RIYADH: Moody’s Investors Service has retained a positive outlook for Saudi Arabia’s banking sector thanks to the Kingdom’s economic diversification programs. In its latest report, the US-based credit rating agency said the demand for credit for government-backed projects will improve loan performance and generate strong profit for banks in Saudi Arabia. “The banks’ operating environment … Read more
ALULA: Positioned outside Madrasat Addeera — a former girls’ school in AlUla that has been turned into a creative arts center — are creations by five design practices, the results of the first AlUla Design Residency. Hall Haus, a creative collective from France, took inspiration from the traditional Arabic majlis for its giant modular sand-colored … Read more
DUBAI: Former champion Andy Murray dug deep to edge out Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 in front of a jubilant center court crowd at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday night. The come-from-behind victory saw Murray — who claimed a solitary Dubai title in 2017 — register a landmark 500th career win … Read more
RIYADH: The vibrant colors and rhythms of traditional arts captivated those attending the Coffee Harvest, a highlight of the International Saudi Coffee Exhibition 2024. Organized by the Jazan Development Strategic Office in collaboration with local authorities, the event, running until Feb. 20 in the Al-Dayer governorate, featured diverse performances and exhibits, turning the area into a … Read more
JEDDAH: The winners of the second Kingdom Photography Award were announced at a ceremony in Jeddah on Sunday held by the Visual Arts Commission, part of the Ministry of Culture. Winners were chosen from a group of aspiring and seasoned photographers who submitted a series of images reflecting the theme “We Tell Stories.” After an … Read more
BANGKOK: Thailand has long been a favorite destination for travelers from across the world, thanks to its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, vibrant cultural heritage, and always-on-the-go cities. But another facet of Thailand is now attracting numerous visitors to the Southeast Asian nation every year: it’s cutting-edge healthcare. An increasing number of visitors are drawn to … Read more
DUBAI: The renowned British explorer, travel writer, expedition leader and former soldier Sir Ranulph Fiennes has lived his life on the edge. He was the first to cross Antarctica on foot and reportedly the only person to set foot on both the North and South Poles. Since he started his travels back in 1967, when … Read more
Plunge into the realm of traditional kung fu karate battle and show off your skills to an eager crowd. Release Your Inner Martial Arts Superstar In The Cage. Access your chosen karate fighting characters by finishing levels and defeating the enemy squad. The more money you collect, the more likely you will get to vote … Read more
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, a Riyadh-based center which aims to promote the Arabic language, has honored the winners of the Children’s Recitation Challenge 3 at a closing ceremony held recently in Riyadh. The event was attended by Dr. Bedour Al-Rayes, deputy CEO of the Human Capability Development Program, and Dr. … Read more
DHAHRAN: The first thing you notice about Dhahran’s Sama Al-Bakr is her lean physique, dimpled smile, focused gaze, and long dark hair, neatly tied by her mother in a variation of a braid, her signature hairstyle. At age 7, Sama is already a tennis pioneer in Saudi Arabia. With a cabinet full of trophies, all … Read more