RIYADH: India will be the “guest of honor” at Saudi Arabia’s National Festival for Heritage and Culture, popularly known as the Janadriyah festival, to be inaugurated on Feb. 7.
A diverse spread of India’s culture and science will be on display at Janadriyah festival, with an enriching mix of old and new, from Bollywood to traditional culture and from classical dance to technological prowess.
The 18-day cultural festival will be held under the patronage of King Salman at Janadriyah, 42 km northeast of Riyadh.
The Indian pavilion will be embellished with cutting-edge technology displaying the march of India and its growing relations with the Kingdom. A performance of a traditional percussion ensemble will introduce Indian dance and musical genre, which will add to the festive atmosphere.
Aiming to expand its global outreach and find cultural synergies with countries with rich cultural and civilizational heritage and contemporary technical advancement, the Saudi government started inviting a foreign country as the “guest of honor” every year.
India’s selection as the “guest of honor” country this year will help further build Saudi-India relations.
“The Kingdom has always taken cognizance of India’s historical socio-economic-cultural bonding with the people of the Arabian Peninsula,” a press statement from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said.
“The momentum of warmth and proximity in the bilateral engagement generated by the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Riyadh in April 2016 and his interactions with the Saudi leadership, during which he emphasized upgrading the present Indo-Saudi buyer-seller relationship into a more comprehensive strategic partnership, seems to be the main factor to accord India the privilege of being the guest of honor for Janadriyah 2018.”
“Our leadership in India and the Embassy of India in Riyadh are delighted to be part of this prestigious festival and extend our sincere thanks to the Saudi leadership for according this unprecedented privilege to our country,” said Ahmed Javed, Indian ambassador in Riyadh, during a press conference early this week.
“A high-level ministerial delegation will visit Riyadh for the inaugural ceremony on Feb. 7,” Javed said.
“It is an honor to be part of such a prestigious heritage and culture festival that provides us an effective platform to showcase India’s growing economic might, industrial prowess and the magic of our cultural performances.”
Classical dance
When asked about India’s participation, the Indian envoy replied: “Our participation covers setting up stalls inside a covered hall called India Pavilion, cultural performances reflecting classical and contemporary forms of dances, and a series of seminars and B2B interactions.”
India’s commercial display will be represented by the Ministries of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH); tourism; shipping; textiles (handicrafts); food processing; the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP); the Ordnance Factory Board; and the Department of Space.
From the corporate side, several major Indian companies will attend Janadriyah.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will also organize a seminar on Feb. 11 in association with the Council
of Saudi Chambers (CSC) with a special focus on the food-processing industry and the “Make in India” campaign.
Saudi authorities have provided an open-air stage, adjacent to the hall of India Pavilion, for cultural performances, which include Bollywood film screenings as well as displays of Arabic calligraphy from Rampur Raza Library.
Students of the International Indian Schools in Riyadh, Jubail and Dammam will present their cultural program.
The Indian Embassy has also planned Indian community participation on the basis of states.
In Janadriyah this year, there will be 2,000 exhibitors featuring a range of products and services from ancient Arabia to the modern world. This will be in addition to the Indian pavilion.
The festival is expected to draw millions of visitors from Saudi Arabia and abroad, according to organizers.
Started in 1985 and sponsored by the Ministry for the National Guard, the festival features a variety of activities including a camel race, horse race, sports, dance, arts, history, falconry, and traditional arts and crafts.
India is ‘guest of honor’ at Saudi Arabia’s Janadriyah festival
India is ‘guest of honor’ at Saudi Arabia’s Janadriyah festival
New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry
- Deal will help promote local talent, foster innovation
RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry.
The commission’s CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Nesma’s Managing Director Rami Al-Turki on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for collaboration in professional development and industry innovation.
The partnership aims to prepare a new generation of Saudi professionals to compete on the world stage and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for architecture and design excellence.
“The initiative aims to empower architects and designers to develop their skills and enhance their capabilities, creating an environment that nurtures Saudi talent while fostering innovation and creativity in the sector,” Al-Solaiman said.
It would also help to advance the commission’s mission to forge strategic alliances with industry leaders, she said.
Under the deal, the two sides will cooperate in areas such as industry best practice, knowledge exchange and professional workshops. It will also involve the joint sponsorship of competitions, awards and conferences.
“As a leading Saudi contractor, we are committed to providing training and creating employment opportunities for Saudi architects,” Al-Turki said.
“Our strategic partnership with the commission reflects our values of innovation, excellence and social responsibility.”
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for sector development, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem for architecture and design professionals.
The commission emphasized its commitment to advancing scientific research and creating an integrated environment that supports the sector’s creative community.
Kuwait’s deputy prime minister visits Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority
- Visit focused on enhancing cooperation between Kingdom and Kuwait in cybersecurity sector
RIYADH: Kuwait’s deputy prime minister visited the National Cybersecurity Authority headquarters in Riyadh on Monday, accompanied by an official delegation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sheikh Fahd bin Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who is also Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior, was received by Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the NCA Board of Directors.
The visit focused on enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the field of cybersecurity.
Discussions centered on strengthening measures to safeguard cyberspace and protect the vital interests of both nations, SPA added.
Film Commission hosts masterclass with Syrian film veteran in Alkhobar
- Ghassan Massoud shares insights to elevate the next generation of talent in the Kingdom
DHAHRAN: The Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission hosted Syrian actor and filmmaker Ghassan Massoud for a masterclass titled “The Secrets of Acting Art” in Alkhobar over the weekend.
The masterclass, a part of the filmmaker’s program, covered the fundamentals of cinematic and theatrical acting, including academic training and actual practice.
It emphasized the close relationship between acting and the visual arts, music, sociology and psychology.
Reflecting on his training and upbringing, Massoud had praise for the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus, where he studied and later became a professor.
He said Syrian theater and filmmaking drew inspiration from mainstream and alternative sources, including Hollywood and European cinematic traditions.
The masterclass consisted of two question-and-answer sessions. The first round was moderated by scriptwriter and director Abdulaziz Al-Sultan, who guided a discussion on Massoud’s background and his experiences in television and filmmaking.
The second round provided an opportunity for interactions with the audience that included filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, as well as movie enthusiasts.
Massoud shared his thoughts on how actors should approach character development.
“I familiarize myself with the character’s vocation, trade jargon, and tools, as well as their psychological and physical attributes, weaknesses, and illnesses. All these aspects influence the character’s attitude, body language, facial expressions, and overall charisma or presence on set.”
Massoud had praise for the cultural landscape in the Eastern Province. He said he was delighted to have met talented and emerging actors, directors, screenwriters and cinematographers.
The actor has been acclaimed for his performances in several international films including Ridley Scott’s 2005 epic “Kingdom of Heaven,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”
He said he has enjoyed visiting the Kingdom and collaborating on various cultural and artistic projects. This involvement includes serving as a jury member at the 2023 Saudi Theater Festival in Riyadh.
He also has a part in the upcoming historical epic “Desert Warrior,” which was shot in NEOM in northeastern Saudi Arabia and is set for release in the new year.
When asked about advice he has for aspiring actors, he told Arab News: “Dream a lot but work more.”
The filmmaker’s program, now in its fourth run, has opened new horizons for amateurs and professionals. It features a training program that encompasses all stages of film production, from initial ideas to marketing and distribution.
The program includes both in-person and virtual workshops with experts, as well as artistic residencies and masterclasses in collaboration with international institutes and universities.
European pilgrims visit Prophet’s biography museum, Islamic heritage sites in Madinah
- At the museum the visitors saw interactive displays and multimedia presentations about the Prophet Muhammad and other holy figures, historical events and Islamic culture
RIYADH: A group of 250 people from 14 European countries recently visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Madinah.
Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, the visitors were part of a wider scheme that will see 1,000 people from 66 countries perform Umrah in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
At the museum the visitors saw interactive displays and multimedia presentations about the Prophet Muhammad and other holy figures, historical events, Islamic culture and initiatives to safeguard Islamic history and civilization.
The fair seeks to present Islamic culture in an engaging way for different audiences and the visitors expressed their thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership for facilitating their visits to Madinah and Makkah.
They also commended the Kingdom’s efforts to promote Islam’s message of tolerance and to foster appreciation for its historical and spiritual legacy.
As well as the museum, the group visited the Battle of Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery and offered prayers at Quba Mosque.
At King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, the pilgrims learned about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an, preservation efforts and its translation into many languages.
At the end of their visit the pilgrims were presented with copies of the Qur’an by representatives of the complex.
Saudi aid efforts continue in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s humanitarian initiatives are benefiting thousands across Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.
In northern Syria, KSrelief delivered food baskets and hygiene kits to 551 earthquake-affected families in Aleppo, benefiting 3,306 individuals in one day.
In Yemen, 641 food baskets were distributed to vulnerable families in Aden and Lahij, assisting 4,487 individuals in one day.
KSrelief also concluded a week-long urology surgery project in Aden, involving nine specialists who examined 53 cases and performed 109 surgeries.
In Taiz, KSrelief’s rehabilitation center provided 1,537 services to 416 beneficiaries in one month, including prosthetic limb fittings, maintenance, physical therapy, and consultations.
In Lebanon, the KSrelief-funded Subul Al-Salam ambulance service conducted 51 missions in Miniyeh in one week, offering emergency aid to Syrian and Palestinian refugees and host communities.
Additionally, KSrelief distributed 175,000 bread bags to 12,500 families in one week through the Al-Amal Charity Bakery project in Akkar and Miniyeh.
