JEDDAH: Break Station, an exclusive event held during Ramadan from Friday till Monday at the Saudi Railway Company Station, boasted a number of activities including sahoor, magic shows, games and challenges, art exhibitions, educational games for children, baloot and FIFA challenges in an exceptional Ramadan atmosphere.
Break Station gathered many celebrities such as the artist Yousif Al-Jarrah, Basheer Ghunaim, and Muhammed Al-Shehri.
A young participant, Shahad Al-Otaibi, an English literature student who is also an artist, told Arab News about her art piece: “My partner and I were asked to create a wall painting that symbolizes the Kingdom by drawing King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Abdul Aziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia.”
Al-Otaibi and her partner worked on the wall art project from day one of the event.
“We usually sell some of our art pieces, yet other pieces we present as gifts,” she said.
“Our business is working very well. We have been participating in a lot of events such as ‘Lahona Bassma’ and ‘once,’ which were exhibitions held during Ramadan and a lot of people are buying our art pieces. We are also expecting to participate in the art and culture event that will happen during Eid.”
Saud Al-Subaie, CEO of Bawader, which is responsible for organizing Break Station, told Arab News: “The goal is to increase the community’s knowledge about the achievements of the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) through Break Station event. SAR is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and today the railway covers the track extending from Riyadh to Al-Majma’ah, Al-Qassim, Hail, Al-Qurayyat and Al-Jawf, covering the northern region of the Kingdom.”
Al Subaie added: “The railway between Al-Harmain is fully completed and opened recently, and the company is expecting to open its railways for all regions and cities in the near future.”
SAR was founded in 2006 by the Public Investments Fund with the aim of implementing a railway project that links the northern region with both the eastern and central regions of the Kingdom. SAR is applying state-of-the-art global standards of performance, entertainment, safety and high-tech implementation.
SAR will play an important role in supporting the idea of Saudization. Until now, 70 percent of its staff are Saudis. The company is also supporting the progress of diversifying sources of income. In addition, it is nationalizing the tasks of operation and management of this sector in terms of investments in supporting industries that would create new and promising opportunities for the young generations. SAR also wants to achieve the principle of sustainability for the future of this sector at large.
The company is offering discounts for all students, and the Saudi soldiers in the southern border areas. Accommodation is also provided for people with special needs.
Saudi Railway Company Station was the place to take a break
Saudi Railway Company Station was the place to take a break
- SAR was founded in 2006 by the Public Investments Fund with the aim of implementing a railway project
- Saudi Railway Company will play an important role in supporting the idea of Saudization.
Related
Saudi minister emphasizes Islamic unity at Khair Ummah conference in Bangkok
- Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh calls on scholars, preachers to ‘reinforce core principles of Islamic faith’
- Kingdom committed to fostering a culture of coexistence, cooperation among Muslims, forum told
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh inaugurated the third Khair Ummah conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Bangkok on Saturday.
The event was attended by Thai National Assembly President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, along with several ministers, muftis, and leaders of Islamic universities, centers, and associations.
Al-Asheikh emphasized that the conference aimed to strengthen Islamic unity and adherence to the truth, promoting solidarity that upholds Islamic identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He said that scholars bear a significant responsibility in light of global challenges and the intellectual, political, social, and security changes facing the world.
“This situation calls for a real response from scholars and researchers to clarify the right religious stance against sedition and to reinforce the core principles of the Islamic faith,” Al-Asheikh said.
He added that the responsibility of scholars and preachers is growing due to global calls for intellectual and ideological deviation, requiring careful reflection to realign efforts, uphold Shariah, safeguard the Prophet’s Sunnah, promote Islamic values, and combat extremism.
Al-Asheikh reaffirmed that under its leadership, the Kingdom has diligently fulfilled its responsibility toward the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites.
“Saudi Arabia is committed to serving pilgrims, visitors, and Umrah performers by implementing substantial projects that enhance their experience and facilitate their rituals. The Kingdom is also dedicated to printing and distributing the Holy Qur’an in multiple languages worldwide,” he said.
Several participants delivered speeches thanking Saudi Arabia for its service to Islam and Muslims, emphasizing the importance of promoting tolerance, combating violence and extremism, and fostering cooperation among Muslims.
Meanwhile, the Central Islamic Council of Thailand awarded Al-Asheikh the First-Class Medal for Influential Global Islamic Personality of 2024. The medal was presented by Bangkok Islamic Affairs Committee President Arun Boonchom.
The award recognized Al-Asheikh’s distinguished contributions to serving Islam, promoting moderation and tolerance, and combating hate speech and extremism, SPA reported.
Al-Asheikh expressed his gratitude to the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand for his efforts in spreading noble Islamic values and fostering a culture of coexistence.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni begins official visit to Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began an official visit to Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Meloni arrived in Jeddah where she was met at the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz among other officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Her visit comes after Saudi Arabia and Italy signed an agreement earlier this month to boost energy cooperation.
The deal includes a possible supply to Europe of green hydrogen made in the Kingdom.
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with Italy’s Minister of Energy and Environment Gilberto Pichetto Fratinon on Jan. 14 to sign the memorandum of understanding.
Saudi and French artists strengthen cultural ties through art
JEDDAH: The Consulate General of France in Jeddah recently hosted a reception at the French Residence to celebrate friendship and cultural collaboration between Saudi and French artists.
The event coincided with the opening week of the second Islamic Arts Biennale. Esteemed guests included Jack Lang, president of the Institut du Monde Arabe (The Arab World Institute) and former French minister of culture, along with artists and key partners involved in the biennale.
The consul general of France in Jeddah, Mohammed Nehad, spoke to Arab News about the importance of the biennale as a cornerstone of cultural collaboration: “The Biennale of Islamic Art is a pivotal moment for France. We are deeply committed to building bridges between Saudi and French artists. This event allows us to bring these creative minds together, fostering a unique dialogue.
“With the participation of Mr. Lang, a cultural visionary, and renowned institutions like the Louvre and Centre Pompidou present, this gathering underscores our dedication to expanding cooperation.”
He also highlighted initiatives, including plans to organize a major exhibition in Paris dedicated to Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district.
“It’s our dream to showcase the rich heritage of Al-Balad in Paris,” he said. “We’ve already hosted Saudi artists in France, with some present during this biennale, and facilitated French artists’ residencies in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Asir region. This cultural exchange enriches both nations and strengthens the bond between us.”
Speaking further on the cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia, Nehad added: “I am inspired by the energy and creativity of Saudi artists, and encouraged by the progress made. Having served in Saudi Arabia during different terms, I’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation, with institutions and artists now more connected globally. It’s an honor to support and be part of this incredible cultural renaissance.”
Lang, a frequent visitor to Saudi Arabia and an advocate for cultural exchange, shared his admiration for the biennale and the Kingdom’s transformation. “This biennale is extraordinary, showcasing unparalleled creativity and architectural brilliance,” he told Arab News. “Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution, which is nothing short of revolutionary. The country has become a global hub for museums, theaters, cinema and visual arts. It’s unique and remarkable.”
Reflecting on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and France, he added: “Our collaboration is rich and longstanding. At the Institut du Monde Arabe, we hosted a landmark exhibition on AlUla, which ran for a year.”
Lang, who has also served on the Advisory Council of the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “This growing partnership reflects the shared vision and passion of both nations.”
Raphael Justine, counselor for cooperation and cultural action at the French Embassy, expressed his enthusiasm for the biennale’s role in enhancing cultural partnerships.
“This is an exciting time for French-Saudi relations in the arts. The biennale provides a platform for artists from both nations to collaborate and create meaningful works,” he told Arab News. “During President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit, we signed over 10 cultural agreements, further solidifying our dedication to fostering collaboration.”
He highlighted the importance of artistic collaboration: “One of our main objectives is to bring French and Saudi artists together, enabling them to co-create and shape the cultural production of the Kingdom in the years to come.
“With so many museums being built, exhibitions being planned and cultural initiatives taking shape across the Kingdom, not just in AlUla, Riyadh and Jeddah, but throughout Saudi Arabia, there is tremendous potential for joint creative endeavors. I am confident that artists from both nations will deliver exceptional work that resonates globally.”
Laure Confavreux-Colliex, founding partner and managing director of Manifesto Middle East, lauded the biennale’s thoughtful execution and its impact on cultural exchange. “The choice of the Hajj Terminal as the venue is profound and symbolic,” she said. “The entire project is thoughtfully curated, and the biennale is a transformative moment for Saudi Arabia. I attended the first edition and was amazed by the quality and depth of the event.
“This year’s biennale has created invaluable opportunities for artists like Abdelkader Benchamma, a French artist whose stunning work at the biennale was the result of multiple visits and on-site collaboration. These exchanges foster deeper connections and understanding, unlocking creative potential across borders.”
Manifesto has worked to support artists and public art projects for more than a decade. Its branch in Riyadh has collaborated with Saudi cultural institutions to facilitate artist residencies and exhibitions. For instance, Bashaer Hawsawi and Reem Al-Nasser, who exhibited at the Hafez Gallery, spent three months at POUSH, a dynamic artistic hub in Paris hosting more than 300 artists as part of the intermix program developed by the Visual Arts Commission.
“There, they became part of a vibrant ecosystem, which has now culminated in their exhibition in Jeddah,” Confavreux-Colliex said. “This kind of long-term dialogue and immersive experience is essential to building a strong cultural ecosystem.
“We’ve hosted around 15 Saudi artists in Paris through residency programs and welcomed French artists to AlUla and Riyadh. These sustained exchanges not only enrich individual artists’ journeys, but also strengthen the cultural fabric between our nations,” she added.
Diriyah Storytelling Festival to celebrate literature, creativity
RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival, a vibrant event for literature lovers, will begin on Jan. 30.
The event will take place across three key locations in Diriyah: Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel and Al-Dhawihra Farm, offering distinctive experiences.
Running until Feb. 8, the festival will host more than 150 speakers, experts and performers in the field of literature.
More than 50 publishing houses and specialized libraries will also participate.
The festival provides opportunities to interact with experts and explore the art of storytelling through exhibitions, storytelling nights and discussion sessions.
Workshops will cover topics such as writing, storytelling, music production, screen design, book cover creation and adapting novels into animated series, films or dramas.
Visitors can also enjoy a book fair, reading spaces, book signings, storytelling performances and activities such as role-playing, script adaptations, live cooking and tastings of dishes inspired by famous novels and films.
The festival will feature a “Little Storyteller” area designed to nurture children’s skills through engaging workshops and theatrical performances.
These activities will focus on storytelling techniques, story creation and illustration, as well as puppet-making and manipulation.
The festival will also host its inaugural writers’ retreat, an eight-day program bringing together a curated group of established and emerging Saudi novelists in Diriyah.
Participants will take part in intensive courses led by international experts, aimed at nurturing Saudi storytelling talent and empowering them to share their stories with a global audience.
The festival is part of Diriyah Season’s diverse lineup of events, held under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity.”
Kingdom arrests 22,555 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 22,555 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 14,260 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,954 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,341 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,700 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 56 percent were Ethiopian, 42 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 81 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 24 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
