South Korean Embassy hosts K-pop World Festival round in Riyadh

Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, have advanced to the finals of the K-pop World Festival after their performance at the Warehouse in Jax district on Saturday. (AN Photos/Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, have advanced to the finals of the K-pop World Festival after their performance at the Warehouse in Jax district on Saturday. (AN Photos/Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 04 August 2024
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South Korean Embassy hosts K-pop World Festival round in Riyadh

South Korean Embassy hosts K-pop World Festival round in Riyadh
  • Saudi event winners get chance to compete in Changwon finals

RIYADH: Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, have advanced to the finals of the K-pop World Festival after their performance at the Warehouse in Jax district on Saturday.

The South Korean Embassy in partnership with the Saudi Entertainment Academy hosted the first finals of the festival.  

“I think this is a very meaningful and significant event for both countries,” Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.”The K-pop World Festival is on Oct. 13 and will be held in Korea and more than 80 countries will participate in that event.

“Unfortunately for now, talented young Saudi men and women didn’t get a chance to participate there,” he said. 

“That is why we planned this event to select the talented young men and women who want to participate in the Korean K-pop festival,” Choi said. 

The K-pop World Festival is held annually in Changwon, South Korea, and welcomes performers from all around the world including Kuwait, Singapore, the US, Spain, Ireland, Canada and Cuba.

This is the first time the Kingdom will be participating in the festival. The competition held on Saturday was the final round where 10 competitors who made it through the primary rounds performed for the chance to represent Saudi Arabia in the K-pop World Festival in Changwon. 

“I think this a big step forward for the bright future of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030,” the ambassador said. 

“We try to contribute to Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and the first chapter is vibrant society.”  

Before the performers took to the stage to show off their singing and dancing talent the ambassador of Korea delivered a speech where he highlighted the strong cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

“South Korea and Saudi Arabia have a very special and friendly relationship for the past 62 years and are important countries for each other. 

“Korea is making many efforts, not only diplomatic and economic, but also in cultural exchange and tourism,” he said. 

After the ambassador’s speech, K-pop guest singer Jenn took to the stage to perform a song. 

The Warehouse in Jax was full, with many people standing on the sides and corners of the room to cheer on the performers. 

The event was hosted by Saudi comedian and MC Khalid Khalifa. 

Besides Team Everlast, other winners included solo performers Selwa, Leana, Eman and Harin Kim

At the conclusion of the event the Warehouse announced that it plans to introduce a new K-pop night at the venue.


Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month
Updated 14 November 2024
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Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month
  • The organization, which nurtures the talents of gifted students, says event is a ‘global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future’
  • It is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries

RIYADH: Mawhiba, an organization that works to nurture the talents of gifted students in scientific fields, will hold its third international conference this month with the theme “Beyond Creative Minds.”

Its Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity will take place from Nov. 24 to 26 at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh. Khalid Al-Sharif, the organization’s acting secretary-general, described the event as a “global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future through the exchange of ideas and expertise.”

He told the Saudi Press Agency: “The event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting and empowering talent and promoting a culture of innovation to address future global challenges.”

The conference is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries, many of whom will give keynote speeches, take part in panel discussions and lead workshops.

Al-Sharif said the event will include a “‘creathon’ aimed at finding creative solutions to contemporary challenges. Attendees will also have access to exhibitions and various cultural visits scheduled alongside the conference.”

He added that Mawhiba, more formally known as the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, will continue to develop talent, support creativity and provide resources to nurture the potential of gifted individuals. He thanked Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan for the substantial support he provides for the biennial conference.


Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation
Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation
  • Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Rachida Dati discussed cultural exchanges and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, held talks in Paris on Wednesday on cultural cooperation.

They discussed cultural exchanges between their countries and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production.

Riyadh and Paris are looking to strengthen partnerships, nurture talent through training programs for workers in cultural sectors, and exchange expertise, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom’s assistant culture minister, Rakan Al-Touq, also took part in the meeting.


Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy
Updated 13 November 2024
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Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Albania to the Kingdom Saimir Bala in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko in Dammam on Wednesday.

Prince Saud welcomed the ambassador to the Eastern Province. During the meeting, the two exchanged friendly talks and discussed a number of topics.
 


Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future
Updated 13 November 2024
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Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future
  • The Kingdom and MENA region represent an emerging market for organic food, says organizing official

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf Cooperation Council nations taking significant steps to invest in developing its organic food and beverage sector, which has experienced a growth surge in recent years.

The three-day Biofach Saudi Arabia, which was held alongside Saudi Organic Food Day and concluded on Wednesday, is a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its agricultural future.

Biofach was organized by 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences in collaboration with NurnbergMesse, with support from the Saudi Ministry for Energy, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Organic Farming Association.

Christian Beyer, manager of international events at NurnbergMesse, highlighted the potential of the Middle East and North Africa region: “The MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, represents an emerging market for organic food that was estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022 and can expect ongoing growth.”

Recognizing the importance of organic farming for food security and environmental sustainability, Saudi authorities are focusing on enhancing rural production and improving supply chains to ensure organic products reach consumers efficiently.

The exhibition’s knowledge-exchange platform addressed local challenges, including effective water and fertilizer management, which are crucial for the region’s arid climate.

Among the exhibitors was the Saudi company Aamal Al-Andalus, which provides organic fertilizers to address soil degradation and declining fertility. Their products are said to help treat and reduce environmental stress, increase agricultural production, and improve the quality of crops to enhance export opportunities.

Youssif Abdulqader, sales manager and engineer at Aamal Al-Andalus, told Arab News: “Food around the world is increasingly going organic, particularly when all inputs in the plants come from organic and safe sources.”

He noted that this shift is largely driven by the health issues linked to consuming fruits and vegetables produced through conventional farming methods, which are often less beneficial or even harmful to human well-being.

Abdulqader explained: “Conventional farming practices are generally well-structured and effective; however, they face challenges such as the excessive use of pesticides and their persistence in the soil.”

Farmers often encounter bacterial issues within their crops that need to be addressed cost-effectively to maximize profitability.

“This is where organic alternatives can be prohibitively expensive, prompting conventional farmers to seek cheaper, often internationally banned options,” he added.

He added that the use of pesticides results in chemical residues that can remain in the plant’s environment.

These residues pose significant health risks when consumers ingest vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

“There is a concern that these chemicals may contain heavy metals that the human body cannot process, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney failure, and liver diseases, which are frequently associated with traditional farming practices,” he explained.


Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum
Updated 13 November 2024
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Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum
  • More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views

RIYADH: The imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, took part in a peace conference themed “Islam is the Religion of Humanity and Peace” during his recent visit to India

More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

As guest of honor, Al-Baijan delivered a speech in which he said that Islam was a religion of security and peace. He warned against divisions among Muslims and said that such discord threatened national unity, led to chaos and could incite wars.

Minister for Wakf and Haj in the government of Kerala Shri. V. Abdurahiman also spoke at the event, praising Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting Islam, peace and moderation.

Al-Baijan also joined the 35th All India Ahle Hadith Conference in New Delhi, where he commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by its leadership, to promote security, peace, stability and the safeguarding of human dignity globally.