海角直播

Hungary鈥檚 ambassador bids farewell to 海角直播 after a decade of diplomacy

Hungarian Ambassador to 海角直播 Balazs Selmeci visited Arab News headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.  (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Hungarian Ambassador to 海角直播 Balazs Selmeci visited Arab News headquarters in Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 14 July 2025

Hungary鈥檚 ambassador bids farewell to 海角直播 after a decade of diplomacy

Hungary鈥檚 ambassador bids farewell to 海角直播 after a decade of diplomacy
  • Balazs Selmeci hails Vision 2030 reforms, societal change, stronger bilateral ties

RIYADH: Hungarian Ambassador to 海角直播 Balazs Selmeci bid farewell to the Kingdom as he concluded his decade-long tenure.

Selmeci visited Arab News headquarters in Riyadh on Monday, where he met with Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.

The envoy said his goals were to strengthen political and diplomatic relations, expand economic ties and promote a positive image of Hungary in 海角直播.




Hungarian Ambassador to 海角直播 Balazs Selmeci with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas in Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

At the same time, Selmeci sought to highlight 海角直播鈥檚 changes and opportunities in Hungary, as well as the hospitality and kindness of the Saudi people.

鈥淚 believe I achieved good results in both areas, thanks to the support of Saudi institutions, the people and my colleagues at the embassy,鈥 Selmeci told Arab News.

Reflecting on his time in the Kingdom, Selmeci highlighted the significant changes he witnessed over the years. He singled out the closing ceremony of Riyadh Season at King Fahd Stadium as a moment that symbolized 海角直播鈥檚 rapid transformation.

Saudi society showed commitment to the reforms, leading to a more open and globally connected country.

Balazs Selmeci, Hungarian Ambassador to 海角直播

He recalled that the stadium was full of men and women together, and Saudi ballet dancers performed on stage 鈥 something that would have been unimaginable earlier.

鈥淎t that moment, I realized how much 海角直播 had changed. I saw many talented Saudis and felt their happiness, both on stage and in the audience,鈥 the envoy said.

Over more than 10 years in 海角直播, Selmeci observed the transformative impact of Vision 2030, including societal reforms and economic diversification.

He added that social reforms 鈥 such as involving women in the workforce, increasing their participation across sectors, welcoming international visitors and events, and balancing tradition with modernization 鈥 laid the foundation for economic progress.

鈥淰ision 2030 itself required great courage from the leadership and strong support from the Saudi people,鈥 Selmeci said.

From the outset, Saudi society showed commitment to the reforms, leading to a more open and globally connected country, he added.

鈥淭hese social and ongoing economic reforms have increased 海角直播鈥檚 international presence and influence,鈥 Selmeci said.

He added that the reforms have allowed foreigners to better understand the Kingdom and build trust, and that the dedication of both the government and the people provides a strong foundation for success.

Selmeci began his tenure as ambassador on Nov. 14, 2019, presenting his credentials to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Dec. 12, and to King Salman on Jan. 8, 2020.

Before then, he served in Riyadh as deputy head of mission from March 2014 to June 2018, marking more than a decade since he first began working to strengthen Saudi-Hungarian relations.

During his tenure, he oversaw the first-ever bilateral meeting between the two countries鈥 foreign ministers in the Kingdom, as well as the first bilateral meeting between their defense ministers.

Selmeci said that among the economic cooperation projects during his tenure, his favorites were the reestablishment of the Saudi-Hungarian Business Council, the launch of the Saudi-Hungarian Digitalization Cluster and the creation of the first Saudi-Hungarian joint venture in the Kingdom.

He also extended his best wishes to the Saudi people, encouraging them to continue working with determination toward a better life, making the country more prosperous while preserving its traditions and heritage.

Asked what message he would leave for his successor, Selmeci expressed hope that they would build on these achievements and accomplish even greater successes, while creating as many memorable experiences as he did.

He added that his successor could count on the full support of the Saudi leadership, officials, the people, the diplomatic corps and embassy staff.

In his closing remarks, the ambassador said he planned to return to the Kingdom in the future 鈥 鈥渆ven as a simple tourist, to walk in King Salman Park, visit Qiddiya or attend Expo 2030.鈥


Jeddah hosts Health and Beauty Expo to showcase trends, innovations, expert advice

Jeddah hosts Health and Beauty Expo to showcase trends, innovations, expert advice
Updated 46 sec ago

Jeddah hosts Health and Beauty Expo to showcase trends, innovations, expert advice

Jeddah hosts Health and Beauty Expo to showcase trends, innovations, expert advice
  • Event features more than 100 exhibitors, welcomes over 25,000 visitors

 

 

 

 

JEDDAH: The Health and Beauty Expo returned to Jeddah and attracted visitors eager to explore the latest in health, wellness, and beauty.

Held at the Superdome from Aug. 27-29, the event featured more than 100 exhibitors and welcomed more than 25,000 visitors, reflecting the Kingdom鈥檚 growing health and beauty market.

The expo provided product showcases, interactive experiences, and advisory sessions. It brought together experts, clinics, hospitals, and cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies, as well as emerging entrepreneurs and investors.

Ahmed Alshawa, marketing manager of Bio Life Clinic, highlighted the value of direct interaction with visitors, and added: 鈥淲e were here to introduce our services, especially in dental and dermatology, and offer exclusive promotions during the three days. The expo gave us a great chance to reach the public and familiarize them with our offerings.鈥

Ahmed Hamed, regional manager at L鈥橭real, said: 鈥淲e engaged visitors with our products such as La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and Vichy. Our goal is to improve skin health, addressing issues like acne and hair loss, and providing moisturizers for overall wellness. We also provided free consultations with doctors at our booth to advise visitors on which products suited them best.鈥

QV showcased its newly launched skincare range, and Dr. Mohammed Osama, pharmacist and the company鈥檚 senior medical representative, said: 鈥淲e have introduced three new products: one for calming redness, rashes, and itching; another for oily and combination skin; and one for dry, sensitive skin.

鈥淲e also have a baby cream for eczema and dermatitis. Unlike prescription products, these allow us to communicate directly with customers, educating them about our offerings in a way that we normally can only do with doctors or pharmacists.鈥

Cosmoderma (cosmetic dermatology) clinics also drew the attention of visitors. Sahar Taisir, supervisor at Lavida Clinics, said: 鈥淥ur strategy was to offer discounts on cosmoderma services. Anyone registering for treatments at our booth, whether for skin, hair, or body laser services, would receive special offers.鈥

Hospitals and medical centers emphasized the importance of comprehensive healthcare.

Dr. Rawan Gari, OB-GYN consultant at Lavender Medical Complex, said: 鈥淥ur clinic takes care of women from puberty to menopause. We provide premarital counseling, contraceptive guidance, pregnancy follow-up, gynecological consultations, fertility support, and sexual health services.鈥

Dr. Hanin Radwan, OB-GYN consultant at Aya Clinic, said: 鈥淲e offered discounted services and free consultations on IVF, routine pregnancy checkups, and pediatric care.鈥

Korean beauty trends were also on display, highlighting the global influences shaping skincare preferences.

Panel discussions ran throughout the three days of the event and featured leading experts sharing insights on the latest trends, sustainable practices, and holistic approaches in health and beauty.


Pectoral sandpiper recorded at Saudi royal reserve

The pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula. (SPA)
The pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula. (SPA)
Updated 49 min 37 sec ago

Pectoral sandpiper recorded at Saudi royal reserve

The pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula. (SPA)
  • Documentation of the bird reflects the pivotal role of the Kingdom 鈥 including the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve 鈥 along international migratory bird flyways

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has announced the sighting of a pectoral sandpiper (calidris melanotos), a rare waterbird, at Rawdat Umm Al鈥慣hiyabah, marking the first confirmed record of the species inside a reserve in the Kingdom.

The pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula. It breeds in the Arctic tundra areas of Canada and Alaska, extending as far as Siberia, and winters in the southernmost parts of South America, traversing migration routes that span multiple continents. Its diet consists of small crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and insects.

Documentation of the bird reflects the pivotal role of the Kingdom 鈥 including the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve 鈥 along international migratory bird flyways, serving as a key natural stopover on one of the world鈥檚 most important routes between Asia and Africa.

According to a scientific paper published last week in Check List, a peer-reviewed online journal of biodiversity data, two adults of the species were observed on May 2 along the water鈥檚 edge at Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah, a seasonal wetland rich in biodiversity.

The study described the observation as 鈥渞are and exceptional鈥 at the regional level.

The US newspaper Herald-Leader highlighted that spotting the species in the Kingdom was an 鈥渦nusual occurrence,鈥 while revealing the scientific and environmental value of Saudi reserves in tracking the global movement of migratory birds.

 


Saudi minister meets US industry experts

Bandar Al-Khorayef tours industrial sectors in North Carolina. (SPA)
Bandar Al-Khorayef tours industrial sectors in North Carolina. (SPA)
Updated 49 min 46 sec ago

Saudi minister meets US industry experts

Bandar Al-Khorayef tours industrial sectors in North Carolina. (SPA)
  • Alkhorayef鈥檚 tour explored opportunities to collaborate on 3D-printing materials and hybrid manufacturing solutions that can be applied to the Kingdom鈥檚 own Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center

RIYADH: As part of an official four-day visit to the US, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef dedicated a full day to exploring cutting-edge research facilities at North Carolina鈥檚 Research Triangle Park, meeting with industry experts.

The program included a meeting with North Carolina鈥檚 Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley and a tour of North Carolina State University鈥檚 Energy X Lab and Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics, alongside a visit to the nearby Statistical Analysis System Institute, the SPA reported on Thursday.

Together, these engagements reflect 海角直播鈥檚 commitment to adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and strengthening international partnerships to accelerate its ambitious industrial sector transformation.

Discussions at the SAS Institute focused on how digital twins, advanced analytics, and machine learning can simulate factory operations, optimize processes before implementation, and extend the lifecycle of industrial equipment.

Alkhorayef鈥檚 tour explored opportunities to collaborate on 3D-printing materials and hybrid manufacturing solutions that can be applied to the Kingdom鈥檚 own Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center, while learning more about the North Carolina university center鈥檚 expertise in supporting small and medium enterprises through additive manufacturing research.

 


Saudi Culture Ministry to hold photography expo in Venice

Saudi Culture Ministry to hold photography expo in Venice
Updated 49 min 52 sec ago

Saudi Culture Ministry to hold photography expo in Venice

Saudi Culture Ministry to hold photography expo in Venice
  • Visual Arts Commission CEO Dina Amin said that holding the exhibition in Venice marks a significant step that reflects the continuous development and vibrant creativity of the photography sector in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture is preparing to organize the exhibition 鈥淚n a New Light,鈥 showcasing contemporary photography from 海角直播 as part of cultural events at the Abbazia building in Venice, Italy.

The exhibition will run from Sept. 12 to Oct. 10, and will feature works shortlisted for the 2025 Kingdom Photography Award.

The award, launched in 2022, is an annual initiative designed to empower professional photographers and support emerging talent in the field of photography.

Visual Arts Commission CEO Dina Amin said that holding the exhibition in Venice marks a significant step that reflects the continuous development and vibrant creativity of the photography sector in the Kingdom.

She added that the exhibition highlights the innovative contributions of Saudi photographers, whose works express national identity through fresh perspectives that engage international audiences.

Through the Kingdom Photography Award, the Visual Arts Commission aims to support creatives in photography, enhance the sustainability of the local photographic scene by fostering cultural exchange, enrich visual knowledge and build a photographic archive that documents the Kingdom鈥檚 features, heritage and landscapes through artistic lenses, embodying the national visual identity.

The award also aims to foster a culture of innovation in photography, encouraging participants to explore new approaches that transcend traditional practices while providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their works to a global audience.

The 2025 edition of the award has attracted numerous submissions from Saudi and international photographers.

 


Ministry of Culture, Korea Heritage Service sign agreement to enhance cooperation

Ministry of Culture, Korea Heritage Service sign agreement to enhance cooperation
Updated 29 August 2025

Ministry of Culture, Korea Heritage Service sign agreement to enhance cooperation

Ministry of Culture, Korea Heritage Service sign agreement to enhance cooperation
  • The agreement builds upon MoU signed in Seoul in June 2019

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Korea Heritage Service signed an executive program for cooperation at National Palace Museum, Seoul, South Korea, further strengthening collaboration in the field of intangible cultural heritage.

The agreement builds upon the memorandum of understanding signed in Seoul in June 2019 between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which established a framework for cultural cooperation between the two countries, said the MoC.

The executive program represents a concrete step forward in putting the MoU into practice, with a focus on knowledge exchange, institutional development, and the safeguarding of intangible heritage.

The program was signed by Dr. Maha Abdullah Alsenan, deputy minister of research and cultural heritage, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, and Yun Soon-ho, director general of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Bureau, representing the Korea Heritage Service.

Under the program, areas of cooperation include capacity building in the digitization of records, development of training programs in digital archiving, and collaborative research on intangible heritage.

In addition to joint research and conferences, the program includes mechanisms for implementation such as the formation of a joint working team, knowledge exchange, and the hosting of professional workshops for heritage practitioners in both countries.

The signing of this executive program reaffirms the Kingdom鈥檚 broader commitment to fostering mutual learning and advancing the preservation of intangible cultural heritage through collaboration.

The Ministry of Culture is developing 海角直播鈥檚 cultural economy and enriching the daily lives of citizens, residents, and visitors. Overseeing 11 sector-specific commissions, the ministry works toward the support and preservation of a vibrant culture within the Kingdom.

The Korea Heritage Service is an independent agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.