In a new cultural and national achievement reflecting the depth and authenticity of Saudi heritage, the Saudi Ardah (traditional sword dance) set a new Guinness World Record during the Kingdom's National Day celebrations. This exceptional event, held in the courtyards of the Qasr al-Hukm (Justice Palace) in the heart of Riyadh, witnessed the largest group performance of the Ardah, with 925 participants, in a magnificent display embodying national unity and pride.

Official sponsorship and professional organization

This grand celebration was held under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Region. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, in cooperation with the Riyadh Region Governorate, oversaw the organization of this massive event, ensuring compliance with all the stringent international requirements and standards set by Guinness World Records. This culminated in the successful completion of the documentation and monitoring procedures according to the approved official protocols.

Saudi Ardah: From battlefields to World Heritage lists

This achievement is not merely a record; it is an extension of the rich history of the Saudi Ardah, which was once a war dance performed by warriors before battles to boost morale and demonstrate strength. With the unification of the Kingdom, the Ardah transformed into a symbol of peace and celebration during national occasions and official holidays. This event further strengthens the status of the Ardah, which UNESCO inscribed in 2015 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming its human and cultural value.

Symbolism of place and time

The event gained added significance due to its connection with "Founding Day," the anniversary commemorating the beginnings of the first Saudi state more than three centuries ago, and its location at the "Government Palace," a symbolic political and historical center of power in Riyadh. This combination of the site's historical importance and the occasion's sanctity contributed to a majestic atmosphere in the collective performance, where swords and drums blended in harmony, reflecting remarkable discipline and astonishing artistic skill.

Strengthening cultural identity globally

The inclusion of the Saudi Ardah dance in the Guinness World Records is a significant step in the Kingdom's cultural diplomacy, as it contributes to highlighting Saudi folk heritage on the international stage. This record underscores the Kingdom's commitment to presenting its heritage in a modern and organized manner befitting its global standing, thus strengthening the presence of Saudi culture as an influential soft power and preserving this legacy for future generations in a dignified manner.

King Faisal University continued to consolidate its scientific and research position on the international map, achieving a new qualitative achievement by maintaining its position among the top 100 universities worldwide in the number of US patents for 2025. This prestigious ranking issued by the US National Academy of Inventors confirms the university's commitment to global innovation standards.

World Ranking Details

According to the report, the university ranked 77th globally, having registered 49 new patents granted to it last year by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This office is one of the most rigorous and reliable authorities in documenting innovations worldwide, adding value to this achievement and reflecting the quality of the university's research output.

From laboratory to market: A strategy for economic transformation

Commenting on this achievement, the university's Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Laili, explained that this ranking is not merely a number, but rather a reflection of a qualitative and deliberate accumulation of research and innovation within the university. Dr. Al-Laili emphasized that the university has entered a new phase focused primarily on maximizing the economic and scientific value of these patents.

He noted that the university is currently developing advanced regulatory and investment frameworks aimed at accelerating the transition of research outputs from theoretical laboratory work to market realities and practical application. This approach not only serves the community but also enhances the university's financial sustainability by diversifying its sources of self-generated income.

Establishing startups and supporting the knowledge economy

In a practical step that translates this strategy into action, the university recently announced the initiation of procedures to establish five startups based on a number of patents registered in its name. This bold move aims to enable national technologies to access direct industrial and investment applications, creating new job opportunities and supporting local content.

Innovation in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This achievement is particularly significant when viewed within the context of the scientific and economic advancements taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Faisal University, through this approach, is directly contributing to the realization of the goals of Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the transition to a knowledge-based economy. Increasing the number of patents and converting them into commercial products is a key indicator in the Human Capital Development Program and the National Strategy for Research, Development, and Innovation. This enhances the Kingdom's competitiveness in global innovation indices and reinforces the role of universities as engines of sustainable economic growth.

The Saudi Ministry of Health announced a set of preventive health measures and requirements for those wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage from within the Kingdom for the 1447 AH season, as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the pilgrims, and to enable them to perform the rituals in an atmosphere of peace and security.

Details of mandatory and recommended vaccines

In its announcement, the Ministry emphasized the importance of completing necessary immunizations, specifying the meningococcal (meningococcal) vaccine as a mandatory requirement for all those wishing to perform Hajj, as well as for healthcare professionals participating in the pilgrimage season. The Ministry clarified that this requirement applies to individuals who have not received the vaccine within the past five years, noting that immunization status can be easily verified through the "Sehhaty" app.

In addition to the mandatory vaccination, the ministry emphasized the importance of receiving the seasonal flu vaccine , stipulating that it must have been administered no earlier than September 1st of last year to ensure its effectiveness during the season. The ministry also strongly recommended receiving COVID-19 vaccine , provided that the dose was administered no earlier than January 1st, 2025.

The importance of immunization in mass gathering medicine

These stringent measures stem from Saudi Arabia's extensive experience in mass gathering medicine, given that the Hajj season is one of the world's largest annual human gatherings. These vaccinations are of paramount importance in bolstering community immunity within the holy sites, as proactive immunization helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases and epidemics that can be transmitted through droplets or contact in crowded areas.

The Ministry of Health is working according to a proactive preventive strategy aimed at reducing the rates of respiratory and infectious diseases, which positively impacts the ability of pilgrims to complete their rituals without health obstacles, and reduces the pressure on field health facilities during the season.

Digital transformation and streamlining procedures

To facilitate matters for citizens and residents, the Ministry called on those intending to perform Hajj and healthcare professionals to book vaccination appointments through the "Sehhaty" digital application and proceed to the "Adult Vaccination Clinic." This procedure is part of the digital transformation of the Saudi healthcare sector, which aims to automate health services and facilitate access to them, ensuring the accuracy of health data and the speed of procedures, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of enhancing public health and quality of life.