عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Saudi King Salman to Launch Qiddiya Project on Wednesday

King Salman bin Abdulaziz will patronize the al-Qiddiya project on Wednesday. (Khalid al-Khamis)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz will patronize the al-Qiddiya project on Wednesday. (Khalid al-Khamis)
TT
TT

Saudi King Salman to Launch Qiddiya Project on Wednesday

King Salman bin Abdulaziz will patronize the al-Qiddiya project on Wednesday. (Khalid al-Khamis)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz will patronize the al-Qiddiya project on Wednesday. (Khalid al-Khamis)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz will inaugurate on Wednesday al-Qiddiya project, the new entertainment, sports and cultural destination in Saudi Arabia, west of Riyadh.

The laying of the foundation stone will be attended by a host of local and international officials and major investors and representatives of the regional and international companies, marking the launch of the project's formal infrastructure.

The first phase of the 334 km project will be completed by 2022.

Visitors will have access to recreational and educational facilities across six designed clusters: Theme Parks; Wheels and Wings; Scenic and Animal Encounters; Water and Snow; Sports; Events, Culture and Education.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Secretary General of the Foundation Council of Qiddiya Project of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Fahd Tounsi said the inauguration of this vital project is a real translation of the aspirations of the Saudi leadership and its relentless efforts to develop mega projects.

He added that such projects contribute effectively to achieve many direct and indirect economic returns, and advance sustainable development for the benefit of Saudi Arabia in accordance with the sectors identified by Vision 2030.

"About two-thirds of the Kingdom's population is under the age of 35. There is a great need for Qiddiya Project to provide them with entertainment. The project will save about $30 billion, which Saudis spend on tourism and recreation abroad.”

“The saved funds will be used to develop the domestic economy and create new job opportunities for the Saudi youth," he was quoted by SPA.

Chief Executive of Qiddiya Michael Reininger stated: "We are delighted to be a key contributor to boost the Kingdom's economic development and investment, not only to the entertainment industry but also to projects that will develop the capabilities of the Saudi youth."

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
TT
TT

Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.