New filmmaking initiative in AlUla aims to boost Saudi creative talent

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The program offers training courses and workshops covering all stages of film production, from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and post-production. (SPA)
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The program offers training courses and workshops covering all stages of film production, from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and post-production. (SPA)
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Villa Hegra runs educational and interactive programs for children to develop their talents and enhance their creative abilities. (SPA)
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Villa Hegra runs educational and interactive programs for children to develop their talents and enhance their creative abilities.
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Villa Hegra runs educational and interactive programs for children to develop their talents and enhance their creative abilities.
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Updated 15 December 2025
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New filmmaking initiative in AlUla aims to boost Saudi creative talent

  • Efforts aim to support young talent, contribute to growth of Kingdom’s film sector

ALULA: Villa Hegra, in collaboration with Film AlUla, has launched a specialized filmmaking program to develop cinematic skills and support creative talent, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The initiative reflects Villa Hegra’s commitment to strengthening cultural and cinematic activity while fostering an inspiring environment for content creators and film enthusiasts.

The program offers training courses and workshops covering all stages of film production, from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and post-production.

These efforts aim to support young talent and contribute to the growth of the Kingdom’s film sector, the SPA added.

Villa Hegra also runs educational and interactive programs for children to develop their talents and enhance their creative abilities.

The programs include workshops that simplify scientific concepts and integrate them with modern artistic practices, creating a learning environment that encourages discovery and innovation.

They have attracted strong student participation across the governorate due to their hands-on, interactive approach, which enhances children’s thinking and creativity.

The initiatives are implemented in collaboration with French and Saudi institutions, reflecting cultural diversity and international partnerships while improving the quality of educational content for younger generations.

Villa Hegra is the first joint Saudi-French cultural foundation based in AlUla. Launched in October, it supports the region’s cultural scene by providing educational platforms that develop skills among Saudi children and youngsters, while strengthening AlUla’s presence on the international cultural stage.


Pioneering electric bus service takes to the road in Makkah

Updated 19 December 2025
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Pioneering electric bus service takes to the road in Makkah

  • The bus rapid transit project, a system designed to have higher capacity and reliability than conventional bus services, is said to be the first of its kind in the Kingdom
  • The vehicles operate in dedicated bus lanes within a network that includes two main bus stations and 11 stops along the route connecting them

MAKKAH: A pioneering electric bus service took to the road in Makkah this week.

Electromin, the developer and operator of the service in partnership with Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction, said it is expected to serve more than 125 million passengers over the next 15 years, while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by more than 31,500 tonnes compared with traditional vehicles.

The bus rapid transit project, a system designed to have higher capacity and reliability than conventional bus services, is said to be one of the first of its kind in the Kingdom. It was inaugurated on Wednesday by Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairperson of Al-Dabbagh Group; Samir Nawar, managing director of Petromin; and Yasser Abu Ateeq, CEO of Umm Al-Qura.

The bus rapid transit project is designed to have higher capacity and reliability than conventional bus services. (Supplied)

Electromin, a subsidiary of Petromin specializing in energy and mobility solutions, said the new service, which forms part of the Masar Destination mixed-use real estate development project in Makkah, is one the first transport networks of its kind in the country, and represents a significant shift toward a cleaner, more efficient urban transport model.

It operates in dedicated bus lanes, connecting key hubs within Masar and providing safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transportation for residents and visitors, the company added. The network includes two main bus stations and 11 stops along the route connecting them. It has been designed to serve more than 5 million visitors and pilgrims annually, and to be easily accessible to all users.

Operators say the service is designed as a foundation for Makkah’s future transportation system, through its integration with the broader Masar project, which includes pedestrian walkways, more than 5,000 parking spaces, metro services and other urban infrastructure.