Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry yesterday urged all transport companies to upgrade their services through investments and research studies.
Speaking at a symposium on Road Transport: The Challenges and Opportunities at Asharqia, Al-Seraisry said: “The Kingdom is witnessing a huge construction boom alongside the development of some giant economic projects and social programs. It is in this context that the Kingdom is focused on developing and upgrading the infrastructure for the various sectors including transport.”
Al-Seraisry added: “The special attention given by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman to the transport sector in general and road transport in particular has helped their rapid development over the years.”
The minister called for close cooperation among all transport companies and contractors, as that would prove to be beneficial to seek expertise and technology from international sources. “Their cooperative efforts could also contribute toward saving their time and achieving speedy results.”
Commenting on the likely competition between railway projects and road transport, he said: “The railway projects will contribute to opening a wide range of opportunities for road transporters engaged in moving goods and passengers.
“The Council of Ministers has decided to set up a system for general transportation in the Kingdom.However, it will create a great opportunity for the private sector,” said Al-Seraisry. “This development in the transport sector requires the investors to study well the opportunities and make use of them, and also take advantage of expertise from the world over,” he added.
Transport firms told to upgrade services
Transport firms told to upgrade services
UNESCO honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as thousands flock to Al-Ahsa festival
RIYADH: The third edition of Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival is drawing thousands of local and international visitors to Ibrahim Palace in Al-Hofuf.
Running until Feb. 7 at the historic palace, the event features a bisht exhibition, a rare bisht gallery, a handicrafts zone and workshops led by skilled artisans.
The festival showcases a convergence of cultures, with international pavilions highlighting the global appeal of this authentic Saudi heritage.
The bisht’s allure has drawn international visitors eager to explore Al-Ahsa’s rich history and traditional crafts.
Tourists enthusiastically don the traditional robe, admiring its royal designs. Many participate in workshops with master artisans, learning the intricate art of Zari embroidery.
Organized by the Heritage Commission, this year’s festival celebrates the inscription of the bisht on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event showcases Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old tradition of hand-weaving and gold embroidery, a craft passed down through generations of local families.
Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige.
With UNESCO’s participation and representatives from six countries, the festival has evolved into a global platform for cultural dialogue, cementing the bisht’s status as a world-class cultural treasure.
At the heart of the festival is the story of the “Golden Threads” (Al-Zari), intricate gold-plated silver threads that define the bisht’s character and prestige.
Visitors can discover them in the Golden Threads VIP Area, where they can watch master artisans demonstrate the full bisht-making process at the Host’s Majlis, offering insight into Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old craftsmanship.
