Riyadh to Host Music Cities Convention and Awards 2024

The Saudi Music Commission logo
The Saudi Music Commission logo
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Riyadh to Host Music Cities Convention and Awards 2024

The Saudi Music Commission logo
The Saudi Music Commission logo

The Saudi Music Commission has said that after competing with several cities, Riyadh has won the bid to host the Music Cities Convention and Awards 2024, the world's largest series of conferences in the music sector.

Next year's Music Cities Convention and Awards will be held from November 14 to 16 at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Center, the Commission announced Thursday.

It will feature a variety of topics in the music industry presented by over 100 experts from around the globe, along with an intensive educational program hosted by the Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh from October 3 to November 14.

It will also include several activities and events to enrich the music sector and provide a distinctive musical experience for its visitors and participants, the Commission said.

Riyadh's hosting of the event reflects the keenness of the Ministry of Culture to promote cultural exchange as one of its strategic objectives within the Saudi Vision 2030.



Cold Wave Hits Gulf Countries, Temperatures Reach Freezing Point

The strongest cold wave ever recorded in Saudi Arabia lasted for seven consecutive days (SPA)
The strongest cold wave ever recorded in Saudi Arabia lasted for seven consecutive days (SPA)
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Cold Wave Hits Gulf Countries, Temperatures Reach Freezing Point

The strongest cold wave ever recorded in Saudi Arabia lasted for seven consecutive days (SPA)
The strongest cold wave ever recorded in Saudi Arabia lasted for seven consecutive days (SPA)

A cold wave is affecting the Gulf countries, bringing temperatures close to freezing in several areas, with frost expected in some regions.

Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the Saudi National Center for Meteorology (NCM) said the winter weather report shows a generally mild season, despite temperatures dropping to as low as minus 3°C in some places.

“We are nearing the end of the first quarter of winter, and cold waves usually come from the north, with the northern regions of Saudi Arabia being the first to feel the impact,” said Al-Qahtani.

“Cities like Al-Qurayyat, Turaif, Sakaka, and the northern border areas are the coldest, followed by the eastern and central regions,” he added.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Qahtani said there are two months of winter remaining, with cold waves expected to bring rain to northern, western, and central Saudi Arabia, ranging from moderate to heavy.

He also mentioned that while there is a chance of snowfall on Mount Al-Lawz in the Tabuk region, it is not very likely. The NCM is closely monitoring the situation and will issue warnings if necessary.

He added that snowfall in neighboring northern countries could affect northern Saudi areas, particularly the Tabuk highlands.

On Thursday, the NCM shared details of the strongest cold wave in Saudi Arabia’s history, which occurred 33 years ago. In January 1992, the Hail station recorded a low of minus 9.3°C, with the cold wave lasting seven days.

Al-Qahtani said a repeat of the 1992 cold wave is unlikely this season. He noted that while temperatures may drop to minus 3°C, this winter is expected to be milder overall, and such low temperatures are not expected to last as long as the seven days in 1992.