JEDDAH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) and chairman of the Supreme Supervisory Committee for Souq Okaz, emphasized the great effort and work accomplished during the 11th edition of the festival.
The prince praised Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal for the attractive organization of the opening ceremony by embedding the country’s heritage and popular folklore, and, most significantly, employing the youth of Taif to personify all this.
Prince Sultan hailed the great efforts made by the security forces in Taif, the Ministry of Culture and Information and all those who participated in organizing this great event in such a short time.
“What we are witnessing today is only the beginning of what will be the new Okaz City which will include new tourist facilities and establishments that will have a significant role in revitalizing this historic event that lasted 250 years and witnessed the presence of the Prophet (pece be upon him),” said Prince Sultan.
He added that under the directives of King Salman, the SCTH would announce the beginning of a big development work on the programs of the Souq, especially in terms of the role of Souq Okaz in creating the original Arabic language of the Holy Qur’an.
The prince said an award would be allocated for the famous Muallaqat poems; this is an idea introduced by the Algerian Minister of Culture Izzzedin Mayhoubi. Other comprehensive development plans for the Souq and its events are bound to add economic value to the city, and to help the event in becoming an international event according to the directives of King Salman.
“Saudi Arabia today is the main focus of the whole world and Souq Okaz will be watched by more than 25 million people. SCTH has acquired all broadcasting rights and it will re-broadcast the opening ceremony on its websites,” he said.
Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thunayyan Al-Saud, chairman of the board of directors of SABIC, said: “The opening ceremony was a journey into the past that took us back to our glorious heritage and history and brought us to the present and the bright future.”
Prince Saud praised the supervisors of the great events and at the top of the list, he named Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who has had a great role in revitalizing Souq Okaz, and Prince Sultan bin Salman, the organizer of this creative event.
He said SABIC had participated in the event since the founding of the Souq within the framework of its social responsibility and its duty toward the country and its people.
Culture and Information Minister Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad applauded the opening ceremony: “What we saw in the opening ceremony represents a creative, cultural and artistic work.”
This year Souq Okaz will hold an auction for a number of artifacts and antiques. Talal Bachet Al-Juaid, the head of the auction, said there had been a big turnout at the auction from visitors, from lovers of the Saudi heritage, and general customers who are eager to own heritage pieces such as silver coffee pots, plates, swords, mehbash (traditional coffee grinder) and other old items.
Ahmad Al-Kinani, a visitor, said the auction was a great step by SCTH for the preservation of such antique pieces.
In addition, artisans are competing in the 11th edition of Souq Okaz this year and there are creativity awards worth SR500,000 divided into six areas.
A number of European and other Western visitors were also impressed with what they saw at the festival. They expressed their admiration for the artistic and heritage pieces, the theatrical plays, and the Arabic coffee. They also bought antiques and paintings and took photos inside the tents.
Saudi tourism chief applauds festive atmosphere at Souq Okaz
Saudi tourism chief applauds festive atmosphere at Souq Okaz
Saudi FM meets US envoy to discuss developments in Lebanon
- Explored collaborative efforts to address challenges facing Lebanese people and in broader region
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Amos Hochstein, the US Special Envoy to Lebanon, on Sunday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Riyadh.
The meeting focused on regional issues, with particular attention given to the situation in Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Both sides exchanged views on recent developments and explored collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing the Lebanese people and the broader region, SPA added.
Also in attendance was Prince Yazid bin Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Farhan, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Lebanese Affairs, who contributed to the discussions.
Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Jordan’s Princess Majda
- Princess Majda passed away in Amman on Jan. 3, the Royal Hashemite Court said
- Swedish-born princess was born Margaretha Inga Elisabeth Lind and became known as Princess Majda after her marriage.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent cables of condolences to the king of Jordan after the passing of Princess Majda Raad, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Jordan’s King Abdullah attended the funeral of Princess Majda, the wife of Prince Raad bin Zeid, at the Royal Cemetery on Friday, The Jordan Times reported.
Princess Majda passed away in Amman on Jan. 3, the Royal Hashemite Court said. The Swedish-born princess was born Margaretha Inga Elisabeth Lind and became known as Princess Majda after her marriage.
New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’
- Workshops held for aspiring artisans and crafters
- Events will be held throughout the year
RIYADH: The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts launched a new community initiative on Saturday with a packed day of workshops and discussions with inspiring figures in the handicrafts field.
As 2025 kicks off with the Ministry of Culture labeling it the “Year of Handicrafts,” TRITA aims to bring a sense of camaraderie to artisans and aspiring crafters with its “Wrth Community,” which will host several events through the year.
Nermeen Al-Naimi, an artisan at TRITA, told Arab News: “Today, the community of Wrth started, so that’s very good for artisans because we are looking for somewhere we can belong.
“Wrth is the place we belong now with this community, it’s more like a second house for us because we exchange experiences, we exchange techniques and tools and stuff like that. It’s a growing kind of family, so we’re happy that they made this step today, and we’re grateful.”
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
The six-hour event brought artisans at various levels and from various crafts together for a day of engagement through workshops on traditional crafting with wood, metals, clay, and stones.
Silversmiths Ayat Dhahi and Revan Abdulsabour shared their expertise on sculpting and formation, from design to implementation, while others, such as sculptor Helwa Al-Atawi, shared success stories of turning a passion into a career.
Jewelry designer Rughad Al-Hogail weighed in with her entrepreneurial experience of taking local crafts to international markets.
Al-Naimi is an instructor for jewelry manufacture and design, but came to the inaugural Wrth event as a student, signing up for a wood-carving workshop that allows participants to identify the types of traditional engravings in the Najd region, and producing a wooden coaster using the technique with a copper inlay.
“I decided to go back to wood because I did clay before, and I did metals before, so I wanted to incorporate wood in my designs …
“It has metal in it, so, the experience was amazing because I use metal combined with wood, combined with a little bit of this technique.”
Other workshops explored traditional engraving methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary art.
Al-Naimi works as a personal branding consultant, and part of her job is to help individuals realize their hopes and connect with ways to energize themselves.
“One of the things that makes me happy is working with my hands. So working with metal, with wood, it’s all a stress relief. Plus you make something beautiful.”
Al-Naimi joined TRITA about two years ago, working with metals, but quickly found that it was more than just a space to create.
“Here at the Royal Institute, it’s support all the way — for the trainers, for the products; they have an online store now,” she said. Here students’ creations are up for sale at the physical location and online, creating profitable opportunities for aspiring and established artisans.
Wrth Community aims to lead the revival and development handicrafts, linking them to modern design and technology, enhancing the participation of institutions and the local community to highlight the importance of traditional arts in defining cultural identity, while also equipping people with ways to create traditional arts in today’s market.
Wrth Community provides opportunities for artisans to meet, exchange knowledge and enhance personal and professional skills with a focus on education, crafts, entrepreneurship, and dialogue sessions. By creating a supportive environment, TRITA hopes to stimulate talent and creative individuals to learn and practice traditional arts and crafts.
TRITA is a pioneering organization that highlights the national identity and enriches Saudi traditional arts locally and globally, promoting them and recognizing pioneers in the fields of traditional arts. This contributes to the preservation of traditional arts by supporting national capabilities and talents while encouraging those interested in learning, mastering and developing them.
KSrelief and UNHCR officials discuss enhanced humanitarian support in Syria
- An estimated 6.8 million Syrians remain displaced within the country, while more than 5.5 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries
DAMASCUS: Officials from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees met in Damascus on Sunday to discuss coordinated efforts to assist the Syrian people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting, focused on bolstering humanitarian and relief operations in the region, was attended by Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Harees, charge d’affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Syria.
During the discussions, UNHCR officials praised their strategic partnership with KSrelief, highlighting the importance of their joint initiatives to support refugees and displaced persons in Syria.
Both parties also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential resources and services to live with dignity.
The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains one of the most pressing in the world, especially after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in December of last year, following over a decade of civil war.
Assad’s ouster came after years of intensified international sanctions and a lightning offensive across key cities by opposition militias, culminating in his government’s collapse.
An estimated 6.8 million Syrians remain displaced within the country, while more than 5.5 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Turkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Humanitarian organizations like KSrelief and UNHCR play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, providing essential aid such as food, shelter, and medical care.
In Syria, UNHCR has been a critical player in responding to the humanitarian crisis, assisting the millions of displaced Syrians and advocating for sustainable solutions to their plight. Its collaboration with partners such as KSrelief has been key to addressing the evolving needs of those affected by the conflict.
On Sunday, Fadi Al-Qasim, the Syrian Minister of Administrative Development in the transitional government, met with the KSrelief team in Damascus in the presence of Al-Harees.
During the meeting, they discussed strategies for delivering relief aid to support the Syrian people and civil society.
Al-Qasim expressed his gratitude to the KSrelief team for their generous assistance and praised the urgent humanitarian aid provided by Saudi Arabia to Syria.
Saudi minister receives British ambassador to Riyadh
- They discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq signed the condolence book honoring the life and legacy of former US President Jimmy Carter, the Embassy of Pakistan wrote on X on Sunday.
