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Abdulmajeed Al-Samary, undersecretary of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently received the credentials of Sri Lanka’s newly appointed ambassador to the Kingdom Omar Lee Ameer Ajwad on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji on Saturday took part in the inauguration ceremony for El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele in San Salvador, the Foreign Ministry reported on X.
RIYADH: The leaders of Arab and Muslim countries who attended an extraordinary summit in Riyadh on Monday to discuss Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon issued a closing statement in which they affirmed the importance of the Palestinian cause, and their firm support for the Palestinian people and their efforts to achieve their legitimate and inalienable national rights.
These rights include the right to freedom, the leaders said, the right to an independent and sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return for refugees, the right to the compensation to which they are due in accordance with international resolutions, and the right to challenge any attempts to deny or undermine these rights.
The leaders also reaffirmed their support for the full sovereignty of the State of Palestine over occupied East Jerusalem. They said Jerusalem remains a red line for Arab and Muslim nations, and expressed absolute solidarity in protecting the Arab and Islamic identity of occupied East Jerusalem and defending the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites there.
They also affirmed their absolute support for Lebanon, including its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
RIYADH: In Riyadh’s bustling Souq Al-Zal the air is filled with the scent of spices, vibrant colors of traditional goods, and the echo of timeless melodies.
Amid the stalls of woven rugs and antiques, Abu Radah’s corner stands out. Known for his collection of records an cassettes, and his boundless passion for folk music, he has become a beloved figure in the market, sharing his love for vintage sounds with locals and tourists alike.
“I work with folk art. It’s my passion,” he told Arab News. “I love folk art; artists like Fahd Al-Saeed, Bashir Shannan, Essa, Taher, and all the folk artists, including Mohammed Abdu and Talal, all Khaleeji and non-Khaleeji music.”
For over two decades, Abu Radah has nurtured this passion, turning it into a collection that speaks to the soul of Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage.
• Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall.
• His corner is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history.
His stall, adorned with colorful rugs and surrounded by retro radios and speakers, is a treasure trove of music that resonates with Saudi heritage. “Honestly, I’ve been passionate about it since I was young. I started collecting records when I was around 17 or 18,” he said. “I used to get them from Abu Wahib, may he rest in peace, in Helat Al-Ahrar.
“Little by little, I collected records, tapes, silencing devices, recorders, musical scales, and classic recordings. It became a hobby and a routine for me, thank God.”
Visitors to Abu Radah’s stall can explore everything from rare vinyl records to cassette tapes, all carefully organized across tables covered in colorful textiles. “(I have) some rare records, like Bashir Shannan’s album ‘Al-Barih Yom Aindak.’ It’s hard to find, as well as the classic Fahd Al-Saeed records. These are collector’s items,” he says with pride.
His dedication to preserving this musical heritage has made his stall a magnet for enthusiasts.
“Honestly, Bashir Shannan, may he rest in peace. He’s my favorite artist,” Abu Radah added, reflecting on his connection to the music.
His collection also includes international names. “I have records of Michael Jackson and other international artists. I got them because we receive tourists, and some might prefer non-Arabic music.”
This blend of local and international records makes his stall a fascinating stop for tourists. “Tourists enjoy it here. We even had an American tourist who loved it when I played a Michael Jackson record, and it became a trending moment,” Abu Radah recalls with a smile.
Souq Al-Zal, known for its antique treasures and traditional crafts, has evolved in recent years, attracting a new generation eager to reconnect with their roots. Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a surprising role in this resurgence.
Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall. Young Saudis and international tourists now flock to the market, eager to meet the man behind the music and experience his one-of-a-kind collection.
Abdullah Al-Sheqair, known as Shalgm, is another familiar face in the market who has spent eight to ten years there.
Shalgm admires how the market has evolved, crediting social media and the country’s leadership for revitalizing heritage. “Social media has boosted the market, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision has rejuvenated heritage. Previously, items like traditional coffee pots sold for little, but now they have high value. Back then, only the elderly were in this trade, but now both youth and elders are involved.”
According to Shalgm, the number of tourists has increased significantly, bringing fresh energy to the market. “Now, we have an increasing number of tourists visiting. They participate in auctions and enjoy the music with Abu Radah. Everyone’s happy,” he said.
Shalgm also holds a deep admiration for Abu Radah’s dedication to music. “Speaking of Abu Radah, he’s been a fan of Bashir for over 20 years … he is one of the nicest people in the market, even kinder than I am,” Shalgm added, highlighting Radah’s well-known generosity and warmth.
As the day winds down in Souq Al-Zal, the sound of Abu Radah’s records continues to echo through the market, creating an atmosphere where music bridges generations and cultures.
For those who pass by his stall, it is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history, brought to life by a man whose love for music is as timeless as the records he cherishes.
RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, a time-honored tradition continues to thrive as winter approaches.
Here, elderly women skillfully craft traditional goat-hair tents, known locally as “buyut al-sha’ar” — a living symbol of Saudi hospitality.
According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, the traditional craft relies on goat and sheep hair, provided by the abundant livestock in the region, which includes more than 7 million heads of camels and cattle.
Working with traditional tools like the “mitraq” (hammer) and “awtar” (strings), the artisans create tents of varying sizes and colors.
“Depending on the craftswoman’s experience, a single tent can take anywhere from three days to a week to complete,” Umm Nada told SPA in an interview.
The making of the tent is a practice that carries immense cultural significance. As the women work, they recite traditional verses of poetry.
The finished tents fetch anywhere from SR1,600 ($427) to SR6,000 ($1,600), depending on size and decorative elements.
These traditional tents are experiencing renewed popularity among local families who set them up for excursions and picnics in the natural landscape.
The northern region’s moderate climate has made these tents particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan met with Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Anatolii Petrenko in Madinah on Monday.
They discussed issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Petrenko also met with President of the Islamic University of Madinah Dr. Saleh Alagla on the same day.
The two sides discussed means to boost cooperation in education and research, as well as other topics of common interest.
JEDDAH: A gathering of road, rail, and transport professionals from the Middle East and North Africa region kicked off in Jeddah on Monday with participants from more than 30 countries.
The Saudi Intermobility Expo 2024 is being held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center and will run until Nov. 13.
The exhibition aims to provide a platform for exhibitors to foster business opportunities, increase brand exposure and explore transport solutions in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the opening, Badr Abdullah Al-Dulami, vice minister at the Ministry of Transport and CEO of the Roads General Authority, said: “The road network and other modes of transportation play a vital role in connecting regions, enhancing trade support, driving the economy in general, and supporting tourism.”
He described how the Roads General Authority works to evaluate roads using artificial intelligence.
“We are also excited to discuss advancements in the Saudi Highway Code, (which) aims to provide a unified technical reference for the roads authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at all levels,” he added.
Yvonne Winter, co-founder and chief operating officer of FlyNow, a company that has developed a helicopter for autonomous personal flight, told Arab News that there are plans for thousands of FlyNow helicopters to transport the public around the Riyadh World Expo in 2030.
“Saudi Arabia is really embracing a very advanced air mobility industry; therefore, we are running a large pilot program next year in Saudi Arabia with all our partners.
“We will also start next year with the setup of the assembly plant in order to start the serious production of the cargo version in 2027 with a production of 3,000 units in the first year. So, as part of this, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with various government bodies,” she said.
