AL-ULA: Though it has been 44 years since Umm Kulthum, the iconic Egyptian singer and actress, passed away at her home in Cairo, she was brought back to life on Friday in stunning fashion, performing in virtual reality to a full house at the Winter in Tantora festival in Al-Ula. 
Appearing as a hologram, accompanied by an orchestra and bedecked in flowing, full-length gowns as she had when debuting in the 1920s, Kulthum gave fans the first chance to see her in concert since her death in 1975.
“I was born in the 1970s after Umm Kulthum died,” said Egyptian Nabila Yaseen, who had traveled from Jeddah to attend.
“I grew up listening to her on the radio, and I used to watch her in black and white on TV with my parents.
“To listen to her as if she were really in front of us is something I wish my mother could have seen. It brought back many memories from my childhood, and would have probably brought back many fond memories for my parents from their younger days, too.”
Dana Daham, a Saudi banker, saw Umm Kulthum’s concert with a group of friends. “We heard about what was going on in Tantora and decided to try it out. We went on the website, found tickets, took the train from Jeddah to Madinah and then we drove to Al-Ula. It’s been great, I highly recommend trying it!”
As part of their trip to Tantora, Daham and her friends also visited a nearby archaeological site, featuring Nabataean ruins dating back to the 1st century AD.
“This is one of the few classical period sites with a lot of Nabataean, Roman and Greek influences,” said Zbigniew Fiema, a senior archaeologist with the Saudi-French Archaeological Mission.
“It is of particular importance, because you can really see the influences, and the interactions between the East and West.”
The Nabataeans were an Arab people living in antiquity around Petra, but whose settlements extended down to Hejaz.
“This site existed here between the 1st century BC and the 4th century AD,” Fiema added. “It is relatively unknown to the public, but the archaeological importance of it is tremendous.”
Winter in Tantora will continue until Feb. 2, with performances by Andrea Bocelli next weekend, and new-age musician Yanni the weekend after. Tickets offering various packages can be purchased at www.winterattantora.com.
Umm Kulthum returns virtually for Tantora show in Al-Ula
Umm Kulthum returns virtually for Tantora show in Al-Ula
- Appearing as a hologram, late Egyptian singer enthralled music buffs 44 years after her death
Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and cooperation between the two countries in the military and defense fields, SPA added.
They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.
Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA's ongoing support for Palestinians
- The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Phillipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, in Riyadh on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian people, according to a post by the Foreign Ministry on X.
The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA.
Separately, Elkhereiji met with the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Neil Crompton, and they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, as well as prominent developments in the regional and international arenas.
RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system
- US-led THAAD program involved operational exercises, combat simulations
- Training part of Kingdom’s strategy to enhance armed forces’ capabilities
RIYADH: A second company from the Royal Saudi Air Force graduated this week after completing their training in an American anti-ballistic missile defense system.
The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, was attended by Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute commander and other representatives from the two countries.
The US-led program involved technical and operational exercises, combat simulations and advanced field training supervised by representatives of the manufacturers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and military experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Another company of RSAF graduates completed the program last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of its forces through professional training.
The THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced and precise methods to tackle ballistic missile threats and has been adopted by the Kingdom as part of its air defense strategy.
Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands
- Deal will help island nation reduce its reliance on conventional energy
- Since 1974, SaudFund for Development has financed 800 projects worth more than $21bn
RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development on Tuesday signed a $10 million development loan agreement with the Solomon Islands to support a renewable energy project.
The deal was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and the Solomon Islands’ Finance and Treasury Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
The project aims to develop renewable energy infrastructure in the country by establishing solar power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts and energy storage systems.
This will reduce its reliance on conventional energy and support sustainable development goals for economic and environmental growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The loan is the fund’s first to the Solomon Islands and demonstrates its commitment to supporting developing countries and small island states in overcoming economic, social and environmental challenges.
Since its foundation in 1974, the fund has financed more than 800 projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries.
Through its global initiatives, the fund enhances livelihoods, expands access to services and empowers communities, fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities worldwide.
On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad and his delegation met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They discussed the fund’s 50-year development efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation.
Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis
- Environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources
- Center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the SGI, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.
This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.
