Princess Sora bint Saud launches interactive book celebrating Riyadh

Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: “The Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 10 October 2025
Follow

Princess Sora bint Saud launches interactive book celebrating Riyadh

  • Part of Sora Collection, book spotlights history, culture
  • Born from ‘deep love’ of homeland, she tells Arab News

RIYADH: Princess Sora bint Saud recently unveiled “Riyadh,” the first book in her Sora Collection, which is a series of interactive publications designed to highlight the culture, history, and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s regions.

The luxury edition combines storytelling, illustration, and creative design, offering readers an immersive experience of the Saudi capital.

The book serves as a comprehensive guide to Riyadh, showcasing historic landmarks including Al-Masmak Fortress and the UNESCO-listed Diriyah, alongside modern icons such as the Kingdom Tower and Al-Faisaliah Tower.




“The book is just the starting point — there’s so much more that will be added; it’s going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.” (Supplied)

It also highlights traditional markets and heritage dishes including “haneeni,” “matazeez,” and “marqooq,” desert activities, and cultural experiences that capture the city’s unique character.

Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: “The Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. I began the project back in 2022, and it took time to bring together all the right elements, from the concept and design to storytelling … to present it in the best way possible.

“The idea came from realizing that there wasn’t anything simple yet meaningful that covered all regions of Saudi Arabia in a creative and accessible way. I wanted to create something that could serve as a starting point for readers, especially children, to build their curiosity and discoveries from.

FASTFACTS

• Part of the Sora Collection, book spotlights history, culture.

• Born from ‘deep love’ of homeland, she tells Arab News.

“Each book is designed to inspire, while also living beautifully as a coffee table piece that invites conversation, pride, and connection to our culture.

“The book is just the starting point — there’s so much more that will be added; it’s going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.”

Crafted with historical accuracy and aesthetic appeal, the books provide an educational yet engaging experience for readers of all ages.

The launch comes amid Saudi Arabia’s cultural and tourism renaissance under Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a leading global destination.

Princess Sora’s series is expected to attract wide interest from readers, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts.

It presents “Riyadh” as more than a book but as a starting to discover Saudi Arabia in all its richness and diversity.

 


Saudi Arabia protects rare marine ecosystems with 2 new reserves

Updated 12 November 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia protects rare marine ecosystems with 2 new reserves

  • Aim to protect 30% of Saudi by 2030
  • Unique biodiversity and tourism value

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has included the Ras Hatiba and Blue Holes marine areas on the Kingdom’s national list of reserves, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and advancing sustainable development goals under Vision 2030, the SPA reported.

Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said the decision followed extensive biological, natural, and social studies confirming the two reserves’ unique biodiversity, and economic and tourism value.

Located northwest of Jeddah, Ras Hatiba covers 5,715 sq. km and features coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds — key habitats for green turtles, dugongs, whales, dolphins, and sharks.

The Blue Holes areas are rich in marine life, including turtles, fish, mammals, and invertebrates. Their discovery was first announced in 2022 after 20 such formations were found along the southern Red Sea coast.

With the addition of these two protected areas, the Kingdom’s nature reserves now cover 16.1 percent of its territory, up from 6.5 percent, and moving closer to the national goal of 30 percent by 2030.