Greek Prime Minister Visits AlUla's Archaeological Sites

The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
TT

Greek Prime Minister Visits AlUla's Archaeological Sites

The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has visited Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, in AlUla Governorate.
The PM explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites, which date back thousands of years and were constructed over various historical periods.
The prime minister was accompanied on his visit by Governor of the Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi and Executive Director of the Royal Commission for AlUla Amr AlMadani, along with several other officials from the Saudi and Greek sides.

They explored Qasr al-Farid, one of the most significant ancient archaeological sites in Hegra and Qasr al-Bint, another remarkable location that dates back to pre-Islamic times.
Their journey also took them to Jabal Ithlib, which boasts a prominent historical landmark in the northeast of Hegra, thoughtfully designed as an open-air theater that harmonizes with the breathtaking natural landscape.

They also visited ancient historical sites and artifacts scattered throughout AlUla, drawing tourists from around the globe.

These sites are carefully preserved by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and other organizations, ensuring that they remain a vital part of human heritage while showcasing the rich history and diverse civilizations that have thrived in the region over the centuries.



Hail HARFA Festival Concludes with Over 91,000 Visitors

The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
TT

Hail HARFA Festival Concludes with Over 91,000 Visitors

The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA

The activities of Handicrafts Festival (HARFA) 2025 in Hail were concluded Saturday, celebrating a highly successful event that drew over 91,000 visitors.

Held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11, the festival marked a milestone as the first of its kind, coinciding with the launch of the "Year of Handicrafts 2025."
According to SPA. the festival attracted tourists from Europe, America, Asia, the Gulf, and visitors from across Saudi Arabia. It highlighted Hail’s rich heritage of handicrafts, including wickerwork, carpentry, weaving, incense burner crafting, pottery, and clay building. Visitors admired displays of wood engraving, embroidery, wool fluffing, leather goods, daggers, swords, and Thamudic inscriptions, alongside artistic carvings on stone and traditional items such as ropes, windows, and decorative abayas.
More than 130 craftsmen and craftswomen participated, offering live demonstrations and training courses to transfer their skills to younger generations. The daily activities featured hands-on learning opportunities, complemented by awareness programs organized by entities such as the Hail Region Development Authority, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These programs emphasized the economic and cultural significance of handicrafts and the role of local authorities in supporting and marketing the craft industry.
The festival also celebrated Hail’s cultural heritage through artistic folklore performances, vintage car displays, and a heritage-inspired environment featuring restaurants and cafes. Over 100 volunteers contributed to the event’s organization, fostering an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all segments of society.
The event offered a unique blend of creativity, tradition, and community spirit, solidifying its status as a premier cultural attraction in Saudi Arabia.