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Buraidah Dates Carnival empowers youth with trading opportunities

Buraidah Dates Carnival empowers youth with trading opportunities
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Featuring more than 50 date varieties, the carnival draws crowds every day and is fast becoming a major attraction for those interested in the date sector. (SPA)
Buraidah Dates Carnival empowers youth with trading opportunities
2 / 2
Featuring more than 50 date varieties, the carnival draws crowds every day and is fast becoming a major attraction for those interested in the date sector. (SPA)
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Updated 01 September 2024

Buraidah Dates Carnival empowers youth with trading opportunities

Buraidah Dates Carnival empowers youth with trading opportunities
  • Buraidah Dates Carnival is a key economic opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing a platform for increased earnings and self-sufficiency
  • The carnival is a symbol of the Kingdom’s agricultural economy, creating thousands of jobs and boosting economic activity in Buraidah

RIYADH: Young entrepreneurs in the Qassim region have entered the date trade, buying dates from local farms or entering into agreements with farmers to care for the dates for a specified period. They also attend the dawn date auction in Buraidah to buy dates for resale in shops or online.

The Buraidah Dates Carnival is a key economic opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing a platform for increased earnings and self-sufficiency. Featuring more than 50 date varieties it draws crowds every day and is fast becoming a major attraction for those interested in the date sector.

The carnival is a symbol of the Kingdom’s agricultural economy, creating thousands of jobs and boosting economic activity in Buraidah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Mohammed Al-Rumyyan, an expert in farm acquisitions, identified the date season in Buraidah as an excellent opportunity for young people to earn money.

He emphasized the importance of proper care, such as watering and fertilizing, to produce high-quality dates. After harvesting, dates are sorted into grades before being packaged for sale.

The carnival provides essential resources and support for young traders, with backing from Prince Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud, the governor of Qassim.

Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and overseen by the National Center for Palms and Dates, the carnival handles more than 1,000 vehicles of dates daily.

Saudi women play a crucial role in the carnival, contributing to marketing, supervision and support.

Khaled Al-Naqeedan, secretary-general of the carnival’s higher committee, noted that the event has created jobs in various sectors including supervisory teams, sales points, retail stores, farms, export yards, and support functions.

Qassim produces more than 390,000 tonnes of dates annually and plans to plant more than two million additional palm trees, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to boost non-oil revenue.

The 51-day carnival, starting on Aug. 1, displays produce from over 11.2 million palm trees in Qassim and includes cultural, social, and entertainment programs beginning in September.

In 2023, sales at the carnival exceeded SR2.5 billion ($666 million), with the aim to boost economic activity, increase date exports, and provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs.


Saudia Airlines confirms flight from Jeddah diverted after bomb threat has landed safely

Saudia Airlines confirms flight from Jeddah diverted after bomb threat has landed safely
Updated 16 sec ago

Saudia Airlines confirms flight from Jeddah diverted after bomb threat has landed safely

Saudia Airlines confirms flight from Jeddah diverted after bomb threat has landed safely
  • ⁠Flight SV5276, bound for Jakarta, was rerouted to a different airport in Indonesia after an email claimed there was an explosive device on board
  • The aircraft landed safely at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, where passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft and nobody was hurt

RIYADH: Saudia Airlines has confirmed that all passengers and crew are safe after a flight from Jeddah to Jakarta made an emergency landing at another airport in Indonesia, Al Arabiya News Channel reported on Tuesday.

The flight was forced to divert after an email threat claimed there was a bomb on board, a Saudia spokesperson said.

Abdullah Al-Shahrani, the airline’s general manager of corporate communications, told Al Arabiya that in response to the security alert, Flight SV5276 was rerouted to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan as a precaution.

The plane landed there safely and all passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft without incident and nobody was hurt, he added. Inspections by authorities confirmed the aircraft was secure and the bomb threat was false. Al-Shahrani said passenger safety remains Saudia’s top priority and the airline was working to help passengers continue their journeys.

In a statement to Arab News, Saudia confirmed: ā€œIn response to a security alert received in flight, Saudia diverted Flight SV5276, operating from Jeddah to Jakarta, to Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia as a precautionary measure.

ā€œThe aircraft landed safely, and all guests and crew disembarked without incident. Local authorities conducted standard checks shortly after landing, and have cleared the aircraft for continued operation.

ā€œThe safety and well-being of our guests and crew remain Saudia’s highest priority. Full care and support have been provided and onward travel arrangements are being made."


UN two-state conference co-chairs urge renewed push for Palestinian stateĀ amid regional escalation

UN two-state conference co-chairs urge renewed push for Palestinian stateĀ amid regional escalation
Updated 42 min 14 sec ago

UN two-state conference co-chairs urge renewed push for Palestinian stateĀ amid regional escalation

UN two-state conference co-chairs urge renewed push for Palestinian stateĀ amid regional escalation
  • The statement said the latest escalation had ā€œnecessitated the suspensionā€ of the high-level conference in New York

RIYADH: ŗ£½ĒÖ±²„ and France, co-chairs of the United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question, joined with the chairs of the conference’s working groups in issuing a joint statement on Tuesday expressing ā€œdeep concernā€ over recent developments in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The statement said the latest escalation had ā€œnecessitated the suspensionā€ of the high-level conference, underscoring ā€œthe validity of warnings about the fragility of the situationā€ and the urgent need to ā€œrestore calm, respect international law, and strengthen diplomatic action.ā€

Despite the setback, the group reaffirmed their ā€œfull commitment to the conference’s objectivesā€ and pledged to ā€œensure the continuity of its work and the achievement of its goals,ā€ SPA added.

They added that ā€œthe co-chairs of the working groups will announce the date of the conference's roundtables soon,ā€ with the aim of generating ā€œclear and coordinated international commitmentsā€ to advance the implementation of a two-state solution.

ā€œIn these critical circumstances,ā€ the statement continued, ā€œwe must redouble our efforts calling for respect for international law and the sovereignty of states, and to promote peace, freedom, and dignity for all peoples of the region.ā€

The group also reiterated its ā€œunwavering support for all efforts aimed at ending the war in Gazaā€ and called for a ā€œjust and sustainable settlement of the Palestinian issue,ā€ affirming that regional stability and security hinge on a lasting peace.


Riyadh event highlights women’s role in diplomacy

Riyadh event highlights women’s role in diplomacy
Updated 17 June 2025

Riyadh event highlights women’s role in diplomacy

Riyadh event highlights women’s role in diplomacy
  • Speech stresses progress made under King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: The Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh has held a symposium to mark the forthcoming International Day of Women in Diplomacy. It was attended by Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji, female diplomatic leaders, and ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.

Elkhereiji spoke of the importance of empowering women in diplomacy, citing the progress made under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in light of the Vision 2030 reform plan.

He noted that Saudi women now serve as ambassadors, leaders, and negotiators on the global stage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The symposium discussed efforts to support women’s diplomatic careers, the role of men in advancing change, and the unique contributions women bring to diplomacy.

Topics also included the global rise of women in diplomacy, their impact on foreign and domestic policy, and ways to enhance female participation in multilateral forums to address future challenges.


Saudi theatrical show ā€˜Terhal’ returns to Diriyah

Saudi theatrical show ā€˜Terhal’ returns to Diriyah
Updated 17 June 2025

Saudi theatrical show ā€˜Terhal’ returns to Diriyah

Saudi theatrical show ā€˜Terhal’ returns to Diriyah
  • ā€œTerhalā€ is a pioneering Saudi production which boasts advanced lighting and visual technology

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture is to present the theatrical performance ā€œTerhalā€ from Aug. 4-25 at Mayadeen Venue in Diriyah.

ā€œTerhalā€ is a pioneering Saudi production which boasts advanced lighting and visual technology, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It offers a visually captivating experience, telling the story of a young Saudi man who dreams of shaping his country’s future.

His journey across the Kingdom takes him through diverse landscapes and rich traditions, helping him to rediscover ŗ£½ĒÖ±²„’s cultural and natural heritage. He returns to his village at the end with renewed confidence, wisdom, and hope.

The show features stunning scenes inspired by Saudi landscapes, and highlights young Saudi talents alongside renowned international performers.

The second edition of ā€œTerhalā€ builds on the success of its 2023 debut which celebrated Saudi culture, from performing arts to handicrafts, traditional attire and cuisine.

 


80% of Saudi adults reported using AI tools, with 1 in 3 using them regularly

The results of the study were unveiled during an event in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AN photo)
The results of the study were unveiled during an event in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AN photo)
Updated 17 June 2025

80% of Saudi adults reported using AI tools, with 1 in 3 using them regularly

The results of the study were unveiled during an event in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AN photo)
  • The study consisted of a poll surveying 1,059 adults and 370 business leaders based in the Kingdom in March 2025

RIYADH: A study has revealed that 80 percent of Saudi adults now use AI tools, with one in three using them regularly.

This is almost double the number of adults in the US who report using one of the large language model-based chatbots — which was found to be 52 percent in a recent study by Elon University.

The findings are ā€œa clear demonstration that technology and collaboration can unlock potential, and that we can directly contribute to the ambition of the Kingdom and their vision for the future,ā€ said Anthony Nakache, MENA managing director for Google — which created the report with research agency Public First.

The study consisted of a poll surveying 1,059 adults and 370 business leaders based in the Kingdom in March 2025.

It also interviewed people and businesses about their experiences using Google technology and data services.

The study found that people and businesses are embracing Al, with 53 percent of businesses in the Kingdom relying on at least one Al tool in their workflows.

About 90 percent of adults in ŗ£½ĒÖ±²„ say becoming an Al superpower should be a top priority and 88 percent of businesses agree that Al is an important opportunity for the Saudi economy.

The study also looked at ŗ£½ĒÖ±²„’s usage of Google’s Gemini, and found that 53 percent of adults said they had used the Al assistant, with one in three users now using it daily.

The report found that 86 percent of users agreed that the tool helped them to be more productive.

A total of 90 percent of public sector workers said that AI-enabled tools help them to be more productive at work, and 70 percent said their job would be harder without access to AI tools.

ā€œThe report reflects our investment in accelerating the Kingdom’s ambitious journey toward a diversified, AI-driven economy,ā€ Nakache added.

ā€œThrough significant investments, strong local partnerships and our AI-powered tools, we’re bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses and communities,ā€ he said.

Public First is a global policy and strategy consultancy specializing in economic modeling and opinion research.