New Riyadh Metro station opens to the public/node/2591624/saudi-arabia
New Riyadh Metro station opens to the public
Qasr Al-Hokm is one of four key stations in the Riyadh Metro network. (Supplied)
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Updated 26 February 2025
Arab News
New Riyadh Metro station opens to the public
Qasr Al-Hokm stop, which covers 22,500 sq. m. across 7 levels and reaches a depth of 35m, links the Blue and Orange Metro lines to city’s bus network
The station is conveniently located for government institutions, historical sites, markets and shopping centers
Updated 26 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: A new station on the Riyadh Metro opens to the public at 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City said Qasr Al-Hokm is one of four key stations in the Metro network, serving as a vital hub linking the Blue and Orange lines with the city’s bus services.
The stop is also conveniently located for government institutions, palaces, historical sites, markets, shopping centers and residential neighborhoods in the heart of the city, it added.
The station, which covers 22,500 sq. meters across seven levels and reaches a depth of 35 meters, features a blend of traditional and modern elements in its design, the commission said, which allow natural light to illuminate the interior while providing shade in open spaces. It has 17 elevators and 46 escalators, along with several shops and a shaded public garden.
The Riyadh Metro, which opened to the public on Dec. 1, consists of six interconnected lines with 85 stations. It aims to help address issues arising from the rapid expansion of the capital by reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions through a more environmentally friendly transportation option. It has already carried 18 million passengers since opening.
‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran
Family favorite is part of Ithra’s Disney in Concert series along with ‘Frozen’
Updated 42 min 2 sec ago
Jasmine Bager
DHAHRAN: Nearly three decades after it first captivated global audiences, Disney’s “The Lion King” dazzled new and older generations at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, in Dhahran this week by offering a chance to watch the film anew with a live orchestra.
“We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,” conductor Erik Ochsner told the crowd before the show. “This is a live performance, and so we would beg of you to please just enjoy it live.”
“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. (Supplied)
As it has done in previous experiences, such as the 2019 and 2022 live orchestra showcases of several “Harry Potter” films in concert series, Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score while the animated film played in the background on a large screen.
For the experience, the film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue and songs, remained untouched. The orchestra played those musical parts, breathing new life into the scenes without burying the essence of the nostalgic original.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Joining conductor Erik Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.
• For the experience, the Disney film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue, remained untouched.
• ‘We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,’ Ochsner told the crowd before the show.
People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on.
Originally released in 1994, “The Lion King” quickly became one of Disney’s most iconic films, celebrated for its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and stirring soundtrack.
People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on. (Supplied)
The animated film follows Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of loss, betrayal, and self-discovery on his journey to reclaim his rightful place in the animal kingdom.
At Ithra, this emotional arc was heightened by the rich, resonant sound of the live symphony orchestra, turning each moment— whether turbulent or triumphant— into an unforgettable experience.
Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning ‘The Lion King’ score while the film played on a large screen. (Supplied)
Joining Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.
Known for their emotionally charged style and refined sound, the orchestra has built a reputation as a cultural ambassador of Armenia, regularly performing in major concert halls worldwide, including Ithra.
“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. And we thought it would be nice to see it through a live orchestra,” audience member Ahmad Hassan told Arab News during the 20-minute intermission.
Hassan brought his extended family along, including his two children.
“It’s one of my favorite films,” Hassan’s nine-year old daughter Tia told Arab News. She gave the show a thumbs-up.
Her 12-year-old brother, Bakr, said he had watched the film “at least five times” — the first when he was about two or three — but was excited at this new way of appreciating the story.
“I like the show so far. It’s really good. Why? Because you get to see how the music is made instead of it just coming out of the speaker,” he said.
“After watching the show, I’d like to play the piano,” Tia added.
The concert is part of Ithra’s cinematic symphony series, which also includes an upcoming presentation of Disney’s “Frozen,” giving families the chance to relive favorite films in a whole new way.
Tickets are priced at SR200 ($53), and each of the Disney-Ithra performances will run for two days only.
As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
Arab News
Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market
The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market
Updated 05 July 2025
Arab News
MADINAH: The harvesting of Abu Zuhair green lemons, one of the main citrus fruits cultivated in Madinah, is now well underway.
The lemon trees grow throughout the province, especially in places like Abyar Al-Mashi, Abyar Ali, Asira and AlUla, where they thrive in the dry conditions and clay soil, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. (SPA)
The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market.
The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions that run from 5-11 a.m.
FASTFACTS
• The harvest of Abu Zuhair lemons, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season.
• The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions in Madinah’s central market from 5-11 a.m
A vendor at the central market said Abu Zuhair lemons, which are smaller and greener than imported varieties, were ideal for juices and cooking, and paired well with many hot dishes and salads.
Toward the end of the harvest season, the lemons start to turn yellow and dry and are used for pickling.
The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system. (SPA)
Another vendor said the leaves of the lemon tree, known as nawami, could be added to tea and other cold beverages.
As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system.
Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. The small numbers produced mean they are never exported.
Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. (X @MOCCulinary)
Updated 05 July 2025
Arab News
Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh
The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally
Updated 05 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: ֱ’s Culinary Arts Commission has opened registration for the Bocuse d'Or championship and Pastry World Cup, both taking place during the Sirha Arabia exhibition in Riyadh in October.
The competitions will select top Saudi chefs to compete in the Middle East qualifiers, to be hosted by the Kingdom in 2026 in collaboration with Sirha Food. These in turn lead to the global finals which will take place in France at the Sirha Lyon exhibition in January 2027.
The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally.
The competitions will discover and develop local talent, providing a platform for Saudi chefs to display their skills and highlight the diversity and creativity of the Kingdom’s cuisine.
Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. Finalists will receive tailored support to prepare for the international stage.
For Bocuse d’Or, dishes must exhibit mastery of either the turned vegetable or brunoise technique. Candidates must be Saudi, aged 23 or over and provide proof of identity.
For the Pastry World Cup, entries must creatively reflect the theme of “Elevating Saudi Dessert.” There is no age restriction, but non-Saudi applicants must state how long they have worked in the Kingdom.
Hopeful chefs can register at engage.moc.gov.sa/reg_forms/tracks/40/?lang=ar.
Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration
ֱ’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha
Updated 48 min 41 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attended the National Day celebration held by the Embassy of Rwanda at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The mayor was received by Rwandan Ambassador to the Kingdom Eugene Segore Kayihura and other officials.
Separately, ֱ’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha. The pair discussed topics of common interest, the ambassador wrote on X.
The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
Arab News
Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands
The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production
Updated 05 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: A daily event featuring Saudi brand stores and promoting local art, accessories and modern designs is taking place in Diriyah’s JAX District.
The event, which began on Wednesday and runs until July 8, is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products.
The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)
Brands taking part are presenting a range of innovative pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production.
