TheDajjah (2025)

18/11/2024

: Registration Opens for New Season of Saudi 100 Brands

Saudi 100 Brands, an initiative of the Saudi Fashion Commission, is now accepting applications for its fourth season. The program is dedicated to fostering the growth of Saudi fashion brands and positioning them as global players.

Through Saudi 100 Brands, designers gain access to a comprehensive range of support services, including mentorship, business development assistance, networking opportunities, marketing and branding guidance, as well as retail and e-commerce support. These resources are designed to empower brands and help them achieve their full potential.

The application process involves a rather rigorous evaluation by a panel of industry experts, who assess brands based on factors such as innovation, brand readiness and alignment with the program’s values. Shortlisted brands will be invited to an in-person meeting in Riyadh in February to present their concepts and discuss their growth plans.

Successful graduates of the program have been given unique opportunities in the past; from being showcased at Paris Fashion Week with a dedicated showroom, to the likes of Abadia hosting a pop-up at the famous Galeries Lafayette.

As the Saudi fashion industry continues to flourish, initiatives like Saudi 100 Brands have played a crucial role in shaping its future. By providing a platform for emerging talent and fostering a supportive ecosystem, the Fashion Commission is taking another step to elevating the Kingdom’s fashion industry to new heights.

Registration closes December 14th. Head to the link in bio of for the registration link.

10/11/2024

: First WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia Comes to a Close

American tennis star, Coco Gauff, has won the first edition of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA Finals) held in Saudi Arabia, beating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2).

In what was a breathtaking match, the 20 year-old was two points from defeat at one stage, but made a triumphant comeback, coming from 2-0 and 5-3 down in the final set to push the match into a tiebreaker.

Gauff’s win was well-deserved, with the 2023 US Open winner beating the top two ranked women’s tennis players, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, on her way to the final.
The tournament marked the beginning of a three-year deal between Saudi Arabia and the WTA that will see the Kingdom host the 2024, 2025 and 2026 finals, which have traditionally taken place in assorted cities across the world.

The deal represents a significant investment by Saudi Arabia in its burgeoning sports scene, with the record $15.25 million prize money for the finals a 70% increase from 2023, showcasing the kingdom’s commitment to attracting major sporting events.

10/11/2024

: World Football Summit Asia Heads to Riyadh This December

Riyadh is set to become the epicenter of the football industry for two days this December, with the World Football Summit Asia returning the Kingdom to delve deep into all things football away from the pitch.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural summit in Jeddah, this year’s event aims to attract over 2,000 attendees, providing a platform for top leaders and industry experts to discuss the latest trends, share innovative ideas, and explore new opportunities.

On December 2nd and 3rd at King Abdullah Financial District, industry leaders, experts and innovators from around the world will converge in Riyadh to share their insights and discuss the latest trends shaping the football landscape, offering valuable knowledge on topics such as fan engagement, commercial partnerships, infrastructure development, and the latest technological advancements.

The summit goes someway to helping Saudi Arabia carve out its voice on the international stage. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in 2022 and the subsequent domino-effect that saw a slew of European-based footballers follow the Portuguese record-breaker has taken the headlines, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s efforts extend to the business of the sport, with the hosting of the World Football Summit underlining its commitment to elevating football locally and internationally.

Find out more about the summit in the link in bio.

04/11/2024

: Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mane Visits KSRelief as Part of Philanthropic Efforts

Renowned Senegalese footballer and current player at Saudi Pro League team, Al-Nassr, has become the first international footballer to volunteer with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief).

Mane’s recent visit marked a significant moment, as he engaged with the organization’s leadership and gained firsthand insights into its humanitarian work. The center, established in 2015 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is dedicated to providing relief and aid to vulnerable populations worldwide and its impact can be seen across the region and beyond.

Known for his philanthropic work, Mane’s decision to volunteer with KSRelief is hoped will raise global awareness of the center’s work and inspire other athletes to contribute to humanitarian causes.

04/11/2024

: Talks, Workshops & More at Second Edition of Athar

Saudi Arabia’s premier festival for creative marketing professionals, Athar, is set to return for its second edition this week, on November 5th and 6th, with this year’s event promising a comprehensive lineup of initiatives designed to elevate the Saudi creative industries.

Taking place at Crowne Plaza RDC in Riyadh, the festival will feature a diverse range of programs, including the Future CMO Academy, which will provide valuable insights and training for aspiring marketers. Additionally, a collaborative workshop with Google will explore the latest digital trends and technologies.

For senior executives, the CMO Roundtable, powered by Bloomberg Media, and the CEO Roundtable will offer opportunities for high-level discussions and networking, while the Maheerah Women’s Program, will look to empower female professionals in the industry.

To further enhance the learning experience, Athar will host two masterclasses: a ‘Build Impactful Products’ session and an ‘Influencer Masterclass’. The second day of the event will also see the winners of this year’s Athar Festival Awards.

The event pays testament to the increasingly rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s creative industries, offering a platform for knowledge sharing and networking that looks to empower professionals at all levels.

For more information and tickets, head to the .sa link in bio.

Festival

04/11/2024

: Saudi Arabia’s PIF Makes Major Investment in MBC Group

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reached an agreement to acquire a 54% stake in MBC Group for a substantial $2 billion.

The deal involves the purchase of the entire stake held by Istedamah Holding Company, at a share price of $11.08.
MBC Group is renowned for its network of 13 free-to-air television channels and its popular streaming platform, Shahid, with the company reaching 150 million viewers weekly across the MENA region.

Earlier this year, MBC Group made its own moves this year, including the acquisition of a 4% stake in the Nasdaq-listed music streaming platform, Anghami. Additionally, the company successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO) on the Saudi Exchange, raising $388 million.

This investment underscores the Saudi government’s commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s media and entertainment sector and by acquiring a majority stake in MBC Group, PIF aims to further strengthen the company’s position as a leading media powerhouse in the region.

04/11/2024

: Riyadh Season Prepares to Host ‘1001 Seasons of Elie Saab’

Globally-renowned Lebanese designer, Elie Saab, is set to make a mark on the fashion world once again with a unique show at Riyadh Season 2024. Titled ‘1001 Seasons of Elie Saab’, the show is happening up to be a spectacular celebration of fashion, art,and culture.

Scheduled for November 13th, the show will showcase over 300 looks, each a testament to Saab’s signature elegance and timeless style. Curated by the iconic fashion stylist, Carine Roitfeld, the collection is expected to blend traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics with contemporary design elements.

Riyadh Season has become a global platform for entertainment and culture, and Saab’s show is poised to be one of its most significant events and will be broadcast live on MBC and streamed across various social media platforms.

The designer’s choice to return to the Saudi capital underscores the growing influence of the region on the international fashion scene, a sentiment that has most recently manifested in the recent Riyadh Fashion Week, as the world’s gaze turned to a bigger and better edition of the showpiece event.

22/10/2024

: Spanish Football’s Best Return to Saudi Arabia for Supercopa de España

The Supercopa de España (or Spanish Super Cup) is set to be held in Saudi Arabia once more, with the annual competition seeing the top two of the league from last season, alongside the winners and runners-up of the Copa Del Rey, face off in Jeddah.

Last year’s edition in Riyadh saw Real Madrid beat Barcelona in the final, and the two rivals are set to take part once more as the winners and runners up of 2023–24 La Liga, alongside Athletic Bilbao (Copa Del Rey winners) and Real Mallorca (Copa Del Rey runners-up). Real Madrid will face Real Mallorca in the first semi-final on Wednesday, January 8th, while Barcelona will play Athletic Bilbao in the second semi-final on January 9th. The final will then be played three days later on Sunday 12th.

This will be the fifth time that the Kingdom welcomes the mini-tournament, having first hosted in 2020, and comes as the latest series of non-Saudi football matches to be played in the Kingdom. As part of the country’s efforts to elevate domestic football, Saudi Arabia has hosted everything from the Italian Super Cup to the Egyptian Super Cup.

Tickets have yet to be released. Stay tuned.

22/10/2024

: Saudi Culinary Arts Commission Launches National Chef Competition

The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission has unveiled the inaugural Saudi Elite Chefs Competition, a unique new event designed to spotlight the skills and creativity of the Kingdom’s professional chefs, while underscoring the importance of preserving local resources and promoting sustainable food systems.

The competition features two categories: main courses and pastries. Participants will be challenged to showcase their culinary artists by preparing dishes that highlight the flavors and textures of local ingredients.

A panel of judges will evaluate submissions based on a stringent set of criteria, including flavor, presentation, technical skill and adherence to the competition’s theme of sustainability.

Successful chefs will reap numerous benefits, including priority access to prestigious culinary events, the prestigious Saudi Elite Chefs Medal and exclusive invitations to industry forums and discussions.

The competition will unfold in several stages, commencing with a registration and qualification period from now until October 31st. Finalists will be announced between the 31st and November 10th, followed by a preparatory workshop from November 20th to 24th. The grand finale will then take place on November 25th and 26th at the 13th edition of the Saudi HORECA 2024 Exhibition in Riyadh.

The initiative reflects the Culinary Arts Commission’s mandate to support and empower Saudi chefs on both local and international platforms, as it looks to elevate the Kingdom’s culinary culture and inspire a new generation of chefs.

Find out more on the website.

06/10/2024

: Saudi Film Confex Invites Professionals & Creatives into Immersive Experience

The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled an exciting lineup of activities accompanying the second Saudi Film Confex, scheduled to take place from October 9th to 12th in Riyadh.

The centerpiece of the event will be a special business hub for industry professionals to network, sign agreements and forge partnerships. Consultation platforms will also be available to offer specialized advice on various aspects of filmmaking, ranging from financing to production.

For those seeking hands-on experience, the On-Set Challenge will allow visitors to try their hand at different roles within a film crew, such as acting, photography or directing, while the Film Talk segment will feature prominent industry figures sharing their success stories and insights.

The event will also showcase cutting-edge equipment used in aerial cinematography and offer interactive activities for children and young adults. The Junior Filmmaker zone will introduce children to filmmaking through simplified activities, while the Cinematic Arts zone will delve into the world of makeup and costume design.
The event also will feature an exhibition representing key locations across the filmmaking value chain and a specialized conference with 30 panel discussions and 15 workshops covering various aspects of the industry.

As the Kingdom looks to take its place on the global film landscape, events like Saudi Film Confex have the potential to play a huge part in developing and evolving what has been a nascent industry, triggered into action by the 2018 lifting of the 35-year cinema ban.

Find out how to attend on the website.

06/10/2024

: Public Investment Fund Considers Larger Share of Nintendo

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering increasing its stake in the Japanese gaming giant, Nintendo, in a move that would further strengthen the PIF’s portfolio in the entertainment and technology sectors.

According to sources, the PIF has been exploring various options to expand its investment in Nintendo. While the exact details of the potential acquisition remain undisclosed, it is believed that the fund could either purchase additional shares on the open market or engage in direct negotiations with the company.

The PIF has been actively investing in global industries, including technology, energy and real estate, with its increasingly diversified portfolio generating substantial returns. A larger stake in Nintendo would align with the fund’s strategy of investing in leading companies with strong growth potential.

While there is no official confirmation from either the PIF or Nintendo, the potential acquisition has sparked interest among investors and analysts. If the deal goes through, it could have significant implications for the gaming industry globally and locally.

30/09/2024

: Foreign Direct Investment in KSA Leaps Almost a Quarter in 2024

Saudi Arabia’s foreign direct investment (FDI) saw a significant increase in the second quarter of 2024, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Net inflows reached $3.12 billion, marking an impressive 23.4% upturn compared to the previous quarter.

While inflows were slightly lower than in the same period last year, they still exhibited a notable 14.5% increase from the first quarter of 2024, and takes the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 closer to its goal of attracting $100 billion in FDI by the end of the decade.

Recent reforms, including an updated investment law, have contributed to the Kingdom’s growing appeal to international investors. Saudi Arabia’s strong economic outlook and ongoing diversification efforts continue to drive FDI inflows, positioning it as a leading investment destination, not only in the Middle East, but on a global scale.

30/09/2024

: ‘Seven Arabian Wonders of the World’ Set to Feature Saudi Landmarks

The New7Wonders Foundation, responsible for the 2007 campaign that named the Colosseum, Taj Mahal, Petra and others as the New Seven Wonders of the World, has announced plans to launch a similar initiative focused on Arab achievements.

The ‘Seven Arabian Wonders of the World’ project aims to highlight iconic landmarks that represent the region’s cultural heritage and innovation.

A shortlist of potential candidates includes the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the World Trade Centre in Bahrain, I.M. Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar and, from the Kingdom, Riyadh’s King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, designed by Zaha Hadid. These modern monuments will be celebrated alongside ancient marvels such as AlUla, Yemen’s Old City of Sanaa and the Samarra Tower in Iraq.

“The Arab world is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, characterized by the creation of extraordinary landmarks,” said Bernard Weber, founder of the New7Wonders Foundation, to Arab News.

“Our initiative will not only highlight the groundbreaking architectural and engineering achievements of the modern era but will also connect them symbolically to the ancient Arab civilization,” he added. “Arabian culture and its impact on humanity have not been fully acknowledged and celebrated compared to other great cultures of the past.”

The campaign has the potential to attract new waves of tourism as Saudi Arabia seeks to position itself as a global cultural and tourism destination.

29/09/2024

: Tickets for ‘6 Kings Slam’ in Riyadh Now Available

Tickets for the inaugural 6 Kings Slam have gone on sale, as Riyadh gears up to host a star-studded tournament that will feature Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune.

Taking place at The Venue between October 16th, 17th and 19th, the three-day event will kick-off with Medvedev vs Sinner and Rune vs Alcaraz. On day two, the winner of the former will face Djokovic, while the winner of the latter will face Nadal, with winners of those matches then meeting in the final on day three.

While ultimately an exhibition tournament with no impact on tennis rankings or the ATP circuit, the event signals the Kingdom’s growing involvement in world tennis, with Saudi Arabia set to host the finals of the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) finals in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Tickets start from SAR 150 and are available via .ksa.

29/09/2024

: Cinehouse to Launch Imminently as Riyadh’s First Arthouse Cinema

Adding some variety to the typical blockbuster-focused multiplexes that define modern moviegoing experiences, Riyadh is set to witness the opening of its first arthouse cinema.

While the official date has yet to be revealed, news of Cinehouse has already sparked the imagination of film-buffs in the capital, promising a unique and sophisticated cinematic experience based on a carefully curated selection of independent, foreign and classic films.
According to the brains behind the project, Saudi film producer Faisal Baltyuor, Cinehouse will encompass three separate screening rooms, each able to accommodate 80 people.

Beyond a film schedule that will reportedly kick-off with a screening of Abdullah Al-Muheisen’s never-before-publicly screened 1975 documentary, ‘Development of Riyadh City’, Baltyuor aims to cultivate Cinehouse as a hub for the Kingdom’s growing native films scene and talent, with a special food and beverage menu created by a local chef.
“It’s not just putting a chair and watching a movie,” Baltyuor told ArabNews. “We wanted to create a place that feels like home, while showcasing the best of Saudi talent in both cinema and dining.”

The opening of Cinehouse will mark a significant moment for Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance. After a 35-year ban on commercial cinemas was lifted in 2018, the country has embraced the power of film as a medium for entertainment, education and cultural expression, with Cinehouse’s arrival a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural diversity and openness.

24/09/2024

: Riyadh International Book Fair Kicks-Off September 26th

The Riyadh International Book Fair is set to open its doors on Thursday at King Saud University, promising a sweeping celebration of literature and culture. Organized by the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, this year’s fair is poised to be one of the largest cultural events in the region, running until October 5th.

Over 2,000 publishing houses and agencies from 30 countries will participate in the fair, showcasing their works across 800 pavilions. Qatar, as the guest of honor, will be prominently featured at the fair, with visitors offered the unique opportunity to explore Qatar’s achievements in culture, art and literature, and interact with renowned Qatari cultural figures.

The fair’s cultural program offers a diverse range of activities, including seminars, discussions, lectures, poetry evenings, and workshops. This year, the fair will pay special tribute to the Year of the Camel with dedicated symposiums and events highlighting the significance of this iconic animal in Saudi culture.

Children will also be well-represented at the fair with a dedicated pavilion offering a variety of activities, including arts, crafts and storytelling. Qatar will also participate with a children’s pavilion focused on Islamic architecture and children’s book design, providing a unique experience.
You can find out more on ’s official website.

19/09/2024

: More Names Announced for Soundstorm 2024

Following the blockbuster announcement earlier this year that rap legend, Eminem, was to be one of Soundstorm 2024’s headliners, the jewel of MDLBEAST’s crown has revealed even more international names.

Taking place December 12th-14th, the festival has announced more massive names from the world of rap, including Akon, Latto, JID and Tyler, The Creator.

Beyond hip-hop and R&B, Soundstorm will also feature some of the world’s top DJ acts, including David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren, Adriatique, Afrojack and Black Coffee, while rock band, Muse, are another of the marquee performers.

Tickets for Soundstorm 2024 are now available starting from SAR 109. Head to the link in bio at .soundstorm.

01/09/2024

: AlUla Wellness Festival 2024 Announced for October Kick-Off

The AlUla Wellness Festival is set to return from October 17th to November 2nd, offering travelers and wellness-skeers a unique opportunity for holistic experience in one of Saudi Arabia’s most stunning locations over 17 days.

A diverse range of activities designed to promote holistic well-being will be on offer, including. dynamic yoga classes, somatic healing sessions, massages, art therapy workshops and talks by experts, as well as sunset music therapy sessions and other nature-centered activities. The return of the Five Senses Sanctuary is another highlight. Here, festival-goers can indulge in a sensory feast of unique wellness experiences.

The festival’s spirit is based on AlUla’s long and storied history as a sanctuary of rejuvenation. Once a lush oasis along an ancient incense trade route, it offered travelers a place of rest and revitalization. This year’s festival pays homage to this heritage by bringing together renowned international yoga, pilates, meditation, and wellness practitioners alongside local talents.

For more information head to .

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