Saudi Arabia Roundup: National Day celebrations, drug trafficking, tourism boost

National Day celebrations

Saudi Arabia is celebrating National Day from September 22 to 24 with a variety of events across the Kingdom. Highlights include the country’s largest fireworks display at Umm Ajlan Park in Riyadh on September 22, ongoing shows at Jeddah Promenade, and an air show featuring planes with green smoke trails. Additional events include the “Energy of Glory” exhibition focused on sustainable energy, performances by Fontana Circus at Nakheel Mall, family-friendly musical shows at Al-Shallal Theme Park, and cultural activities in Jeddah's Historic District. AlUla hosts the Azimuth Festival featuring international artists and adventure experiences like hot-air balloon flights and guided nature tours, reports Arab News. In Alkhobar, the King Abdulaziz Center will offer interactive cultural programs, while an original play titled "The Law of Attraction" will be staged at the new Fantakah Performing Arts Centre. Celebrations showcase Saudi culture through art, music, and culinary experiences.

Ethiopians arrested

The Kingdom’s Border Guard arrested four Ethiopians in Dhahran Al-Janub, Asir, for illegal entry and attempting to smuggle 40 kg of hashish. The seized narcotics were handed over to the relevant authority. In Al-Dayer, Jazan, patrols thwarted an attempt to smuggle 165 kg of qat, and in Al-Ardah, Jazan, they stopped an attempt to smuggle 435 kg of qat. Authorities urge citizens and residents to report drug smuggling or selling activities by calling 911 for Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 for the rest of the Kingdom, reports Arab News.

Tourism boost

The Higher Institute for Tourism and Hospitality, in collaboration with UN Tourism’s regional office in Riyadh, recently held a workshop on “Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism Practices” at its Jazan headquarters. Led by Luis Nicolas Barrios, the event included brainstorming sessions to foster critical thinking and idea generation. Director Ali bin Saeed bin Jaber highlighted the initiative's goal to create job opportunities for Saudi youth and meet international tourism industry needs through programmes developed with global academic institutes and local private sector partners, adds Arab News.

Megacity infrastructure

NEOM is a $500 billion infrastructure project in Saudi Arabia, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of his "Vision 2030" to diversify the economy. Announced in 2017, NEOM aims to create a futuristic urban area featuring The Line, a linear city designed to eventually house 9 million residents. However, social media influencers’ accounts of daily life in NEOM reveal stark contrasts to the project's glamorous marketing, describing it as bleak and reminiscent of a “prison camp.” Current estimates suggest a significant scaling back of initial ambitions; projections indicate only a fraction of NEOM will be completed by 2030, with expected residents falling short of goals. RNZ reports Controversy surrounds NEOM due to reports of forced evictions of the indigenous al-Huwaitat tribe and accusations of human rights violations. Despite the challenges, Saudi officials assert the project is progressing as planned.

Azerbaijan ties

Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia discussed green energy projects under the Middle Corridor during a meeting between Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad. According to Trend News Agency, Jabbarov highlighted the strengthening of economic relations and investment opportunities in priority sectors like industry and agriculture, particularly in areas recovering from occupation. Al-Marshad expressed optimism about enhancing cooperation and the potential for new joint projects. The discussions also covered public-private partnerships and expanding business ties.