logo
Reef Saudi Launches Shetana Refi Activities in Jazan Region

Reef Saudi Launches Shetana Refi Activities in Jazan Region

Leaders14-02-2025

The 'Shetana Refi' event, organized by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program 'Reef Saudi,' kicked off on Thursday evening in the Jazan region at Al-Fal Rural Farm in Dhahban Governorate.
The three-day event aims to highlight Jazan's potential as an integrated agricultural and tourism destination while encouraging investment in sustainable rural projects in line with Vision 2030. This initiative seeks to boost the local economy and support rural communities.
Shetana Refi
The event showcases the region's rich agricultural and cultural heritage, offering visitors an immersive experience of authentic rural life in a delightful winter atmosphere. Running from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the event features 22 booths where program participants exhibit high-quality local products, including coffee, fresh fruits, natural honey, essential oils, and handcrafted artisanal goods. Additionally, rural-inspired restaurants and cafés enhance the experience.
Visitors can also enjoy unique tourism and entertainment activities that reflect Saudi Arabia's rich culture and heritage. These include traditional Jazan folk performances such as Ardah, Saif, Dala'a, and Zaifa, along with popular traditional games and interactive activities inspired by Jazan's rural environment. This blend of experiences adds an authentic touch that embodies the cultural and agricultural identity of the region.
Reef Saudi
Majed Al-Buraikan, Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication at 'Reef Saudi,' emphasized that the event represents the program's efforts to promote rural tourism as a key driver of sustainable economic development. He noted that this initiative is part of a series of events aimed at exploring the agricultural and tourism potential across various regions of the Kingdom.
Al-Buraikan also highlighted that the initiative will help introduce the region's agricultural and heritage legacy while raising awareness about the importance of local rural products. Additionally, it plays a vital role in empowering farmers and productive families by facilitating the marketing of their products.
Related Topics :
Reef Saudi Launches Mobile Bee Clinics in 3 Regions
Reef Saudi Launches International Training for Agricultural Workers in Morocco
Saudi-led coalition: We destroyed quality weapons depots in the Tashreef camp in Sana'a
Short link :
Post Views: 27

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi carrier flynas to expand operations across 4 hubs, official says
Saudi carrier flynas to expand operations across 4 hubs, official says

Arab News

time7 hours ago

  • Arab News

Saudi carrier flynas to expand operations across 4 hubs, official says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's low-cost carrier flynas is set to expand operations across its four main hubs — Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, and Dammam — as part of an ambitious growth plan, according to a top official. In an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah, Waleed Ahmed, the company's official spokesperson, said that flynas holds the largest aircraft order in the Kingdom and one of the biggest in the Middle East, with a total of 280 aircraft set to be received. This follows a major deal signed in July with Airbus to acquire 160 new aircraft — including 30 wide-body A330neo and 130 single-aisle jets across A320neo, A321neo, and A321LR models. The airline has seen a sharp rise in passenger traffic, with volumes climbing from around 11 million in 2023 to more than 14.7 million in 2024, reflecting the low-cost carrier's rapid expansion in line with Saudi Arabia's push to position itself as a leading global hub for tourism and business. 'These numbers reinforce the company's role in supporting Vision 2030, which aims to increase the number of passengers to 330 million and attract more than 150 million international passengers by that year.' Ahmed said, as quoted by Al-Eqtisadiah. He also highlighted that, as part of its ambitious strategic plan, flynas has expanded its summer schedule by launching four new destinations for the first time: Krakow in Poland, Geneva in Switzerland, Milan in Italy, and Rize in Turkiye, in addition to its usual summer routes. Last week, flynas finalized its initial public offering at SR80 ($21) per share — the top of its indicated price range — following strong demand from both institutional and retail investors. The pricing values the airline at an estimated market capitalization of SR13.6 billion at listing. The offering followed the company's announcement last month of its intention to float 30 percent of its share capital on the Saudi Exchange, making flynas the first airline in the Kingdom to go public and the first Gulf airline IPO in nearly two decades. In line with its ongoing fleet expansion, flynas recently took delivery of its fourth Airbus A320neo of 2025, bringing the total number of A320neo aircraft in its all-Airbus fleet to 57. The current fleet includes 63 aircraft — 57 A320neo, four A320ceo, and two A330neo wide-body jets.

Saudi Arabia Eyes Tourism as Key Economic Pillar by 2030
Saudi Arabia Eyes Tourism as Key Economic Pillar by 2030

Asharq Al-Awsat

time11 hours ago

  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia Eyes Tourism as Key Economic Pillar by 2030

Saudi Arabia is positioning its tourism sector to rival oil as a cornerstone of the national economy by 2030, targeting a 10% contribution to GDP. This ambitious goal is part of the Kingdom's broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. To achieve this goal, Saudi Arabia is developing a comprehensive tourism ecosystem. This includes mega-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea, alongside nationwide infrastructure upgrades spanning major cities, villages, and remote areas. These efforts are already bearing fruit: the Kingdom surpassed 100 million visitors well ahead of schedule, prompting an upward revision of its target to 150 million tourists by the end of the decade. Tourism revenues have surged, growing more than 148% in 2024 compared to 2019. The sector's contribution to GDP has doubled to 5%, also generating thousands of new jobs and reinforcing Saudi Arabia's presence on the global tourism map. Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the Kingdom's rapid progress in establishing tourism as a foundational economic sector. He credited sweeping reforms, a pro-investment regulatory framework, and a robust national tourism strategy for the industry's momentum. The transformation includes major legislative and operational milestones: the rollout of a new tourism law, streamlined e-visa procedures, the establishment of training programs for Saudi talent, and the introduction of tech-driven visitor experiences. These initiatives aim to enhance both competitiveness and sustainability. Industry experts say Saudi Arabia's geographic, climatic, and cultural diversity gives it a strong edge. From the mountains of Asir and the historic sites of AlUla to the beaches of the Red Sea, the Kingdom offers varied attractions catering to a broad range of travelers. Nasser Al-Ghailan, a tourism investor and partner in Amla Tourism Group, said these natural advantages have been transformed into strategic assets. He pointed to infrastructure improvements, expanded airport capacity, and new airline routes connecting the Kingdom to the region and the world. 'Combining modern infrastructure with digital innovation and high service quality has made Saudi Arabia a rising player on the global tourism stage,' he said, noting growing interest from investors. In the Asir region, Abdullah bin Ahmed, Vice President of the Tourist Guide Club, emphasized the importance of community engagement and local workforce development. He sees tour guides as cultural ambassadors who can convey the richness of Saudi heritage to international audiences. 'People are the heart of the tourism experience. Empowering them is key to long-term success,' he said. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia led the G20 in tourism growth in 2024, with a 69% rise in international arrivals compared to 2019. With strategic investments and a clear vision, Saudi Arabia is on track to become a premier global destination, delivering unique travel experiences while maintaining a delicate balance between economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

Umm Al-Qura University becomes academic hub for Hajj
Umm Al-Qura University becomes academic hub for Hajj

Arab News

timea day ago

  • Arab News

Umm Al-Qura University becomes academic hub for Hajj

MAKKAH: As millions of pilgrims undertake Hajj pilgimage, Umm Al-Qura University is leveraging its research capabilities to support one of the world's most complex religious gatherings. Dr. Wardah bint Abdullah Al-Asmari, vice rector for investment and community partnership, told Arab News that the university has committed all available resources to support Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah infrastructure, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives. 'We mobilize our human, scientific, administrative, and research capacities annually through specialized educational and training programs, field studies, and consulting services designed to elevate pilgrim experiences and service standards,' Al-Asmari said. The university's flagship effort this season, the Licensing and Qualification Program for Helpers of Pilgrims, has provided over 300,000 training opportunities through 20 worker modules and 50 packages for pilgrims available in 15 languages. Other initiatives include the Rafid Al-Haramain program, offering more than 100,000 training slots and engaging over 3,000 participants from 30 organizations; and the Bus Guide Training Program, which certified 3,500 guides to assist with pilgrim transport. As part of its global outreach, the university translates Friday sermons and Arafat Day speeches into more than 20 languages, reaching an estimated 600 million Muslims worldwide. • Umm Al-Qura University's flagship effort this season, the Licensing and Qualification Program for Helpers of Pilgrims, has provided over 300,000 training opportunities. • The university translates Friday sermons and Arafat Day speeches into more than 20 languages, reaching an estimated 600 million Muslims worldwide. • This year, 2,027 volunteers were trained in partnership with relevant authorities in health, awareness, and organizational services. Academic departments have also integrated Hajj-focused curricula in medicine, nursing, computer science, and social sciences, covering crowd control, disaster management, and emergency response. Students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with the Ministry of Health at seasonal medical facilities. Umm Al-Qura's research arm, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, deployed 34 researchers and 458 data collectors to conduct 17 studies this season. These focus on crowd management, security protocols, sustainability measures, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence applications, and pilgrim satisfaction in 20 languages. The Institute for Research and Studies also contributes to national projects through consulting and research implemention. Digital transformation is another major pillar. The university delivered 34,000 remote training courses through its Specialized Training platform. The modules cover critical areas such as elderly and disabled assistance, translation, guest experience, crowd management, and safety protocols. Other digital initiatives include AI-driven data analysis, pilgrim-focused smart apps, innovation hackathons, and operating the Nusuk Card project center through Wadi Makkah Co. Al-Asmari noted ongoing collaboration with key government bodies including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Municipal Affairs, as well as the Royal Commission for Makkah City, Pilgrim Experience Program, Civil Defense, Border Guard, and Makkah Health Cluster. These partnerships span research, training, performance metrics, and volunteer mobilization. Volunteerism is central the university's social responsibility mission. This year, 2,027 volunteers were trained in partnership with civil defense, health, and border authorities in health, awareness, and organizational services. To meet growing sector needs, the university launched degree and diploma programs in Hajj and Umrah management through its specialized institute and colleges, attracting students pursuing careers in the expanding pilgrim services sector. Looking ahead, Al-Asmari affirmed Umm Al-Qura's ambition to expand research, partnerships, and tech innovation in line with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store