Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry

Special Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry
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The winners at Riyadh Theater Festival with the officials. (AN Photo/Hebshi Alshammari)
Special Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry
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A large audience attended the events, activities and theatrical performances of the Riyadh Theater Festival. (AN Photo/Hebshi Alshammari)
Special Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry
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Ten theatrical performances participated in Riyadh Theater Festival to compete for the festival’s eleven awards. (AN Photo/Hebshi Alshammari)
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Updated 26 December 2023
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Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry

Saudi Arabia setting stage for flourishing theater industry
  • Riyadh festival a new ‘starting point’ for local productions, says commission official
  • 20 plays in 8 cities over 100 nights show rise in audience interest

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is laying the foundations for a flourishing performing arts industry, according to a local official, as the Riyadh Theater Festival ended this week with an awards ceremony that honored local talent.

The festival, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Theater and Performing Arts Commission, was the culmination of a tour that saw 20 plays performed for local audiences across the country.

“The first Riyadh Theater Festival will constitute a new starting point for Saudi theater,” said Sultan Al-Bazei, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission.

“Showing 20 plays in eight cities for more than 100 nights means that there is interest from the audience and activity from the theater teams to produce works that are closer to the audience … and this is one of the main goals included in the strategy of the theater commission,” Al-Bazei told Arab News.

“The future of Saudi theater will be prosperous and brilliant in the near future,” he said.

Al-Bazei said greater support is now being provided for groups: “Now we have the possibility of granting theater groups a work license, and this means that the theater groups will be able to carry out their work normally, without obstacles and without the need for umbrellas to contain their activities … this makes it easier for the commission to provide support to them in all fields.”

On the significance of theater as a platform for art and creativity, in light of the Kingdom’s burgeoning cultural scene, he added: “The theatrical movement leads the arts as a laboratory for developing abilities and talents … in addition to creating stars in acting.”

He said the commission has been running regular training courses over the years to develop talent in all areas of production.

“I expect an increase in output and an improvement in the quality of performance when the activities of the Theater Academy begin, which are expected at the beginning of the coming year,” Al-Bazei said.

At the awards in Riyadh, the play “Sea” by the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association Troupe, took four of the festival’s 11 honors, including for best play and best ‎integrated ‎show.

For “Sea,” the best music award went to Issa Al-Rasheed, Amr Al-Khamis and Ahmed Al-Muwaijd, with Shehab Al-Shehab taking the best actor category, and Sultan Al-Noah winning for best director.

For the play “Beginnings of Abandonment” by the Close Media Ensemble, Houria Ashour won for best costumes; Abdullah Dawari took the best lighting award for “Light” by the Taif Theater‎ Troupe; Abdullah Balais for best script for “Slap” by the Kalos Ensemble; Badr Al-Hamidi for best sets for “Slap;” Khaled Al-Ruwaiei for scenography for “The Last Shadow” by the National Theater Ensemble‎‎‎; and Adhwa Fahad won the best actress award for her performance in “The Forbidden” by the First Leap Club Troupe.

The theater sector has seen significant growth since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the setting up of the commission and the establishment of the National Theater.

According to a recent report from the Ministry of Culture, during 2022 there were 427 plays of all types held across the country.

Ahmed Ismail, a literary critic, told Arab News: “The importance of theater stems from the famous saying: ‘Give me bread and a theater and I will give you great people.’ For theater is a mirror that reflects the features of society.

“Theater contributes to shaping the awareness and thoughts of its members by drawing human characters and models that resemble them, and providing them with … psychological worlds that are similar to their world.”

Ismail, who is a member of the editorial board of the Popular Arts magazine issued by the General Egyptian Book Organization, added: “Theater enhances human communication between actors and the audience through a unique artistic experience that cannot be obtained by watching the play on television or through the internet.”

“In addition, theater stimulates the individual to think critically and see things from a different perspective by presenting social and moral problems facing the play’s heroes.”

He added: “In the same context, theater raises important societal issues in an objective manner and provides solutions to them, which helps change society for the better. It also helps dialogue between different groups of society, and contributes to bringing about positive changes.”

He added that “theater is a cultural phenomenon independent of authority and governments, and it plays an important role in criticizing society and presenting its issues. It also provides the opportunity to listen to various opinions.”

The festival’s activities were held at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, which included seminars, critical readings sessions, and a workshop on scriptwriting.

The festival honored the late Saudi Arabia playwright Mohammed Al-Othaim with an exhibition dedicated to his work.


KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan

KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan
Updated 29 sec ago
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KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan

KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan

RIYADH: A volunteer medical project for open-heart surgery and catheterization by Saudi aid agency KSrelief in Kyrgyzstan has ended.

The campaign in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, ran from Nov. 9-16 and involved 26 volunteers from various medical specialties.

The team examined 100 patients, conducted 15 open-heart operations and performed 75 therapeutic and diagnostic catheterizations, all of which were successful.

The project was part of several volunteer medical initiatives focusing on heart surgeries.


KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan
Updated 20 min 35 sec ago
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KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently distributed shelter kits and tents to 200 families in the Baghlan province of Afghanistan, benefiting 1,200 people.

The support is part of a shelter project to help people returning to the country from Pakistan and those affected by flooding.

The scheme is set to distribute 4,882 essential items such as tents, blankets, plastic mats and other vital supplies, aiding a total of 29,292 people.

It is part of the Kingdoms ongoing worldwide humanitarian and relief efforts through KSrelief.


Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius

Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius
Updated 21 November 2024
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Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius

Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius
  • Mohammed bin Salman also wished the people of Mauritius further progress and prosperity

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a message of congratulations on Wednesday to Navin Ramgoolam, who became prime minister of Mauritius this month.

The prince conveyed “his sincere congratulations and best wishes” to the premier and wished “the friendly people of the Republic of Mauritius further progress and prosperity,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ramgoolam was sworn in as prime minister a week ago, following his coalition’s triumph in the general election. It is the 77-year-old veteran politician’s fourth term in office; he previously served as prime minister between 1995 and 2000, and for two consecutive terms from 2005 to 2014.


Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid

Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid
Updated 21 November 2024
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Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid

Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid
  • During discussion at Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, the CEO of World Cup Qatar 2022 tells of the challenges and opportunities his country encountered hosting the tournament
  • He says one of the biggest hurdles was the intense media scrutiny and the constant battle against public perceptions of the country and region

RIYADH: Nasser Al-Khater, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, shared his thoughts on some of the challenges and opportunities his country encountered when hosting one of the biggest global sports events, and passed on some words of wisdom during a discussion at the 2024 Misk Global Forum in Riyadh with Hamad Albalawi, the head of the Saudi Arabian Sports Federation’s Bid Unit for the 2034 World Cup.

Describing the 2022 event as “the best-ever World Cup in the history of the tournament,” Albalawi said 3.2 million tickets were sold, a 17 percent increase compared with the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and it was the most sustainable tournament to date.

As such, football authorities worldwide can learn many lessons from Qatar about hosting future World Cups and other major events, he added.

“You saw a World Cup that put the fan at the very center … that created an experience for fans that were able to engage with the tournament beyond the 90 minutes,” Albalawi said on Tuesday, the second and final day of the Misk event.

However, hosting the competition did not come without significant challenges. Some of the biggest that authorities had to overcome included the problems caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the logistics of organizing a World Cup in a country undergoing great infrastructural development, and issues related to the welfare of workers, Al-Khater said.

However, one of the most significant hurdles was the intense media scrutiny and the constant battle against public perceptions.

“From the bid stage, the challenge was people not taking us seriously, not seeing us as a serious contender,” Al-Khater said.

Toward the end of the bidding process, as people started to realize how strong a contender for host Qatar really was, “they tried to discredit us as much as possible,” he added.

Al-Khater spoke in particular about the effects reporting by the mainstream media has on public perceptions. He said the task of trying to counter this by educating people had at times distracted from the crucial job of actually organizing a major, unforgettable event.

However, people eventually began to tire of the constant narrative, he added, started to question it and reflect on social and political issues in their own countries, and in doing so they slowly realized a double standard might be at play.

Al-Khater said 1.4 million people visited Qatar to experience the World Cup firsthand, many of whom raved about the safety and beauty of the country, and the hospitality of the Arab world; an image that jarred with the picture painted by the mainstream media.

“Women said, ‘We have never felt so safe at football matches in our lives,’” he added.

Albalawi said that when the Saudi bid team entered the room with their counterparts from other nations, he realized that the average ages of the members of those other teams were in the 50s and 60s, while the average age of the Saudi team was between 31 and 32.

“It made me think to myself, do we have the experience? Do we have the knowledge? Do we have the know-how?” he admitted.

But after reflecting on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, and how much it has achieved in the past nine years, he reconsidered his initial reaction.

“Although we do not have 20 years of experience, we have projects that we have managed that are more sophisticated than any other set of projects around the world,” Albalawi said.

“The Saudi youth is one of the most capable youths of the world. We have a lot of energy, we have a lot of will, we have very capable minds and we have a demographic that is the envy of every nation in the world.”

Asked how confident he is that the Saudi bid to host the 2034 World Cup will be successful, Albalawi replied: “Very confident. Saudi Arabia is a story of growth … of remarkable transformation. It will be written in the history books for decades and centuries to come; this era and this age will be remembered for the achievements we have created.”

Al-Khater noted that the experience of hosting the World Cup had a big effect in his country on young people in particular.

“The youth in Qatar were quite lucky that they have been able to witness a country that was growing together and living a sense of nationwide pride,” he said.

This feeling of pride and national unity instilled a sense of teamwork at the macro and micro levels that was reflected throughout society, from large national projects to small teams working in schools and universities, he added.

Great efforts were made to ensure the youth of the country were included in the planning process for the World Cup by creating programs in schools and online tools, for example, to help them understand the significance of the event to Qatar, and by recruiting students to work as volunteers at the event itself, Al-Khater said.

The World Cup can be used as a “developmental tool” and the youth of a nation are “your biggest ambassadors,” he added.

“Everywhere else, it is just the World Cup; for our part of the world, this is a strategic project and it is an ambition that goes far beyond sports.”

Albalawi’s message to Saudi youth was to embrace the prospect of the Kingdom hosting 2034 World Cup as an opportunity to “become your best in anything you do, whether that is the best engineer, football administrator, health professional, architect,” and “to see that growth in yourself and the connections around you all the way through.” He added: “The World Cup is an enabler to all of the different projects.”

Another piece of advice he offered to young people was to be diligent in everything they do, always triple-check that they have considered everything they need to, and to ask questions of everyone who can help them ensure they always stay ahead of the game.

Al-Khater’s advice to the people of Saudi Arabia was: “Always keep the big picture in mind because we can sometimes, through our own panic, veer off and start looking at micro issues.

“You need to hold yourself and start to zoom out. Learn how to manage up. Expectations are quite high in this part of the world, rightfully so. One big task that I have to go through is learning how to manage up and not just delivering on the ground.”


Wonder District brings worlds of fun to Jeddah

Wonder District brings worlds of fun to Jeddah
Updated 20 November 2024
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Wonder District brings worlds of fun to Jeddah

Wonder District brings worlds of fun to Jeddah
  • The festival spans 10 immersive zones, each offering a unique experience designed to captivate visitors of all ages

JEDDAH: The newly opened Wonder District in Jeddah is drawing visitors looking for entertainment, thrills and cultural immersion until Dec. 11

Located on King Abdulaziz Road, it is part of the Jeddah Events Calendar and a major highlight of the coastal city’s entertainment scene this season.

The festival spans 10 immersive zones, each offering a unique experience designed to captivate visitors of all ages, including adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing cultural experiences.

The Wonder Jungle section lets young visitors interact with animals including hens, raccoons, tortoises, rabbits, parrots, peacocks, flamingos, ducks, squirrels and even kangaroos.

The lush, verdant area is filled with wildlife exhibits, nature trails and peaceful corners for relaxation.

The Let’s Play, also for young visitors, is an energetic space brimming with interactive games and activities featuring iconic characters from beloved franchises such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Barney, Scrabble, Cocomelon and more.

For those seeking a thrill, the 500 sq. meter Spooky Circus delivers a spine-tingling adventure. From creepy clowns and haunted houses to glow-in-the-dark rooms and suspenseful surprises, the section offers a thrilling journey into the world of mystery and fright.

At the Wonder Job, visitors can put their skills to the test in an exhilarating race against the clock. With only 60 seconds on the countdown, participants must unlock as many safes as possible to win prizes, with one lucky safe containing the ultimate luxury reward.

The excitement is amplified as the action is streamed live on screens outside the zone, creating an electrifying atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Smiley Beach, made from soft, sponge-like materials, creates a unique vibe where visitors can dive into a bubble pit or enjoy exciting activities like the blob jump, zipline, rope swing and slide. The beach zone also comes alive with DJ performances and light shows, making it an ideal spot to unwind or dive into high-energy fun.

For those craving adventure, Blast Off’s inflatable adventure zone uses varying air pressure to launch visitors into the air, creating a thrilling and exhilarating experience. It features trampolines, interactive ball pools, colored sand pools and slides, offering a unique twist on classic inflatable fun.

Entertainment comes to life at the Wonder Theater with a wide range of performances, including live stand-up comedy, captivating theatrical productions and kids’ shows.

Mohammed Hamza, who went to Wonder District with his children, said: “This is exactly what Jeddah needed; a place where the whole family can have fun while learning and exploring.

“We’ve never seen a jungle, theatrical shows and other similar interactive zones all in one place. We’ve been here for five hours and still have three more zones to explore!”

The retail area showcases the best of local craftsmanship, with 15 shops featuring fashion, accessories and artisanal products from talented local designers. Visitors can explore and purchase items that reflect the region’s rich culture and creativity.

“Customers have been thoroughly enjoying our designs and unique offerings. It has been an incredible opportunity to showcase our brand products. Sales have been remarkably good,” said Mohammed, a staff member at Rysh Fashionable.

Faiza Ahmed, another visitor, told Arab News: “The place is massive, and each zone really deserves at least 45 minutes to enjoy. The crowd management is excellent, and we’re not waiting in long lines; things are moving quickly.

“Smiley Beach was a huge hit with my kids, especially the bubble pit and lively music created such a fun atmosphere. The Spooky Circus is another standout feature, especially since it’s one of the few places where children can fully participate. The weather is perfect, and having such an open-air entertainment space is really enjoyable.”

Deena Ali, a visitor from Makkah, said: “Wonder District has quickly become a popular spot for entertainment and cultural exploration. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that visitors from nearby cities are eager to come. It offers activities that are unlike anything we’ve seen during Jeddah Season.”