Category: Press Releases

Madinah to Become Wellness Hub through New ‘Heart of Uhud’ Project

Madinah, Madinah Municipality has finalized an agreement to establish the “Heart of Uhud” project, a medical and rehabilitation resort located north of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Spanning a vast area of 240,000 square meters, the project is designed to ma…

Madinah, Madinah Municipality has finalized an agreement to establish the "Heart of Uhud" project, a medical and rehabilitation resort located north of the Prophet's Mosque. Spanning a vast area of 240,000 square meters, the project is designed to make Madinah a leader in medical tourism. It will offer comprehensive wellness services and rehabilitation programs delivered by highly qualified professionals. Leveraging Madinah's unique spiritual and religious significance, and its competitive advantages, including its rich historical landmarks and diverse geographical landscape, this project aims to boost the city's tourism appeal and position it as a hub for rehabilitation and wellness. Drawing insight from market research and behavioral studies conducted among the Madinah community, the project is designed to cater to the specific needs and preferences of residents and visitors. This approach is bound to make Madinah an even more attractive destination, especially as it prepares to welcome 30 million annual visitors by 2030. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Biggest Water Theme Park in the Region ‘Aquarabia’ Joins Six Flags Qiddiya City

Riyadh: The Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced today the launch of Aquarabia, the first water theme park of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the largest in the region. Located in Qiddiya City, Aquarabia will complement Si…

Riyadh: The Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced today the launch of Aquarabia, the first water theme park of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the largest in the region. Located in Qiddiya City, Aquarabia will complement Six Flags Qiddiya City, the city's flagship theme park and the first Six Flags park to be designed and built outside of North America. Embracing Qiddiya's Power of Play philosophy, Aquarabia will be Saudi's first home-grown water theme park and will draw visitors from across the globe with its twenty-two rides and family-friendly water-based experiences. This includes four world records, including the world's tallest water coaster, the tallest drop body slide, the tallest water slide, and the longest mat racer. Aquarabia will also offer the first underwater adventure ride featuring fully submersible vehicles. Adrenaline lovers will enjoy an extreme watersports zone dedicated to rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, free solo climbing and cliff jumping, as well as the K ingdom's first surf pool. Moreover, Aquarabia will offer immersive, narrative-based design elements and attractions seldom seen in water parks, with its theming based around ancient desert wellsprings and Qiddiya's wildlife seeking an oasis. Aquarabia will complement Qiddiya City's theme park offering with the previously announced Six Flags Qiddiya City, a thrill park that will push the boundaries of the possible with twenty-eight rides and attractions. Six Flags Qiddiya City will feature five world record-breaking coasters spread across six uniquely themed lands: Sirocco Tower, the world's tallest free standing shot tower ride; Gyropsin, the world's tallest pendulum ride; Spitfire, the world's tallest inverted top hat coaster; Iron Rattler, the world's tallest tilt coaster; and the Falcons Flight, the world's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster which will run parallel to the F1 track. Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City are located within Qiddiya City in an entirely walkable neighbourhood where vi sitors can find a unique selection of activities and a broad range of hotels, dining options and even a green oasis to unwind and recharge between exhilarating rides and adrenaline-pumping experiences. Through innovative design and infrastructure, visitors will move around effortlessly, minimizing journey time and maximizing enjoyment. The seamless connection between both new parks is a statement that in Qiddiya City, every moment spent exploring is filled with excitement. Commenting on the launch, Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood said: "This announcement marks a significant milestone for Qiddiya City and for the entertainment, tourism and sports sector. As we keep expanding our entertainment offering, Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City will fulfil the diverse entertainment needs of our community, contribute to the diversification of our economy and create job opportunities in the tourism sector." Both parks are currently under construction and will be completed in 2025, with the official opening date to be communicated. Moreover, Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City will be the first attractions to open for visitors to experience Qiddiya City's entertainment and sports proposition, addressing increasing domestic demand for new immersive entertainment experiences and water-based activities in the Kingdom. Through these groundbreaking attractions, Qiddiya City aims to provide residents with entertainment options while bolstering local tourism and employment as part of Saudi Vision 2030. With a projected total of 10,000 direct and indirect jobs created, Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City will significantly contribute to the Kingdom's economic diversification and GDP targets. As a new master-planned destination, Qiddiya City has a rare opportunity to integrate sustainability in every aspect of the development's planning, construction, and operation phases. As such, Aquarabia and Six Flags Qiddiya City are committed to upholding the highest standard of sustainable practices, using innovative technology and design to implement best practices in water use and waste management. The water theme park will use recycled water for the park's irrigation and cooling, and thanks to specialized filters, will be able to reduce water waste by up to 90% and minimize energy consumption. Moreover, Six Flags Qiddiya City also aims to recycle operational waste targeting more than 80% diversion from landfill. The unveiling of Aquarabia follows the announcement of many exciting entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions in Qiddiya City, including the world's first multi-use Gaming and Esports District, the multi-sports Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, the motorsport track and the Dragon Ball theme park. Source: Saudi Press Agency

ARMY CHIEF DISCUSSES WITH LF DELEGATION DISPLACED SYRIANS’ DOSSIER

Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, received in his Yarzeh office today, MP Strida Geagea at the head of a delegation including MPs: Pierre Bou Assi, Fadi Karam, Razi Al-Hajj, Nazih Matta, Jihad Pakradouni and Saeed Al-Asmar, in addition to former MP…

Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, received in his Yarzeh office today, MP Strida Geagea at the head of a delegation including MPs: Pierre Bou Assi, Fadi Karam, Razi Al-Hajj, Nazih Matta, Jihad Pakradouni and Saeed Al-Asmar, in addition to former MP Joseph Ishaq and the party's security and military communications official, Imad Khoury. Talks during the meeting centered on the issue of displaced Syrians because of its security, economic, and social repercussions on Lebanon. The delegation briefed the Army Chief on 'the absence of any legal basis, whether international or Lebanese, for the presence of the overwhelming majority of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, which requires them to be legally prosecuted and returned to their country.' The delegation also focused on 'the necessity of controlling the Lebanese-Syrian border to prevent the entry of more illegal refugees into Lebanon.' It stressed that 'the illegal Syrian presence threatens the security and safety of the Lebanese people and threatens general st ability in Lebanon, so all state departments must strictly and carefully implement the laws to preserve general stability in the country and the safety of Lebanon." "As for the international community that helps Syrian refugees, it can help them in Syria and not in Lebanon, especially since there are many safe areas in Syria," the LF delegation underlined. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Macron demands that Netanyahu not invade Rafah and stop the war

Paris – Together – French President, Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, Monday, called for the completion of prisoner exchange and ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, and for him to give the issue of…

Paris - Together - French President, Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, Monday, called for the completion of prisoner exchange and ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, and for him to give the issue of prisoners held by Hamas a high priority, especially since among them are French. According to a statement issued by the Elysee Palace. Macron told Netanyahu, "The fate of the Palestinians in Gaza can no longer be subject to operations by Hamas, and the military operation in Gaza must stop." Macron expressed his strong opposition to the Israeli invasion of Rafah and demanded the entry of intensive humanitarian aid into the Strip. Source: Maan News Agency

PM discusses with the EU ambassador the procedures for resuming Iraqi flights in European airspace

Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani received, on Monday, the European Union Ambassador to Iraq, Thomas Seiler.

During the meeting, according to a statement by al-Sudani’s Media Office, bilateral relations between Iraq and the European Union were …

Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani received, on Monday, the European Union Ambassador to Iraq, Thomas Seiler. During the meeting, according to a statement by al-Sudani's Media Office, bilateral relations between Iraq and the European Union were discussed, and the importance of directing efforts towards more cooperation and concluding fruitful economic partnerships with the countries of the European Union. The two sides also discussed the possibility of enhancing cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and the measures taken in order to resume Iraqi aviation in European airspace. The meeting also witnessed discussion of cooperation with the European Investment, Development and Reconstruction Banks to enhance expertise and support private sector development projects in Iraq. Al-Sudani and Siler discussed the tragic conditions in Gaza, the aggressive policies and crimes committed by the occupation forces against innocent civilians. They stressed the need to stop the aggression and deliver aid to the Palestinians. Source: National Iraqi News Agency

3 injuries due to live bullets during clashes in Beit Furik

Nablus – Ma’an – Three citizens were injured by live bullets, and others suffered from suffocation, on Monday evening, during confrontations with Israeli occupation forces in the town of Beit Furik, east of Nablus.

Local sources reported that the occ…

Nablus - Ma'an - Three citizens were injured by live bullets, and others suffered from suffocation, on Monday evening, during confrontations with Israeli occupation forces in the town of Beit Furik, east of Nablus. Local sources reported that the occupation forces stormed the town, and as a result, confrontations broke out during which live bullets, stun grenades, and toxic tear gas were fired, which led to three citizens being injured by live bullets, one in the abdomen and two in the foot, and others suffered from suffocation, and they were transferred to a medical center in the town. Source: Maan News Agency