JEDDAH: Saudi photographer Najla Al-Khalifa is known for her striking landscape images, but the award-winning artist’s latest collection was inspired by a subject much closer to home — her mother.
Al-Khalifa showcased a series of images based on her family at the Sikka Art Fair in Dubai’s historic Al-Fahidi district.
The 10-day fair offered artists from the UAE and Gulf region the chance to exhibit works in the district’s heritage homes.
The internationally recognized Al-Khalifa said her mother had been a major influence on her photography career and was the inspiration for her latest collection.
“I was once out with my mother in the car and I noticed her hands. She always holds her hands in a specific way. I took a photograph of her without her realizing, and from then I got the inspiration to take pictures of my parents and family.
“Every person’s hand is unique, and along with different personalities, people have specific gestures that set them apart. I find that fascinating,” Al-Khalifa said.
The photographer’s mother helps guide her and is happy to offer opinions on her work. “The ‘heart hand’ picture is her favorite,” Al-Khalifa said.
“Perhaps she considered this particular photograph as a reflection of her, that she is a thriving heart for all her family. She asked for a united picture where we are all together. When we are united we are stronger.”
Al-Khalifa said she was surprised by visitors’ responses to her work.
“Many people at the exhibition related to the family aspect because everyone has a mother, either alive or dead. I would stand outside the room and see people’s astonishment.”
Some images in the collection featured transcriptions of Islamic verses.
“Every religion instructs people to take care of their loved ones. Our religion asks us to be close to our families, and be kind and gracious to them.”
Speaking on her nature collection, which highlights Saudi Arabia’s vast landscapes, Al-Khalifa said: “Many people think that Saudi Arabia is all desert, but I try to show the greenery we have and the mountains. When people see the different kinds of nature we have, they are astonished.
“It’s a joy to produce images that reflect our country. I try to show things that others don’t know about.”
The photographer also examines aspects of Saudi culture in her work.
“When I was young, we used to travel a lot. People who were told my nationality would remark that we were wealthy from oil. But I wanted people to reflect on the beauty of my country and to underline its diversity and beautiful heritage.”
Al-Khalifa said photography will always be important to her: “It’s my voice and a way to express myself. Photos are my wings — they help me take flight.”
Al-Khalifa has won 38 international and regional awards, including the International Photography Awards (New York), London’s Sony and the European Arab Photography Festival (Hamburg). In August 2015, she was the first Saudi woman to win the French Prix de la Photographie competition.
‘The heart of my family’: Saudi artist focuses on mother’s love
‘The heart of my family’: Saudi artist focuses on mother’s love
Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo
- Hosted with support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture
- Concert culminated in collaboration between Saudi Orchestra and Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy
TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir gave a finale performance on Friday at the Tokyo Opera City Theater of its “Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra” concert, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Tokyo show marked the fifth leg of the Saudi Orchestra’s global run, following critically acclaimed performances in Paris, Mexico City, New York City, and London.
Hosted with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Music Authority, the event showcased a blend of the Kingdom’s rich musical heritage and Japan’s renowned musical traditions, SPA added.
The concert featured 100 musicians and performers, and attracted an audience of officials, business leaders, media professionals, and music enthusiasts.
Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Authority, praised the global impact of the Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra performances in his address at the event.
He said the concerts had introduced Saudi musical heritage to the world and represented a step toward sharing the Kingdom’s diverse traditions on an international stage.
The evening featured a performance by the Japanese Imperial Orchestra, presenting ancient Japanese court music with a history spanning over 1,300 years.
The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir also performed an anime medley infused with Saudi musical motifs, followed by a performance of the theme of AlUla, composed by celebrated artist Omar Khairat.
The concert culminated in a collaboration between the Saudi Orchestra and the Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy, alongside Japanese artist Hotai.
The Saudi Music Authority said it has plans to continue the tour in new destinations in the coming years.
Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia
- Document aims to enhance designers’ rights, unify design registration procedures
RIYADH: Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization officially adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The treaty, which aims to enhance designers’ rights and unify design registration procedures, was finalized at the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, which finished on Friday.
By establishing a robust legal framework, the Riyadh treaty is set to bolster innovation and creativity across multiple industries worldwide, the SPA added.
Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem, the CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, spoke of the significance of the treaty’s adoption.
He said: “The name Riyadh treaty reflects Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a bridge between cultures and a hub for supporting global initiatives.
“Adopting this treaty is a historic achievement highlighting Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and contribution to the international intellectual property framework. It opens new avenues for collaboration among member states.
“This treaty will lay the foundation for vital legal frameworks that benefit designers and bolster innovation and creativity worldwide.”
The event, which was hosted by the SAIP, gathered high-level representatives and decision-makers from the WIPO’s 193 member states.
Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh
- About 100 local, international bodies participating
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s environment minister has opened an exhibition in Riyadh which showcases a range of date products and their history.
Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, officially opened the International Dates Conference and Exhibition 2024, organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates. It runs until Nov. 28 with about 100 local and international entities participating.
It is a “global platform to showcase Saudi dates, drive innovation in their processing industries, and enhance their global export potential,” according to organizers.
The exhibition aims to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi products, contributing to the development of the palm and dates sector as a key pillar in driving economic growth.
Visitors can taste date varieties from the different regions of the Kingdom, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Qassim, AlUla, and Al-Jouf.
The exhibition also includes a variety of entertainment activities such as folklore shows, regional poetry, and cooking competitions.
On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, a carbonated sugar-sweetened date drink was launched by Al-Madinah Heritage Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.
The exhibition also features a museum which takes visitors on a journey through time to explore the history of palm trees and dates over 1,000 years.
The museum showcases manuscripts and agricultural tools that highlight the significance of dates in daily life and literary culture.
It also houses archaeological collections showing the different uses of palm trees through the ages, including as tools.
In addition, there is a live cooking area that brings together local and international chefs to present a range of date-based dishes.
Al-Fadli, along with several officials and foreign delegations, toured the exhibition’s pavilions and explored a range of date-based products, such as juices, baked goods, and date chocolate.
Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition
- Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals
RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.
Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”
The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.
The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.
“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.
The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.
Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”
Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.
“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”
The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.
Jeddah chamber concludes Global Entrepreneurship Week forum
- Participants were given the opportunity to establish partnerships and agree contracts with local and international companies
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday concluded the Global Entrepreneurship Week forum.
The two-day event held at the chamber’s headquarters featured the participation of strategic partners such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Monshaat, the Social Development Bank, the Entrepreneurship National Committee, and other private entities.
The forum emerged from the chamber’s keenness to participate in supporting and motivating more individuals to enter the world of entrepreneurship and to spread the innovation culture among local community members.
Participants established their pavilions where they displayed the latest technologies and sustainable solutions reflecting the development of the entrepreneurial sector, one of the most prominent development pillars in the Kingdom.
At the end of the forum, participants were given the opportunity to establish partnerships and agree contracts with local and international companies, the aim being to promote economic growth throughout the Kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
