5 months ago
The Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture has designated JAX District as an Industrial Heritage Site. This recognition is part of the Industrial Heritage Preservation Program aimed at protecting and celebrating locations of historical industrial significance throughout Saudi Arabia. JAX District, notable for its unique industrial architecture, now joins other significant sites across the Kingdom that highlight the evolution of industry and its impact on society. This designation not only honors JAX District’s historical role as a center for large-scale industrial projects but also emphasizes its transformation into a cultural landmark that seamlessly integrates historical preservation with contemporary activations. Originally constructed in the 1970s and named after the company that built the site, JAX consists of an assembly of large warehouses that once formed a bustling industrial hub in the Riyadh region. In the mid-2000s, as commercial tenants began to vacate, the district took on a new life. Graffiti artists and young creators turned the abandoned warehouses into canvases and studios, leading to a vibrant transformation. Today, JAX District is a thriving community that fosters creative production and displays it prominently. It hosts a variety of cultural events such as the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, XP MDLBEAST Music […]
5 months ago
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICA), has announced the launch of a Family Data service, for Emirati individuals and families as an alternative to the current UAE Family Book service and to facilitate access to all government services electronically. The service will be available in the individuals’ personal accounts through the authority’s website and smart application starting May 13. The new service will help Emiratis obtain all government services digitally and electronically, without the need for any paper transactions. The Family Data will be activated instead of the current Family Book. ICA said this service will be available to all family members on their own electronic accounts on the authority’s website and a smart application called Family Data. The service will allow the electronic exchange of data between all official bodies that require its availability in order to obtain their services. All information related to the family book will be transferred to the “Family Data” service, and the passport will remain the means of movement and travel outside the country. The conditions and controls for extracting, updating, or amending “Family Data” will be the same as those for the Family Book.
5 months ago
The teamLab Borderless Museum in Jeddah is scheduled to open this summer through the collaborative efforts of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the art collective teamLab group. The museum is being built on an area of about 10,000 square metres. The plot overlooks Lake Al-Arbaeen, offering panoramic views of the Historic Jeddah District, which is listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. This will be the first permanent museum of its kind in the Middle East and will be known as the “teamLab Borderless Jeddah”. The museum displays approximately 80 works of art, including: “World Without Borders,” “Sports Forest,” “Future Games City,” and “Lantern Forest,” in addition to “NT House.” The museum will also offer distinctive experiences such as: “Athletics Forest,” designed to enhance spatial awareness and brain development through physical challenges, and “Future Garden,” which is an experimental and educational project based on the concept of cooperation. At the “EN TEA HOUSE,” the straightforward process of making tea is transformed into a beautiful experience, and the flowers continue to bloom if there is tea in the cup, creating an endless display of beauty. “teamLab Borderless Jeddah” is part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to revive the […]
5 months ago
A new canal project has been initiated in Sharjah that will link the open sea to the creek and onward to Khalid Lake. The Al Layyah Canal, spanning 850 metres in length, aims to improve water quality and increase flow of water in Khalid and Khan Lakes from the Arabian Gulf. Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, inspected the progress of the canal that includes the construction of two main bridges, a water canal, a breakwater, and promenade. Tests were conducted and confirmed success during the completion of the 320-meter-long breakwater that will protect the canal in extreme weather conditions. The canal will also feature a range of amenities and services catering to social, economic, and recreational needs. The next phase of the project includes constructing a new waterfront with an Islamic architectural character that matches the architectural style of government entities and the Jubail Market building opposite the canal.
5 months ago
Red Sea Global (RSG) announced in a press release on Monday its plans to inaugurate Shura Links, a premier golf course and clubhouse on Shura Island in the Red Sea, by 2025. Described as a “unique golf destination,” Shura Links will feature Saudi Arabia’s inaugural 18-hole golf course, offering breathtaking views of the marina and the surrounding Red Sea. The development of the golf course will adhere to the highest sustainability standards, with a focus on reducing water consumption and implementing innovative methods for reusing irrigation water to enhance natural habitats. John Pagano, CEO of RSG Group, expressed enthusiasm for Shura Links, stating, “Shura Links will provide an unparalleled golfing experience, offering a visually stunning, natural course right here on the Red Sea.” Pagano emphasized RSG’s commitment to sustainability, highlighting efforts, such as innovative turf management and foliar feeding to prioritize environmental conservation. Designed by Foster and Partners, the clubhouse at Shura Links follows the Coral Bloom design concept, reflecting inspiration drawn from Saudi Arabia’s unique flora and fauna. The renowned golf architect Brian Curley collaborated on the design of the par 72 Shura Links course, which spans 6,858 meters and offers multiple tees at each hole. Featuring a strategic […]
5 months ago
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has unveiled plans for Aquarabia, Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking water theme park, set to open in 2025 alongside Six Flags Qiddiya City, marking a significant milestone in entertainment and tourism development. Aquarabia, designed to embody the essence of Saudi hospitality and adventure, will feature an array of thrilling attractions, including four world-record-breaking rides and immersive experiences tailored for families. Complementing this, Six Flags Qiddiya City promises an adrenaline-fueled experience with its twenty-eight rides and attractions, including five record-breaking coasters. Both parks, situated within Qiddiya City, will offer visitors a seamless and exhilarating entertainment experience, supported by innovative design and sustainability initiatives. With an expected creation of 10,000 jobs and a focus on environmental conservation, these developments align with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals, contributing to economic diversification and fostering local tourism. Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City exemplify Qiddiya City’s commitment to sustainability by incorporating state-of-the-art technology for water use and waste management. These initiatives underscore Qiddiya City’s role as a master-planned destination dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences while prioritizing environmental stewardship. The launch of Aquarabia signifies yet another milestone in Qiddiya City’s journey to becoming a global entertainment hub, offering diverse attractions that cater to the evolving […]
5 months ago
The Spokesman of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) declared that the Authority has initiated several criminal cases lately, with legal procedures underway against the accused. Among the most prominent cases: With the cooperation of the Central Bank, two bank employees were arrested for receiving sums of money from a resident in exchange for depositing cash into bank accounts belonging to commercial entities, totaling SR7,343,650 over a two-year period. In another case, an employee working as an “Injury Assessor” at the Criminal Court colluded with a citizen mediator and another citizen to provide a false medical report, leading to a compensation of SR687,000 from an insurance company, with the employee receiving SR300,000. Additionally, a resident was arrested for receiving SR917,000 in exchange for sub-awarding government contracts to a commercial entity without proper classification. An expert appointed by the Commercial Court, who owned an engineering consulting company, was caught receiving SR65,000 for preparing a technical report with incorrect information for a pending case. Furthermore, an employee at the Social Development Bank received SR100,000 for illegally facilitating financing for new projects. With cooperation from the Ministry of Interior, a resident was arrested for offering SR55,000 to a narcotics control officer for release. […]
5 months ago
It was the music that changed first. Or maybe that’s just when many people at the pale brick Catholic church in the quiet Wisconsin neighborhood finally began to realize what was happening. The choir director, a fixture at St. Maria Goretti for nearly 40 years, was suddenly gone. Contemporary hymns were replaced by music rooted in medieval Europe. So much was changing. Sermons were focusing more on sin and confession. Priests were rarely seen without cassocks. Altar girls, for a time, were banned. At the parish elementary school, students began hearing about abortion and hell. “It was like a step back in time,” said one former parishioner, still so dazed by the tumultuous changes that began in 2021 with a new pastor that he only spoke on condition of anonymity. It’s not just St. Maria Goretti. Across the U.S., the Catholic Church is undergoing an immense shift. Generations of Catholics who embraced the modernizing tide sparked in the 1960s by Vatican II are increasingly giving way to religious conservatives who believe the church has been twisted by change, with the promise of eternal salvation replaced by guitar Masses, parish food pantries and casual indifference to church doctrine. The shift, molded […]
5 months ago
The Taif Rose Festival, known as Qitaf 19, is captivating residents and tourists alike at Al-Rudaf Park, organised by the Taif Rose Cooperative Society in collaboration with the Taif Municipality and other relevant sectors. The festival’s main highlight is a massive flower and rose carpet covering 5,206 square meters and comprising 1,026,491 flowers and roses of diverse shapes and colours, with designs inspired by Taif’s heritage and historic palaces. Visitors can enjoy cultural competitions, traditional performances, and interactive fountain shows. The festival also features rose kiosks where fragrant Taif rose products can be purchased. Government agencies have set up pavilions to showcase their services. The Taif Municipality has made extensive preparations to accommodate the expected influx of visitors, ensuring that every festival brings joy and happiness to all attendees.
5 months ago
Oman weather forecasters have announced heavy rains are expected to hit in parts of the country this week. The forecasts and analysis of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre indicate that the Governorate of Dhofar will be affected by clouds advection which started from Tuesday, April 30 and will carry on till Saturday, May 4. The clouds are associated with scattered rains of varying intensity. It is expected that heavy rains, ranging between 30mm to 80mm on Thursday, May 2, will lead to the flow of wadis. Additionally, the forecasts indicate that the Sultanate of Oman will be affected by a trough of low pressure starting from Thursday, May 2 to Saturday, May 4. Thus, clouds conviction expected gradually during the day on Thursday over the governorates of Al Buraimi, Musandam, A’Dhahira, A’Dakhiliyah, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, and Muscat, then extending during the evening to cover the governorates of North A’Shargiyah, South A’Sharqiyah and Al Wusta. Rains of varying intensity, ranging between 20mm and 60mm, are expected during the period leading to the flow of wadis. The peak of the weather condition will be on Thursday, May 2. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advices all to take precaution […]