King Abdulaziz Public Library launches Thara Saudi, Athar initiatives

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The Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives are launched at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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The Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives are launched at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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The Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives are launched at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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The Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives are launched at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 09 January 2025
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King Abdulaziz Public Library launches Thara Saudi, Athar initiatives

  • Through Thara Saudi the KAPL offers a number of programs that contribute to highlighting cultural tourism
  • Athar is an interactive platform inspired by one of the pioneering national documentation projects, “The Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”

RIYADH: General Supervisor of the King Abdulaziz Public Library Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar launched the Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh.

Through Thara Saudi the KAPL offers a number of programs that contribute to highlighting cultural tourism, while Athar is an interactive platform inspired by one of the pioneering national documentation projects, “The Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Speaking at the launch, Muammar said: “The Thara Saudi Arabia is the initiative through which the library seeks to provide a distinctive cultural tourism experience that reflects the rich and diverse history and culture of the Kingdom and aims to present a sustainable vision that contributes to enhancing local culture in global languages.

“It comes as an expression of the efforts of 40 years of cultural and cognitive work, which created a national legacy and a sustainable impact,” added Muammar.

He said the KAPL also launched the Athar initiative, which represents the historical monuments and landmarks mentioned in the encyclopedia of Saudi Arabia, enabling tourists to discover the Kingdom in an unprecedented way.

This project is designed to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for cultural tourism, and reflects the great diversity Saudi Arabia enjoys.

Through its pavilion at the Saudi Tourism Forum, which was held from Jan. 7-9 at the Riyadh Front, the KAPL seeks to enhance cultural awareness and provide knowledge content that contributes to highlighting the Saudi national heritage, and encourages the exploration of the Kingdom’s unique cultural destinations.

In November the KAPL launched an initiative to position Saudi Arabia as a top global destination for cultural tourism by attracting visitors worldwide to explore the library’s diverse branches.

This project aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by strengthening national identity, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development.

Through its efforts, the KAPL seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, folk arts, and traditions, while deepening citizens’ connections to their cultural roots and contributing to economic diversification.


Saudi Arabia highlights expanding trade ties at Thailand International Mega Fair

Updated 49 min 8 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia highlights expanding trade ties at Thailand International Mega Fair

  • Exhibition features more than 150 leading Thai brands across sectors including food and beverage, health and wellness, tourism, fragrances/oud and smart agriculture
  • Fair also offers cultural performances, interactive displays, and new opportunities to deepen commercial ties between the Kingdom and Thailand

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia underscored its growing economic ties with Thailand as the Kingdom took part in the Thailand International Mega Fair 2025 in Riyadh this week.

Majid Al-Qasabi, representing minister of commerce and chairman of the board of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, and Abdulaziz bin Omar Al-Sakran, the authority’s deputy governor for international relations, attended the fair’s inauguration on Sunday.

The event brought together senior officials from both countries, including Kirida Bhaopichitr, vice minister for commerce of the Royal Thai Government; Darm Boontham, Thailand’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia; and Osama Qoqandi, chairman of the Saudi–Thai Business Council, alongside public and private sector representatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Visit Limlurcha, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, highlighted the significant progress in Thai-Saudi relations since the full restoration of diplomatic ties in 2022.

He said the fair serves as a key government-backed platform to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and emerging industries, supporting long-term economic collaboration between the two nations.

Al-Sakran said in a statement that years of joint efforts have strengthened partnerships between the Saudi and Thai private sectors, noting that bilateral trade over the past five years has reached nearly $40 billion, with an average annual growth rate of about 9 percent.

He added that the Saudi–Thai Joint Business Council has been restructured to provide an improved channel for communication, joint initiatives, and broader commercial and investment cooperation.

He said Saudi Arabia’s participation in the event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to creating new avenues for economic collaboration and supporting Saudi and Thai companies in exploring promising investment opportunities. 

The effort, he noted, aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the national economy and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional and global trade hub.

Organized in strategic partnership with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Thailand International Mega Fair 2025 is supported by the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh, the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the Saudi–Thai Business Council, and the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce.

The three-day exhibition features more than 150 leading Thai brands across sectors including food and beverages, health and wellness, tourism, fragrances and oud, smart agriculture, automotive components, decor, construction materials, and business solutions.

Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the fair also offers cultural performances, interactive displays, and new opportunities to deepen commercial ties between the Kingdom and Thailand.