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Ministry of Culture launches crafts hackathon as part of Year of Handicrafts

Saudi Ministry of Culture designates 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts to celebrate its vibrant cultural heritage. (SPA)
Saudi Ministry of Culture designates 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts to celebrate its vibrant cultural heritage. (SPA)
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Updated 02 January 2025

Ministry of Culture launches crafts hackathon as part of Year of Handicrafts

Ministry of Culture launches crafts hackathon as part of Year of Handicrafts
  • Registration open until Jan. 31

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched a crafts hackathon to bring together creators and innovators from diverse fields.

The event aims to generate innovative solutions for various aspects of the handicrafts sector, including marketing, design and production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
It aligns with the broader objectives of the Year of Handicrafts 2025.
The Ministry of Culture annually celebrates a distinctive Saudi cultural element, highlighting and celebrating it through projects and events.
The year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Handicrafts to solidify the position of handicrafts as authentic cultural heritage while promoting the practice, preservation and documentation of the craft, as well as its presence in contemporary life.
Registration for the hackathon is open until Jan. 31.
The selection of qualified participants will begin in early February, followed by a two-day training camp on Feb. 14-15.
It targets a diverse range of participants, including artisans, designers, developers and programmers. Teams must consist of at least three and no more than five members.
All participants must be at least 18 years old.
Handicrafts have long held a special place in º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s cultural fabric, representing a prosperous heritage passed down through generations.
Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize an array of events, exhibitions, educational programs and competitions under the banner Year of Handicrafts.


Saudi FM meets with Portuguese counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 58 min 42 sec ago

Saudi FM meets with Portuguese counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Saudi-Portuguese cooperation and ways to support and develop it in various fields were discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Saudi-Portuguese cooperation and ways to support and develop it in various fields were discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two officials also discussed the most prominent regional and international developments and efforts being made with regard to them.


Saudi educators to gain skills in tourism sector

Saudi educators to gain skills in tourism sector
Updated 14 October 2025

Saudi educators to gain skills in tourism sector

Saudi educators to gain skills in tourism sector
  • Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the program aims to expand professional development in key national sectors, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals

RIYADH: The National Institute for Educational Professional Development has launched a specialized training program in the tourism and hospitality industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the program aims to expand professional development in key national sectors, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. 

Starting on Thursday, teachers across all disciplines and educational levels will be able to enhance their understanding of tourism and hospitality, and their role in the national economy.

The program also seeks to equip educators with skills to integrate the Kingdom’s historical, natural, and cultural tourism resources into teaching, fostering national pride and identity. 

The program aligns with the institute’s efforts to build strategic partnerships across sectors to improve educational practices and enrich teachers’ professional content, the SPA reported.

The initiative supports the Ministry of Education’s goal of upskilling citizens so they can contribute to sustainable development objectives.

 


º£½ÇÖ±²¥ raises awareness on eye health, inclusion

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ raises awareness on eye health, inclusion
Updated 14 October 2025

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ raises awareness on eye health, inclusion

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ raises awareness on eye health, inclusion
  • Ebsar Foundation CEO Amal Al-Hunaiti said the association is organizing several events throughout October to educate the community on vision health

RIYADH: In October, º£½ÇÖ±²¥ marks World Sight Day and White Cane Safety Day to raise awareness about eye health and promote the rights and care of people with visual impairments.

These observances highlight the causes of blindness, stress the importance of prevention and treatment, and encourage regular eye check-ups for early detection, especially as people age.

Ebsar Foundation CEO Amal Al-Hunaiti said the association is organizing several events throughout October to educate the community on vision health, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

She added that the foundation has launched a program for mothers of visually impaired children, highlighting their key role in supporting their children’s development.

The association has also arranged recreational outings for young blind people to promote social inclusion and teach the public how to interact with them.

It will also take part in the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh later this month, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and advocating for better eye care.

 


Saudi communication minister meets Mark Zuckerberg

Abdullah Al-Swaha (L) and Mark Zuckerberg. (Supplied)
Abdullah Al-Swaha (L) and Mark Zuckerberg. (Supplied)
Updated 14 October 2025

Saudi communication minister meets Mark Zuckerberg

Abdullah Al-Swaha (L) and Mark Zuckerberg. (Supplied)
  • The two discussed collaboration opportunities in AI, large language models, the metaverse, and generative AI, as well as initiatives to empower innovators and developers

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha met with Mark Zuckerberg, founder, chairman and CEO of Meta, during his official visit to the US.

The visit is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence and innovative digital solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The two discussed collaboration opportunities in AI, large language models, the metaverse, and generative AI, as well as initiatives to empower innovators and developers, enhance national capabilities and reinforce the Kingdom’s leadership in future technologies. 

 


Program revealed for landmark airshow in Riyadh

Saudi Aviation Club unveiled the details for its General Aviation Airshow 2025, titled “Sand and Fun†during press conference.
Saudi Aviation Club unveiled the details for its General Aviation Airshow 2025, titled “Sand and Fun†during press conference.
Updated 14 October 2025

Program revealed for landmark airshow in Riyadh

Saudi Aviation Club unveiled the details for its General Aviation Airshow 2025, titled “Sand and Fun†during press conference.
  • Airshow will take place Nov. 25-29 at Al-Thumamah Airport on the outskirts of Riyadh

RIYADH: The Saudi Aviation Club unveiled the details for its General Aviation Airshow 2025, titled “Sand and Fun†during a press conference on Tuesday.

Held under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, governor of Riyadh, the event is poised to be the largest of its kind in the region.

The airshow will take place Nov. 25-29 at Al-Thumamah Airport on the outskirts of Riyadh, and organizers expect more than 200,000 visitors to attend.

The press conference was attended by Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club, and Ahmed bin Fahad Al-Fahid, member of the board of directors and general supervisor of the club.

Reflecting on the event’s significance, Prince Sultan, also chair of the Saudi Space Comission, said: “The Saudi Aviation Club’s journey of 25 years is a living embodiment of the unlimited support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the crown prince, which has transformed general aviation from a specialized interest into a strategic sector.â€

He added that the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in aerospace will ensure the nation remains a premier global hub for fostering innovation and empowering talent.

This year’s edition will include spectacular aerial displays and educational aviation content.

Visitors can look forward to “Sky Ventures,†featuring more than 90 aerial performances by Saudi and international aerobatic teams, and nightly shows that will illuminate the Riyadh sky.

Displays will allow enthusiasts to get up close with a collection of iconic aircraft, exploring their details hands-on and engaging directly with pilots and engineers.

The exhibitions zone will act as a strategic business hub, featuring more 100 leading companies showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in general aviation.

For forward-looking insights, the “Hangar Talks†forum will host elite experts and Saudi astronauts to discuss the future of sustainable aviation, including advanced technologies like electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and artificial intelligence.

Families can visit the “Aviatainment Zone,†which includes virtual reality simulators, workshops and interactive cockpit tours.

Prince Sultan announced a special inclusivity initiative, offering complimentary admission to people with disabilities and children under six.