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RIYADH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation said it will hold an exceptional summit on the situation in Palestinian territories in the Saudi capital Riyadh next Sunday, Al Arabiya TV reported.
The meeting will be held at the invitation of Saudi Arabia, the channel said.
Japan: Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia IWAI Fumio recently hosted a reception at his residence on the occasion of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ (JSDF) 70th anniversary.
H.E. Major General Shallah bin Thaar AlSalmi, Royal Saudi Land Forces, and a number of government officials and diplomats graced the occasion.
During his speech, Ambassador Iwai said the JSDF has now become a very active contributor to the international peace and stability through its participation in the international peace efforts such as counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden and the MFO in the Sinai Peninsula.
Ambassador Iwai welcomed the enhanced cooperation in the field of defense and security between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia particularly after the visit of HRH Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Japan on July 31, 2023.
He mentioned the active communication on possible defense equipment and technology, cooperation on women’s empowerment and defense training and exchange programs.
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief on Sunday sent an 18th plane to Lebanon carrying food, medical supplies and shelter kits.
The plane departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and landed at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut.
KSrelief chief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah said the initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to helping people and countries in need worldwide.
RIYADH: An expo in Riyadh has showcased the diversity of Korean culture, drawing crowds to Boulevard City.
The Korea Brand Expo was held on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 as part of Riyadh Season.
Opening its doors from 5 p.m. until midnight, the expo created an inviting space for attendees to immerse themselves in the latest Korean goods while enjoying a variety of artistic performances.
One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of renowned Korean artist Kwon Yuri, who captivated the audience with her presence and talent.
Alongside her, popular musical groups such as NOMAD and OZMSR energized the crowd with their performances, creating a lively ambience that reflected the dynamic spirit of contemporary Korean music.
The Changtique band added another layer to the musical experience by performing traditional Korean music, celebrating the nation’s rich artistic heritage.
The blend of modern and traditional elements provided visitors with a deeper understanding of Korean culture, showcasing its evolution and depth.
In addition to the musical acts, the event featured a variety of engaging activities designed to entertain and connect fans with their favorite stars. Interactive signing sessions allowed attendees to meet and greet their idols, creating memorable moments that fans will cherish.
Talk shows with Korean celebrities offered insights into their personal stories and experiences, fostering a deeper connection between the artists and the audience.
The Korea Brand Expo served as an excellent platform for introducing local audiences to a wide array of Korean products, all within an environment that seamlessly blended art, creativity and innovation.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore diverse exhibits that showcased the latest trends in fashion, accessories, technology and lifestyle. Each exhibit was thoughtfully curated to reflect the essence of Korean culture, providing a captivating experience for all who attended.
Entry to the exhibition was free. The Korea Brand Expo not only celebrated Korean creativity, but also strengthened cultural ties, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the expo highlighted the richness of Korean culture and its potential to inspire and connect with audiences around the world.
RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region, pottery is not just a craft but also among the oldest heritage crafts embodying the region’s cultural identity. Its creative legacy echoes locals’ dedication to preserving the traditions of their ancestors.
Over the years, the people of Jazan learned to transform clay into durable and functional tools and utensils. These handcrafted items reflect the beauty of Jazan’s nature and the depth of its heritage — a historic art form that strengthens the relationship between locals and land.
Jazan’s artisans have mastered the art of pottery, molding the clay extracted from dry valleys known as “valley clay.” The clay is carefully collected, purified and kneaded to become soft and moldable, Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Simple tools are used in molding clay items before leaving them to dry under the sun for several days. The plates are later placed in traditional kilns at high temperatures to become durable and solid to withstand high temperatures and daily use.
Among the pieces created are cooking pots, cups and utensils that continue to be valuable and are used to cook and serve traditional dishes.
Cooking in clay pots is part of experiencing the region’s heritage and brings with it the warmth of the past. The slow and even distribution of heat makes enhances the dishes that are cooked in it, such as madhbi and mandi.
Despite the emergence of modern household appliances, clay pots for cooking and serving food are still widely popular in Jazan and beyond.
However, SPA’s report noted that although pottery is an appreciated part of heritage in Jazan, it is facing several challenges, including the lack of young Saudi craftsmen and the lack of natural clay resources.
This has compelled local authorities to intensify efforts to support the craft of pottery, such as organizing training courses that enable youths to acquire the skills for carrying the legacy of this tradition into the future.
Local festivals are also being organized to introduce visitors to the importance of pottery in the region’s heritage and its role in the Saudi culture, SPA reported.
Pottery in Jazan is a lasting symbol of authenticity and belonging through the efforts of artisans and enthusiasts. It combines locals’ love for land and nature and represents a significant aspect of the region’s cultural identity.
RIYADH: A campaign to track down and arrest violators of residency, employment and border security regulations was conducted across the Kingdom in last week of October.
A total of 21,370 violators were caught throughout Saudi Arabia, including 12,274 violators of the residency regulations, 5,684 violators of the border security regulations, and 3,412 violators of the employment regulations.
Some 1,492 people were arrested while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom, of whom 35 percent were Yemeni citizens, 61 percent Ethiopians, and 4 percent of other nationalities. Moreover, 34 people were caught for attempting to irregularly cross the border out of the Kingdom.
Fifteen people were detained for their involvement in transferring, sheltering or employing violators of residency, employment and border security regulations.
