Green Riyadh, sports ministry launch tree-planting initiative
Updated 07 June 2024
Arab News
Riyadh: Green Riyadh, in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Sports, launched a community engagement tree-planting initiative in the Saudi capital on Thursday, celebrating the Gulf Youth Day, marked on Jun. 6 every year.
Themed “Active and Responsible Gulf Youth,” the event welcomed volunteers, athletes and various GCC delegations.
The initiative saw participation from volunteers of all age groups who worked together to plant trees and engage in various activities.
This partnership between Green Riyadh and the Ministry of Sport aims to foster community engagement among young people, encourage volunteerism, and cultivate a community that actively and consistently protects the environment.
Green Riyadh, a megaproject launched by the Saudi leadership, aims to plant more than 7.5 million trees in Riyadh, increasing the city’s green cover to 9 percent and raising the per capita green space from 1.7 sq m to 28 sq m, equivalent to 16 times its current level.
This megaproject enhances Riyadh’s urban environment by greening residential neighborhoods and contributes to the Saudi Green Initiative of planting 10 billion trees across the Kingdom as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Cultural Office celebrates National Day in Tokyo
Ambassador Ghazi Faisal Binzagr recalled the historical significance of Saudi Arabia’s National Day
Updated 9 sec ago
Arab News Japan
TOKYO: The Saudi Arabian Embassy’s Cultural Office in Tokyo, a key institution promoting Saudi culture and education in Japan, celebrated the Kingdom’s National Day at an event attended by Ambassador Ghazi Faisal Binzagr and Badr Al-Outaibi, head of the cultural office, along with graduates and students.
In his opening remarks, Binzagr recalled the historical significance of Saudi Arabia’s National Day.
“On this momentous occasion, I am reminded of the great efforts made by our founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Faisal Al-Saud and his dedicated followers,” he said.
These efforts, he added, unified the country, strengthened security and established the foundations of the modern state based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammed and on a firm foundation of justice and fairness.
“Under the leadership of the custodian of the two holy mosques, King Salman, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom has strengthened its position regionally and internationally through a steadfast commitment to achieving international security and peace,” he said. “This commitment is a source of reassurance for all of us.”
The ambassador’s emphasis on tolerance, cooperation and dialogue as the means to establish peace and stability everywhere resonated with the audience, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and community.
Al-Outaibi echoed Binzagr’s comments: “We stand with respect and humility for all the achievements of the past and present, for all the steps that have been taken for our country to advance and flourish. We are part of a great story, a story of a country rooted in our hearts, and part of the knowledge being renewed every day.
“Let us all be as one and build and raise the flag of the homeland in every city so that we may be the guardians of our heritage and our witnesses, sincere in praying for this precious country, and working for its future, for our better future and our future generations.”
Al-Outaibi added that National Day was not just a commemoration but “a call to persist in giving and loyalty and to act in the love of this country, from which we derive strength and determination.”
The Japanese graduates and students expressed their happiness and joy regarding their studies and experiences in Saudi Arabia.
They highlighted specific experiences or studies, underscoring the positive effects of cultural exchange and international education.
Mohammed Mahdaly, a PhD candidate at Sofia University in Tokyo, talked about the rich experience enjoyed while studying in Japan and his eagerness to bring those experiences back home.
Dr. Akifumi Nomura of Takushoku University mentioned his experience of living in the Kingdom and studying at King Saud University and endorsed increased scientific and student exchange between the two countries.
Saudi foreign minister discusses Gaza with Algerian counterpart
Updated 22 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday held a phone call with his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf, state news agency SPA reported.
During the call, the two ministers discussed Gaza developments and reiterated the need for increased coordination to achieve a ceasefire.
They also emphasized “intensified efforts to halt the ongoing Israeli escalation and violations against the Palestinian people,” said SPA.
King Salman, crown prince congratulate Armenia and Belize on their independence celebrations
Updated 22 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday congratulated Armenia and Belize on their independence day celebrations.
In a cable, King Salman wished Armenian President Vahagn Garniki Khachaturyan “continued health and happiness,” and the government and people of Armenia “steady progress and prosperity.”
He also made a similar wish in another cable to Belize Governor-General Froyla Tzalam.
Crown Prince Mohammed, who is prime minister of Saudi Arabia, sent similar messages to the president of the West Asian country and the ruler of the Caribbean nation.
Belize, on the east coast of Central America and formerly known as British Honduras until 1973, gained independence from Britain on Sept. 21, 1981.
Armenia, a nation of 2.78 million, declared independence from the former Soviet Union on Sept. 23, 1991.
Saudi leadership offer condolences to Bahrain king after death of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa
Updated 21 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince offered their condolences to Bahrain’s King Hamad on Saturday after the passing of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa.
In separate cables of condolences, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prayed that God have mercy on the deceased.
Riyadh exhibition celebrates Saudi heritage with art
Naila Gallery’s National Day exhibition is a visual journey of Kingdom’s past, present and future
Updated 21 September 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: To mark the 94th Saudi National Day, Naila Gallery in Riyadh is inviting visitors on a visual and sensory journey that intertwines the past, present and future of the Kingdom.
Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists, a reflection not just of Saudi Arabia’s artistic growth but also a symbol of its global reach and influence.
As you step into the gallery, the atmosphere immediately immerses you in a world where colors blend with history, and every brushstroke tells a compelling story of the Kingdom.
The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride — emotions that tie in to the Kingdom’s national identity. (Supplied)
The space is decorated with paintings and sculptures that capture the essence of Saudi heritage. The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride — emotions that tie in to the Kingdom’s national identity.
Ameera Al-Zaben, the gallery manager, told Arab News: “This is more than an art display — it is a celebration of the nation’s soul. Every piece in this exhibition reflects the landscapes, traditions and dreams that make Saudi Arabia what it is today.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The featured works at Naila Gallery’s National Day exhibition range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life.
• Saudi artists featured include Abdullah Al-Almaai and Alia Al-Harbi, all contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses.
“Art becomes a bridge connecting hearts, transcending borders and fostering unity through shared history.”
Whether it is the towering palm trees symbolizing Saudi resilience or depictions of the traditional mud houses that whisper the stories of Saudi ancestors, every artwork tells a tale.
Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition at Naila Gallery in the Kingdom’s capital features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists reflecting Saudi Arabia’s global reach and influence. (Supplied)
As visitors move through the gallery, they are not just spectators but participants in a journey of reflection, nostalgia and pride for their homeland.
One of the most powerful pieces in the exhibition is Jackie Leger’s screen print “King with Philby — Gold Sandstorm,” which depicts the intersection of heritage and modern artistic innovation. This fusion of the past and present is a recurring theme in Leger’s work.
Leger, who has been photographing and documenting Saudi Arabia since 1999, reflected on the impact of historical photography on her art in an interview with Arab News.
“In the beginning, I was photographing and documenting mostly scenes going to the souq, finding joy, finding imagery ... then I started traveling to all the sites of battles and other historical notes that might be interesting for us ... and that’s where it all started,” she said.
In her pieces, Leger draws inspiration from iconic images of early explorers and photographers such as Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear, a British officer who documented key moments in Saudi Arabia’s early formation.
One of Shakespear’s most famous photographs of King Abdulaziz remains a powerful symbol of Saudi history. Leger said: “The first two most important pictures of the country remain today iconic. This brought me into the story ... and I thought it should be written about.”
The gallery is also presenting various Saudi artists contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses. From Abdullah Al-Almaai’s striking use of colors to express the vibrancy of Saudi landscapes to Alia Al-Harbi’s intricate designs that explore the intersection of modernity and tradition, these artists are at the forefront of the exhibition’s narrative.
International contributions come from artists such as Belgian painter Eva Claessens and Indian artist Vinny Venugopal, who provide a global perspective on Saudi culture, emphasizing the Kingdom’s growing influence in the international art scene. Their artworks also explore themes of cross-cultural exchange and global unity.
The featured works range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life, reminding viewers of the powerful role art plays in shaping and preserving culture. Each artist, with their distinct style and vision, plays a pivotal role in celebrating the richness of Saudi culture.
One of the standout elements of the exhibition is the introduction of jareesh chocolate — a culinary creation by renowned Middle Eastern food artist Omar Sartawi.
Sartawi, known for his molecular gastronomic innovations, partnered with Diplomat Sweets to create a fusion of jareesh, a traditional Saudi dish made with cracked wheat and white chocolate.
By combining jareesh with locally handcrafted chocolate, Sartawi breathes new life into this age-old recipe, blending tradition with modern culinary techniques.
“Jareesh is kind of a 2,000-year-old ingredient, so how do you turn it into something modern?” Sartawi said. “It’s mild and mellow, and creating the perfect balance with chocolate was a challenge. But this creation allows people to take a piece of Saudi heritage with them anywhere in the world — it’s a cultural product, a celebration of who we are.”
Sartawi’s innovation perfectly embodies the spirit of Saudi Arabia’s modern vision, which embraces cultural preservation alongside bold steps into the future.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the launch of the cookbook “Cooking Heritage: Saudi Arabia,” a work that explores the Kingdom’s culture through its culinary traditions. Authored by five experts, the book captures the richness of Saudi cuisine, featuring authentic dishes from across the Kingdom, many of which have been passed down through generations.
Jacquline Jackman, one of the co-authors, told Arab News: “The idea behind participating in this exhibition at Naila Gallery is to celebrate Saudi National Day by honoring Saudi cuisine as an integral part of that celebration.
“This cookbook is a testament to the power of food in uniting people, and it allows readers to take home a piece of Saudi culture to cherish and share.”
The cookbook, much like the artwork in the gallery, reflects a deep connection to the Kingdom’s roots, but also its openness to evolution and exchange. Visitors are invited to browse the beautifully crafted pages, which include traditional recipes such as kabsa, jareesh and other regional specialties, offering a culinary journey through Saudi Arabia’s diverse provinces.
As Saudi Arabia continues its journey of growth and modernization, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the culture that has shaped its people.
