TheDajjah (2025)

10/08/2025

: Global gaming festival adds chess to multi‑title showdown
The 2025 Esports World Cup is underway in Riyadh, running through late August with a record $70 million+ prize pool across 25 game titles. Drawing over 2,000 players and 200 teams, the tournament cements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to be a global esports hub.
For the first time, chess joined the lineup with a $1.5 million prize pool, won by Magnus Carlsen, who also serves as the event’s global chess ambassador. Cristiano Ronaldo is on board as a global EWC ambassador, boosting the event’s profile alongside titles like Valorant, League of Legends, and PUBG Mobile.
EWC 2025 is more than competition — it’s a cultural statement positioning Saudi Arabia at the center of the global gaming stage.

09/08/2025

: NFPA Day to align global standards with Kingdom’s urban boom
Intersec Saudi Arabia will host NFPA Day in late September, bringing together global fire and life safety experts to address the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding mega‑projects and urban developments. The event will focus on aligning international safety codes with Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure plans, ensuring resilience and protection across sectors from tourism and entertainment to residential and industrial.
As giga‑projects reshape the national skyline, NFPA Day is positioned to be a key forum for knowledge exchange, regulatory alignment, and technology adoption, reinforcing safety as a core pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation.

08/08/2025

: Pavilion blends ecology, tradition, and memory at Triennale showcase

Saudi designers and artists have taken the stage at the Milan Triennale with Maghras: A Farm for Experimentation, a debut pavilion that fuses ecological awareness, cultural heritage, and collective memory. Co‑curated by a new generation of Saudi creatives, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the intersection of nature, tradition, and contemporary design.
The project reflects a growing movement in the Kingdom’s creative scene—one that values sustainability and storytelling as much as aesthetic innovation. Alongside the installation, the team is developing a companion book aimed at deepening cultural dialogue and forging creative connections across regions.
By planting Saudi narratives in an international forum, Maghras not only showcases the country’s artistic talent but also reinforces its role in shaping conversations about culture, environment, and identity on the global stage.

08/08/2025

: Noor Riyadh and public art projects redefine the capital’s streets
Riyadh’s skyline and streets are doubling as canvases, with major public art installations and the annual Noor Riyadh light festival transforming the city into a cultural landmark. These initiatives are part of an ongoing plan to make the capital one of the world’s largest open‑air galleries.
From monumental sculptures to interactive digital displays, the projects bring together Saudi and international artists to engage residents and visitors alike. Noor Riyadh’s immersive light installations have become a seasonal highlight, drawing global attention and boosting the city’s cultural tourism appeal.
The vision goes beyond aesthetics—public art is being used as a tool for community engagement, urban beautification, and creative economy growth, reinforcing Riyadh’s place on the global cultural map.

07/08/2025

: Arts and events sector records double‑digit growth as Vision 2030 momentum builds

Saudi Arabia’s arts and entertainment sector is on a sharp upward trajectory, with commercial registrations rising 20 percent year‑on‑year. The growth reflects both surging domestic demand and the Kingdom’s strategic investment in culture, tourism, and events under Vision 2030.
The event management industry alone is projected to reach $4.16 billion by 2030, driven by mega‑festivals, international concerts, sporting events, and a booming conference circuit. Private sector participation is expanding alongside government‑backed projects, creating new opportunities for local talent, suppliers, and global partnerships.
For investors, the trend signals a maturing market with a long runway for growth. For audiences, it means a richer calendar of cultural experiences and entertainment options—turning Saudi Arabia into one of the region’s most dynamic creative hubs.

07/08/2025

: Jeddah artist fuses Arabic and English sounds in genre‑bending rise
Jeddah‑born artist Molham Krayem is making waves with “A‑Pop,” a hybrid sound blending Arabic and English rap, pop, and R&B. His music bridges cultures while tapping into a fresh, youthful energy that’s catching the attention of audiences across the Middle East and beyond.
Beyond his tracks, Molham is expanding into creative ventures spanning fashion, media, and content production, positioning himself as a multi‑industry brand. His influence and entrepreneurial spirit earned him a spot on Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 list, cementing his status as one of the region’s rising cultural figures.
With a growing discography, cross‑border collaborations, and a unique genre identity, Molham is not just riding a trend—he’s shaping one. For fans, A‑Pop offers a soundtrack that feels both deeply regional and instantly global.

07/08/2025

: Commemorative postage issue celebrates governor’s contributions to cultural and social development

Saudi Post, in partnership with the Emirate of Makkah Province, has unveiled a new commemorative postage stamp honoring Prince Khalid Al‑Faisal, adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and governor of Makkah. The tribute recognises his longstanding contributions to cultural and social development in the region.
The stamp forms part of a special series spotlighting distinguished national figures. In public remarks, Prince Khalid expressed gratitude to King Salman for approving the issue and acknowledged the gesture as a generous reflection of leadership support throughout his public service. He also extended thanks to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing the honor as emblematic of the Kingdom’s leadership. The governor concluded by praying for continued stability and prosperity in Saudi Arabia under its wise leadership.

06/08/2025

: Saudi fulfilment leader targets GCC expansion and cross‑border growth

Saudi Arabia‑based e‑commerce logistics provider Salasa has closed a $30 million Series B round led by Artal Capital, setting the stage for rapid expansion. The funding will be used to grow its domestic network, enhance cross‑border shipping infrastructure, and integrate AI across its logistics platform.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Riyadh, Salasa offers end‑to‑end fulfilment services including warehousing, last‑mile delivery, bonded zones, inventory management, and international shipping. The new investment will accelerate the rollout of dark stores and bonded zones across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.
AI integration is at the heart of the strategy, with predictive systems designed to optimise planning, inventory, and fulfilment. The goal is faster delivery, greater accuracy, and more efficient operations for merchants, while cross‑border capabilities open doors to regional and international markets.
Salasa works with more than 1,000 merchants, from major e‑commerce players like Noon and Amazon to regional retailers such as Cenomi, Boutiqaat, Sharaf DG, and Alothaim Retail. To date, it has fulfilled over 50 million products and integrates with platforms including Shopify, ZID, Salla, and Trendyol, supported by a partner network of more than 40 carriers including Aramex, DHL, and Saudi Post.

06/08/2025

: Smart system aims to keep pilgrimage season cleaner and more efficient
New research has outlined an AI‑ and IoT‑driven smart waste management solution designed for Makkah’s busy pilgrimage season. The proposed system integrates real‑time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated routing to manage the massive surge in waste generated during Hajj and Umrah.
Sensors placed in collection bins would transmit live data on fill levels, allowing AI algorithms to forecast demand and optimise collection schedules. Combined with GPS‑enabled fleets and automated dispatch, the system aims to cut overflow incidents, reduce operational costs, and improve hygiene across high‑traffic areas.
Beyond waste removal, the platform could support broader environmental goals by tracking recycling rates, measuring carbon footprints, and providing city authorities with actionable insights. Researchers believe the model could be adapted for other large‑scale events and urban environments across Saudi Arabia.
If implemented, Makkah could set a regional benchmark for how technology can address logistical challenges while enhancing the experience for millions of visitors each year.

06/08/2025

: Gold and copper leaf craft meets contemporary design in cross‑border collaboration
A new training programme in Asir is giving Saudi artisans the chance to refine their skills in gold and copper leaf jewellery-making through a partnership with Italy’s Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School. Launched on August 1 by the Saudi Social Development Bank, the initiative blends local craft heritage with international design expertise.
Drawing inspiration from Al‑Qatt Al‑Asiri, the UNESCO‑recognised geometric art form native to the region, the course teaches techniques adapted to modern market preferences while preserving cultural identity.
The collaboration was formalised with a cooperation agreement between the bank and the Florence‑based school, renowned for its experimental approach to contemporary jewellery. Participants include freelance designers and artisans looking to produce high‑quality pieces that showcase both personal creativity and regional aesthetics.
Since the wider training scheme began in 2023, more than 300 people have joined 15 specialised programmes, underscoring a growing movement to elevate Saudi craftsmanship to global standards.

06/08/2025

: Riyadh strengthens crisis planning and AML oversight in regulatory overhaul

Saudi Arabia’s central bank (SAMA) has submitted a new draft banking law to the legislature, aiming to modernize the Kingdom’s financial regulatory framework and align with international best practices. This move follows recent progress in strengthening the sector’s resilience.
The draft law includes a refined crisis management system that introduces emergency liquidity assistance and formal bank resolution capabilities. It also establishes a risk-based supervisory framework and mandates monitoring of major construction and infrastructure financing.
On anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorism financing, the law enhances SAMA’s sector oversight by introducing thematic inspections and more effective enforcement tools.
The banking sector remains strong, with non‑oil GDP growth steady, inflation anchored around 2.2 percent, unemployment below Vision 2030 targets, a solvency ratio of 19.6 percent at the close of 2024, record‑low non‑performing loans, and solid profitability.
Further reforms include a 100‑basis‑point countercyclical capital buffer to address rapid credit expansion risk and a review of prudential tools to reinforce stability.
Once approved, the new law would replace the outdated 1966 Banking Control Law. It expands SAMA’s licensing authority, sets higher capital and liquidity standards, enhances senior management accountability, and introduces civil and criminal penalties for serious breaches, including up to SAR 10 million fines for institutions and multi‑million penalties for individuals.
For Riyadh, this marks a decisive move toward financial architecture fit for global capital markets—well suited to support its ambition to position itself as a regional investment hub.

05/08/2025

: Riyadh teams up with IMO on two landmark marine sustainability and training projects

Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority and the International Maritime Organization have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to roll out two groundbreaking global initiatives. The focus is on environmental protection and maritime workforce development.
The first project, GloNoise, is aimed at cutting underwater noise pollution from shipping. Excessive radiated noise disrupts marine life communication and navigation. Saudi Arabia’s involvement signals growing engagement with global environmental sustainability efforts.
The second initiative, NextWave Seafarers, addresses a critical shortage of qualified seafarers. It will train 20 cadets—including men and women—from developing nations aboard Bahri Shipping vessels between 2025 and 2026. The programme stresses gender equity and hopes to establish a scalable training model for global adoption.
For Riyadh, the deals align with its National Transport and Logistics Strategy, reinforcing its ambition to become a global maritime hub. Domestically, the projects highlight the Kingdom’s commitment to marine ecosystem preservation and nurturing human capital in the sector.
Next steps include rolling out training, baseline noise studies, and policy frameworks in beneficiary countries. Implementation will proceed through collaboration with partners like UNDP, GEF and IMO’s technical bodies.

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