forge connections, and usher in a new era in our industry.”
Global industry leaders to descend on Riyadh for entertainment, amusement summit, expo
https://arab.news/ycuh7
Global industry leaders to descend on Riyadh for entertainment, amusement summit, expo
- The event will showcase innovation and industry trends, bringing together global experts and sector leaders
- This year’s SEA Expo aims to highlight the Kingdom’s entertainment and leisure plans
Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king hold meeting in Jeddah
- King Abdullah expressed pride in historical relations between Riyadh and Amman
- Two leaders discussed recent developments in the region, particularly situation in Gaza Strip
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Wednesday during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
King Abdullah arrived in Jeddah, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, and was received by the deputy governor of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
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King Abdullah expressed pride in the historical relations between Riyadh and Amman during his meeting with the crown prince, the Petra news agency reported. He acknowledged the significant role of Saudi Arabia in supporting Arab and Islamic causes.
The two leaders discussed recent developments in the region, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, Petra added.
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Crown Prince Hussein and Director of the Jordanian King’s Office Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.
Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE
- Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces are among units taking part in the exercise, which will continue for several weeks at Al-Dhafra Air Base
- Other countries participating are Qatar, Bahrain, Turkiye, the US, France, South Korea, the UK, Australia, India, and Germany
RIYADH: Saudi defense forces have joined contingents from 10 other nations in the “Desert Flag” joint air exercise in the UAE, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces are among units taking part in the exercise, which will continue for several weeks at Al-Dhafra Air Base.
Other countries participating are Qatar, Bahrain, Turkiye, the US, France, South Korea, the UK, Australia, India, and Germany.
Commander of the air force contingent, Lt. Col. Pilot Faisal Al-Marwani, said preparations were carried out in line with approved safety standards for military exercises.
Al-Marwani added that the Saudi Air Force deployed six F-15C fighters with full crews to exchange military expertise in realistic combat scenarios, enhance readiness, and strengthen international partnerships.
He said that the exercise includes various air maneuvers, such as defensive and offensive counter-air operations, close air support, and combat search and rescue.
The objectives include exchanging expertise in planning and execution, improving combat readiness, and strengthening ties with participating forces.
UN competition calls on Saudi startups using AI in travel
- UN tourism competition aims to drive innovation in the travel industry
- Saudi entrepreneurs urged to join as sector embraces digital transformation
RIYADH: A Riyadh-based UN tourism official has called on companies to take part in a competition spotlighting startups using AI in the tourism sector.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge runs until Friday and aims to recognize companies that are using AI to improve user experience and sustainability.
“The tourism sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, with artificial intelligence at the forefront, reshaping how we travel, experience destinations and operate within the industry,” said Samer Al-Kharashi, director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh.
The competition calls on entrepreneurs who are “integrating AI solutions into their tourism businesses.” It aims to “identify and support start-ups driving innovation with AI technologies that enhance experiences and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector.”
Al-Kharashi said: “This initiative is part of UN Tourism’s broader mission to innovate and lead digital transformation, drive growth through improved operations and impact; collaborate across sectors; and shape the future of a smarter, more resilient tourism sector.”
Startups that reach the final stages will gain access to a global network of mentors and industry leaders. Winners will pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day and join an acceleration program at SPARK, the innovation hub of Les Roches. Support also includes connections to more than 90 venture capitalists and institutions across 150-plus countries, as well as potential pilot opportunities and additional backing from Plug and Play.
Al-Kharashi noted the importance of engaging entrepreneurs from the Middle East, saying that the regional office was “committed to recognizing and advancing the region’s innovation, fostering cross-border collaboration, and ensuring that local entrepreneurs are actively engaged in shaping the future of global tourism.”
He also pointed to the Kingdom’s strategic positioning. “Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 initiatives, has placed a strong emphasis on adopting digital solutions ... This competition aligns directly with the Kingdom’s broader objectives, offering a platform for the younger generation, particularly AI enthusiasts and start-ups.”
Examples of AI integration in Saudi tourism include NEOM’s use of the Arena OneBrain system, which combines “the Large Human Behavior Model” and a real-time adaptation engine to create hyper-personalized travel experiences. “These innovations ... exemplify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to driving digital transformation in the tourism sector,” Al-Kharashi said.
AI is also being applied in environmental maintenance. “Red Sea Global introduced an AI-powered beach-cleaning robot ... capable of detecting and removing debris as small as one cubic centimeter,” Alkharashi said. He added that this shift toward “behind-the-scenes efficiency” reflected broader trends in AI-driven tourism innovation.
Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts
RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief, met with Tunisia’s President Kais Saied in the capital, Tunis.
The two officials discussed humanitarian and relief issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saied lauded the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, highlighting the two nations’ exceptional medical professionals.
He further commended the Saudi Arabia program for the separation of conjoined twins.
The KSrelief chief also held a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Health Dr. Mustapha Ferjani to discuss humanitarian issues, the SPA reported.
Ferjani lauded the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to help people worldwide.
Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,400 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 106 countries, in partnership with more than 311 organizations.
Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
- Tree planting, coral reef workshops and coastal cleanups drive the Kingdom’s environmental vision for 2030
Riyadh: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant more than 3,000 seedlings during Environment Week.
The initiative encourages positive environmental behavior among students, raises early age awareness, and fosters individual and collective responsibility for protecting the environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held annually from April 20 to 26, Environment Week focuses on environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The 2025 theme, “Our Environment is a Treasure,” reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to conserve natural resources.
The reserve supports sustainability and environmental education. It has planted more than 3 million seedlings, dispersed more than 4 tonnes of seeds and restored 700,000 hectares of land.
At the Environment Week event in Sakaka, the authority is highlighting its achievements, including habitat restoration, seed dispersal and wildlife conservation.
These efforts include reintroducing 1,455 animals and recording 177 new births, including endangered species such as the sand gazelle, Arabian oryx and mountain ibex.
The authority’s exhibition pavilion showcases the biodiversity of the reserve, home to more than 350 wildlife and 290 bird species.
It also highlights initiatives to protect ecosystems, support sustainability and engage the community in conservation efforts.
During Environment Week in Jeddah, government, private, and nonprofit entities showcased initiatives to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability.
The National Center for Environmental Compliance highlighted the public’s role in environmental protection, compliance with regulations and reporting violations.
The Vegetation Cover Development Foundation, established by the Ministry of Environment and the National Center for Vegetation Cover, presented nine initiatives aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative. These focus on environmental protection, energy transition and sustainability.
Separately, the Islamic Arts Biennale hosted an interactive workshop on Jeddah’s coral reefs, featuring academics from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
The workshop explored the ecological and historical significance of coral reefs, threats like bleaching, and scientific efforts in reef restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Organized to connect art with environmental issues, the event aimed to foster dialogue between the arts and sciences while promoting awareness of sustainability in line with Vision 2030.
As part of Environment Week, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Umluj, along with partner agencies and volunteer divers, organized a seabed cleanup at Duqm Beach.
The campaign aimed to raise awareness about marine conservation by removing debris to protect coastal wildlife and ecosystems.
Volunteer divers and authorities collaborated in underwater cleanups, highlighting the impact of joint environmental efforts.
The initiative supports Vision 2030 goals of promoting sustainability and encouraging public responsibility for environmental protection.
In Riyadh, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification took part in the Environment Week exhibition alongside public and private sector entities.
The center launched nationwide awareness campaigns featuring interactive booths, educational activities, volunteer opportunities and greening efforts to promote public engagement in environmental protection.
Its initiatives focus on restoring degraded land, conserving biodiversity, managing rangelands and parks and addressing violations like unregulated firewood collection. These efforts aim to build a resilient vegetation ecosystem and support sustainability goals.
The Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a Public Investment Fund subsidiary, also took part in the event.
Through its subsidiaries, the company showcased its role in supporting a green and circular economy in line with Vision 2030, focusing on waste diversion, emissions reduction and advanced recycling technologies.
The group manages companies specializing in recycling, treating various types of waste and producing soil improvers, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader sustainability efforts.
