Interior Minister Prince Ahmad has urged Saudis to guard the Kingdom’s achievements.
“We have a joint duty as citizens to protect our security and national achievements,” he said in a statement on the eve of the National Day.
Prince Ahmed emphasized the cohesion between Saudi people and their leadership.
“Since the time of King Abdul Aziz, the Saudi rulers have been opening their doors to their citizens,” he pointed out.
“The 82nd anniversary of the National Day is an occasion to thank Allah the Almighty for His blessings on us and for this security and stability,” the minister said.
He reiterated the Saudi government’s desire to implement the Shariah. He praised Saudi leaders for their efforts to enhance the welfare and well being of their people.
In a similar statement, Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal commended the efforts made by King Abdul Aziz to unify the Kingdom and establish a modern welfare state. He reminded the new generation of Saudis about the pathetic condition of Arabia before the formation of Saudi Arabia. “About 100 years ago there was utter chaos as a result of conflicts between tribes. There was no security and stability. Gangs of robbers could be seen all over the country,” he said.
Prince Khaled noted the unprecedented progress achieved by Saudi Arabia during the time of King Abdullah who steered the Kingdom through economic crises and found a place for it among G20 countries. He also praised King Abdullah’s efforts to boost the Kingdom’s educational development by establishing more universities and sending Saudi students to reputable international universities on scholarship.
GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif Al-Zayani congratulated King Abdullah and Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Salman and the Saudi people on the Kingdom’s National Day.
In a statement, he wished the Kingdom continuous progress and consolidated development. He said the Kingdom’s unification by King Abdul Aziz was a major historic incident.
“The outstanding achievements of Saudi Arabia in various fields and at all levels came thanks to the wisdom and statesmanship of Saudi leadership, and its keenness to achieve the aspirations of the Saudi people and provide them with the right environment to develop and progress,” Al-Zayani said.
He said that the Saudi leadership earned the respect and admiration of the world for its political positions, diplomatic stances, moderate policies and provision of generous support for the needs of developing countries, as well as its continuous backing for international efforts to promote global peace and security.
Prince Ahmed: Guard achievements
Prince Ahmed: Guard achievements
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
- Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
