Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors

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Updated 25 October 2025
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Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors

  • China, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait zones offer immersive cultural journeys through heritage, art, cuisine

RIYADH: As part of Riyadh Season, the China zone at Boulevard World offers visitors a rich journey through Chinese heritage, arts, and traditions.

Designed with traditional Chinese architecture, the area features cultural highlights such as tai chi demonstrations that embody the Chinese philosophy of movement, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.

The zone also includes a tea-tasting pavilion showcasing traditional preparation methods, along with exhibits of traditional clothing and handicrafts from China’s diverse regions.

Meanwhile, the Indonesia zone invites visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Indonesia.

This new destination offers an interactive experience showcasing the country’s diverse heritage, traditional arts, and authentic cuisine, the SPA reported.

The zone features architecture inspired by traditional Indonesian houses, handcrafted goods, and live entertainment, offering visitors a deep experience of Indonesian culture.

The South Korea zone, another new destination in Riyadh Season, offers an immersive cultural experience that reflects the richness of South Korean heritage and civilization.

The attraction is part of efforts to promote cultural diversity and encourage interaction among different peoples, the SPA added.

Visitors can explore key elements of South Korean culture through traditional architecture, artistic performances, authentic cuisine, and shops offering handicrafts and cultural products.

This addition is part of Boulevard World’s expanded lineup for the current Riyadh Season, which features 24 zones representing cultures from around the world.

The Kuwait zone highlights the authentic Kuwaiti identity and pride in its cultural heritage. It welcomes visitors with a design inspired by prominent Kuwaiti landmarks, both historical and modern.

Notable features include recreations of the Kuwait Towers, traditional wooden ships, and old Kuwaiti houses.

The zone offers a comprehensive cultural experience with performances reflecting Kuwaiti folklore, traditional food stalls, and shops displaying local products and handicrafts that embody Kuwait’s cultural identity.

Boulevard World has quickly become a major tourist attraction, captivating both local and international visitors, and cementing its status as one of Riyadh Season’s top destinations, the SPA reported.

On Friday, General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season has attracted 1 million visitors since its launch on Oct. 10.


Ex-Syrian intelligence officer appears in UK court charged with crimes against humanity

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Ex-Syrian intelligence officer appears in UK court charged with crimes against humanity

LONDON: A former member ‌of Syria's Air Force Intelligence attended a British court hearing via videolink on Tuesday charged with crimes against humanity and torture relating to the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations ​in Damascus in 2011.
Salem Michel Al-Salem, 58, who now lives in Britain, appeared virtually at the hearing at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court from his home. He was wearing a breathing apparatus mask and the court was told he suffered from degenerative motor neurone disease.
Al-Salem is charged with three counts of murder as a crime against humanity relating to deaths in April and July 2011 "as part of ‌a widespread or ‌systematic attack against a civilian population with ​knowledge ‌of ⁠the attack".
He ​is ⁠also accused of three charges of torture relating to incidents in 2011 and 2012, and one of conduct ancillary to murder as a crime against humanity. He did not speak during the hearing and there was no indication as to how he would plead.
His lawyer Sean Caulfield told the court that Al-Salem was too unwell to confirm his ⁠name.
The seven charges were brought under a British ‌law that allows the prosecution of serious ‌international crimes committed abroad. The Crown Prosecution ​Service said it was the ‌first time it had brought charges of murder as crimes against ‌humanity.
In 2005, Afghan warlord Faryadi Zardad was convicted by a British court of torture that had taken place in Afghanistan.
Al-Salem, who has sought indefinite leave to remain in Britain, was a colonel in the Syrian Air Force ‌Intelligence department with oversight of the Information Branch in the district of Jobar, to the east of ⁠central Damascus, British prosecutors ⁠say.
He is accused of leading a group tasked with quelling the demonstrations, which mostly occurred during Friday afternoon prayers. Prosecutors say he gave his men orders to open fire on protesters, which led to the deaths of some individuals.
Prosecutors say he was also present at, or took part in, the torture of men at the Information Branch building.
Al-Salem was first arrested in central England in December 2021. His lawyer had sought an order to withhold his name, arguing it could pose a risk to his safety. England's ​Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring rejected the ​application but ordered that his address not be made public.
He will next appear on Friday at London's Old Bailey court.