Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In a landmark global achievement, Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was named the “Most Influential Personality of the Decade” during the MENA Effie Awards ceremony.

Theprestigious honor recognizes his transformative contributions to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and his pivotal role in its development and international prominence.

The MENA Effie Awards, renowned for celebrating impact and creativity across the Middle East and North Africa, distinguishes individuals whose efforts have delivered exceptional and lasting contributions over the past decade.

Alalshikh’s recognition underscores his status as one of the most influential figures in global entertainment and reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing impact on the international cultural and entertainment landscape.

Under his leadership, the General Entertainment Authority has played a key role in enhancing the quality of life in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. His efforts have established a world-class entertainment ecosystem, bolstering the national economy and fostering sustainable development.

Since the launch of Riyadh Season 2024 in October, spearheaded by Alalshikh, the event has attracted unprecedented global attention. In less than a month, approximately 6 million visitors attended, showcasing the event’s extraordinary appeal to both local and international audiences.

The season features thousands of events, ranging from concerts and art exhibitions to theater performances and family-friendly activities. Riyadh Season 2024 includes five main zones—Boulevard World, Kingdom Arena, Boulevard City, The Venue, and Al-Suwaidi Park—each offering a distinctive and immersive experience.

During its opening week, the season set a record with 2 million visitors, highlighting the public’s enthusiasm for this eagerly awaited event.



Rare Purple-Flowered 'Zilla' Spotted in Saudi Northern Borders Region

The rare and beautiful plant is often called locally "shabram". - SPA
The rare and beautiful plant is often called locally "shabram". - SPA
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Rare Purple-Flowered 'Zilla' Spotted in Saudi Northern Borders Region

The rare and beautiful plant is often called locally "shabram". - SPA
The rare and beautiful plant is often called locally "shabram". - SPA

Zilla, the plant with striking purple flowers, has recently been spotted in the serene valleys of the Northern Borders region.
The rare and beautiful plant is often called locally "shabram".
The chairman of the board of directors of the Aman Environmental Association, Nasser bin Arshid Al-Majlad, said that the Northern Borders region, with its diverse terrain, supports a variety of plant life, each with its unique value. Zilla, in particular, plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing nectar for bees and forage for livestock, especially camels. However, due to overgrazing and other factors, the population of this plant has declined significantly in recent years, SPA reported.
The Aman Environmental Association is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving the region's natural heritage. By highlighting the beauty and ecological significance of plants like the Zilla, the association aims to inspire individuals to take action and protect the environment.