The accommodation sector in tourist locations across the Kingdom regained their vigor during the just-concluded Eid, with the average rate of occupancy reaching 100 percent in coastal cities such as Jeddah, while occupancy in hotels and furnished apartments going well over 80 percent.
Khalil Bahadour, member of the National Committee for Tourism and Hotels, was quoted yesterday in the business daily Al-Eqtisadiah saying reservations for accommodations in tourist spots started as early as mid-Ramadan.
“The resorts, hotels and furnished apartments have registered the highest rate of occupancy in many years,” he said, adding that the high temperature and the school summer vacation have greatly contributed to the high rate of occupancy.
Bahadour said the huge demand for occupancy at sea resorts and chalets during Eid drove many of them to initiate what is known as a “day use service” during which occupants were allowed to use the resorts during the day and part of the evening. “The day use charge per individual was SR 100, with the resorts and chalets expected to make upwards of SR 130 million,” he said.
According to Bahadour, the charge for the “day use service” was less than five-fold of the night reservation. “Families preferred this service because it included free lunch in addition to enjoying all entertainment activities organized during the day time,” he explained.
Under this service, occupants could use the resorts and chalets for the entire day and part of the evening, but would not be allowed to stay for the night. Muhammad Saeed Al-Adlouni, director for a company which owns and runs a number of sea resorts in Obhur, said the “day use service” was used limitedly during the year, but this time it was applied extensively. “The low rate of this service enabled families to spend time at the sea at less cost,” he said.
Mahmoud Keelani, director for a number of furnished apartments in Jeddah, said occupancy reached more than 80 percent during Eid. “This was due to the large number of people who came from other regions to spend Eid in Jeddah,” he said.
Keelani denied that accommodation prices were increased to take advantage of the high demand during Eid, and said if there was an increase, it was not more than 10 percent.
Resorts occupancy reaches 100 percent during Eid celebration
Resorts occupancy reaches 100 percent during Eid celebration
Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah
- The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz
RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.
He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.
They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.
Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”
He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.
The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.
According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.
The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.
It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.
Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.
The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.
