Japan honors Saudi interpreter for fostering trust, bilateral ties
Omar Rashid Altamrah has been working since 1990 as an interpreter, during mutual visits by business and government officials
Updated 20 October 2023
Arab News Japan
Japan has awarded a Saudi Arabia citizen a special commendation for his work as an interpreter over several years that has helped to foster trust and ties between the two nations.
The Foreign Minister’s Commendation was given to Omar Rashid Altamrah, a freelance interpreter, at a special reception hosted by Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Fumio Iwai at his residence in Riyadh recently.
Altamrah studied the Japanese language at Waseda University under a program set up the Kingdom’s government.
After his return to Saudi Arabia in 1990, Altamrah worked for several Japanese entities as an interpreter.
In his speech, Iwai said that Altamrah had played a significant role in fostering relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, including his role as interpreter during the visit of King Salman, then-governor of Riyadh, to Japan in 1998; and former prime minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the Kingdom in 2013.
Iwai praised Altamrah for his extensive knowledge of Japan’s private companies and government entities, and said he had played a major role in promoting mutual trust and smooth negotiations between the countries.
In his speech, Altamrah thanked Japan for the award and said he remained committed to fostering relations between the two nations.
Iwai said that the two nations have continued to strengthen ties in energy, entertainment, healthcare and tourism, citing the discussions under Japan-Saudi Vision 2030, and the recent visits of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi.
Several businesspeople from Japan were present at the reception.
Campaign launched to enhance hospitality standards
The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of services offered to both domestic and international tourists across the Kingdom
Updated 16 sec ago
Arab News
Riyadh: The Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Our Guests Are Our Priority” campaign, which aims to reinforce hospitality facilities’ adherence to licensing and classification standards, ensuring compliance with all requirements and regulations.
The first phase of the campaign, which began in early September, focuses on media and awareness activities that engage all stakeholders in the tourism sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of services offered to both domestic and international tourists across the Kingdom.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that the campaign encourages all tourism stakeholders to cooperate with the ministry in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 and elevating the Kingdom’s status as a global tourism destination.
Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa Al-Saud recently launched an initiative to improve education and training standards in the tourism sector.
The initiative aims to align educational programs with labor market needs, according to the ministry. The goal is to help tourism institutions earn international and local accreditations and professional certificates.
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to provide humanitarian assistance in several regions.
In Sudan, the agency distributed 500 food baskets in the Dongola region, Northern State, on Thursday, benefiting 5,105 individuals affected by flash floods and heavy rains. The action formed part of the second phase of the 2024 food security support project.
In Yemen, KSrelief provided 158 shelter bags and 92 tents to 948 individuals in Al Sabran camp, Al-Madina District of Marib Governorate, as part of the emergency shelter aid project.
Al-Ja’dah Health Center in Yemen’s Hajjah Governorate, supported by KSrelief, provided medical services to 2,164 people from Aug. 21-27. Clinics treated patients in departments including emergency, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics, while 1,992 individuals received medications.
In northern Lebanon, KSrelief funded 59 ambulance missions in the Miniyeh district through the Subul Al Salam Social Association. These missions involved patient transport and emergency services in refugee areas and host communities.
These efforts are part of KSrelief's ongoing assistance to needy communities in Sudan, Yemen and Lebanon.
Asir is home to a wide range of avian life, including endemic species such as the Asir magpie, a rare bird found only in this region of Saudi Arabia
Updated 14 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Asir, a region renowned for its natural beauty, is also a sanctuary for a range of migratory birds.
These feathered visitors, some of which have inhabited the region for millennia, contribute significantly to the area’s rich biodiversity. The region’s diverse habitats, from highlands to plains, provide ideal conditions for a variety of bird species to thrive, the Saudi Press Agency reports.
The acacia, juniper and natural flowers provide suitable habitats for different bird species. (SPA)
In the spring, the forests of Asir come alive with the vibrant colors and songs of these avian guests. The region’s blend of climate and topography attracts birds from around the world, including species from Africa, Europe and Asia.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Asir’s blend of climate and topography attracts birds from around the world, including species from Africa, Europe and Asia.
• The endemic species such as the Asir magpie is a rare bird found only in this region of the Kingdom.
• European species such as the European bee-eater also visit the region during the spring and summer.
The SPA team, accompanied by bird enthusiast Ahmed Niazi, recently embarked on a journey to witness the natural spectacle of gathered birds.
Asir region’s diverse habitats, from highlands to plains, provide ideal conditions for a variety of bird species to thrive. (SPA)
According to Niazi in an interview with SPA, Asir appeals to migratory birds through its diverse tree species and varying temperatures. The acacia, juniper and natural flowers provide suitable habitats for different bird species.
Asir is home to a wide range of avian life, including endemic species such as the Asir magpie, a rare bird found only in this region of the Kingdom.
The acacia, juniper and natural flowers provide suitable habitats for different bird species. (SPA)
The fall and spring seasons are peak migration periods in Saudi Arabia, as birds traverse the region on their journeys between the northern and southern hemispheres.
Migratory birds from Africa, such as the African paradise flycatcher, pied cuckoo and gray-headed kingfisher, find suitable breeding grounds in Asir’s humid southwestern highlands. European species such as the European bee-eater also visit the region during the spring and summer.
The book, “Birds of Saudi Arabia,” published by Aramco in 2020, highlights the Kingdom’s rich avian diversity; 499 species are recorded, including 401 resident or migratory birds and 11 rare species.
Saudi artist adds local twist to French art movements
Vibrant artworks are a ‘rebellion against dull landscapes of the past,’ says Mohammed Al-Aameri
Updated 14 September 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: In his latest exhibition, Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Aameri is presenting his own take on cubism and fauvism — with a Saudi twist.
“Red Line” at Kenz Gallery in the Al-Mousa Center, Riyadh, is on show until Sept. 20. The works on display draw particular inspiration from fauvism, an early 20th-century art movement known for its bold colors and expressive brushwork, favoring emotional expression through color over strict adherence to realism.
“Red Line” marks a pivotal moment in Al-Aameri’s artistic journey. (Photo/Rahaf Jambi)
Al-Aameri told Arab News, “My exhibition focuses on expressing feelings and emotions as an alternative to realistic photography, while mixing my own style with techniques inspired by fauvism and cubism. Although fauvism was short-lived, it laid the groundwork for many modern-art movements.”
“Red Line” is the result of an artistic journey that spans decades. Al-Aameri’s paintings encapsulate stories, emotions, and cultural heritage.
Through my research, travel, and interaction with many (international) artists, I aim to revive the innovative spirit of these schools in my own style, presenting it in a new and distinctive way in Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Al-Aameri, Saudi artist
“Through my research, travel, and interaction with many (international) artists, I aim to revive the innovative spirit of these schools in my own style, presenting it in a new and distinctive way in Saudi Arabia,” the 55-year-old artist said.
By tapping into modern art movements that push boundaries Mohammed Al-Aameri’s goal is to challenge the status quo and inspire emerging artists to think beyond conventional methods. (Photo/Rahaf Jambi)
“Red Line” consists of 20 works, including paintings that feature figures in traditional Saudi attire rendered in a vibrant palette that contrasts sharply with the muted colors typically associated with historical representations of the region.
“I love colors, and aim to express a spectrum in my paintings,” he said. “It’s a form of rebellion against the past, where we were often limited to dull landscapes of brown and green.”
Mohammed Al-Aameri, Saudi artist
Al-Aameri’s work is also deeply inspired by his childhood memories. These recollections provide a backdrop to his artistic expression, allowing him to weave personal history into his works.
At 19, Al-Aameri became enamored with Picasso’s art after seeing it in a magazine. “His work touched me and encouraged me to explore cubism,” he said. “I had been drawing in a classical style, but Picasso’s art showed me the potential to break boundaries. Cubism requires a deep understanding of geometry, which fascinated me.”
By tapping into modern art movements that push boundaries Mohammed Al-Aameri’s goal is to challenge the status quo and inspire emerging artists to think beyond conventional methods. (Photo/Rahaf Jambi)
This newfound passion led to opportunities for training with international artists in France and Florence, enriching his artistic perspective.
Al-Aameri’s goal is to challenge the status quo and inspire emerging artists to think beyond conventional methods. “I aim to elevate the concept of art in Saudi Arabia, as many artists are still confined to traditional approaches,” he said.
His own artistic journey began at a young age. “I discovered my love for drawing at eight, inspired by my mother … my first portrait was of King Khaled, which amazed everyone and ignited my passion for art,” he said.
At 16, Al-Aameri sold his first painting—a watercolor depicting a Bedouin woman spinning wool. “The piece was filled with warm colors representing the Saudi environment,” he recalls. This artwork caught the attention of a British collector and was sold for SR3,500 ($933).
“Red Line” marks a pivotal moment in Al-Aameri’s artistic journey, showcasing not only his skill but also his vision for the future of art in Saudi Arabia.
“The exhibition is a celebration of art’s power to transcend limitations and connect with deeper truths,” he said.
Saudi delegation meets UK’s National Audit Office to boost cooperation, expertise
Talks focused on enhancing quality and efficiency through the value-for-money methodology
Updated 14 September 2024
Arab News
LONDON: A delegation from Saudi Arabia’s General Auditing Bureau met with officials from the UK’s National Audit Office in London to discuss strengthening cooperation and exchange expertise in the field of public sector auditing, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
During the meeting, both parties explored opportunities for collaboration on performance reviews, financial statement analysis, technical capabilities, and risk management frameworks, SPA added.
They also focused on enhancing quality and efficiency through the value-for-money methodology, from the planning stage to measuring impact.
This comes as Saudi Arabia shifts from cash-based to accrual-based accounting in its public sector.
The delegation also held discussions with Gareth Davies, the UK’s comptroller and auditor general.
He emphasized the importance of the meeting in fostering closer ties between the two bodies.
Davies highlighted the significance of exchanging knowledge and expertise in areas such as accounting, auditing, and professional oversight, and noted that these efforts would contribute to improving the performance and efficiency of both institutions.
