'Saudi, Welcome to Arabia' Partners with the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival

'Saudi, Welcome to Arabia' Partners with the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival
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'Saudi, Welcome to Arabia' Partners with the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival

'Saudi, Welcome to Arabia' Partners with the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has signed a partnership with "Saudi, Welcome to Arabia", the official destination brand of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).
Marking its debut as a major event sponsor, "Saudi, Welcome to Arabia" will lend its support to the fourth edition of the festival, which runs from December 5 to 14, 2024, in Al Balad, in historic Jeddah, the vibrant new venue, SPA reported.

The sponsorship will help raise even further Jeddah's status as a premier global cultural and cinematic destination by the Saudi Red Sea.
According to a press release issued by RSIFF, "Saudi, Welcome to Arabia" recognizes the power of film in driving tourism, and celebrates filmmakers and storytellers who bring Saudi's beauty and culture to life.
STA's sponsoring of RSIFF underscores its commitment to supporting high-quality events that showcase Saudi Arabia's diverse destinations, iconic landmarks, unique experiences, and renowned, warm Saudi hospitality when welcoming visitors in the heart of Arabia.
Red Sea International Film Festival Managing Director Shivani Pandya Malhotra welcomed the partnership and said: "We are delighted to partner with "Saudi, Welcome to Arabia" for this year's festival. Their support will prove invaluable in helping us bring international attention to the vibrant Saudi film scene and the unique cultural experiences our country has to offer."
According to the release, the partnership highlights the Kingdom's emergence as a premier winter sun destination, driven by the success of its global campaign "Where Winter Lights Up", the second phase of the cinematic "This Land is Calling" series.
The campaign invites travelers to discover the warmth and wonders of Saudi's Winter Season, spotlighting destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Saudi Red Sea. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in a packed year-round events calendar featuring global highlights like Riyadh Season, the AlUla Festival, Jeddah Calendar, Diriyah Season, the Dakar Rally, Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The fourth edition of RSIFF, themed "The New Home of Film", draws inspiration from its new location in the heart of cultural Jeddah, Al Balad. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Al Balad stands as testament to Saudi's rich cultural tapestry and diverse heritage, aligning with the ambitions of "Saudi, Welcome to Arabia".



Out-of-Control Australia Bushfire Will Burn for Days, Officials Say

 22 December 2024, Australia, Halls Gap: A general view of a smokey Lake Bellfield at Halls Gap. Immediate evacuation orders are in place for towns across Victoria as out-of-control blazes and sweltering temperatures begin Australia's bushfire season. Photo: James Ross/AAP/dpa
22 December 2024, Australia, Halls Gap: A general view of a smokey Lake Bellfield at Halls Gap. Immediate evacuation orders are in place for towns across Victoria as out-of-control blazes and sweltering temperatures begin Australia's bushfire season. Photo: James Ross/AAP/dpa
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Out-of-Control Australia Bushfire Will Burn for Days, Officials Say

 22 December 2024, Australia, Halls Gap: A general view of a smokey Lake Bellfield at Halls Gap. Immediate evacuation orders are in place for towns across Victoria as out-of-control blazes and sweltering temperatures begin Australia's bushfire season. Photo: James Ross/AAP/dpa
22 December 2024, Australia, Halls Gap: A general view of a smokey Lake Bellfield at Halls Gap. Immediate evacuation orders are in place for towns across Victoria as out-of-control blazes and sweltering temperatures begin Australia's bushfire season. Photo: James Ross/AAP/dpa

An uncontained bushfire raging in Australia's Victoria state that has prompted an evacuation order for hundreds of residents will burn for several days, officials said on Sunday.

The order to leave immediately, set at the highest danger rating, remained in place for the fire in and around Grampians National Park, about 241 km (149 miles) west of state capital Melbourne, Victoria's emergency services agency said on its website.

"There's a lot of unburnt fuel in the Grampians still, so it's quite a challenge for the days ahead", Country Fire Authority deputy chief officer Garry Cook told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, referring to the fire that now covered 34,000 hectares (84,000 acres) of bush.

The blaze, sparked on Tuesday by lightning, prompted authorities on Saturday to urge residents of several rural towns such as Halls Gap, population 495, to evacuate.

Hundreds of firefighters have battled the bushfire, using more than 100 tankers and 25 aircraft, ABC reported on Saturday.

Authorities have warned of a high-risk bushfire season this Australian summer after several quiet seasons. The 2019-2020 "Black Summer" fires destroyed an area the size of Türkiye and killed 33 people.