Moroccan coalition partner, King Mohammed VI, is due to arrive in the Kingdom on Wednesday, and is expected to meet with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to discuss the bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest between the countries, including the latest developments in Yemen.
Confirming the high-profile official visit, the Moroccan Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery announced that “King Mohammed VI would begin a working and fraternal visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday”. Despite this, the full purpose of the visit has not been entirely clarified to the media in any official manner.
This will be his second visit to the Kingdom after becoming the King of Morocco in 1999, as he had previously visited the Kingdom in 2012.
According to Moroccan media, King Mohammed will arrive in Riyadh from Abu Dhabi, where he attended the third edition of the ‘Arab Family Awards’, which named him “Personality of the Year for Family Cohesion.”
King Mohammed is also expected to perform Umrah during the friendly visit.
Notably, Morocco is part of a coalition currently led by the Kingdom in fighting against the Shiite Houthi militia in order to restore the legitimacy of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and his government.
On a related note, a soldier who was stationed on the southern border with Yemen has been killed and another has been injured in a gunfight with Houthis militants recently, making the retention of these evidently strong coalition ties even more important as the battle for peace continues.
Moroccan King Mohammed VI arriving today
Moroccan King Mohammed VI arriving today
Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage
- Festival now established as a premier annual event
AlUla: The Winter at Tantora Festival launched on Thursday in AlUla. It runs until Jan. 10 and presents a cultural season which celebrates the region’s rich civilizational, cultural, and historic legacy.
The festival’s program includes a wide array of cultural, artistic, and traditional activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.
FASTFACT
In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities.
In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.
The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities. The modern festival honors this tradition by marking the onset of winter and the start of the planting season.
This year’s edition offers a range of experiences to celebrate heritage, genuine local culture, and traditional craftsmanship.
As part of AlUla Moments, the Winter at Tantora Festival supports efforts to boost cultural and tourist engagement while enhancing the visitor experience.
The initiative reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing cultural tourism and promoting the Kingdom’s historic landmarks.
The festival has established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, consistently attracting both domestic and international audiences.
