RIYADH: Saudi artist Kamal Al-Mualem will showcase his work at next month’s prestigious Silk Road International Art Exhibition, hosted by China’s Culture Ministry.
It is “really exciting” to have been chosen by a committee to display his work at the exhibition in Xi’an, China, he told Arab News on Thursday.
The exhibition is a platform for contemporary international cultural exchange, said the painter and sculptor from the Eastern Province, who studied at the Florence Fine Arts Academy in Italy.
About 200 artists from all over the world will take part from Sept. 4 to 21 in the Shanxi Provincial Fine Arts Museum.
Al-Mualem has participated in various international art exhibitions, including the Changcheng and Chuanqing International Sculpture Exhibition in China. His sculptures from that exhibition are currently on display in large public parks.
Most recently, he presented a special motion painting on Saudi National Day on Sept. 23, 2016.
Saudi artist to showcase work at Silk Road Exhibition
Saudi artist to showcase work at Silk Road Exhibition
Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference
- Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security
- Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire
LONDON: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji called on Tuesday for intensified international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan during his address at the London Conference on Sudan.
Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Our collective responsibility requires us to support the dialogue process, work toward a ceasefire, deliver urgent humanitarian aid and safeguard Sudan’s unity, institutions and territorial integrity,” he said.
Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference, Al-Khereiji was attending on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, particularly through hosting the first and second talks. These negotiations resulted in the Jeddah Declaration on protecting civilians, a short-term ceasefire agreement that contained crucial humanitarian arrangements.
The second round also led to the creation of a humanitarian coordination platform under OCHA, the adoption of four confidence-building measures and a proposed resolution formula on military base issues.
In his address, Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political solution. He added that neutralizing foreign interference would facilitate humanitarian operations — particularly the opening of safe corridors and the delivery of aid.
He warned against the formation of any parallel government or alternative political entity, calling such attempts illegitimate and damaging to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.
“These actions undermine the political process and deepen national divisions,” he said.
The deputy foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that a solution to the war must be Sudanese-led and based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and the preservation of its state institutions.
Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud
- The accused committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products for sale online
RIYADH: A Saudi citizen has been sentenced to five years in prison for financial fraud that defrauded 41 victims, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
An investigation carried out by the Financial Fraud Prosecution revealed that the accused had committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products through online sales outlets, deceiving victims into believing that goods were for sale, and then immediately blocking them after they transferred the required amounts to his bank account.
The Public Prosecution affirmed its commitment to protecting society from all financial fraud crimes and anyone who attempts to seize the money of others through fraud.
Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth
- Saudi Reef is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif
- Goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global rose producer
RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif.
The program highlights its efforts to grow this vital sector in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, focusing on food security, rural development, and improved agricultural efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, emphasized that the program’s participation supports national efforts to empower rose and aromatic plant farmers and promote its initiatives in the field.
He noted that Saudi Reef is a strategic partner in driving sustainable agricultural transformation, particularly in regions like Taif, Jazan, and Asir, known for their rose and aromatic plant production.
Al-Buraikan added that the program supports more than 400 farmers and has achieved a 34 percent rise in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually.
The goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global rose producer, the SPA reported.
Meanwhile, the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture launched an initiative at the forum, distributing 15,000 tissue-cultured seedlings to promote sustainability and boost production.
The forum featured sessions on “Challenges of Taif rose cultivation” and “The future and challenges of medical tourism in the Kingdom.”
Scientific lectures covered topics such as sustainable development in rose use, carbon neutrality in the aromatic journey of the Taif rose, livelihood development for farmers, and the role of AI in enhancing product quality.
Arruddaf Park in Taif opens daily at 4 p.m. for visitors to explore the exhibition and enjoy the rose displays. The forum runs until April 26.
Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience
- Governor highlights leadership’s commitment to enhancing spiritual journeys through innovation, development
MADINAH: Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, attended the opening of the second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
In his speech, Prince Salman emphasized the special attention given by the Saudi leadership to Makkah and Madinah, highlighting the ongoing development and construction efforts that reflect their religious, cultural and historical significance.
The three-day event, themed “Enriching the Experience of Umrah Performers and Visitors,” is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Salman reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to serving Islam by ensuring the comfort, safety and security of pilgrims.
He also discussed upgrades to the Prophet’s Mosque and nearby historic sites to deepen visitors’ spiritual connection and enhance their experience.
The forum, held at the King Salman International Convention Center until April 16, features more than 150 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.
Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors remains a top priority for the leadership, and pointed out that more than 122 million visitors performed Umrah during Ramadan with ease.
The forum features more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions led by 100 speakers, alongside the signing of numerous agreements between relevant service providers — all aimed at enriching the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors.
It aims to establish new standards for Umrah and visitor services through technological advances, digital transformation and sustainable sector investments.
An interactive exhibition displays innovative technical solutions and services, while workshops bring together decision-makers and experts to discuss development opportunities, present cutting-edge solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience and enhancing the sector’s overall efficiency.
Saudi center adopts advanced artery stent technique
- Procedure involves inserting a bioresorbable stent through a catheter in the thigh, avoiding open surgery
- It restores blood flow, relieves pain, speeds wound healing and significantly reduces amputation risk
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center has treated patients with below-the-knee peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion using a minimally invasive, next-generation technique.
The procedure involves inserting a bioresorbable stent through a catheter in the thigh, avoiding open surgery, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It restores blood flow, relieves pain, speeds wound healing and significantly reduces amputation risk.
The center is the first in the Kingdom — and the third worldwide outside the US — to adopt the advanced treatment method, the SPA added.
Implemented at the center in Riyadh and Jeddah, the technique uses a stent that dissolves naturally after restoring blood flow, eliminating the need for a permanent implant and reducing long-term complications.
The approach also improves circulation and shortens recovery time, helping patients regain mobility faster, according to the SPA.
The center plans to expand research and collaborate with global institutions to evaluate long-term outcomes, and advance treatment protocols for peripheral vascular disease.
