RIYADH: Shoura Council called on the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance to strengthen control on the mosque workers to make sure they fulfil their duties properly.
The call came during the council's 25th ordinary session held on Tuesday and chaired by the president of the council Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh.
In a press conference following the session, Assistant Speaker of the council Dr. Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan said the council took its decision after listening to the Islamic and Judicial Affairs Committee’s opinion on the members’ remarks regarding the ministry’s annual report for the fiscal year 2016-2017.
The council decided to call on the ministry to create accounts on social media and smart phone applications.
Al-Samaan added that the council requested the General Authority for Statistics (GAS) to develop the statistics of the 2020 Population Census and update the reports on Saudi family incomes, average spending and consumer purchasing power every six and 12 months.
The council also requested detailed statistical reports of women’s involvement in public and private sectors, adding gender to all bank and investment statistics.
As previously reported by Arab News, 60 percent of young women in the Kingdom are unemployed, compared to 17 percent of young men. The government of Saudi Arabia has prioritized increasing young women’s employment.
The committee also requested the ministry to study the impacts of increasing non-oil revenues and present recommendations to reduce negative impact on the economy.
After discussing the committee’s report and recommendations, one the council’s members indicated that the ministry has focused on the developmental sides without mentioning the economic side.
Another member wondered why the ministry had used foreign consultancy companies instead of ones in the Kingdom.
Al-Samaan said the council approved harmonization of the project proposal study regarding the control on video games.
The project on controlling video games is made up of 14 articles. It aims to limit the negative impact of video games on children. The project will control video games content and give information on the minimum age for each game as advice for parents and guardians.
Saudi Shoura council calls for better data on women working in public and private sectors
Saudi Shoura council calls for better data on women working in public and private sectors
Egyptian artist’s debut exhibition in Riyadh blends anime with 3D printing
RIYADH: Egyptian artist Ali Kamel’s solo exhibition in Riyadh, “The Arrival,” was a significant milestone in his career.
Held in the JAX district from Jan. 14–18, the innovative event merged two worlds: the nostalgic charm of anime and the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing.
The exhibition highlighted Kamel’s ability to weave people’s stories, cultural inspirations, and creations into what he describes as “Alien Technology.”
Using 3D printing — a medium of boundless creative potential — Kamel presented a collection of artworks reflecting his life experiences and the diverse cultural influences encountered on his journey.
He told Arab News: “Each piece embodies the fusion of art and technology, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression while celebrating cultural diversity.”
Kamel’s creative process is deeply rooted in the philosophy of complexity and richness, echoing architect Robert Venturi’s famous saying, “Less is a bore.”
He explained: “I embrace complexity in my art, believing that it leads to deeper connections with the audience.”
His approach involves extensive sketching, modeling, and experimenting with various materials and 3D technologies.
Using computer-aided design, Kamel refines his concepts before bringing them to life through 3D printing, exploring a variety of finishing techniques to enhance the visual impact of his works.
While acrylic paints are his primary medium, Kamel also uses oils, sprays and other materials to create diverse textures and effects.
“Each material choice is intentional,” Kamel said. “I aim to convey specific qualities and emotions in my work.”
This journey of exploration and innovation allows him to create dynamic pieces that resonate deeply with his personal experiences.
Looking ahead, Kamel is excited about an upcoming project exploring the contemporary superheroes of today’s world.
“These modern-day icons surround us, and I want to capture the essence of their narratives and significance. It’s a fascinating exploration of cultural impact,” he said.
A particularly poignant piece from “The Arrival” draws inspiration from Kamel’s enduring love for anime, especially from the 1980s and early 1990s.
One standout artwork is inspired by the renowned anime series “Astroganger,” known as “Jongar” in the Arab world. This creation holds deep significance for Kamel, symbolizing a challenging yet transformative period in his life.
He said: “This piece represents a moment of personal growth, embodying the resilience and hope I found during tough times. It serves as a reminder of the strength that creativity can provide.”
In “The Arrival,” Kamel invited viewers on a journey that wove together nostalgia, cultural diversity and the boundless potential of 3D printing, offering a truly captivating experience.
As he aptly said: “Art has the power to connect us all, transcending boundaries and celebrating our shared humanity.”
KSrelief delivers prosthetic services, food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) ongoing philanthropic work in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan continues with the provision of prosthetic services and food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan.
In Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in the Seiyun district provided various medical and prosthetic services in December last year to 523 Yemenis who lost limbs, with support KSrelief. Services included the fitting and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, physical therapy and specialized consultations.
In Lebanon’s Akkar governorate and Miniyeh District, the aid agency’ fourth phase of the Al-Amal Charity Bakery Project last week distributed 175,000 bags of bread to Syrian and Palestinian refugees as well as the communities hosting them.
The distribution benefited 12,500 families, equivalent to 62,500 individuals.
In Pakistan’s Dadu and Sanghar areas of Sindh province and the Torghar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, KSrelief recently handed out 1,500 food boxes to families in areas affected by floods. The latest activity is part of the aid agency’s 2025 Food Security Support Project for the south Asian nation.
KSrelief provides food, relief supplies in Syrian provinces
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided vital food assistance and relief aid in several Syrian provinces as part of its ongoing relief project in the country, state news agency SPA reported.
In Homs Governorate, KSrelief on Thursday distributed 14 food parcels, each containing a 10-kilogram bag of flour, along with 14 winter bags and 14 personal care kits in Talbiseh city.
This initiative benefited 1,982 individuals from 382 families as part of the relief materials distribution project there.
The agency also distributed bags of flour, winter kits, and personal care kits on Saturday to 15 families in the city of Al-Rastan in Homs, benefiting 61 individuals.
In As-Suwayda, KSrelief distributed bags of flour, winter kits, and personal care kits on Thursday to 258 families, benefiting 984 individuals.
This aid is part of a larger food distribution project coordinated with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Christina Aguilera, Michael Buble perform at Riyadh’s Joy Awards
- Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements
- Winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority
RIYADH: The annual Joy Awards honored Arab talent with musical performances that serenaded a star-studded guest list at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.
The award show opened with a concert by Christina Aguilera, who performed “The Voice Within” and her hit song “Genie in a Bottle.”
Musical icons Mohammed Abdo and Andrea Bocelli performed together, blending Gulf and Italian sounds.
Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic.
Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey were among the international and local celebrities who showcased their dazzling ensembles on the ceremony’s iconic lavender carpet on Saturday.
As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia.
“I picked it because I wanted to represent Saudi Arabian designers and fashion, especially here in Riyadh, which is such an upcoming hot spot for Saudi Arabian fashion,” she said.
Lebanese actress Nawal Kamel arrived in a black and silver studded gown designed by her go-to Lebanese fashion designer, Joelle Nemnum.
“I can’t believe I’m here. I’m very excited to meet the (Saudi) people up close. I know many people from Lebanon but being here and seeing the locals, who are so different and incredible, is amazing. They (Saudis) are so kind and welcoming — they truly lift you up and take care of you. I’m so grateful to be here and to witness the Joy Awards,” she said.
Held at the Kingdom Arena, the Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event recognizing and honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements. The event is part of Riyadh Season and is co-organized by MBC Group.
The winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority. The list included candidates across various categories. The nominees were carefully chosen by specialized committees based on their efforts and achievements over the past year.
Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage
- Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry
RIYADH: The Fashion Commission and luxury group Kering have launched the selection process for the winners of the Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia.
The initiative aims to support innovative startups making a significant impact on the fashion industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The application process began in November 2024, inviting startups to submit applications and promote sustainability. More than 100 startups applied, with 20 selected to participate in a three-day training camp in Riyadh.
The program featured workshops focused on key performance indicators, goal setting and pitching skills, SPA reported.
On Jan. 14, the shortlist of 20 startups gathered in Riyadh for the final presentation, where each applicant was evaluated on customer engagement, circular economy and water protection.
Following the presentations, the evaluation process began to select the top 10 proposals, which will be assessed by the jury based on innovation, relevance, fashion connection, and potential impact on nature and society.
The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 27 in Riyadh, where the top three winning startups will be announced.
Winners will have the opportunity to travel to Paris for exclusive mentoring with Kering’s sustainability teams and present their innovations at the ChangeNOW 2025 summit.
Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry.
He added that the award aimed to showcase and support startups driving innovation in circular fashion and environmental stewardship.
Cakmak emphasized the commission’s commitment to advancing solutions that address current challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future in fashion.
