Red Sea resort welcomes VIP guests/node/2389711/saudi-arabia
Red Sea resort welcomes VIP guests
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Red Sea International Airport's first guests — Saudi ministers and visionary leaders — pose for a souvenir picture after landing at the new destination on October 11, 2023, aboard a special-edition liveried Saudia flight from Riyadh. (Red Sea Global photo)
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An aerial view of the Six Senses Southern Dunes, the first hotel to open at mystical Saudi Arabia's new The Red Sea destination. (Photo Courtesy: SixSenses.com)
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At night, guests have the option to do some stargazing while enjoying at one of the restaurants outdoor sections. (Photo Courtesy: SixSenses.com)
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea tourist destination in the northwest of the Kingdom has welcomed its first guests.
A VIP delegation of Saudi ministers and other leaders landed at the new Red Sea International Airport in Hanak, Tabuk region, on Wednesday aboard a specially liveried Saudia flight from Riyadh. The flight number was SV2030, in a nod to the project’s significance for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The inaugural visitors toured the destination, including a stop at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, which is now open for bookings to welcome guests before the end of the year. They were shown the experiences on offer for guests, including watersports, diving and inland adventure. The guests stayed at Six Senses Southern Dunes, the first hotel to open at the destination.
Six Senses offers Spa & Wellness facilities, as well as an outdoor temperature-controlled pool
and private pool villas. (Photo Courtesy: SixSenses.com)
“Getting to this moment has required great support from our partners across the Kingdom. It is an honor to be able to show our gratitude by hosting them on this exclusive visit,” Red Sea Global chief executive John Pagano said
“Now, with our airport receiving a regular schedule of flights and first resorts taking bookings, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world discovers just how special the Saudi Red Sea coast is.”
Some of the rooms at Six Senses Southern Dunes offer a view of Tabuk region's breath-taking landscape that includes volcanic craters, mountains, and archeological jewels. (Photo Courtesy: SixSenses.com)
Saudi foreign minister discusses Gaza with Algerian counterpart
Updated 21 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday held a phone call with his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf, state news agency SPA reported.
During the call, the two ministers discussed Gaza developments and reiterated the need for increased coordination to achieve a ceasefire.
They also emphasized “intensified efforts to halt the ongoing Israeli escalation and violations against the Palestinian people,” said SPA.
King Salman, crown prince congratulate Armenia and Belize on their independence celebrations
Updated 22 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday congratulated Armenia and Belize on their independence day celebrations.
In a cable, King Salman wished Armenian President Vahagn Garniki Khachaturyan “continued health and happiness,” and the government and people of Armenia “steady progress and prosperity.”
He also made a similar wish in another cable to Belize Governor-General Froyla Tzalam.
Crown Prince Mohammed, who is prime minister of Saudi Arabia, likewise sent similar well-wishes to the president of the Caucasian country and the ruler of Belize.
Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America and formerly known as the British Honduras until 1973, gained independence from Britain on September 21, 1981.
Armenia, a nation of 2.78 million, declared independence from the former Soviet Union on September 23, 1991.
Saudi leadership offer condolences to Bahrain king after death of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa
Updated 21 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince offered their condolences to Bahrain’s King Hamad on Saturday after the passing of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa.
In separate cables of condolences, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prayed that God have mercy on the deceased.
Riyadh exhibition celebrates Saudi heritage with art
Naila Gallery’s National Day exhibition is a visual journey of Kingdom’s past, present and future
Updated 21 September 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: To mark the 94th Saudi National Day, Naila Gallery in Riyadh is inviting visitors on a visual and sensory journey that intertwines the past, present and future of the Kingdom.
Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists, a reflection not just of Saudi Arabia’s artistic growth but also a symbol of its global reach and influence.
As you step into the gallery, the atmosphere immediately immerses you in a world where colors blend with history, and every brushstroke tells a compelling story of the Kingdom.
The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride — emotions that tie in to the Kingdom’s national identity. (Supplied)
The space is decorated with paintings and sculptures that capture the essence of Saudi heritage. The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride — emotions that tie in to the Kingdom’s national identity.
Ameera Al-Zaben, the gallery manager, told Arab News: “This is more than an art display — it is a celebration of the nation’s soul. Every piece in this exhibition reflects the landscapes, traditions and dreams that make Saudi Arabia what it is today.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The featured works at Naila Gallery’s National Day exhibition range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life.
• Saudi artists featured include Abdullah Al-Almaai and Alia Al-Harbi, all contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses.
“Art becomes a bridge connecting hearts, transcending borders and fostering unity through shared history.”
Whether it is the towering palm trees symbolizing Saudi resilience or depictions of the traditional mud houses that whisper the stories of Saudi ancestors, every artwork tells a tale.
Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition at Naila Gallery in the Kingdom’s capital features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists reflecting Saudi Arabia’s global reach and influence. (Supplied)
As visitors move through the gallery, they are not just spectators but participants in a journey of reflection, nostalgia and pride for their homeland.
One of the most powerful pieces in the exhibition is Jackie Leger’s screen print “King with Philby — Gold Sandstorm,” which depicts the intersection of heritage and modern artistic innovation. This fusion of the past and present is a recurring theme in Leger’s work.
Leger, who has been photographing and documenting Saudi Arabia since 1999, reflected on the impact of historical photography on her art in an interview with Arab News.
“In the beginning, I was photographing and documenting mostly scenes going to the souq, finding joy, finding imagery ... then I started traveling to all the sites of battles and other historical notes that might be interesting for us ... and that’s where it all started,” she said.
In her pieces, Leger draws inspiration from iconic images of early explorers and photographers such as Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear, a British officer who documented key moments in Saudi Arabia’s early formation.
One of Shakespear’s most famous photographs of King Abdulaziz remains a powerful symbol of Saudi history. Leger said: “The first two most important pictures of the country remain today iconic. This brought me into the story ... and I thought it should be written about.”
The gallery is also presenting various Saudi artists contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses. From Abdullah Al-Almaai’s striking use of colors to express the vibrancy of Saudi landscapes to Alia Al-Harbi’s intricate designs that explore the intersection of modernity and tradition, these artists are at the forefront of the exhibition’s narrative.
International contributions come from artists such as Belgian painter Eva Claessens and Indian artist Vinny Venugopal, who provide a global perspective on Saudi culture, emphasizing the Kingdom’s growing influence in the international art scene. Their artworks also explore themes of cross-cultural exchange and global unity.
The featured works range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life, reminding viewers of the powerful role art plays in shaping and preserving culture. Each artist, with their distinct style and vision, plays a pivotal role in celebrating the richness of Saudi culture.
One of the standout elements of the exhibition is the introduction of jareesh chocolate — a culinary creation by renowned Middle Eastern food artist Omar Sartawi.
Sartawi, known for his molecular gastronomic innovations, partnered with Diplomat Sweets to create a fusion of jareesh, a traditional Saudi dish made with cracked wheat and white chocolate.
By combining jareesh with locally handcrafted chocolate, Sartawi breathes new life into this age-old recipe, blending tradition with modern culinary techniques.
“Jareesh is kind of a 2,000-year-old ingredient, so how do you turn it into something modern?” Sartawi said. “It’s mild and mellow, and creating the perfect balance with chocolate was a challenge. But this creation allows people to take a piece of Saudi heritage with them anywhere in the world — it’s a cultural product, a celebration of who we are.”
Sartawi’s innovation perfectly embodies the spirit of Saudi Arabia’s modern vision, which embraces cultural preservation alongside bold steps into the future.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the launch of the cookbook “Cooking Heritage: Saudi Arabia,” a work that explores the Kingdom’s culture through its culinary traditions. Authored by five experts, the book captures the richness of Saudi cuisine, featuring authentic dishes from across the Kingdom, many of which have been passed down through generations.
Jacquline Jackman, one of the co-authors, told Arab News: “The idea behind participating in this exhibition at Naila Gallery is to celebrate Saudi National Day by honoring Saudi cuisine as an integral part of that celebration.
“This cookbook is a testament to the power of food in uniting people, and it allows readers to take home a piece of Saudi culture to cherish and share.”
The cookbook, much like the artwork in the gallery, reflects a deep connection to the Kingdom’s roots, but also its openness to evolution and exchange. Visitors are invited to browse the beautifully crafted pages, which include traditional recipes such as kabsa, jareesh and other regional specialties, offering a culinary journey through Saudi Arabia’s diverse provinces.
As Saudi Arabia continues its journey of growth and modernization, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the culture that has shaped its people.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Essam Al-Jutaili was present during the meeting
Updated 21 September 2024
Arab News
BAKU: CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad was received by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov in Baku recently.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed various avenues to enhance development cooperation in vital sectors in Azerbaijan, the Saudi fund reported on X.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Essam Al-Jutaili was present during the meeting.
Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Tanzania Yahya Okeish met with the country’s Minister of State for Union and Environmental Affairs, Ashatu Kijaji, to discuss ways of enhancing joint cooperation, the embassy reported on Saturday.
