RIYADH: At the unveiling of its new Saudi Land pavilion during this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and AlUla in particular have turned heads.
Held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Center, AlUla’s presence at ATM is highlighting its rapid transformation and new partnerships with industry leaders.
The appearance follows the success of AlUla’s first international marketing campaign under the theme “Forever Revitalizing,” which began in early 2024.
Aimed at reintroducing the world to AlUla’s deep historical roots and natural beauty, the campaign ran across nine countries in six languages.
Melanie de Souza, executive director of destination marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said the city’s global profile has grown significantly thanks to the campaign. “Expanded airline connectivity, more hotels and a packed events calendar have all helped us keep up with growing interest,” she said in a statement.
The campaign highlighted the city’s ancient ruins, striking desert landscapes and growing cultural offerings through dramatic films, rich imagery and storytelling.
The ancient oasis city-turned-cultural tourism hotspot welcomed more than 286,000 visitors in 2024, 72 percent of them domestic and 28 percent international.
Online interest in AlUla surged, with website visits up 8.5 times and bookings climbing 220 percent, leading to a 240 percent jump in revenue.
AlUla is also investing in the future. By the end of 2025, it plans to expand its accommodation capacity to more than 1,400 rooms, while committing to Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.
De Souza added: “Our focus remains on developing a destination premised on sustainability and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. At ATM, we will showcase why AlUla stands out as one of the most purposeful and forward-thinking destinations globally.”
Visitors to AlUla’s stand at ATM can experience a number of attractions. At the Arabian Leopard experience, guests can learn about local wildlife conservation efforts and vote to name a future leopard cub for a chance to win a two-night trip.
Names are being transliterated into the ancient Dadanite script at the Echoes of AlUla attraction, while the Rawi storytelling section is a space to listen to traditional tales passed down through generations.
The Saudi Tourism Authority is also showcasing the Kingdom’s rich diversity at ATM, from coastal escapes to mountain retreats and world-class sporting events.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the authority, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to return to ATM, opening the doors to Saudi Land, and welcoming our valued partners from around the globe.”
Saudi Arabia steps into global spotlight at Arabian Travel Market
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Saudi Arabia steps into global spotlight at Arabian Travel Market
- The appearance follows the success of AlUla’s first international marketing campaign
- Online interest in AlUla surged, with website visits up 8.5 times and bookings climbing 220 percent
Riyadh to host major airshow in November
- Prince Sultan said the Sand & Fun exhibition is a national platform combining aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences
RIYADH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club, chaired a meeting attended by Ahmed Al-Fahaid, the club’s general supervisor, where the executive plans and airshow programs for the Sand & Fun exhibition were approved.
Prince Sultan said the Sand & Fun exhibition is a national platform combining aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences.
The event supports the Kingdom’s role as a regional and global hub for general aviation, aligned with Vision 2030 goals in tourism, education, and local content development, he added.
This year’s edition is special as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Aviation Club, highlighting the sector’s growth since its founding.
The exhibition will be held from Nov. 25 to 29 at Al-Thumamah Airport in Riyadh. It will include live day and night airshows, youth and children’s zones, innovation pavilions, and investor platforms, aiming to boost local and international aviation collaboration.
Prince Sultan called for stronger national partnerships and engagement with education, training, entertainment, and technology sectors to ensure the event’s success.
The exhibition demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s organizational capabilities and opens new opportunities for future generations in aviation.
Founded in 2000 following a Cabinet decision, the Saudi Aviation Club leads the Kingdom’s general aviation sector, promoting its culture, supporting talent, and organizing educational and entertainment initiatives.
Saudi Arabia retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025
- National digital transformation strategy helps propel Kingdom to forefront of international standards, officials say
- Saudi Arabia cited as Tier 1 ‘role-modeling’ nation by UN specialist agency, further underlining its world standing
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook.
The cybersecurity indicator ranking reflects what officials describe as continued support from the country’s leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Officials added the leadership’s national digital transformation strategy has helped propel the Kingdom to the forefront of international benchmarks.
They also said the Kingdom’s achievements in cybersecurity stem from a comprehensive, long-term strategy that balances national security with economic and technological development.
Saudi Arabia was also designated a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, further underlining its international standing.
Central to this model is the National Cybersecurity Authority, the country’s primary body for overseeing cybersecurity affairs, and the Saudi Information Technology Company, which serves as its technical and strategic partner.
Together, these institutions have helped strengthen national cyber defenses, localize key technologies, and expand collaboration both domestically and internationally.
The NCA, which acts as the national reference point for all matters relating to cybersecurity, is tasked with enhancing the Kingdom’s digital resilience by safeguarding critical infrastructure, key sectors, and government services.
It is also responsible for setting policies, frameworks, and standards while encouraging innovation, investment, and growth within the Kingdom’s cybersecurity sector.
These initiatives form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to build a secure and trusted digital environment that supports economic growth and global cooperation.
Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro
- Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar
RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city’s new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar.
Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting.
For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.
“The most challenging aspect has been getting to the station and back home in a way that made sense. I’d say parking is an issue if you don’t go early,” he said.
“I go before it gets too hot to walk from the parking to the station … The stations are well AC’d … but it does get hot, so you just have to bear it.”
He recommends that passengers take a seat during the transit, whenever they are available, to minimize the burden of the trip.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Riyadh Metro features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.
• The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution.
• Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.
“Getting first class is worth it, and avoiding the rush and the sun. If you’re walking from the car to the station, I see a lot of people taking umbrellas, so that helps.”
Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads.
The system includes several sustainable features, such as energy-efficient trains and stations, and regenerative braking technology that helps cut energy use.
To boost accessibility, rideshare platforms such as Uber are offering free connections through the RPT Link service, which transports passengers to metro stations within a 3 km radius.
Nouf Al-Dossari, a content creator, said she relies on the metro for attending events and work-related outings. “It has been cost-friendly to me and saves me lots of time,” she said.
“Usually I’d leave my house an hour before to just reach in time because of the traffic, but now I leave 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time. It’s been wonderful.”
She encourages others to use the metro during the hot months, but also advises staying hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.
“I believe the most challenging part is trying to find an available seat when coming back home, and even in the morning because everyone is heading to work,” she said.
While she is used to the Riyadh heat, she still uses Uber to reach the stations for safety reasons.
“Some are located near highways or busy roads which makes it a bit difficult to safely walk to and from,” she explained.
Noura Al-Dakhil has been using the metro for her daily commute for over a month and says that the transition has been relatively smooth.
“The stations I use have a big sidewalk next to it, safety measures, and comfortable access. Although the parking situation isn’t ideal — or, let’s say, nonexistent,” she said.
While she used to walk to a nearby station in cooler months, the summer heat has forced her to adapt.
“In the summer, I use my car and park next to the station,” she said. For those without that option, she recommends preparing for the weather, such as using an umbrella.
“It’s a game changer. And wear airy fabrics. I switched to cold caffeinated beverages, which helped too.”
The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. It features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.
The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution. Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.
Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback
- Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling
RIYADH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region.
For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.
Now the traditional items are being celebrated as a lasting emblem of Bedouin heritage, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling.
FASTFACT
At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.
More than just functional, Al-Samil reflects a self-sufficient way of life and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Today, interest in Al-Samil is being reived at heritage festivals and handicraft exhibitions held across cities and governorates in the region.
The container is still valued for storing wild ghee and fermented yogurt, with the leather adding a distinct flavor. Many rural homes and farms still use it.
At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.
The market has become a key attraction for both residents and tourists looking to experience the region’s cultural heritage firsthand, the SPA reported.
Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen
- The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,559 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included 1,513 unexploded ordnances, 45 anti-tank mines and one anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 504,295 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.
