In a major step toward fostering cultural exchange and innovation in education, Qatar Museums (QM) and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) have entered a five-year strategic partnership aimed at developing creative learning models for children and educators in both India and Qatar.

The agreement was formalized in Doha through an official signing ceremony attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and Isha Ambani, representing Reliance Industries.

The collaboration will introduce Museum-in-Residence educational programmes across schools and learning environments in both nations—designed to integrate playful, museum-based learning experiences into classrooms and empower educators with creative teaching tools.

Driven by a shared belief in the transformative power of culture and education, QM and NMACC will co-develop initiatives that encourage curiosity, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.

These programmes will not only enrich early childhood education but also provide teachers and volunteers with innovative resources and methodologies to inspire creativity in young minds.

Commenting on the new partnership, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said:

“Qatar Museums and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre share the conviction that creativity and cultural exchange are vital in shaping a confident, empathetic generation of learners. This collaboration, led by Ms. Isha Ambani, builds on the legacy of our Year of Culture with India and allows us to share Qatar Museums’ expertise within NMACC’s dynamic educational initiatives, extending the reach of creative learning across classrooms in India.”

In India, the programmes will be implemented through Reliance Foundation, in collaboration with QM specialists—including educators from Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar—who will lead masterclasses and hands-on mentorship sessions. Each initiative will be tailored to diverse learning contexts across India, strengthening NMACC’s dedication to bringing global ideas to India and sharing India’s rich creative traditions with the world.

Isha Ambani, Director at Reliance Industries, emphasized the shared vision of the collaboration, noting:

“We are honored to partner with Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa and Qatar Museums on this meaningful initiative focused on children and education. At NMACC, our mission is to blend world-class global learning with India’s cultural heritage—where culture ignites imagination and education transforms potential into reality. Together, we aim to spark new forms of learning that empower every child to dream boldly and learn confidently.”

Under the partnership, QM and NMACC will further develop community-based projects promoting creativity, empathy, and discovery across schools, anganwadis, and local learning centres—including in rural and underserved areas.

Highlighting the initiative, Maha Al Hajri, Acting Director of Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar, said:

“We are proud to extend Dadu’s Museum-in-Residence programme through this collaboration, presenting our ‘Light Atelier’ to new audiences in India. Designed for children aged three to seven, this immersive environment embodies our philosophy of learning through play, helping us share Dadu’s educational approach beyond Qatar’s borders while fostering meaningful cultural exchange with partners like NMACC.”

This partnership underscores Qatar Museums’ sustained mission to advance education and global cultural dialogue, aligning closely with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes investment in human and cultural development.

King Abdulaziz International Airport has received two international accreditations from Airports Council International (ACI) World, strengthening its recognition for passenger experience, public health and operational readiness.

The airport was awarded the Level 4 Airport Customer Experience (CX) Accreditation and Public Health and Safety Readiness (PHSR) Accreditation during an event in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The Level 4 CX Accreditation places King Abdulaziz International Airport among the top 12 airports worldwide to achieve the distinction under ACI World’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation programme. Jeddah Airports (JEDCO) CEO Mazen Johar received the accreditation on behalf of the airport.

The assessment covered eight areas, including customer understanding, strategy, measurement, operational improvement, governance, airport culture, service design and innovation, and collaboration across the airport community.

The PHSR Accreditation recognizes the airport’s preparedness in public health and safety and its compliance with internationally recognized standards.

JEDCO said the two accreditations reflect its continued efforts to improve passenger services, strengthen customer experience and adopt global best practices. The initiatives also aim to enhance coordination among the different organizations operating at the airport, supporting a smoother and more innovative passenger journey.

Source: SPA

Travellers from seven countries outside Saudi Arabia’s standard tourist e-visa system can now arrange travel packages and apply for entry permits through Webook.com, the digital ticketing and booking platform announced.

The new service is available to citizens of India, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico. Licensed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, Webook.com combines return flights, hotel accommodation, health insurance and a Saudi package visa into a single online booking.

The service operates under a pilot programme launched by the ministry in July in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Webook.com submits applications directly to government authorities for verification, with electronic visas typically issued within 24 hours and sent by email and through the platform’s mobile application.

Previously, travellers from the seven countries generally had to apply through a Saudi embassy or third-party agencies. The new system allows applicants to select their travel arrangements online, provide the required information and wait for electronic approval.

Eligible packages must include a confirmed return flight and accommodation at a four-star or higher hotel licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. The booking must have a minimum value of SR4,000 ($1,067), in addition to a combined visa and health insurance charge of SR402.21 ($107).

The package visa permits stays ranging from two to 90 days. A single application can cover up to nine adults and five minors. All bookings must be completed at least 48 hours before departure, while visa approval remains subject to the relevant government authorities.

“Saudi Arabia is building an events calendar the whole world is meant to attend,” said Nadeem Bakhsh, co-founder and CEO of Webook.com. “Selling tickets to that calendar was step one. Being licensed to get international fans through the airport is step two.”

Webook.com sells tickets for major Saudi events, including Roshn Saudi League matches and Riyadh Season. The platform has attracted more than 18 million users across 180 countries and processed over 25 million bookings during the past year.

More nationalities are expected to become eligible for the package visa as the programme expands.

Source: Arab News

An underground dam located about 54 kilometres south of Turabah Governorate is emerging as a peaceful destination for visitors drawn to nature and outdoor activities.

Situated along Wadi Turabah, one of the governorate’s prominent valleys, the site features a distinctive landscape shaped over time by seasonal floods and rugged terrain. Slopes, riverbanks, rock formations, water and native vegetation combine to create a scenic natural environment.

The area has also become a refuge for birds and local wildlife. Water retained around the dam supports native plant growth, adding to the site’s environmental significance alongside its recreational appeal.

During weekends, residents and visitors head to the area to enjoy activities including walking, relaxing beside the valley, exploring the surrounding landscape and photographing the scenery.

Tour guide Adel Al-Baqmi told the Saudi Press Agency that the dam has attracted both residents and visitors because of its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.

With its combination of biodiversity, distinctive terrain and opportunities for relaxation, birdwatching and photography, the underground dam is developing into an important eco-tourism attraction in Turabah, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the area’s natural landscapes away from urban life.

Source: SPA

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