Prince Khaled, Makkah Forum praised for creative initiative

Left: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. Right: Participants at the months-long Makkah Cultural Forum in Makkah
Updated 05 March 2017
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Prince Khaled, Makkah Forum praised for creative initiative

JEDDAH: The Makkah Cultural Forum, launched by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, gathered at least 61 cultural and humanitarian groups from the public and private sectors under a united vision in the Makkah region.
Praising the participants in the forum for their activities and initiatives, Prince Khaled said that such endeavors must continue.
Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques and Grand Mosque imam, praised the initiative, held under the slogan “How to be a Role Model,” that was launched by the Makkah governor.
Al-Sudais stressed the need to transform the project into a strong, practical basis for other community projects with the goal to raise people as good Muslims and project to the world a good image of Saudi citizens.
Sheikh Ali Al-Abdali, director of Islamic Affairs in the Makkah region, said, “No two people can differ in their opinion that the Makkah Forum and its works are noble activities, present creative thoughts that could contribute to the development of human beings and make them lead an exemplary life.”
He said the forum has a uniting theme for the activities of participants who came for the first time in the region and its goals and vision can shape the community’s cultural, human, social and religious life.
Al-Abdali also said the forum enforces values and virtuous morals and brings efforts together under one umbrella of activities in the Makkah region under the supervision of its governor.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Hariri, general secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Makkah branch, said the results of the Makkah Forum will show in the cultural, social and humanitarian fields.
Abdullah Al-Sulami, head of the Jeddah Cultural Club, said, “the Makkah Forum was able, for the first time in the history of the region, to unite cultural, social, administrative and scientific efforts under a united vision whose objective is nurturing the human being.
“We thank the Makkah governor for this pioneering initiative,” he said. “Our ambition at the club is to secure appropriate attendance at the forum and bring distinctive contributions from our intellectuals and literary writers.
Saad bin Mohammad Mareq, adviser to the Makkah governor, said: “This project is still in its initial stages; the successes it has achieved so far should not stop us from continuing to come up with plans and modernize them, with participation from all the public and private sectors and individuals, to achieve the right goal set by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, which is to raise creative human beings.
“The fact that public and private sectors and individuals joined efforts helped produce early positive results. What is beautiful about this is that the parties’ initiatives and quality of work showed creativity,” Mareq added.
The forum continues until the end of May.


Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition

Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition

  • Exhibition is homage to renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai

The much-anticipated “Manga Hokusai Manga” exhibition will be held at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX Diriyah from Jan. 15 to Feb. 8.

Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, the exhibition, ratified by the Kingdom’s Museums Commission, will showcase the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

It will highlight the history and evolution of manga, and provide a perspective on how Hokusai’s classical illustrations have influenced modern visual arts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Hokusai published his first collection of art in 1814, featuring sketches of “daily life, landscapes and whimsical creatures,” according to a post on X by the museum.

The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art aims to foster cultural exchange between local and international creators.


Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia

Updated 10 January 2025
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Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia

  • Warning of high waves along the Kingdom’s coastlines

RIYADH: Rain of varying intensities will fall over most parts of Saudi Arabia from Jan. 10 to 12, the National Center for Meteorology stated on Thursday.

In a weather bulletin, the NCM warned of downpours accompanied by winds of up to 60 kph, and the possibility of torrential rain and hail. High waves are expected along the nation’s coastlines.

The regions of Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and Hail will have rainy conditions on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, rain is expected in the Tabuk and Madinah regions; on Saturday and Sunday in the Eastern Province, Asir and Jazan; and on Saturday in Qassim.

For the Riyadh and Al-Baha regions, rain is expected from Friday to Sunday.

The NCM urged the public to stay updated on the weather conditions in the Kingdom by checking the daily reports on its website, the Anwaa application, or its social media accounts.


Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

Updated 10 January 2025
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Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, Ahmed Al-Hababi, met Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Madiyar Menilbekov, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss opportunities for cooperation and ways in which these might be enhanced to benefit mutual goals.

One of the topics was the Hadad Program, a leading initiative developed by the club with the aim of returning falcons to their natural habitats and saving the species from the threat of extinction.

Menilbekov praised the club for the important role it plays in enhancing falconry and preserving its cultural heritage.

The club said the meeting was part of its efforts to strengthen international partnerships in keeping with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification.
 


Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

Updated 10 January 2025
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Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

LOS ANGELES: Saudi ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, reaffirmed on Thursday the embassy’s commitment to the safety and security of Saudi citizens in Los Angeles and surrounding areas impacted by wildfires, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement, Princess Reema emphasized that the embassy and the consulate general were working tirelessly to support citizens affected by the fires.

She highlighted that ensuring their well-being remains a top priority for Saudi diplomatic missions in the United States.

She said the team was monitoring the situation closely and was prepared to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The embassy and consulate were dedicated to ensuring the security and safety of all Saudi citizens in affected areas, she added.

The embassy and consulate have activated a round-the-clock response team to address concerns and offer necessary support, SPA added.

The wildfires in California have prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant disruptions in the Los Angeles area, with officials working to contain the blazes.


KAUST conducts research study on microbiomes in glacier-fed streams

Updated 10 January 2025
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KAUST conducts research study on microbiomes in glacier-fed streams

  • Collaboration with scientists from Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne

RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with scientists from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne, has conducted an unprecedented, in-depth study on microbiomes — microorganisms that live symbiotically with humans or other organisms — in glacier-fed streams.

These streams, originating from glaciers atop the Earth’s highest mountains, harbor a wealth of unique microorganisms.

The research team collected and analyzed samples from 170 glacier-fed streams over five years across regions including New Zealand, the Himalayas, the Russian Caucasus, the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, the European Alps, the Scandinavian Alps, Greenland, Alaska, the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, and the Ecuadorian and Chilean Andes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The findings, published in the renowned scientific journal Nature, represent the first global reference for microbiomes in glacier-fed streams.

These streams, which are among the most extreme natural freshwater ecosystems in the world, are located at mountain summits and are characterized by near-freezing temperatures and low nutrient levels.

They also serve as the origin for many of the world’s largest rivers, functioning as vital water reservoirs for the planet.

KAUST researcher Dr. Ramona Marasco emphasized that glacier-fed streams were highly vulnerable to climate change. 

She spoke of the importance of establishing a baseline for their microbiomes to better understand the rate of ecological change, while highlighting KAUST’s extensive genetic sequencing efforts, which have significantly contributed to creating a comprehensive picture of these endangered microbiomes.

The researchers successfully developed the first global atlas of microorganisms in glacier-fed streams.

Their work revealed that these streams harbor a unique microbiome distinct from other cryospheric systems, such as glaciers, frozen soils, and ice-covered lakes.

About half of the bacterial species in these streams are endemic to specific mountain ranges. The scientists attribute this phenomenon to the geographical isolation of mountain ranges, similar to islands, and to the powerful natural selection exerted by the harsh conditions in glacier-fed streams.