Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla with sensory treats
Celebration of culture, heritage, music and culinary delights from Dec. 19 to Jan. 11
Updated 32 sec ago
Arab News
Riyadh: The Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla from Dec. 19 to Jan. 11, offering a magical fusion of history, culture, music, and culinary delights that capture the spirit of this ancient city.
Named after AlUla Old Town’s traditional sundial, this festival in the AlUla Moments calendar marks the start of the winter planting season.
According to a press release from AlUla Moments, Winter at Tantora will spotlight Saudi Arabia’s vibrant music scene. It will feature acclaimed Lebanese singer Abeer Nehme and the National Arab Orchestra for a unique classical music experience.
The “Macintosh” show will reimagine iconic Arab hits with performances by contemporary stars Ayedh, Aziz Maraka, Zeina Imad and Daffy, under maestro Ahmad Al-Oud.
Music lovers will be captivated by Lebanese composer Marwan Khoury’s collaboration with Croatian cellist Hauser — a not-to-miss partnership.
The Immersive Theater Experience will merge stage action and film, transforming cinema into a sensory delight for fans of both mediums.
Sanaam AlUla Night celebrates the Year of the Camel, blending traditional music with Saudi Arabia’s hospitality. The “In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta – Discovery Tour” offers insights into AlUla’s historical role along the Incense Road.
In Tantora Old Town, vibrant traditional performances, crafts, masterclasses, and storytelling showcase AlUla’s rich cultural heritage.
The Shorfat Tantora concerts return, turning balconies into stages as local and regional orchestras fill the streets with enchanting melodies.
Visitors can also explore AlUla Citrus Season, which highlights the area’s seasonal bounty with a fresh fruit market, handmade products, and competitions.
The Al-Manshiyah Carnival will bring out one’s inner child, while the Future Ancient Makers Space offers families hands-on activities that bring history to life in AlUla Old Town.
Culinary highlights include the return of chef Alain Ducasse’s oasis-to-table dining experience and SASS’ AlUla, a Mediterranean fine-dining establishment blending Monaco’s elegance with a Saudi twist.
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently concluded a week-long voluntary medical program for specialized surgeries at health clinics in Reyhanli, Turkiye, aimed at helping victims of the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquake.
During the campaign, the medical team treated 493 patients in the family medicine clinic, 355 in the dermatology clinic, 338 in the optometry clinic, and 173 in the endocrinology clinic, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
In February 2023, KSrelief launched a campaign through the Sahem platform to help earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye. The appeal has so far raised more than SR524 million ($139.5 million) from over 3.4 million donations.
Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,105 projects worth more than $7.1 billion in 104 countries, in cooperation with 454 local, regional, and international partners.
The bulk of the support has gone to Yemen ($4.5 billion), Palestine ($501 million), Syria ($447 million), and Somalia ($233 million).
KSrelief assists people who are visually impaired in Morocco, Afghanistan
The projects are a part of the Saudi Noor Voluntary Project
Updated 04 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, has been assisting people with visual challenges in Morocco and Afghanistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The projects are a part of the Saudi Noor Voluntary Project, according to the SPA.
In Morocco’s Boulemane, KSrelief’s team examined 5,120 individuals, distributed 1,050 pairs of spectacles, and performed 482 specialized operations between Oct. 24 and 31.
In Afghanistan’s Kabul, the volunteers, in cooperation with the World Sight Foundation, examined 4,160 cases and performed 442 specialized surgeries from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1.
The projects for people with visual disabilities are a part of ongoing voluntary medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, the SPA reported.
Saudi toymaker helps Arab children connect with heritage
Her toys reflect Islam, Arab culture, says founder Shahd Al-Athel
Products encourage children to play with palm and not pine, Xmas trees
Updated 04 November 2024
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: The Jawlah Foundation in Saudi Arabia has been creating toys and games since 2020 to give children a deeper connection with Arab culture while improving their cognitive abilities.
Founder Shahd Al-Athel, a Saudi education specialist, who spoke to Arab News recently, said the company was founded because she saw “a clear gap in the content of children’s toys.”
Al-Athel said that the market for children’s toys “does not reflect our Islamic environment or represent the identity of our Arab children.”
“For instance, instead of playing with toys such as palm trees, children were engaging with Christmas trees and pine trees.”
Al-Athel spent her formative years in the US, which she says shaped her childhood activities and ideas on traditions, and she felt disconnected from her heritage.
While her friends in the US engaged in customs that reflected their identity and heritage, she yearned to do so herself.
At 15, Al-Athel moved to Saudi Arabia, where she experienced the warmth of family relationships and the richness of Arab and Islamic culture for the first time.
In the Kingdom, Al-Athel developed a sense of belonging, and gained a great deal of knowledge about her identity at secondary school by engaging in activities with fellow learners.
At university, Al-Athel decided to specialize in education. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Hartford in the US, followed by a master’s degree in educational technology and digital design from New York University.
Al-Athel said she worked for the children’s television show “Sesame Street” in New York, contributing to the development of English-language content tailored for a culturally diverse audience.
However, she felt that the work did not align with her ambition to create educational content for Arab children, prompting her to leave the company.
Returning to Saudi Arabia, she joined Saudi Aramco and worked at the entrepreneurship center Wa’ed, which serves as an incubator for businesses and startups.
Al-Athel spent a year at Wa’ed, during which she learned the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and gained experience in project management that would ultimately prepare her to establish her own company.
After giving birth to her first son, Abdullah, the family moved to Malaysia. As a dedicated mother keen on shaping his identity, she sought methods to teach Abdullah Arabic.
However, she found it challenging to find suitable educational materials for this purpose.
These were all experiences that inspired her to eventually create Jawlah.
Carpets, sugar, spice: Wonders of Iran beckon visitors to Boulevard World
Riyadh Season’s zone is vibrant representation of country’s rich heritage
Updated 03 November 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Riyadh Season’s zone Boulevard World recently unveiled its Iranian area, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of its culture.
The space showcases a diverse array of Iranian cuisine, traditional crafts, and cultural performances, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
As visitors approach the area they are greeted by an ambiance that will transport them to Iran. The floating Iranian rugs and fountain adorned with a renowned Iranian statue set the stage for a memorable experience.
The area offers a real feast for the senses, with lively dance shows and music that celebrate the heritage of the historic culture.
Among the culinary delights, guests can savor lavashak, an Iranian sweet that has gained popularity for its flavor and texture.
The area also gives visitors the chance to purchase high-quality saffron, a prized spice.
Visitors can explore an exquisite selection of Iranian rugs, meticulously crafted and imported directly from the country.
Fattah Ali, the owner of an Iranian rug business featured in the area, said he was excited to be returning for a second year to Riyadh Season.
Ali told Arab News: “Iranian carpets come from various regions of the country, including Tabriz, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Each area has its unique designs and patterns. We also offer framed artworks created by skilled artisans.”
He spoke of the cultural significance of Iranian carpets, noting that they are often considered valuable investments to be passed down through the generations.
He added: “Many Saudi customers appreciate the craftsmanship, and while the younger generation may need time to understand their value, I frequently hear from patrons whose families have cherished carpets for decades.”
Visitors can also view wall panels and artwork reminiscent of features in traditional Iranian homes, as well as witness Iranian calligraphers creating works that reflect the artistic heritage of the country.
The immersive experience allows guests to appreciate the intricate details and stories behind each piece.
Boulevard World aims to be an accessible destination for everyone, with entry tickets priced at SR30 ($8) on weekends and SR20 on weekdays.
Boulevard World is a celebration of global diversity. The area has expanded this season with the addition of five new zones representing Saudi Arabia, Africa, Turkiye, Iran, and Courchevel, France.
The overall area has grown by 30 percent and now encompasses 22 distinct zones from countries across the globe.
The areas of Egypt, Spain, and Italy now boast 21 new events, catering to varied interests, from theatrical performances to traveling shows.
The Iranian area stands out as a vibrant representation of the country’s rich heritage, offering a unique opportunity to engage with its culture through food, art, and its community.
Frankly Speaking: Does Riyadh prefer Trump or Harris?
Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi says Kingdom does not have a favorite but is looking to work closely with whichever candidate wins to help resolve the Middle East conflict
Updated 04 November 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia does not have a favorite in the US presidential race, and would enjoy strong relations with either Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Kamala Harris, Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi has said.
According to him, the Kingdom’s priority is to use its relationship with Washington to address pressing regional issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“I think the Kingdom is in a very advantageous position of having excellent ties with both parties,” Shihabi said on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking” just days before American voters are due to go to the polls.
“Either option works out well for the Kingdom, which is quite a unique state of affairs really in situations like this.”
Combo image showing Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (L) at a campaign rally in Reno, Nevada, on Oct.31, 2024, and former Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (R) at a campaign rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 29, 2024. (AFP)
Shihabi said Saudi Arabia may have historically leaned more toward the Republican Party, but the situation is different this time around, as in recent years the Kingdom’s relationship with the Democrats has vastly improved.
“Things have gone very well with the Democrats — not well early on, as everybody knows,” he added, referring to President Joe Biden’s threat to make Saudi Arabia “the pariah that they are” when he was campaigning for the presidency in 2019.
However, “the Ukraine-Russian war helped drive home the strategic importance of the Kingdom,” compelling the Biden administration to reassess its stance and to view Saudi Arabia as a stabilizing influence in the region, Shihabi said.
“Now, really, the relationship is as good as it could be at a deep institutional level,” he told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen. “And that would be expected to continue with a new Democratic administration.
“A new Democratic administration would be expected to carry on and adopt a lot of, if not all, the work that the previous Biden-Harris administration carried out. “At the same time, there’s a very warm relationship with Mr. Trump and the people around him. So it really works out well for the Kingdom either way. And that’s not a usual situation.
“Usually there has been a preference for Republicans, and ties have been closer under Republican administrations. But I think in this case it works out well, whoever wins.”
Ali Shihabi is an author and commentator on the politics and economics of Saudi Arabia. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
Shihabi said recognition of the Kingdom’s strategic importance in the Middle East has established it as a key partner for Washington, regardless of which party is in power.
Likewise, Saudi Arabia is looking to the US, no matter which candidate wins, to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Kingdom has taken significant steps to advance the two-state solution, having launched a global coalition in September for this purpose. Shihabi believes US involvement is essential for any long-term success.
“America is an essential component and American pressure is an essential component,” he said. “Without the US, efforts to push Israel toward a meaningful solution may struggle to gain traction, given that Washington holds unique leverage over Israel.”
Shihabi said the attitude of the US toward Israeli actions will significantly impact the prospects for peace. “Unfortunately, the Biden administration wasn’t very strong or decisive with Israel,” he added, underscoring the need for firmer American resolve.
Just a few months ago, a historic US-Saudi security pact appeared to be imminent. At that time, bilateral relations appeared poised for a transformative agreement that could have included normalization with Israel.
However, the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that led to Israel’s invasion of Gaza is seen as having reshaped the political landscape, making such an agreement and Saudi-Israeli normalization unlikely in the near term. “It’s probably completely off the table for the time being, unless there’s a dramatic shift in the attitude of the Israeli government,” said Shihabi.
While a formal pact may be postponed, Shihabi believes the talks have already yielded closer security ties between the US and Saudi Arabia. “I think the discussions with America on that file have brought the Kingdom and America very close in sort of a de-facto security arrangement that isn’t a de-jure one yet,” he said.
Shihabi, who is an author and commentator on the politics and economics of Saudi Arabia, believes the next US administration — whether led by Trump or Harris — is likely to revisit the normalization talks. Indeed, both candidates have shown interest in brokering peace deals, and Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance in the Middle East ensures that these discussions will remain relevant.
However, Shihabi said much will depend on the next US administration’s willingness to press Israel toward meaningful concessions for the Palestinians. “The Israelis may be miscalculating if they think that Mr. Trump will be completely in their hands,” he said, hinting that the former president’s potential unpredictability could lead to renewed pressure on Israel if he returns to office.
“At the same time, the Harris administration will be inheriting a tremendous amount of work that the Harris-Biden administration carried out. So I think both parties will continue to pursue this file.”
During a recent roundtable with journalists ahead of last month’s BRICS Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the US bore responsibility for the worsening Israeli-Palestinian conflict, attributing it to what he called American monopolization of the peace process.
Asked if Russia has enough leverage to deliver a miracle that the Middle East desperately needs, Shihabi said: “No. Unfortunately, I don’t think so.” He believes it is ultimately American pressure that has the greatest impact on Israel.
“Whether it’s part of the Quartet or whether it’s not part of the Quartet, it boils down to the backbone that an American president has in standing up to the Israelis,” he said, referring to the joint peace efforts of the US, UN, EU and Russia.
Shihabi cited past examples where US presidents exerted influence over Israel, such as when President Dwight D. Eisenhower forced Israel to withdraw from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula in 1956, and when George H. W. Bush offered conditional loans in the 1990s.
While these instances are rare, Shihabi said, they demonstrate that US influence can shift Israeli policy when applied decisively. He remains skeptical that the current Israeli government, with its hardline stance, will make concessions without firm American intervention.
This challenge places considerable responsibility on Washington, as “the only party that has real muscle with Israel is America,” he said. “The problem is, sometimes it’s Israel that has muscle in America and not the other way around.
“The Israelis are very strong in America. They have a very strong lobbying operation. They exert enormous influence through a variety of means.
“It’s very rare that you get an American administration that takes out the stick to put the Israelis back into line. It may happen. I wouldn’t give it a huge amount of hope, but it’s not impossible.”
One of the more surprising developments of this election cycle is the shifting support of Arab-American voters, who according to a recent Arab News-YouGov poll are drawn by a 2 percent margin to Trump over Harris.
Shihabi said the finding likely reflects the voter group’s disillusionment with the current administration’s approach to Israel. “They’re confused, obviously, because the Biden administration has been very weak-kneed with the Israelis, and hasn’t been exerting enough influence or been adequately restraining them,” he added.
Despite Trump’s history of supporting Israel, Arab-American voters appear to believe he might take a stronger stance on the Palestinian issue if reelected. Shihabi believes this sentiment has something to do with Trump’s reputation as a dealmaker and his unpredictable approach to international affairs.
Ali Shihabi, an author and commentator on the politics and economics of Saudi Arabia, speaks with Frankly Speaking host Katie Jensen. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
“There’s that sense among some people that Trump may surprise us because he’s a strong individual; he doesn’t like to be pushed around,” Shihabi said. “He’ll be in his final term, and he loves making deals, and he’d love to solve the Middle Eastern question.
“I think the Israelis may find that they don’t get what they exactly wished for if Mr. Trump wins … He may surprise us all.”
Arab Americans have shown particular concern for the situation in Gaza, with polls indicating the issue ranks higher in importance than domestic matters such as healthcare or the economy.
According to Shihabi, the focus on Gaza revealed by the survey is a reflection of the emotional and cultural impact the conflict has had on Arab-American voters. “There’s been such wanton criminality in the way that the Israelis have behaved, and such intense human suffering, that it’s affected them like it’s affected so many other people,” he said.
The potential influence of the Arab-American vote may come into play in swing states such as Michigan, where even a small margin could sway the outcome. “It’ll be very nice if the Arab-American vote ends up making an impact, either way, because that will show that the Arab Americans are beginning to develop some political muscle,” Shihabi said.
While it remains uncertain whether their votes will tip the scales, he added, the predicted increased voter turnout among Arab Americans indicates a growing political awareness and engagement within the community.
With the leads enjoyed by Harris and Trump in different polls still razor thin, Shihabi would not be drawn on who he thought will be the likely winner. “It’s a coin toss as to which one of them will win,” he said. “We’ll just have to wait.”
