Latest news with #Promenade
Arab News
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Experience the traditions of Ramadan at Jeddah Art Promenade
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Art Promenade comes alive during Ramadan, providing a vibrant destination to experience the traditions and culture of Saudi Arabia. The venue blends entertainment, culture and cuisine, displaying the essence of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia. As visitors step into the promenade, they are greeted with the sounds of traditional songs and performances. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by colorful lanterns and decorative lights typical of the holy month. There are also numerous restaurants offering traditional Saudi and international cuisine, catering to a wide range of tastes. Sajidah Sheikh, a vendor selling traditional fried liver, known as kibdah, and baleela, made with chickpeas, said: 'I feel empowered to be a part of the Ramadan season. I love cooking and I am trying to make the kibdah taste different from other stalls using my own spices. 'The Ramadan vibes here are incredible and it is something which everyone should visit to learn about our culture and holy month traditions.' One of the standout features of the Jeddah Art Promenade is its celebration of local heritage and traditions. Visitors can take a walk through history by exploring exhibits that recreate traditional Saudi homes. There is a tent that shows the way homes were decorated in the past, with a majlis (sitting area) where a man sits with children studying, and a girl watching on an old-fashioned television. This nostalgic scene offers a glimpse into the past and shows how Ramadan was celebrated in previous generations. One of the visitors, Nida Ali, said: 'Coming to the Art Promenade with my children, I could teach them about the culture and show them how Ramadan is celebrated in the country. 'It's amazing to show them … how our houses used to look, especially the television, stand, and seating arrangements. The nostalgia and … memories are special. 'We broke our fast here with a seaside view and prayed in Rahma Mosque, which was beautifully decorated with lights. 'After breaking our fast, we enjoyed walking the streets, trying snacks like baleela, French fries, luqaimat, and sipping on the very famous Vimto drink.' In addition, the promenade brings to life the culture of the local fishermen, where a group of them can be seen working on their nets while singing traditional songs. Abdullah Okis, one of the performers, said: 'We are trying to present the local fishermen culture and the songs they sing while catching. 'It feels great to be a part of Ramadan activities as well as showcase the Saudi culture, the lively atmosphere ... People stop to watch us perform and engage with us while we are singing.' The promenade also offers the opportunity to experience traditional trades. Visitors can meet a miharris, a person who sharpens knives in the traditional way, roaming around the area. Another familiar figure is the mesaharati, a person who carries a drum and goes around waking people up for suhoor. Alongside them, local vendors offer an array of products, from perfumes and pickles to tailor-made clothing and accessories, giving visitors the chance to experience the crafts and flavors of Jeddah. Maha Al-Rahman, who sells traditional jalabiyas and handmade accessories, said: 'Each of my creations is crafted to blend tradition with a modern touch, offering something unique that represents Ramadan traditions. 'Although I sell online, this opportunity allows me to reach new customers and expand my business by connecting with thousands of visitors each day, helping me build a strong customer base.' Khalid Al-Zaabi, a vendor from Oman selling traditional sweets, said: 'We're here to give visitors a taste of our traditional Ramadan sweet, made from sugar and flour, which is stirred until it turns brown. People are really enjoying it, and we're also offering Omani perfumes.' The appeal of the art promenade is not limited to just the food. Mohammed Hamoud, another visitor, said: 'The cultural significance is clearly visible. My daughters applied henna (and) we had the most amazing traditional Saudi snacks. 'We even enjoyed the Mexican snacks that were available everywhere. Rides, food stalls were many, and children had their own dedicated playing areas and we had a good time until breaking fast.'
Arab News
26-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Five new destinations of Sports Boulevard project open to public in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Sports Boulevard Foundation announced on Wednesday the opening of five destinations in the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project, which promotes physical and social well-being in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The new destinations include Wadi Hanifah, the Promenade, the Arts Tower, a loop track at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, and the Sands Sports Park. These destinations will be open to visitors on Feb. 27. The Sports Boulevard Foundation said that the length of the Sports Boulevard project now stood at 83 km, with overall progress reaching 40 percent. The foundation's board of directors, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, announced on Wednesday the opening of the project's first phase, which was started in March 2019 as part of Riyadh's transformative developments. The foundation aims to position Riyadh among the world's most livable cities by promoting physical, mental and social well-being, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. The first destination, Wadi Hanifah, stretches 13.4 km in western Riyadh and features pedestrian paths, cycling trails and green spaces. A bridge connects Wadi Hanifah to the Promenade, which includes a 1 km pedestrian path and a 771-meter cycling path. The Promenade, which spans 4 km, also includes cycling paths, rest stops, green spaces, walking trails, playgrounds and bicycle rentals. The Arts Tower was inspired by the old high-voltage electricity towers in the Kingdom and is located at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road in Riyadh. The project includes a 20 km loop track at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, featuring cycling and pedestrian pathways. The fifth destination is the Sands Sports Park, near King Khalid International Airport. It features cycling paths, mountain bike trails and scenic hiking trails. For more details about these destinations and how to access them, visit the Sports Boulevard website at
Trade Arabia
05-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Riyadh's Sports Boulevard: A game-changer
Work is well under way on the Sports Boulevard, a monumental project poised to transform Riyadh's urban fabric and redefine how residents experience the city. Phased openings of its key components including the Cycling Bridge, Promenade, Sand Sports Park and Prince Nourah Inner Loop are set to begin this year. Spanning an impressive 135-plus km along Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, this visionary initiative is designed to bring a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle to the heart of the kingdom's capital. The legacy project, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, aims at making Riyadh one of the most livable cities in the world. By blending innovation, sustainability, and community well-being, it is set to become the world's largest linear park and a cornerstone of Riyadh's transformation. From recreational spaces for events and activities to cultural venues, the Sports Boulevard has been designed to ensure there is something for everyone. The Sports Boulevard will feature a network of safe, landscaped pathways designed for cycling, walking, and horse riding, spanning diverse landscapes from Wadi Hanifah in the west to Wadi Al-Sulai in the east. With over 220 km of cycling tracks and more than 135 km of pedestrian pathways, it is set to encourage an active lifestyle for residents of all ages. This ground-breaking project incorporates over 4.4 million sq m of greenery and 170,000 newly planted trees, dramatically increasing the city's green spaces. 'The Sports Boulevard is redefining what urban spaces can achieve, seamlessly blending recreation, culture and sustainability to enrich the lives of Riyadh's residents and visitors,' Jayne McGivern, the CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, tells Gulf Construction. 'Our mission is to create a vibrant destination that not only transforms the city but also fosters a deeper connection between people and their surroundings, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations,' she adds. Beyond its environmental impact, the Sports Boulevard's design reflects Riyadh's heritage through Salmani architectural principles, seamlessly merging authenticity with modernity. The Sports Boulevard will host many different areas, each offering unique experiences and attractions. These range from the Urban Wadi that will feature shaded play areas, picnic spots, and even kayaking zones, to the Sands Sports Park that will cater to adventure enthusiasts with mountain biking and hiking trails, to the Promenade, that will serve as a hub for retail, leisure, and relaxation, providing residents with a vibrant space to unwind. The Promenade is distinguished by the Cycling Bridge, an architectural marvel stretching over 900 m and connecting its visitors from Wadi Hanifa to Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, providing safe passage for both pedestrians and cyclists. Among the project's highlights is the Global Sports Tower, a cutting-edge landmark that will host over 30 sports facilities, including the world's highest indoor climbing wall at 98 m. Fully digitised and with a circuit of 250 m, athletes can enjoy a unique training experience amidst one of the best views of Riyadh. Standing 130-m high, the Global Sports Tower is set to be the tallest sports tower in the world. It encompasses a total built-up area of 84,000 sq m. The tower is distinguished by its unique architectural design that applies to the Sports Boulevard Design Code, driven by the principles of Salmani architecture, which is based on both originality and modernity.
