Latest news with #Al-Mulla
Leaders
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Ithra: Saudi Film Festival to Feature Screenings, Workshops, Networking Forums
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will host the annual Saudi Film Festival from April 17 to 23, at the center's headquarters in Dhahran, Ithra announced. The 11th Edition In partnership with the Cinema Association, the 11th edition will feature 7 Saudi and Gulf feature films, 22 short Saudi and Gulf feature films, as well as 7 Saudi and Gulf documentaries. Ithra also revealed that the festival will boast 12 Saudi parallel films, 4 seminars, 4 advanced lessons, along with 3 sessions involving the signing of the books of the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia. Furthermore, the production market will highlight 22 projects with 22 exhibitors. Main Theme, Slogan Themed 'Cinema of Identity', the Saudi Film Festival will explore personal, national, and cultural narratives through films in cooperation with the French international Clermont-Ferrand Festival. During the Ramadan Ghabga 'gathering' held at Ithra, Director of the Saudi Film Festival Ahmed Al-Mulla announced that the festival's slogan for the current edition is 'Stories to be Seen and Told.' This slogan stands as a testament to the festival's pivotal role as an exceptional platform enabling filmmakers to showcase their cinematic works through screening programs. Interestingly, the coming festival will offer an exclusive opportunity to display the stories of filmmakers in the production market. 'The festival offers a vast array of films and programmes that focus on showcasing successful production experiences in the cinematic scene,' Al-Mulla added. Apart from this, the festival's Deputy Director, Mansour Al-Badran, stated that the current edition aligns with the general cinematic scene, where cinematic creativity turns into a window for vision and narration. Al-Badran also emphasized that the festival would feature more cinema screens in the center's facilities. 'Many of the films will be shown for the first time on the screens of the Saudi Film Festival,' he added. Wide Participation It is worth noting that 285 films have registered in the film competition and 116 films have taken part in the production market competition. Meanwhile, 313 scenarios have registered in the unexecuted scenario competition. Japanese Cinema During the festival, visitors will have an exclusive opportunity to explore Japanese cinema, through screening 8 feature and short films and hosting Japanese cinema experts. In collaboration with the Japanese Short Shorts International Festival, the festival will hold a cultural symposium and an advanced lesson on the Japanese cinema experience. Since its third session, Ithra has been an extraordinary partner in the Saudi Film Festival through the center's status as an unparalleled cultural destination. Related Topics: Celebrating Identity: Ithra to Host 11th Saudi Film Festival in April 10th Saudi Film Festival Begins in Tehran Saudi Arabia Joins Berlin International Film Festival 2025 Short link : Post Views: 14
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar aims to attract more companies from China investment promotion agency
DOHA: Qatar is aiming to attract more Chinese companies to boost business and investment relations with its largest trading partner, its investment promotion agency, Invest Qatar, said. Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the Web Summit technology conference in Doha, Mohammed Al-Mulla, Invest Qatar's Head of Asia, highlighted the growing presence of Chinese firms in the Gulf state. "The growth we have seen from Chinese companies has been vast. We now have more than 250 Chinese companies established in Doha, and we are looking to maintain that pipeline," Al-Mulla said. The Web Summit Qatar, held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from Feb. 23-26, saw a record 25,747 attendees from 124 countries and regions, including 1,520 startups and 723 investors. Qatar, a major liquefied natural gas exporter and financial hub, is also promoting itself as a tourism destination. Al-Mulla emphasized the importance of China as a trading partner, noting the launch of Invest Qatar's first overseas market in China in 2024, with visits to cities including Suzhou, Wuxi, Shanghai, Xiamen, Beijing, and Hong Kong. "Our priority for this year is to maintain that relationship through our aftercare program," he said. Qatar launched its third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 last year, focused on sustainable economic growth and diversification, the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030. "Our national development strategy, announced last year, highlights the key sectors. China is Qatar's largest trading partner," Al-Mulla said. "We want to capitalize on that. There's a lot of potential to utilize that trade opportunity and attract more Chinese companies to Qatar." According to a report by Invest Qatar and Accenture, Qatar has invested 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in data and artificial intelligence (AI) and aims to generate 11 billion dollars for the national economy and create 26,000 jobs through AI. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( The Peninsula Newspaper
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Old Doha Port drives record tourism growth
Qatar - The Old Doha Port has strengthened its position as a major economic driver for Qatar, witnessing a 38% surge in visitor numbers this cruise season, the port's CEO, Mohamed Abdulla al-Mulla, told Gulf Times. Such growth, he stressed, highlights the port's key role in the nation's strategy to become a global tourism and cultural hub, aligning well with Qatar National Vision 2030. Al-Mulla noted that the port received more than 378,000 cruise passengers this season, a significant leap from the 253,191 visitors in the 2022/2023 season. This, he pointed out, demonstrates its increasing popularity as a premier maritime destination. The number of cruise ships docking at the port also rose to 73, marking a 33% increase compared to the previous season, he added. 'Old Doha Port is a cornerstone in Qatar's strategy to become a leading global destination for tourism and cultural exchange... By seamlessly blending modernity with heritage, the port elevates Qatar's maritime identity while fostering economic growth,' al-Mulla said. The port's state-of-the-art terminal, recognised by Forbes as one of the world's most beautiful, can accommodate up to 12,000 passengers across two mega cruise ships. This capacity is backed by expedited visa-free entry for more than 100 nationalities, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for international travellers, he noted. The terminal also features a marine aquarium and the interactive City Gallery, giving visitors an immediate taste of Qatar's culture upon arrival. According to al-Mulla, the port embraces Qatar's heritage through its design, incorporating traditional motifs such as lamp posts resembling fishing hooks, intricate floor patterns, mosaics at Chabrat Al Mina, and carved designs on benches and bollards. The Mina District, reminiscent of historic coastal cities such as Al Wakrah and Al Khor, hosts more than 70 retail outlets and 50 restaurants, providing a unique blend of cultural experiences and modern amenities. Overall, the Old Doha Port has 100 retail units, including the containers yard. Al-Mulla highlighted the port's significant contribution in supporting cultural tourism, collaborating with organisations such as Qatar Museums, where it hosted the second Middle East edition of the World Wide Walls (WWW) international mural festival in 2023. Some 13 local, regional, and international artists transformed the Mina District into an open-air art gallery, showcasing Qatar's vibrant cultural diversity. He said the recreational spaces at Mina Parks, covering more than 300,000sqm, significantly enhance the visitor experience. These include lush greenery, outdoor fitness facilities, a 5-km jogging track, and a 5-km cycling track, promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability. The 8-km wooden promenade, directly connected to the Doha Corniche, further enriches the recreational offerings. Apart from tourism, al-Mulla said the port fosters economic diversification by boosting revenue, creating local job opportunities, and attracting international investment. By hosting events like the annual Qatar Boat Show, the port underlines Qatar's maritime expertise and establishes itself as a leader in the maritime tourism sector. 'Through its diverse offerings, cultural initiatives, and global connectivity, Old Doha Port embodies Qatar's ambitions to be a global hub for tourism and culture,' he said. 'It serves as a vibrant gateway that connects the past with the future, contributing to the nation's sustainable development and international prominence'. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
