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JEDDAH: China’s heritage and fine arts are being showcased at City Walk, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The “China Town” exhibition includes markets selling traditional crafts, and has displays of the Asian nation’s unique architecture.
Visitors can also enjoy various games including mini-bumper car and rollercoaster rides.
The “China Town” exhibition is a part of Jeddah Season 2024.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday said that Kingdom reiterated the importance of exerting all efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings, during its participation in the meetings of the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Saudi Arabia underscored the necessity of working to achieve just and lasting peace, and enable the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights to establish an independent, internationally recognized state.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and “a renewed commitment to dialogue and negotiation guided by the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.”
Addressing the Gulf Research Meeting 2024 virtually, Prince Faisal said: “The ongoing violence and bloodshed in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for a durable solution that upholds the rights and dignity of all parties involved.”
He said the urgent need to find a pathway to the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state was central to the Kingdom’s vision for a just and peaceful world.
Separately, ministers discussed the overall programs and initiatives being implemented locally, including enhancing infrastructure, the quality of services provided to citizens and residents, developing promising sectors, communications technologies, attracting investments, and stimulating national industries.
During the meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the Cabinet commended efforts aimed at reducing the unemployment rate, which is close to the target of the Saudi Vision 2030 of 7 percent.
Saudi Arabia’s overall unemployment rate stabilized at 3.5 percent in the first quarter of 2024, marking a yearly decrease of 0.8 percentage points, the latest data showed.
According to the Labor Force Survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics, the unemployment rate for Saudi nationals reached 7.6 percent in the first quarter, a slight decrease of 0.2 percentage points from the previous quarter and a yearly drop of 1.1 percentage points compared to the first quarter of 2023.
This figure, derived from population estimates of the Saudi Census 2022, highlights the positive trend in the Kingdom’s labor market.
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and “a renewed commitment to dialogue and negotiation guided by the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.”
Addressing the Gulf Research Meeting 2024 virtually, Prince Faisal said: “The ongoing violence and bloodshed in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for a durable solution that upholds the rights and dignity of all parties involved.”
He said the urgent need to find a pathway to the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state was central to the Kingdom’s vision for a just and peaceful world.
“In a world plagued by uncertainty and upheaval, the rules-based international order must stand as a bulwark against chaos and conflict, providing a framework for cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations,” the foreign minister said.
“As we witness growing threats to this order, it is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of international law, mutual respect, and peaceful resolution of disputes,” Prince Faisal added.
He said the world must heed the warning signs of escalation and instability that threaten to engulf the region in turmoil.
“The spectre of conflict looms large, casting a dark shadow over our aspirations of prosperity and progress. It is incumbent upon us to exercise restraint, wisdom, and foresight in our actions, mindful of the consequences of reckless behaviour and brinkmanship.
“Saudi Arabia, guided by a vision of economic prosperity and collective benefit, has long been a steadfast proponent of regional stability and cooperation.
“We believe in the transformative power of partnership and dialogue, seeking to build bridges of understanding and solidarity that transcend boundaries and divisions,” he told the annual meeting being held at the University of Cambridge.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his new British counterpart David Lammy on Tuesday.
During the phone call, Prince Faisal congratulated Lammy on his new role after the Labour Party’s landslide election win last week.
The two ministers discussed strengthening Saudi-British relations and joint cooperation between the two countries.
They also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Lebanon, and the importance of reducing the intensity of escalation in the region.
JEDDAH: Visitors have the chance to immerse in the ethereal artworks of Claude Monet as the “Imagine Monet” exhibition, created by renowned artists Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron, debuts in Jeddah.
Part of the 2024 Jeddah Season 2024 until July 28, the exhibition is powered by large scale displays of the paintings of one of the foremost figures of the impressionist school of art.
“Imagine Monet” showcases more than 200 masterpieces and is organized into three distinct sections, each offering a deep dive into different aspects of Monet’s life and work.
The first section shines a spotlight on Monet himself, his family, garden, and the landscapes that inspired him. The second section is dedicated to his famous series, including “Haystacks,” “Rouen Cathedral,” and “Gare Saint-Lazare.” The exhibition ends in a breathtaking display of Monet’s garden in Giverny and his iconic “Water Lilies” series.
• ‘Imagine Monet’ brings the artist’s masterpieces to life through the innovative use of 40 HD projectors and Image Totale technology.
• Developed by Albert Plecy and enhanced by Hans Walter Muller’s topo-projection, this technique allows Monet’s artworks to transcend their frames.
• The exhibition space is designed as a discovery room, offering 360-degree views on walls and floors to capture Monet’s artistic journey.
Abdullah bin Slaih, an educational guide at the exhibition, elaborated on Monet’s innovative use of light and nature in his work: “He loved to paint … he especially loved to paint nature as he saw it exactly. That’s why they call it Impressionism, because he impressions nature as it is right in front of him, spot on, without any single error.”
The exhibition showcases works from the 1872 “Impression, Sunrise” to the “Water Lilies” series painted between 1914 and 1926, Slaih noted. “Monet, with no assistance, was inspired very much by nature … the Japanese bridge, for example. He made different paintings of it. So, we can see it in variations, for example, where we can see the same scene but with different lighting effects.
“The water lilies from Japan fascinated him so much that he brought them back home to Giverny, France. He painted them in different variations, angles, and reflections of the sun and lighting. This exhibition allows us to see the same subjects in different settings, such as sunshine, sunset, and different seasons,” he explained.
The exhibition combines the authenticity of Monet’s art with the advancements of modern technology, providing an educational yet deeply engaging experience suitable for all ages.
Visitors to the “Imagine Monet” exhibition are invited to immerse themselves in a transformative experience where Monet’s masterpieces come to life through the innovative use of 40 HD projectors and Image Totale technology.
Developed by Albert Plecy and enhanced by Hans Walter Muller’s topo-projection, this technique allows Monet’s artworks to transcend their frames, filling the exhibition space with high-definition projections. The exhibition space itself is designed as a discovery room, offering 360-degree views on walls and floors that provide a comprehensive perspective on Monet’s artistic journey.
Visitors can explore Monet’s works from various angles, engaging in an audio-visual experience that deepens their understanding of his artistry while following their own path through the art, discovering new details and connections at their own pace.
The exhibition also features a dedicated section for children, designed to engage young visitors with a blend of fun and education. This area includes a green grass maze where kids can explore and play, surrounded by art installations and plants that reflect Monet’s love for nature. Interactive activities, such as creating their own artworks inspired by Monet’s style, and Monet-themed storybooks that introduce them to the artist’s life and work, are also available for younger visitors.
Arwah Masoud, a local art enthusiast, said: “Walking through the ‘Imagine Monet’ exhibition felt like stepping into a dream. The immersive experience brings Monet’s masterpieces to life in a way I've never seen before. It's breathtaking to see the same scenes in different lights and seasons, and the music adds an emotional depth that truly transports you into Monet’s world.”
Mohammed Saud, visiting with his children, expressed: “This exhibition is ideal for all ages. My kids were fascinated by the vibrant colors and interactive elements. It’s more than just an art display; it’s an educational journey that deepened our appreciation of Monet’s genius.
“They especially enjoyed painting and creating artwork in the kids’ section, which allowed us to explore the space and discover new details in each painting. It’s a great way for parents to keep their children engaged while we enjoy the exhibition.”
RIYADH: In Baha’s Tihama area, the Shada Al-Asfal and Shada Al-Ala mountains harbor a prized agricultural heritage — the Shadawi coffee, a variety that thrives in the area’s distinct microclimate, producing beans renowned for their exceptional flavor profile.
The legacy of Shadawi coffee is as rich as its exceptional flavor and taste. A recent Saudi Press Agency report notes that the coffee demands meticulous care throughout its growth cycle, earning it a reputation as one of the most challenging crops to cultivate.
Historically, a single mountain’s yield ranged from 600 to 1,000 mudd — a traditional unit of measurement where one mudd is equivalent to 750 milliliters.
This was transported by pack animals to regional authorities as tribute.
In an interview with the SPA, Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, a Shada coffee farmer, detailed the intricate cultivation process: “Our coffee’s journey spans three years, starting in late summer. We harvest at the beginning of summer in the fourth year.”
The post-harvest process is equally precise, said Al-Ghamdi. “After picking, we dry and sort the cherries, then sun-dry them on rooftops for three days. Next, we store them indoors for two days before returning them to the rooftops for another five days.”
This careful process transforms the beans from red to black, concentrating flavors as moisture evaporates.
Traditional grinding methods involve using millstones, with some farmers employing specially designed equipment. The final step separates the husk from the bean, allowing for customized sales based on customer preferences.
For the people of the Shada mountains, cultivating this rare, flavorful coffee is more than agriculture — it is a commitment to preserving a centuries-old Arab coffee-farming tradition.
