JEDDAH: The 21,39 art exhibition turned the old, abandoned corners of the Pepsi Co. factory into a spectacular work of art through the sounds and colors of Taif’s rich culture on Friday. The event was to bring people together to celebrate and learn about the city.
“For us, old and abandoned is exactly what the Saudi Art Council looks for when it comes to activating and creating exhibitions because it may be dead for most people, but for us there is so much history here, and to have people come and visit is a rare opportunity,” Nada Sheikh-Yasin, manager at the Art Council, told Arab News when asked about the reason for choosing the location.
She explained that the event is new, and it is the last day the Pepsi Co. factory will hold an art exhibition.
The event sheds light on the history as well as the culture of Taif in different forms of art, from music and calligraphy to photography and virtual reality.
Locals and expatriates all gathered at the site to witness the event. “I think it’s a great event. We started off at the Saudi Art Council in Gold Moore, then came here tonight. It looks interesting and I highly recommend that everybody attends,” said Nati Marvidis, who attended the exhibition.
The event took off to the beautiful sound of the Oud (musical instrument), through the live performance of Sa’ad Al-Atif and his group. People enjoyed the music very much, clapped their hands, sang along and expressed their affiliation with Taif’s heritage.
Artist Sa’ad Al-Atif explained that the sound of Taif’s music is different from any other musical sound in the Kingdom. It has sounds specific to the city of Taif.
Taghreed Wazna, photographer and attendee, said: “It is the first time we have an event dedicated to the people of Taif, their culture, tradition and lifestyle. The rose factory was presented in a new and creative way by artist Hassan Mabrook. Many people here in Jeddah have no knowledge of the rose factory, and how they make rosewater and rose oil.”
She added: ”I have also discovered amazing photographs taken by photographers from the Association for Culture and Arts in Taif. This event taught me so much about Taif’s architecture, buildings, traditional music and dances.
“I would like to thank the Saudi Art Council for cooperating with the Association for Culture and Arts in Taif and their manager, artist Faisal Al-Khudaidi,” said Wazna.
Saudi Art Council exhibition presents 'Jina Min Al-Taif'
Saudi Art Council exhibition presents 'Jina Min Al-Taif'
Australian deputy PM highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance during visit
DUABI: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Donald Marles underlined the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key partner for Australia, highlighting its position as the country’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.
In a statement issued by his office on Thursday, Marles said his visit to Saudi Arabia is focused on enhancing cooperation within the G20 framework and other multilateral institutions, as well as reaffirming Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order.
Marles described Saudi Arabia as a pivotal partner in addressing shared global challenges, emphasizing the significance of deepening economic and diplomatic ties. He added that the visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
KSrelief’s humanitarian works benefit individuals from Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian projects in Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan continue to benefit individuals needing medical and therapeutic intervention.
In Yemen, KSrelief provided services through the Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Center in Aden to 562 patients in November as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector and help individuals who require prostheses.
The center also delivered 1,395 services, including the manufacturing, fitting, and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, along with physical therapy and specialized consultations.
Also in Aden, a team of medical volunteers undertook an adult urology surgery campaign from Dec. 15 to 22, with the nine specialists performing 15 procedures on patients. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen
In Rzeszow, Poland, KSrelief volunteers fitted prosthetic limbs for 32 Ukrainian refugees between Dec. 8 to 15.
In Sudan’s Port Sudan, volunteers from KSrelief ran a pediatric surgical program and has successfully examined 15 children and performed seven successful surgeries so far.
‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates Saudi Arabia and Iraq cultures
- Art, music and folklore to feature at Riyadh event until Dec. 31
- Over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists will be on display
RIYADH: The Kingdom launched the second “Common Ground” festival on Wednesday to celebrate the rich cultures of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Organized by the Culture Ministry, “Common Ground” features a variety of activities including art, music and folklore.
The ministry invited residents to “explore and celebrate Iraqi culture and the historical and cultural bonds between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq through art, music, storytelling and more.”
The festival, which runs until Dec. 31, is being held at Mega Studio in Riyadh’s Boulevard City.
The event includes a tribute to writer Kareem Al-Iraqi, who died last year, for his contribution to art and literature, which includes novels, plays, songs and screenplays.
The opening night featured songs by renowned Iraqi singer-songwriter Kadim Al-Sahir. And Thursday will have several seminars led by heritage experts.
There will also be over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists on display at the festival.
Meanwhile, in AlUla on Wednesday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudani was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for discussions on regional events.
Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan
- Medical team assesses 15 children and carries out 7 successful operations during first few days of the project, which is staffed by volunteers
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief this week launched a volunteer pediatric surgical program in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan.
By Wednesday, the medical team had assessed 15 children and carried out seven successful surgeries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sudan is locked in a civil war between two rival factions of the country’s military government that began in April 2023. It has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced about 12 million people.
The conflict has also had a devastating effect on healthcare, with more than two-thirds of major hospitals in out of service, according to the World Health Organization.
Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palestine to the Kingdom Mazen Ghoneim in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, and Prince Faisal wished the ambassador success in his new duties, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Baha Gov. Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz met with Ambassaor of India to the Kingdom Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan to discuss topics of mutual interest.
