Monday, 31 August 2026

Lusail Circuit Launches Citywide Art Installation for Qatar Grand Prix

Published: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Lusail Circuit Launches Citywide Art Installation for Qatar Grand Prix

Doha has taken on a new artistic identity ahead of this year’s FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX, with ten towering Formula 1® helmet sculptures installed across the city as part of a large-scale public art initiative led by Lusail International Circuit (LIC).

Standing at 1.8 meters tall, the installations—on display through 30 November 2025—feature works by eight prominent Qatari artists, each weaving themes of heritage, identity, and innovation into the universally recognized symbol of motorsport.

Two official LIC-branded helmets greet travelers and media personnel at Hamad International Airport and the St. Regis Doha, while the other pieces appear at key cultural and commercial landmarks:

Old Doha Port – The Rise of Glory by Fatima Mohammed Shaker
Shaker blends Qatar’s map with symbols of national pride, capturing a sense of authenticity and forward momentum.

Doha Festival City – Connections by Hala Al-Darbasti
A vibrant acrylic work exploring the small yet powerful details that link individuals to one another. Al-Darbasti described the experience as “deeply meaningful,” noting her pride in contributing to Qatar’s motorsport scene.

Lusail International Circuit – The Camel by Laila Al-Qaedi
Traditional camel markings are reimagined as dynamic, racing-inspired motifs, drawing parallels between desert endurance and Formula 1® performance.

Msheireb Downtown – Heritage in Acceleration by Noor Abuissa
Islamic geometric patterns and Doha’s skyline appear in fluid motion, capturing the synergy between spiritual symmetry and racing speed.

Place Vendôme – Fusion of Speed and Heritage by Jaber Henzab
A bold composition that merges Qatari craftsmanship with the precision of F1®. Henzab called the project a “meaningful milestone” in his career.

Qatar Foundation – Velocity of Heritage by Kaltham Al-Fakhroo
Architectural motifs from Qatar’s historic buildings intertwine with the circuit’s high-energy character. Al-Fakhroo said the collaboration reaffirmed LIC’s “unique aura.”

Souq Waqif – The Land of Abundance and Oysters by Zainab AlShibani
A poetic tribute to pearl divers, connecting maritime tradition to the discipline and bravery found in racing.

VVIP Lounge, LIC – The Falcon: A Renewed Legacy by Noura Abdulrahman Al Ibrahim
A Saker falcon—symbol of strength—takes on a futuristic feel, revealing the technological complexity hidden inside an F1® machine.

Fatima Al Qaedi, LIC’s Marketing Manager, described the exhibition as a tribute to “Qatari imagination and artistic excellence.” She highlighted how each helmet transforms the essence of the nation—from pearl diving to falconry—into contemporary visual narratives. “We encourage residents and visitors to follow the helmet trail and see Formula 1® through a uniquely Qatari perspective,” she said.
Race Weekend Line-Up
Fans still have a chance to secure one of the remaining tickets for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, running 28–30 November:

Friday, 28 November: Opening ceremony, F1® practice, Sprint Qualifying, support races, and a performance by Seal.

Saturday, 29 November: High-energy F1® Sprint Race, FIA Formula 2™ and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East action, capped by a concert from Cheb Khaled.

Sunday, 30 November: The main 57-lap Grand Prix, preceded by the Drivers’ Parade and final support races, closing with a headline show by Metallica.

Tickets are available at tickets.lcsc.qa

SEVEN Opens New Entertainment Destination in Tabuk

Published: Sunday, August 30, 2026
SEVEN Opens New Entertainment Destination in Tabuk

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Mirbaa Blends Nature, Heritage and Recreation into a New Al-Baha Summer Destination

Published: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Mirbaa Blends Nature, Heritage and Recreation into a New Al-Baha Summer Destination

“Mirbaa,” located near Raghadan Forest Park in Al-Baha, has emerged as a distinctive summer destination combining natural scenery, recreational facilities and elements inspired by the region’s cultural heritage.

The project spans more than 37,000 square meters and benefits from its setting amid lush vegetation and Al-Baha’s mild summer climate. Open spaces are connected by illuminated walkways and seating areas designed to accommodate families and visitors.

Mirbaa features a variety of restaurants and cafés, alongside handicraft workshops that provide entertainment for visitors while creating opportunities for local artisans to showcase their work and promote Al-Baha’s cultural heritage.

The destination also incorporates murals and artworks inspired by traditional architecture, local clothing and heritage motifs, blending modern amenities with the region’s distinctive identity.

Developed as part of Al-Baha Municipality’s seasonal investment initiatives, the project aims to enhance areas surrounding major tourist attractions, accommodate the growing number of summer visitors and support local commercial and artisanal activities.

Mirbaa adds another recreational option to Al-Baha’s summer tourism offering while strengthening the visitor experience and showcasing the region’s natural and cultural appeal.

Source: SPA

Makkah’s Public Parks Enhance Urban Comfort for Visitors and Pilgrims

Published: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Makkah’s Public Parks Enhance Urban Comfort for Visitors and Pilgrims

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village’s Bayt Isa Showcases Najdi Heritage Through an Immersive Experience

Published: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Irqah Village’s Bayt Isa Showcases Najdi Heritage Through an Immersive Experience

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA

Al-Baha’s Clouds Create Breathtaking Scenes Across Tihama

Published: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Al-Baha’s Clouds Create Breathtaking Scenes Across Tihama

Clouds drifting between the peaks and slopes of the Sarawat Mountains in Al-Baha Region have created striking natural scenes, covering parts of the foothills and winding mountain roads in a veil of mist.

The clouds stretch beneath the mountain peaks, offering residents and visitors panoramic views from the region's elevated viewpoints.

Al-Baha's highlands provide sweeping vistas of surrounding slopes and mountain peaks, with the movement and changing density of clouds creating constantly evolving scenes for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The scenic overlooks towards Tihama become particularly attractive during summer, when mild weather combines with clouds and fog across the highlands.

These conditions attract hikers, visitors, nature lovers and photographers while highlighting Al-Baha's diverse natural landscapes and growing appeal as a tourism destination.

Source: SPA