Saudi education commission announces bid to host 2025 ICESCO conference

Saudi education commission announces bid to host 2025 ICESCO conference
The 44th session of the ICESCO Executive Council was held in Jeddah on January 17, 2024. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 19 January 2024
Follow

Saudi education commission announces bid to host 2025 ICESCO conference

Saudi education commission announces bid to host 2025 ICESCO conference

JEDDAH: The General Secretariat of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science announced that the Kingdom has applied to host the 15th General Conference of ICESCO in 2025, the specialized body operating under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and concerned with education in Islamic countries. The Kingdom also submitted a request to provide 200 distinguished students enrolled in Saudi universities in the Islamic world with scholarships starting in the next academic year.

The announcement was made during the 44th session of the ICESCO Executive Council hosted by the Kingdom and represented by the Saudi commission. The meeting concluded in Jeddah on Wednesday.

On the occasion of the announcement, a ceremony was held in Jeddah with Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the city’s governor, in attendance.

In his opening speech during the ceremony, the commission’s Secretary-General Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Bulaihad highlighted the Kingdom’s interest in promoting education internationally as well as the interest of its leaders in furthering the work of ICESCO.


Saudi Cabinet welcomes UN request for ICJ opinion on Israel’s obligations

Saudi Cabinet welcomes UN request for ICJ opinion on Israel’s obligations
Updated 24 December 2024
Follow

Saudi Cabinet welcomes UN request for ICJ opinion on Israel’s obligations

Saudi Cabinet welcomes UN request for ICJ opinion on Israel’s obligations
  • UN General Assembly resolution was put forward by Norway
  • Advisory opinion from ICJ will clarify Israel’s obligations under international law

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet welcomed on Tuesday the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations related to the presence and activities of the UN.

Last week, UN member states requested the World Court to act urgently, with 137 countries voting in favor, 12 against and 22 abstaining.

The resolution was put forward by Norway on behalf of a core group of 13 countries, including the Kingdom.

An advisory opinion from the ICJ will clarify Israel’s obligations under international law to ensure and facilitate the work of the UN, international organizations and third states in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and basic services to the Palestinian civilian population.

The resolution and its adoption come after Israel’s Knesset passed a law in October banning the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East from operating in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The Cabinet expressed gratitude for the positive stance of the countries that supported the resolution, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The Saudi Cabinet meeting, chaired by King Salman, also discussed the recent meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani.

On Sudan, the Cabinet affirmed Saudi Arabia’s position to end the conflict in the country, stressing efforts to enhance humanitarian aid and seek a political future that secures Sudan’s stability, unity and sovereignty.

The Cabinet commended the hosting of the first Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council in Riyadh this month, aimed at enhancing cooperation among Arab nations in cybersecurity and computer-related threats.

Domestically, the Cabinet recognized the progress made by government agencies in the digital transformation index for 2024 and their efforts to improve services to residents and visitors of the Kingdom.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary told SPA that the Cabinet praised the success of recent economic, cultural and media conferences and events in Riyadh, strengthening the city’s position as a global hub for science, knowledge, investment and innovation.


Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January

The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (File/SPA)
The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (File/SPA)
Updated 24 December 2024
Follow

Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January

The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (File/SPA)
  • Over 30 artists explore cultural heritage through contemporary art

JEDDAH: The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the event will showcase a blend of timeless Islamic civilization treasures and contemporary artistic creations.

The biennale will offer visitors a journey through the artistic heritage of Islam, engaging the senses, intellect, and creativity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Featuring contributions from over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the artworks will be displayed in both indoor and outdoor spaces until May 25.

Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will curate contemporary art, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.

Shono, along with artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, has tasked the artists with creating new works that complement historical Islamic artifacts.

The biennale’s theme, “And All That Is In-Between,” captures the essence of contemporary artworks, transcending simplistic notions to foster collective understanding, imagination, and interpretation.

The artworks, inspired by themes including space, time, and light, provide insight into preserving and nurturing culture by exploring the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia.

The new art pieces will be displayed alongside historical artifacts, including religious relics, maps, and jewelry, in five indoor halls and various outdoor spaces beneath the Hajj Terminal canopy.

The works, also inspired by the concept of the garden in Islamic civilization, blend nature and traditional design while addressing contemporary environmental and social issues.

The Islamic Arts Biennale will be organized into seven sections — Al-Bidaya (the beginning), Al-Madar (the orbit), Al-Muqtani (homage), Al-Mathala (the canopy), Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Al-Musalla (the prayer hall) — spread across various galleries and outdoor areas, covering 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space.


Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president
Updated 24 December 2024
Follow

Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Ukraine, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Barakah, presented his credentials to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at a ceremony held in the capital, Kyiv.
Ambassador Al-Barakah conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Zelensky along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of Ukraine.

 


 
 

 


Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 
Updated 24 December 2024
Follow

Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

RIYADH: Resin art, a crafting technique using the liquid form of the substance to create 3D objects or glossy coatings, has gained widespread popularity. When mixed with a hardener, resin solidifies, forming a glass-like finish.

Elyan Al-Aufi, a citizen from Madinah and a visual arts graduate of Taibah University, has significantly contributed to the medium, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Her pieces reflect Madinah’s culture, incorporating local elements including Madani script, roses, mint and basil. 

Travelers to Madinah and the Prophet's Mosque often purchase her art as souvenirs, including keychains, jewelry, wall clocks, decorative pieces, and prayer beads, the SPA reported.

Resin art is versatile, used to create accessories and jewelry — such as necklaces, rings and earrings — via special molds. It is also key to paintings made with pouring techniques, producing distinctive results. 

Resin is popular in household items including tables and trays, often featuring natural elements such as flowers or wood. It also used to preserve memorabilia and natural objects including leaves, photos and other items. 

With its glass-like transparency and glossy finish, resin art allows creative use of colors, dyes, and natural elements such as flowers and shells. It produces durable, timeless pieces.


Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal
Updated 24 December 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs recently honored winners of a Qur’an memorization competition in Nepal, involving more than 750 contestants and with 18 winners in four categories for boys and girls.

The competition, supervised by the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu and coordinated with Nepal’s Muslim Commission, concluded with awards presented by the ministry’s undersecretary, Awad Al-Anzi.

Saudi Ambassador to Nepal Saad Nasser Abu Haimed and Nepal’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire attended the ceremony, alongside Islamic leaders, diplomats and parliamentarians.

The event featured Qur’an recitations by contestants and highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to promote the Qur’an globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Anzi reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to Islam’s values of justice, mercy and kindness and emphasized its longstanding support for Qur’an-related initiatives, including competitions and free distribution through the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.

Abu Haimed praised the competition as part of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the Qur’an and congratulated the winners.

Participants expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s support of Islam and encouragement of Qur’an memorization and recitation.