JEDDAH/RIYADH: The intensive preparations for the 12th edition of Souq Okaz are almost over and the finishing touches are being put to the event, which takes place in Taif from June 27 to July 13 under the patronage of King Salman.
The site has been a hive of activity as workers build and prepare the Souq’s attractions, including a theater, Souq Okaz Avenue, Culture Avenue, venues for shows and events, and areas for support services.
The souq is organized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) in cooperation with a number of governmental bodies in Taif, including the municipality, secretariat, the transport, health and civil defense ministries, and many others dealing with the Souq’s services and infrastructure.
There are more than 30 facilities equipped to host the shows and events, in addition to the Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Theater, the open stadium for popular art, auctions and souvenir shops. The souq will also feature shops for craftsmen, restaurants, a media center and a mini horse-racing track. The organizing committee has decorated the site with flags and a lighting in keeping with its nature.
Okaz Avenue for Culture, organized by SCTH, is one of the souq’s most important features, which this year will host more than 150 attractions, including heritage and cultural events, theater performances, and arts and crafts.
New events this year include presentations of stories from the life of poets such as Amr bin Kalthoum, Antra bin Shaddad, Zuhair bin Abi Salma, Emreo Al-Qais, Tarafa bin Al-Abd, Al-Asha and Qais Saeda, along with many other shows.
There will also be Arabian camel and horse convoys, an equestrian school for children, camel races, interactive children’s events, poetry and historical photography displays, craftsmen, cultural tents and much more.
Bari to promote local art and craft
The National Handicraft Development Program “Bari,” a flagship program of the SCTH to promote handicrafts in the Kingdom by supporting local artisans, will organize a crafts competition during the festival.
“The Saudi Crafts Program will participate in the activities of the 12th Souq Okaz with a number of male and female craftsmen,” Majed Alshadeed, a spokesman at the SCTH, told Arab News.
The program will oversee the crafts competition with the participation of 24 craftsmen competing for prizes of up to SR300,000 ($80,000), he said.
He said that the Saudi Crafts Program will be involved in the activities of the Souq Okaz market, with 116 tents and 70 craftsmen from throughout the Kingdom, in fields including weaving, handmade carpets, crochet, embroidery, traditional costumes, manufacture, carving and carpentering of wooden products, as well as handmade palm products, painting, sculpture or manual decoration on any natural material — and other craft products of an innovative nature.
The tent will feature the participation of National Handicraft Development Program partners including Herfah Organization, Princess Noura Social Center, Fatat — Al-Ihsa Charity Association, Art of Heritage Company, Sleysla Center, Herafia Society, Agaa Training Society, the Taiba Association, the Atta Al Khair Center, and the Creativity Handicrafts Centers — as well as the contribution of 15 male and female craftsmen, master craftsmen and a tent for a fashion show.
The National Handicrafts Program recently signed an agreement with Prince Charles of Britain’s Turquoise Mountain Foundation to expand handicraft production as well as improve artisans’ ability to manage local products.
Bari is working on the design of a feasibility study for a Saudi Academy for Crafts that will integrate Saudi heritage designs with technical training.
The main objectives of the program are to build a skilled professional group that can produce products at local and global economic level, expand product diversity and quality as well as economic and tourism diversification of a sustainable economic industry, in addition to the expansion of operating craft creativity centers in the Kingdom.
Preparations for Souq Okaz almost finished as opening day approaches
Preparations for Souq Okaz almost finished as opening day approaches
Border guards thwart drug smuggling attempts
RIYADH: Saudi border guards have foiled several attempts to smuggle illegal drugs into the country, state news agency SPA reported.
Border personnel seized 1.3 tonnes of hashish, 1,388,622 narcotic pills and 136 tonnes of qat in separate operations in Jazan, Aseer and Najran and also arrested 959 Ethiopians, 849 Yemenis, three Somalis and Eritreans and 12 nationals suspected of involvement in the smuggling attempt.
Security authorities urge the public to report any information related to drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, and 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
People may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email: [email protected]. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Young Saudi rug makers weave kaleidoscope of dreams
- Bassam Al-Khalifi, Saud Al-Rasheed master the art of tufting rugs
RIYADH: In the wake of the pandemic Bassam Al-Khalifi and Saud Al-Rasheed transformed their isolation into creativity, leading to the birth of Ghazlah Studio — a hub for unique, hand-tufted rugs.
The Saudi men’s story is not just about artistry but a testament to how challenging times can inspire innovation and passion.
Al-Khalifi’s journey began when he sought to decorate his room. Frustrated by the lack of appealing rugs in the market, he decided to create his own.
“I wanted something different, so I ordered the equipment and dedicated a year to learning how to tuft,” he told Arab News. What started as a personal project quickly evolved into a larger vision.
Initially, neither Al-Khalifi, an artist and designer, nor Al-Rasheed, an avid art collector, had any experience in weaving. They faced a steep learning curve but were undeterred.
“We took six months to learn how to conceive designs, source materials, and weave the rugs,” Al-Khalifi explained.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The journey of Ghazlah Studio began when Bassam Al-Khalifi, frustrated by the lack of appealing rugs in the market, decided to create his own.
• Their debut collection titled ‘Color as a Scene’ evokes a range of emotions, reflecting the complex sentiments many experienced during the pandemic.
They experimented with various techniques, ultimately settling on a “cut and loop” method using 100 percent acrylic yarn. This approach stands in contrast to traditional Arabian carpet-making methods which often utilize wool and time-honored designs.
Their learning process was filled with challenges, but their determination pushed them forward.
Al-Khalifi pored over tutorials, consulted with experts, and practiced tirelessly. Al-Rasheed, with his keen eye for aesthetics, contributed by curating color palettes and design concepts.
What started as a hobby soon blossomed into a commercial venture. With their rugs gaining traction, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed launched Ghazlah, featuring a debut collection titled “Color as a Scene.”
The collection evokes a range of emotions, reflecting the complex sentiments many experienced during the pandemic. “I wanted to splash all these emotions on the piece itself,” Al-Khalifi said. The vibrant tapestries of feelings capture the essence of joy, nostalgia, and hope.
The vibrance of their work makes a statement piece in any room. Each piece is unique, with some featuring Saudi themes that enhance their significance and appeal. The artists also draw inspiration from their heritage, incorporating traditional motifs and modern designs, creating a fusion that resonates with a broad audience.
In Ghazlah’s Riyadh workshop, the atmosphere is filled with creativity and energy. The walls are lined with neatly organized shelves filled with spools of yarn in every imaginable color. There are some of Al-Khalifi’s paintings and rugs still in progress, showcasing their journey.
Al-Rasheed gestured around the space, saying: “This place is full of rugs that we made but decided not to sell. Why? Because we love them. I’m trying to push Al-Khalifi to sell them, but he won’t.”
Ghazlah Studio has made a notable impact in Riyadh, showcasing creations in three galleries. Their work has garnered attention not just locally but also from international platforms, leading to collaborations with major brands such as Vogue and Sephora.
These partnerships have elevated their profile and allowed them to reach a wider audience with which they can share their artistry and craftsmanship.
The duo’s success can also be attributed to their innovative marketing strategies. They leverage social media to share their creative process, engage with customers, and build a community around their brand.
By showcasing behind-the-scenes footage, they invite their audience into their world, allowing them to witness the transformation of raw materials into stunning art pieces.
As they continue to grow, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed are committed to exploring new design possibilities, as well as looking into creating home decor items. They plan to expand their collections, experimenting with different textures, materials, and techniques.
From a simple idea born during quarantine to a noteworthy business, Ghazlah Studio continues to make waves in the art scene, proving that even in isolation, inspiration can thrive.
As they weave their stories into every rug, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed invite us all to find beauty and meaning in our own creative pursuits.
Hail governor inaugurates Middle East’s largest salmon production center
- The 10,000-square-meter facility features the latest marine technology
HAIL: Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Hail, inaugurated the Excellence Center for Salmon Production on Saturday, the largest facility of its kind in the Middle East.
A collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and King Abdulaziz University, the center aims to produce 100,000 tons of salmon annually, bolstering Saudi Arabia’s food security and aquaculture sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The 10,000-square-meter facility features the latest marine technology, including recirculating aquaculture systems and aquaponics units, which integrate fish and vegetable production.
It is designed to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on salmon imports, currently at 23,000 tons per year.
Prince Abdulaziz hailed the project as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, promoting sustainable development and economic diversification, while attending officials highlighted its potential to enhance innovation, create jobs, and serve as a model for sustainable aquaculture in the region, SPA added.
Islamic minister highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting peace
- European guests praise Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, cultural outreach efforts
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs hosted a cultural event for the second group of Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, featuring various cultural and entertainment activities.
The group comprised 250 pilgrims from 14 European countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They expressed their gratitude to the leadership and the ministry for hosting them, allowing them to perform Umrah rituals and visit historic sites in Madinah and Makkah.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was committed to being a beacon of goodness and moderation.
HIGHLIGHT
The minister also highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to those in need around the world, in line with Islam’s core values of promoting compassion and support.
During a reception for the guests, he said the Kingdom would continue to serve Islam and Muslims, and promote tolerance, coexistence and understanding worldwide.
Al-Asheikh, who is also the general supervisor of the program, met the guests, conveyed the greetings of the Saudi leadership and along with members of the program’s working committees reviewed the services provided and received a briefing on their work.
Under its leadership, the Kingdom strove to offer top-tier services to the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques from around the world, he said.
The guests commended the Kingdom on its efforts to promote Islam’s message of tolerance and foster appreciation for its historical and spiritual legacy. They also praised the new projects and expansions at the holy mosques and sites, which align with Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Khamar Al-Baqari, head of imams in the Netherlands, expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia, its government and its people for their hospitality.
Sheikh Ali Al-Zughaibi, the program’s executive director, said that since its launch in 2014 it had provided the opportunity for 4,500 men and women from around the world to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque.
Al-Asheikh also highlighted the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian aid to those in need around the world, in line with Islam’s core values of promoting compassion and support.
Art, animals take center stage at Riyadh camel festival
- The combination of arts and animals makes the event an appealing option for visitors and supports the economic and cultural growth of the Kingdom
RIYADH: The works of a renowned local sculptor are among the creative highlights of this year’s King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, which celebrates not only ships of the desert but arts and crafts from around the Kingdom.
Abdulrahman Al-Zahem is best known for his depictions of camels and traditional tools. Each of his pieces serves as a symbol of the Kingdom’s heritage and connection to the land, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
FASTFACT
The combination of arts and animals makes the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival an appealing option for visitors and supports the economic and cultural growth of the Kingdom.
As well as creating his own works, Al-Zahem spends much of his time helping to nurture the next generation of artists, including his own daughter.
Besides providing a global hub for all things camel, the festival in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh, is an important platform for the arts, offering an opportunity for artists to showcase their work to a global audience.
The combination of arts and animals also makes the event an appealing option for visitors and supports the economic and cultural growth of the Kingdom.
The festival ends on Tuesday.
