Saudi brand showcases heritage to pilgrims

Designers Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry. Pilgrims can choose from a collection of traditional costumes. (Supplied)
1 / 2
Designers Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry. Pilgrims can choose from a collection of traditional costumes. (Supplied)
Saudi brand showcases heritage to pilgrims
2 / 2
Tent setup built in Arafat. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 16 June 2024
Follow

Saudi brand showcases heritage to pilgrims

Designers Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry. Pilgrims can choose from a collection of traditional costumes. (Supplied)
  • Initiative to help ‘foster cultural understanding and appreciation’

JEDDAH: Almugasap, a Saudi fashion label, has launched a traditional costume experience in the Arafat and Mina areas, giving pilgrims the chance to wear authentic Saudi attire from all regions of the Kingdom.

The initiative, which includes instant photo printing, was installed prior to the start of the pilgrimage to showcase Saudi heritage to international guests.

Pilgrims could choose from a diverse collection of traditional costumes for both men and women, designed under the supervision of renowned Saudi designers Arief Alsherif and Sari Salem Hariry.  




“Wearing a traditional Saudi thobe with the shemagh and other accessories was a powerful way to experience a new culture,” said Mansour Ali from Malaysia. (Supplied)

“By showcasing the beauty of Saudi traditional clothing, we hope to foster cultural understanding and appreciation,” said Salem Hariry.

Through the intricate craftsmanship of traditional clothing, Almugasap is creating a vibrant mosaic of Saudi heritage that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the Kingdom and also serves as a bridge to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Almugasap is creating a vibrant mosaic of Saudi heritage that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the Kingdom.

• The designers are exploring new silhouettes, experimenting with vibrant color palettes, and prioritizing sustainable fabrics and production methods.

“Each thread and design element in our traditional costumes tells a story of the past, present, and future, inviting pilgrims and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the beauty and essence of Saudi culture,” Alsherif said.




With new silhouettes, vibrant color palettes, and sustainable fabrics and production methods, the designers bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. (Supplied)

“By offering this unique experience, we hope to ignite a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the traditions that define us, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the cultural identity that unites us all.”

The designers bridge the gap between tradition and modernity by exploring new silhouettes, experimenting with vibrant color palettes, and prioritizing sustainable fabrics and production methods.

Almugasap also partnered with Mashariq, the Southeast Asian pilgrims company, to hold a ceremony to celebrate the arrival of groups from 16 countries. The event was attended by diplomatic figures, officials from Hajj offices in the participating countries, and specialists in Hajj and Umrah affairs.

“Wearing a traditional Saudi thobe with the shemagh and other accessories was a powerful way to experience a new culture,” said Mansour Ali from Malaysia. “It felt like stepping into a symbol of unity and respect for the people of this land.”

 


Tech initiative launched to support startups, digital growth

Tech initiative launched to support startups, digital growth
Updated 4 sec ago
Follow

Tech initiative launched to support startups, digital growth

Tech initiative launched to support startups, digital growth

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched the Tech Talent Hub initiative in collaboration with recruitment and human resources companies to offer services and benefits to technology startups and digital talent.

The initiative aims to support the tech sector and boost the growth of the digital economy, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The ministry seeks to accelerate the growth of tech startups by providing comprehensive support for advanced HR services, enabling these companies to reach their full potential and actively contribute to the development of the tech sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 aspirations for a sustainable and prosperous future.

The initiative will provide HR services such as recruitment, hiring, outsourcing, HR systems, consulting, skills assessments, and more.

The collaborating companies will empower tech sector beneficiaries, including companies and skilled professionals, to leverage the available resources.


Cultural showcase unites Saudi, Pakistani communities in Jeddah

Cultural showcase unites Saudi, Pakistani communities in Jeddah
Updated 9 min 46 sec ago
Follow

Cultural showcase unites Saudi, Pakistani communities in Jeddah

Cultural showcase unites Saudi, Pakistani communities in Jeddah

JEDDAH: The Consulate General of Pakistan recently organized a joint event to celebrate the national days of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Pakistan Investors Forum, aimed to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi ties, and highlight shared cultural and social values.

High-profile diplomats, entrepreneurs, community members, and media representatives from both countries attended the event, which was held at a grand banquet hall in Jeddah.

The event began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. An art exhibition showcased the shared cultural heritage.

Consul General Khalid Majid emphasized art and culture’s role in diplomacy, noting the unique bilateral relations based on strong religious, cultural, and socioeconomic ties.

He praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s contributions to regional peace and stability.

Pakistan Investors Forum Chairman Shafqat Chaudhary highlighted the Pakistani business community’s role in Saudi Arabia’s development and praised the Kingdom’s leadership.

The event featured cultural performances by Pakistani and Saudi artists, and concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony.


KSA, Kuwait sign MoU to boost cultural cooperation

KSA, Kuwait sign MoU to boost cultural cooperation
Updated 14 min 58 sec ago
Follow

KSA, Kuwait sign MoU to boost cultural cooperation

KSA, Kuwait sign MoU to boost cultural cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman bin Bedah Al-Mutairi met at the Riyadh International Book Fair.

They emphasized the strong historical ties between the two countries and the importance of cultural collaboration under the Saudi-Kuwaiti Coordination Council.

The ministers signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature.

The MoU covers collaboration in heritage, architecture, design, museums, visual arts, theater, literature, publishing, translation, fashion, culinary arts and film, as well as sharing expertise, participating in festivals and cultural events.

As UNESCO members, they will coordinate agreements and contribute to strategic cultural projects, establish artistic residencies, and implement heritage preservation projects.

Kuwait’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, also attended the meeting. 


KSrelief provides aid to Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

KSrelief provides aid to Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan
Updated 51 min 34 sec ago
Follow

KSrelief provides aid to Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

KSrelief provides aid to Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has provided tens of thousands of shelter packages and other support to vulnerable communities across Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The agency distributed 6,000 cartons of dates in the Shabwah governorate of Yemen, benefiting 36,000 needy and displaced people affected by flash floods and heavy rains.

And in Lebanon, 175,000 bags of bread were delivered to Syrian and Palestinian refugees, as well as to the host community in the nation’s north, benefiting 12,000 families.

The aid is a part of the fourth phase of the Al-Amal Charity Bakery Project, carried out by KSrelief in Akkar governorate and Miniyeh district in Lebanon.

Meanwhile there were 1,750 shelter bags delivered on Monday in the Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab regions of Pakistan, benefiting 12,250 individuals in flood-affected areas.

The distribution was a part of the project’s fourth phase this year that ensures shelter materials and winter bags for vulnerable people in Pakistan.


Japan prepares to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia

Japan prepares to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia
Updated 01 October 2024
Follow

Japan prepares to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia

Japan prepares to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia
  • Commemorative events will promote cooperation in areas such as culture, sports, education, tourism, economics, science

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia and Japan will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is endorsing a wide range of commemorative events to be held both in Japan and the Kingdom.

A commemorative logo has been released, which features a combination of a palm tree, a symbol of Saudi Arabia, and cherry blossoms, a flower synonymous with Japan.

Japan’s foreign ministry on Monday issued guidelines for next year’s celebratory events under its purview.

The guidelines state that events should aim to deepen mutual understanding, and promote cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas such as culture, art, sports, education, tourism, economics, and science, and should take place during, or close to, 2025.

Anyone wishing to organize an event can obtain further information from the Second Middle East Division of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia, or Consulate-General in Jeddah.

Only events that are approved will be able to use the official logo.

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan