JEDDAH: Seventy male and female craftsmen from all over the Kingdom are taking part in the craft contest at the Souq Okaz in its 12th edition.
Dr. Faisal Al-Khamis, general supervisor of the National Program of Crafts and Handicrafts (Bari’) said the “Okaz prize for innovation and creativity in handcrafts” is worth SR300,000 ($80,000) and includes eight categories.
The contest aims to encourage men and women artisans to introduce their works and take them to new horizons, renewing the innovation in the field that Saudi Arabia is proud of.
Al-Khamis indicated that the arbitration criteria this year reflect the artisans’ distinction.
Eight associations and centers are participating in the Bari’ show for artisans.
The criteria this year focuses on four elements: Authenticity, innovation, distinction and the product’s economy and advertising. The arbitration committee is formed of five of the best local and international judges in different fields. The contest is divided into eight categories: Manufacturing of palm products, sadu (spinning and weaving of goat and sheep wool), manual carpeting, crochet and embroidery, manufacturing and carving of wood products, drawing or carving or hand-decorating any natural material, manufacturing of innovative handcrafts and heritage traditional works.
70 artisans feature handicrafts at Saudi Arabia’s Souq Okaz fest
70 artisans feature handicrafts at Saudi Arabia’s Souq Okaz fest
- The contest aims to encourage men and women artisans to introduce their works and take them to new horizons
- The criteria this year focuses on four elements: Authenticity, innovation, distinction and the product’s economy and advertising
GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi received Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, Oman’s newly appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Albudaiwi congratulated Al-Busaidi on his appointment and wished him success in his duties.
The parties discussed various topics and explored ways to enhance bilateral efforts toward “greater integration, solidarity, and interconnectedness.”
They also looked at the latest developments in regional and international arenas.
Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis
- The new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments
RIYADH: The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has implemented an advanced interventional technique to diagnose breast tumors that conventional imaging cannot detect.
It enables physicians to obtain precise biopsy samples during the same visit, accelerating diagnosis and allowing earlier treatment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The shift addresses recent cases where certain breast abnormalities were only visible through contrast-enhanced imaging, leading the hospital to adopt contrast-enhanced mammography as a precise clinical tool.
Previously, the standard protocol required a separate MRI-guided biopsy after initial imaging, often resulting in redundant procedures, greater patient burden, higher costs and treatment delays.
In contrast, the new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments.
Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday.
During the call, they reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a letter on Tuesday from the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus.
The Bangladeshi ambassador to the Kingdom, Delwar Hossain, presented the letter, which addressed relations between Riyadh and Dhaka, to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.
During their meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, the envoy and the deputy minister discussed ways to strengthen ties between their countries in various sectors.
Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo
- Exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality
- Visitors received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah
RIYADH: The sixth Jusoor exhibition, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs at Skanderbeg Square in Pristina, Kosovo, is attracting a large number of visitors daily.
The exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality.
The technology pavilion at the 10-day event has attracted significant interest for its modern digital innovations highlighting the Kingdom’s technical progress, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
It includes several ministry-developed applications, notably the Correct Citation app, which features a smart keyboard that accurately integrates Qur’anic verses and Prophetic hadiths, and allows them to be shared as text or images.
The 3D Hajj and Umrah app offers a virtual experience simulating pilgrimage rituals in multiple languages, while the Rushd app provides a comprehensive digital library with books and Islamic content in 51 languages.
Attendees praised the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and promoting moderation, the SPA reported.
Visitors also received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, and its role in serving pilgrims.
Additionally, VR technology allows visitors to explore rare photos of Makkah and historic mosques, offering an engaging interactive experience of the Kingdom’s history and holy sites.
The ministry recently concluded the fifth Jusoor exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, which welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors from diverse backgrounds.
The 10-day exhibition at Istiqlal Mosque was one of the largest cultural and advocacy events organized by the ministry outside the Kingdom.
Saudi officials also distributed more than 150,000 copies of Qur’an, printed and translated into Indonesian by the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.
Indonesian visitors praised the exhibition for its blend of spiritual and cultural themes, strong organization, and diverse, informative content.
