Connect with us

Entertainment

Saudi Ministry of Culture in move to boost cultural collaboration with Diriyah Gate

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture (MoC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), for strengthening cultural collaboration between the two entities.
The MoU was signed by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan al-Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture, and Ahmed al-Khateeb, Secretary-General and Member of DGDA’s Board of Directors.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The memorandum, according to a press release by DGDA on Sunday, “covers a detailed agenda encompassing the coordination, development, and implementation of projects, initiatives, and events in the cultural sector.”
By signing this agreement, the Ministry of Culture and DGDA aim to attract and promote investment opportunities by creating incentives to support the private sector, implement various cultural activities and link them to the historical depth of Diriyah, thereby enhancing Diriyah’s position as a global cultural tourism destination.
The agreement will also include the provision to jointly implement cultural and heritage initiatives, and develop educational assets within the Diriyah Gate master plan, including academies for creative writing, performing arts, music, architecture, Arabic calligraphy, culinary traditions, in addition to a museum for digital art as well as a contemporary art museum.
“We are delighted to sign this MoU with Diriyah Gate Development Authority; a clear attestation to the synergies and strong collaboration between our two teams. Partnerships such as these are fundamental to our collective mission to support the development and preservation of the cultural ecosystem here in Saudi Arabia,” said Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
“Today, we enter the next stage of development where we add value to this precious historic site while protecting the cultural heritage and identity of its people. Our agreement with DGDA reflects our shared commitment to preserving the unique history of Diriyah and creating opportunities to promote and celebrate this national treasure,” the minister added.
He said as per the MoU, a plethora of cultural and heritage events, activities, and megaprojects is being planned aimed at “attracting investment and achieving short and long-term sustainability.”
Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed bin Aqeel al-Khateeb said, “We are honored to sign this MoU with the Ministry of Culture covering various aspects of Diriyah’s development. This partnership is a key accomplishment in our continuous efforts to transform the historic city into a major tourism and cultural destination, capitalizing on the Ministry’s numerous initiatives to fulfill the objectives of Vision 2030 to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.”
“It is with great ambition that we look forward to making Diriyah Gate a tourist attraction that combines a historic feel with modern features to become the greatest gathering place. We will work with our partners at the Ministry of Culture to make this strategic goal a reality,” al-Khateeb added.
Further strengthening this partnership, Diriyah, the Arab Capital of Culture for 2030, will be home to the Ministry of Culture’s headquarters.
The partnership will also provide the opportunity for both entities to collaborate on establishing awareness programs as well as events and marketing initiatives for film, music, visual and performing arts, literature, culinary, and design. These heritage and cultural activities will also extend into initiatives for education, research, training, and development.

Read more: Al-Diriyah Gate to catapult Saudi Arabia as tourist destination of the world: CEO

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

ABU DHABI NATIONAL HOTELS PRESENTS SEPTEMBER OFFERS

Experience the true meaning of luxury with Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai and Kempinski
Central Avenue Dubai exclusive UAE residents offer. Get 10% off the best flexible rate, and
enjoy a complimentary breakfast prepared by expert chefs. Delight in luxurious
accommodations, exceptional service and an incredible location with direct access to the
Dubai Mall. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or enjoy a full
day of shopping at one of the world’s largest retail and entertainment destinations, you will
experience a perfect stay at Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai and Kempinski Central Avenue
Dubai

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest at ADIHEX 2024: A celebration of ancestral elegance

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announce the return of the prestigious Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a unique initiative aimed at highlighting the significance of purebred hunting dogs and fostering a connection between the new generation and their rich ancestral heritage.
Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), this iconic event is scheduled from 31st August to 8th September, 2024, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, celebrating the blending of deep Emirati cultural traditions with cutting-edge innovation and technology across 11 diverse sectors.
A highlight of this year’s event is the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. One of the world’s oldest and most revered dog breeds, the Arabian Saluki stands as a symbol of wild hunting and desert traditions in the Middle East. Known for its grace, speed, and intelligence, this distinctive breed has been a faithful companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years, serving as both a hunter and guardian. The Saluki’s agility and loyalty have made it an integral part of hunting and racing traditions, especially within the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabian Saluki Centre was established in Abu Dhabi in 2001 alongside the Emirates Falconers’ Club, marking the first facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East, to revive the tradition of desert hunting using Saluki dogs, a cherished aspect of desert heritage.
ADIHEX was the first cultural event in the Arab region to honour the bond between Man and his loyal companion, which has been by our side for thousands of years. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is a unique initiative designed to promote interest in purebred hunting dogs and to strengthen the new generation’s connection to their ancestral heritage and traditions and to serve as a testament to this unique bond.
With its origin steeped in history, this fascinating dog’s name is believed to be derived from the city of Saluk in Yemen or the Bani Saluk tribe. Renowned for its endurance and elegance, the Saluki can reach speeds up to 75 kilometres per hour, maintaining this pace over distances up to almost five kilometres. The breed is cherished for its unique physical characteristics, including a slender body, deep chest, long legs, and two distinct coat types: ‘Al Hoss’ (smooth) and ‘Aryash’ (feathery).
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, held during ADIHEX, is more than a beauty pageant. It celebrates the essence of the Saluki by focusing on the dog’s personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory response. Unlike typical dog competitions, this contest evaluates the Saluki’s breed characteristics, behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, and psychological traits. Judging criteria include the dog’s gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, colour, and general impression.
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is an integral part of ADIHEX’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider Arab world. This contest not only showcases the beauty and abilities of the Saluki but also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving traditional hunting practices and the Saluki’s role in them.
This year’s competition will feature four categories: ‘Smooth (Hoss) Males,’ ‘Feathery (Aryash) Males,’ ‘Smooth (Hoss) Females,’ and ‘Feathery (Aryash) Females.’ The event is scheduled to take place during ADIHEX 2024, and, per the rules, participants must ensure their dogs are healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated.
The Saluki’s enduring legacy is celebrated through this competition, which draws participants and spectators from across the region and beyond. It provides a platform for Saluki enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and celebrate a breed that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia, reflecting the diverse hunting landscapes and traditions of the Middle East.
Aside from the alluring Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, as the largest edition of ADIHEX to date, the 21st edition will showcase thousands of brands across 11 diverse sectors, offering a dynamic platform for new business opportunities and captivating audiences of all ages. This exhibition celebrates the thrill of an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, allowing visitors to explore falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing and marine sports, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, and the latest in technology and innovation across all the represented sectors.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan’s Al Luluyah area

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the allocation of a 500-metre beach for women in Al Luluyah area of Khorfakkan, providing them with complete privacy. The project will include a service building that includes a cafe, a medical clinic and a prayer room for women. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also directed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Al Bardi 6 and Al Batha areas in Khorfakkan, to facilitate the movement of citizens, and modifications will be implemented on the internal roads in the Hayawa area.

Continue Reading

Trending