Diriyah Center for Arts of the Future hosts AI and robotics-themed events in December

Diriyah Center for Arts of the Future hosts AI and robotics-themed events in December
Participants explore the integration of art, AI, and robotics at the Diriyah Center for Arts of the Future workshops. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 12 December 2024
Follow

Diriyah Center for Arts of the Future hosts AI and robotics-themed events in December

Diriyah Center for Arts of the Future hosts AI and robotics-themed events in December
  • Activities are part of the center’s ongoing exhibition, Art Should Be Artificial: Horizons of AI in Visual Arts, which examines the role of AI and robotics in contemporary artistic practices
  • Program includes workshops and talks designed to engage artists, researchers, and the public in conversations about the intersection of art, science, and technology

RIYADH: The Diriyah Center for Arts of the Future is presenting a month-long series of events aimed at exploring how technology is reshaping the art world.

These activities are part of the center’s ongoing exhibition, “Art Should Be Artificial: Horizons of AI in Visual Arts,” which examines the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in contemporary artistic practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The program includes workshops, talks, and hands-on sessions designed to engage artists, researchers, and the public in conversations about the intersection of art, science, and technology.

According to SPA, the centerpiece of the December programming is a talk titled “Building Robots” on Dec. 20. It will be led by Louis-Philippe Demers, a renowned artist specializing in AI and robotics. 

Demers will discuss his innovative approach to performance art, focusing on how machines and humans interact creatively. His work often challenges the boundaries between art and technology, offering new perspectives on the future of creative expression.

Another major event will take place on Dec. 21, when Saudi artist Lulwah Al-Homoud presents a symposium titled “Interactive Geometric Formations.” Al-Homoud will explore her use of Islamic art, mathematics, and digital technology as core elements of her creative practice. Her work reflects how traditional artistic disciplines can be enhanced by modern tools, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation.

Demers will also lead a two-day workshop over Dec. 20-21, where participants will learn to create movable robotic avatars. This hands-on session is designed to give artists and enthusiasts a deeper understanding of how robotics can be incorporated into creative projects, offering practical insights into an emerging field of art.

Earlier in the month, the center hosted workshops from Dec. 5-7 under the theme “Visual Programming.” Led by Nasser Al-Shammari, these sessions introduced participants to digital media and real-time graphic processing. 

On Dec. 6, art historian Leonardo Dellanocce delivered a talk titled “Inside the Mirror,” examining how virtual worlds, such as the metaverse, shape human perceptions and artistic representation.

Established by the Museums Commission, the Diriyah Center for Arts of the Future is dedicated to new media and digital arts. The center supports innovation in the arts by fostering collaboration between artists, scientists, and technologists. Its mission is to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for creative and technological innovation while elevating the region’s emerging talent.


4,000 itikaf observers from 120 countries provided with 12 key services at Prophet’s Mosque

4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

4,000 itikaf observers from 120 countries provided with 12 key services at Prophet’s Mosque

4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
  • Itikaf is the act of staying in a mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion
  • Services include daily meals, water supply services, multilingual translation, awareness and guidance screens explaining itikaf requirements, and luggage storage lockers

RIYADH: Twelve services are being provided to 4,000 itikaf observers from 120 nationalities in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Itikaf is the act of staying in a mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion. The person devotes themselves to worshipping God during what are considered to be the most virtuous ten nights of the year by Muslims, and when rewards are multiplied.

The services include daily meals, water supply services, multilingual translation, awareness and guidance screens explaining itikaf requirements, luggage storage lockers, medical and first aid clinics, sleeping essentials, laundry services, charging stations for mobile devices, and personal care kits. Each itikaf observer has also received a wristband to facilitate entry and exit from the designated itikaf areas.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has urged itikaf observers to adhere to several requirements throughout this period, including dedicating their time to prayer and other acts of worship, avoiding disturbances during tarawih and night prayers, maintaining tranquility within the Prophet’s Mosque, wearing clean and presentable attire, using pleasant fragrances, and refraining from any behavior that may inconvenience fellow observers.

They are also encouraged to help keep the mosque clean, ensure their belongings are stored in designated lockers, remain within their assigned areas according to their registration number, follow health guidelines, and comply with safety instructions when using movement pathways for entry and exit.

It is prohibited to bring unauthorized food, beverages, or luggage into the itikaf areas, hold study sessions, receive visitors, or bring children to the itikaf sites, the authority said. 


Saudi Arabia issues royal orders

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia issues royal orders

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)

RIYADH: Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as an advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by royal order, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

In another royal decree, Major General Saleh bin Abdulrahman bin Samir Al-Harbi was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as Head of the Military Apparatus.


Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan

Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan

Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan
  • Medical assistance during first 25 days of holy month includes 52,000 visits to ERs, 10,000 cases of first aid, 3,000 dialysis sessions and 400 surgeries
  • In addition, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority handles more than 46,000 emergency calls in Makkah and Madinah

RIYADH: Thousands of Umrah pilgrims and other visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah have benefited during Ramadan from medical assistance provided by the Saudi Ministry of Health.

The ministry said on Wednesday that more than 65,000 health services were provided for mosque visitors during the first 25 days of the holy month, which will conclude this weekend. The care forms part of the ministry’s commitment to the safety and well-being of visitors to Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The provided health services included 52,000 visits to emergency departments, 10,000 cases of first aid, 3,000 dialysis sessions, 400 surgeries, and more than 150 cardiac catheterizations.

In addition, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority has handled more 46,000 emergency calls in Makkah and Madinah since the start of Ramadan. Paramedics responded to 31,000 calls in an average of 5 minutes and 48 seconds, and to the remaining 15,000 calls in an average of 5 minutes and 26 seconds.


Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
  • Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony

RIYADH: The Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, Ramadan 29, 1446, which corresponds to March 29, 2025.

In an announcement on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.

The announcement read: “The Supreme Court calls on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening. The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sights it with the naked eye or through binoculars report to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the nearest court. The Supreme Court hopes that those who are able to see it will pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in the all regions for this purpose, seeking reward and recompense for their participation, as it promotes cooperation in righteousness and piety and benefits all Muslims.”

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan that this year began on March 1.


Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan

Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan

Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan
  • Makkah’s Grand Mosque received over 4.2 million worshipers on Wednesday night

RIYADH: Millions of Muslims from around the world flocked to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah for the 27th night of Ramadan, where they performed Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers.

In a new record, the Grand Mosque received over 4.2 million worshipers on Wednesday night, according to Al-Ekhbariya.

Worshipers were seeking Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Power), one of the most important nights in Islam and is, as stated in the Qur’an, better than a thousand months.

Laylat Al-Qadr falls within the final 10 days of Ramadan but its exact date remains unknown, however it’s widely regarded as falling on the 27th of Ramadan. Mislims are also encouraged to seek this night during the odd-numbered nights of the last 10 days.

Operational plans on Wednesday included preparing the Mataf (Area of Circumambulation) to accommodate 107,000 pilgrims per hour, ensuring a smooth movement inside the Grand Mosque.

Authorities have also equipped 428 escalators and 28 elevators and modern audio systems including 1,300 speakers, in addition to providing power sources with a capacity of up to 90,000 tons to cool the Grand Mosque.

The Makkah region Health Affairs Department has boosted its services through medical centers located within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards to provide medical services to pilgrims.