JEDDAH: An eye for beauty and a passion for photography has made Ashraf Faden one of the most talented Saudis based in Washington, DC.
He has covered events for UNICEF USA and had his photographs published on the website of the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission to the US, the NBC and ABC networks’ social media. Faden’s most recent photos were also published in Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper and on the Saudi Misk Art Institute website.
Faden enjoys shooting landscapes, street photography, nature, portraits and headshots. He says that he simply loves capturing memorable moments and cannot let go of his camera.
“I bought my first camera in 2004 and I have been carrying it almost everywhere with me,” Faden told Arab News.
He said the landscape in Virginia lends itself to many different photographic possibilities: Urban living and cityscapes, areas of historical interest or natural beauty.
Also living close to the District of Columbia, he enjoys the four seasons in all their glory. “There is something for every photographer and a bit more in Virginia,” he said.
He is happy about the rising number of talented Saudi photographers portraying the Kingdom through their work. “Photography is allowing the world to see our rich history and our breathtaking modern-day beauty,” Faden said.
“Because of social media, a challenge that Saudis faced in the past has been solved. The barrier created by distance is no longer applicable. People can post one picture in one particular part of the world and in seconds it can reach the entire globe.”
To him, getting support has been key to nurturing Saudi talent at home and abroad. “What is amazing is the effort of the Saudi government in trying to reach out to the world,” Faden said.
Despite enjoying Virginia, Faden has not forgotten the power of the Saudi landscape. “The surreal beauty of the unique architecture and culture in Saudi Arabia catches the eyes of millions of people around the world. The symmetry and richness of Arabesque patterns used to decorate walls, the sight of millions of people praying in one place, such as in the two holy mosques, usually has people staring in awe as they comprehend the details in such imagery,” he said.
Faden’s exposure to audiences in the US and beyond has been increased by exhibitions in US cities, which have been made possible by the Misk Art Institute in conjunction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the US, including one show at the Kennedy Center on March 21.
“It was a thrilling educational experience for those who attended as they learned about Saudi Arabia through art pieces,” Faden said.
Saudi photographer Ashraf Faden to exhibit in American cities during crown prince’s tour
Saudi photographer Ashraf Faden to exhibit in American cities during crown prince’s tour
UAE, Syria foreign ministers arrive in Riyadh
- Welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Saudi Deputy FM Waleed Al-Khuraiji
RIYADH: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE deputy prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Riyadh on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He was welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.
Sheikh Abdullah is in the Kingdom to attend an expanded ministerial meeting on Syria to be hosted by Saudi Arabia on Sunday, SPA added.
New Syrian foreign minister Asaad Al-Shaibani also arrived in Riyadh on Saturday evening to participate in the ministerial meeting.
He was also welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Al-Khuraiji.
Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Chad’s presidential palace
- The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, involved gunmen attempting to storm the palace
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Saturday strongly condemned the recent attack on the presidential palace in N’Djamena, Chad, which left 19 people dead, including a soldier guarding the complex, and injured others.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Chad’s security and stability, while rejecting any actions that threaten the country’s peace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In its statement, the Ministry extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and to the government and people of Chad. The Kingdom also wished a swift recovery for those injured in the assault.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, involved gunmen reportedly linked to Boko Haram attempting to storm the presidential palace, prompting a fierce battle.
The Chadian government confirmed that 18 attackers from a 24-member commando unit were killed in the fighting, alongside one security personnel. Tanks were deployed to secure the area.
GCC secretary general receives New Zealand’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia
- Al-Budaiwi congratulated Kingston on his appointment as New Zealand’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, wishing him success in his duties
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi recently received New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Charles Kingston at the General Secretariat’s headquarters in Riyadh.
Al-Budaiwi congratulated Kingston on his appointment as New Zealand’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, wishing him success in his duties, the General Secretariat wrote in a report.
During the meeting, they also discussed a number of topics of mutual interest, notably the progress of negotiations for the free trade agreement between the GCC countries and updates on the joint action plan between the two sides. They also exchanged views on several regional and international issues.
Saudi authority issues health warning on food import
RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority issued a warning about Country Butcher Boy beef pepperoni, manufactured in the UAE.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the 250-gram packages with an expiration date of March 1, 2025, are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium posing serious health risks, confirmed by lab tests.
The authority advised the public to avoid consuming the product and dispose of any units they may have.
Steps have been taken to remove the contaminated product from the market, and regulatory action is being pursued against the importing company, the SPA reported.
Violations of food laws can result in severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to SR10 million ($2.6 million), or both.
The authority reiterated its commitment to food safety and will continue taking action against violators. Consumers can report food safety concerns to the authority’s call center at 19999.
Thai Embassy joins Riyadh greening initiative
RIYADH: The Royal Thai Embassy recently took part in a volunteer initiative at Aba Samri National Park in the Murat governorate of Riyadh region, in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
Part of the National Greening Season, the activity aims to enhance vegetation, curb land degradation, and plant native and adaptive species, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The embassy’s involvement promotes vegetation restoration and aligns with the center’s call for broader environmental engagement from all sectors. The scheme improves air quality, reduces dust storms and restores ecosystems, the SPA added.
The National Greening Season, a core element of the broader program, fosters public-private partnerships, volunteerism, and awareness about afforestation and combating desertification.
The center leads efforts to protect and restore vegetation sites across Saudi Arabia, addressing challenges such as wildfires, illegal logging and unregulated grazing to safeguard natural ecosystems.
