British farm offers 17 gyr falcons at International Breeders Auction
David Walters, owner of DW Falcons, said he came from a family that had worked with falcons for several decades and loved the birds
Updated 23 August 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: British farm DW Falcons took part in the 2024 International Falcon Breeders Auction with 17 birds.
These included gyr and gyr shaheen falcons, known to be larger, broader-winged and longer-tailed than other falcons.
David Walters, owner of DW Falcons, said he came from a family that had worked with falcons for several decades and loved the birds.
The annual International Falcon Breeders Auction, organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, is the largest event of its kind in the world. It has become a platform for falconers and falcon breeders to meet, reflecting the club’s efforts to preserve the sport’s heritage.
This year’s event takes place at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, until Saturday.
Two residents arrested in Jeddah for attempting to sell hashish
Updated 24 sec ago
SPA
JEDDAH: Two residents were arrested in Jeddah on suspicion of involvement in selling hashish and have been reported to prosecutors.
Meanwhile, security patrols in Asir arrested a resident in connection with the illegal trade in qat in Al-Farshah governorate. The suspect was reported to authorities and legal action is proceeding.
Security agencies reminded the public to report any information or suspicions they have about the smuggling or selling of illegal drugs by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom. Alternatively, contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control on 995.
ATHENS: The Saudi Ministry of Culture is set to launch Saudi Cultural Week in Greece from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1.
Historic Zappeion Hall in Athens will host the event, which will offer visitors an immersive experience of the diverse cultural heritage of the Kingdom, showcasing the cultural exchange between the two countries, and highlighting their shared values.
Various commissions under the Ministry of Culture and Saudi cultural institutions will present multiple elements of Saudi culture.
Craftsmen will display traditional arts and handicrafts, while workshops will feature collaborations between Greek and Saudi artisans.
Visitors will be able to try their hand at conventional weaving and experience time-honored crafts firsthand.
Diriyah Dates Festival draws visitors from across Saudi Arabia
The festival aims to boost economic activity in Diriyah, increase date sales, help farmers access new markets and encourage the community to support local date production
Updated 12 min 47 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Diriyah Dates Festival, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Diriyah Governorate, is attracting visitors from across the Kingdom.
Stalls at the festival are selling a variety of locally grown dates. Diriyah, a UNESCO site with rich Saudi history, also offers educational, shopping and entertainment activities.
Visitors and exhibitors interviewed by the Saudi Press Agency have praised the festival’s wide selection of high-quality dates.
They have also highlighted attractions at the event, such as educational exhibitions, showcases of Saudi dates, palm tree exhibitions, a children’s theater and local family-run handicrafts displays.
The festival aims to boost economic activity in Diriyah, increase date sales, help farmers access new markets and encourage the community to support local date production.
The event is also part of the area’s policy to promote Saudi heritage, with the well-organized market setting honoring the city’s cultural and historical identity.
Moonlight exhibition illuminates Jeddah with art and emotion
Updated 12 September 2024
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: The Ehsass Moonlight Exhibition at Jeddah Park’s Wasl Art Space features 120 meticulously curated paintings and artworks.
The event, which began on Sept. 10 and continues until Sept. 14, offers a vibrant platform for both established and emerging local artists to share their creative vision.
The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Abdulkhaleq Al-Zahrani, director general of the Ministry of Information branch in Makkah region, who expressed his appreciation for the variety and scale of the event.
“I’m grateful to be part of such a grand exhibition, filled with a diverse array of beautiful artworks. Meeting so many talented artists and experiencing their brilliant work has been inspiring. The quality of some exhibits is truly remarkable,” he said.
Work by Rahaf Al Ghamdi. (Supplied)
The exhibition also features a variety of events including art workshops, live performances and interactive experiences.
Among the activities are clay and handicraft workshops, face painting, mural drawing, T-shirt illustration, cartoon sketching, and live calligraphy by renowned artist Saud Khan.
Attendees can also enjoy piano performances at the Cocoa Lounge and participate in a podcast with artists. The event is not only an opportunity to appreciate art but also to purchase pieces from the exhibition.
Ali Alqahtani, CEO of Upgrade Ventures and the founder of the exhibition, said: “Ehsass Moonlight was born from a desire to bring the emotive expressions of local artists into a shared space, symbolized by the light of the moon — representing reflection and serenity.”
“Through this exhibition, we aim to highlight the importance of connection, both with ourselves and others, through the medium of art. We want people to rediscover the beauty and emotional depth that often gets overshadowed in our busy lives,” he said.
Alqahtani told Arab News that the artist selection process involved both an open call and curated invitations. “We looked for artists who displayed a deep emotional connection in their work and strong technical abilities. The pieces chosen reflect the exhibition’s central themes of introspection and light, creating a cohesive narrative through a variety of styles and mediums.”
Asked about the exhibition’s contribution to the art community, Alqahtani highlighted the significance of supporting local talent. “This exhibition provides a platform for local artists, many of whom are emerging talents, to reach a broader audience. It fosters a sense of artistic community and collaboration, while also emphasizing the universal language of emotion in art.”
Naila Hamadani with her artwork. (Supplied)
Alqahtani noted the challenges of organizing such an event, particularly finding the right venue and coordinating with a diverse group of artists.
“Creating the serene, intimate ambiance we envisioned was key,” he said. “We worked closely with the artists to ensure the space reflected the moonlight theme, allowing for a collaborative approach in the display of their works.”
First-time participant Naila Hamadani, who has been painting since she was 7, shared her experience. “I’ve been creating art for almost 20 years, but this is my first exhibition. I showcased two paintings, one of which is called ‘After Two Years.’
“It represents my return to art after a creative block. The colors and brightness of the piece reflect the positive changes I’ve experienced during this time.”
Hamadani’s second piece, “Imagination Moon,” is a personal interpretation of the moon, driven by her preference for imagination over realism.
“I enjoy creating from my imagination, and this painting reflects my personal vision of the moon. What I love about art is that people can understand my emotions through my work without needing any explanation.”
The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Abdulkhaleq Al-Zahrani, Director General of the Ministry of Information branch in Makkah region. (Supplied)
Another artist, Rahaf Al Ghamdi, who specializes in abstract and landscape art, drew inspiration from her experiences in AlUla.
“It’s my first time participating in an exhibition. My artwork captures the serenity of stargazing in AlUla — its weather, rocks and mountains. As an emerging artist, I’ve found there are many opportunities in Saudi Arabia, and this exhibition has been a great platform to share my work alongside more established artists.”
Saudi crown prince receives written message from Angolan president
Prince Faisal bin Farhan relayed the message via Angolan Minister of External Relations Tete Antonio
Updated 12 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Thursday a written message from Angola’s President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco addressing relations and ways to boost ties in various fields.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the message from Angolan Minister of External Relations Tete Antonio, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also reviewed relations, ways to boost ties, and issues of common interest.
