DAHRAN: The story of Vincent Van Gogh has been brought to life in an interactive exhibition at the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), through mesmerizing images projected on the walls and the voice of Lebanese actor of Jihad Al-Atrash.
Al-Atrash, who is famous for his role in “Grendizer” in the Arabic cartoon channel Spacetoon, narrates the story in Arabic, while Van Gogh’s famous paintings, such as “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers,” fill the walls.
“It’s not only entertainment, it’s also cultural and educational,” said Khalil Itani, project manager of the exhibition, which is part of Sharqiah Season, a 17-day festival that’s taking place in the Eastern Province.
“There will be an English voiceover soon. The 30 minutes and 40 seconds describes the important timelines of Van Gogh, his struggles and achievements, his thoughts. He was an awakened and spiritual person, but he was very sad; no one understood him. Also, the voiceover explains each phase of his life and the most important paintings of his, and explains these paintings and their story, and the techniques and colors.”
Itani told Arab News that many artists have visited the exhibition. “It’s very inspiring too for artists to know how he lived — this is the added value of the Van Gogh exhibition in Ithra.”
Raghad Al-Blowi, a 20-year-old Saudi visitor, said that Van Gogh was one of her most cherished artists, and her favorite painting is “The Starry Night.” Commenting on the Arabic narration, she said: “It makes visitors really get into it in Arabic more. Locals can understand and learn about Van Gogh.”
Colombian visitor Audrey Rincon said that she also enjoyed the exhibit. “It is different from the usual exhibitions, because the paintings are displayed in an interactive and creative way. And he is my favorite painter. I love the colors he used in his paintings, and ‘Sunflowers’ is my favorite painting.”
Sharqiah Season is organized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority, General Sports Authority and General Culture Authority. The initiative is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program, which aims to improve the quality of life for Saudis by providing enriching cultural pursuits and shows.
The festival, which began on March 14 and runs until March 30, has seen more than 80 entertainment and sporting events take place across nine different cities.
Sharqiah Season features interactive Van Gogh show at Ithra
Sharqiah Season features interactive Van Gogh show at Ithra
- The initiative is lin line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program
Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul
- Was speaking during opening session of 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the opening session of the 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Istanbul on Saturday.
The foreign minister also condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a “blatant” violation of international law and an infringement on Iranian sovereignty and security.
The meeting, hosted by Turkiye, marked the start of its presidency of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Prince Faisal congratulated Turkiye on assuming the role and extended thanks to Cameroon for its efforts during its previous term.
In his address, Prince Faisal underscored the importance Saudi Arabia placed on the Palestinian issue, highlighting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza, alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis, and unify Arab and Islamic positions on the conflict.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Turning to the Israeli-Iranian conflict, he said: “These attacks threaten the security and stability of the region,” and called for an immediate halt to military operations, de-escalation, and a return to negotiations between Iran and the international community.
Prince Faisal also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s continued backing of efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen, expressing support for a comprehensive political solution and the restoration of peace, stability, and security in the country.
Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines
ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate meetings on Saturday with his Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on Saturday.
The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.
During talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the two sides reviewed the close relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and discussed regional developments and their impact on the security of the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Faisal also met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to address them, SPA added.
Both meetings were attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr, Saudi ambassador to Turkiye.
‘Ambassador extraordinaire’: well wishes pour in as Saudi envoy concludes tenure in London
- Prince Khalid bin Bandar credited with ‘modernizing the tone, scope of Saudi-UK engagement’
RIYADH: As Prince Khalid bin Bandar concludes his role as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, his six-year tenure is being marked as a period of renewed engagement and modernization in Saudi-UK relations. As per Royal Decree issued last March, Prince Khalid has been appointed as an advisor at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is expected to head back to Riyadh in the next few days.
Since his appointment in 2019, Prince Khalid has led efforts to strengthen ties and redefine the Kingdom’s image across political, economic, academic and cultural spheres.
His approach is marked by transparency, accessibility and strategic foresight as well as consistent outreach to both political institutions and the wider British public.
In April this year, he was named Diplomat of the Year for the Middle East and North Africa by Diplomat Magazine, an award voted on by representatives of more than 180 missions in the UK.
One of his final public engagements was an on-the-record panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas at the Frontline Club, hosted by the MENA-based think tank SRMG Think (videos above).
Current British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton described Prince Khalid as “an exemplary ambassador” and said: “He tirelessly engaged the media, universities, and parliamentarians to explain Saudi views and illuminate the changes under Vision 2030. He will be much missed.”
(Prince Khalid) tirelessly engaged the media, universities, and parliamentarians to explain Saudi views and illuminate the changes under Vision 2030.
Neil Crompton
British ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Former UK ambassador to the Kingdom, Sir John Jenkins, said, “Prince Khalid has been one of the best connected and most visible — and articulate — ambassadors in the whole of the London diplomatic corps … The Kingdom needs advocates like him, and we need friends like him.”
Prince Khalid has been one of the best connected and most visible — and articulate — ambassadors in the whole of the London diplomatic corps.
Sir John Jenkins
Former UK ambassador to the Kingdom
Among the hallmark initiatives of his tenure was the Great Futures event in Riyadh, a flagship moment for UK-Saudi engagement. The event brought together investors, policymakers, academics and creatives, fostering trade, education and public understanding of the Kingdom’s transformation.
Sir Ben Elliot, former chairman of the Conservative Party, commended Prince Khalid’s diplomatic instinct: “His unwavering dedication over six years has transformed the UK-Saudi relationship. The UK has now become the largest source of visitors to Saudi Arabia — a milestone he personally championed. He reshaped perceptions of the Kingdom with diplomacy, charm and grace.”
The UK has now become the largest source of visitors to Saudi Arabia — a milestone he personally championed.
Sir Ben Elliot
Conservative Party, former chairman
This vision of diplomacy extended beyond politics to academia and community engagement. Prince Khalid actively reached out to British Muslim communities, students and universities such as Oxford and Durham — not as formalities, but as forums for real dialogue and shared values.
Othman Al-Omeir, veteran Saudi journalist and former editor of the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat, told Arab News: “I have witnessed the tenure of seven Saudi ambassadors who served at the Saudi Embassy in London. In truth, Prince Khalid stands out for his profound and precise understanding of British society, and for the universal respect he commands due to his competence, capability and discernment. His presence was positive, effective and influential.”
Prince Khalid stands out for his profound and precise understanding of British society, and for the universal respect he commands due to his competence, capability and discernment.
Othman Al-Omeir
Veteran Saudi journalist
Dr. Najah Alotaibi, a trustee of the Saudi British Society, said: “Prince Khalid changed the dynamic. For decades, relations were political and elite driven. He brought it to the people — through media, academia and civil society. His television appearances tackled complex issues with openness.
“I was fortunate to meet him many times, particularly through the Saudi British Society, where he is our patron alongside King Charles. Thanks to his support, we launched the annual Ghazi Al-Gosaibi Memorial Lecture. His efforts brought momentum to Saudi Arabia’s presence in the UK’s cultural, sports and economic landscape.”
His efforts brought momentum to Saudi Arabia’s presence in the UK’s cultural, sports and economic landscape.
Dr. Najah Alotaibi
Saudi British Society trustee
Prince Khalid prioritized public diplomacy, focusing on transparency and dialogue. One of his final appearances was at the Frontline Club in London last February— moderated by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas — which offered a rare candid conversation about Saudi reform and regional diplomacy with British journalists and policy thinkers.
Prince Khalid ensured Saudi voices were better represented in British media, academic panels and think tanks, earning him praise across the diplomatic spectrum.
Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, said: “Prince Khalid brought a dignified presence to the Arab diplomatic circuit in London, especially during times of regional turmoil.”
Prince Khalid brought a dignified presence to the Arab diplomatic circuit in London, especially during times of regional turmoil.
Chris Doyle
Council for Arab-British Understanding director
Prince Khalid also deepened ties with institutions like the Saudi British Society, one of the UK’s oldest platforms for cultural diplomacy. He supported its events and initiatives, highlighting arts, heritage and mutual understanding.
Roxana Mohammadian-Molina, deputy chair of the Saudi British Joint Business Council, added: “Prince Khalid’s presence brought energy, engagement and a modern perspective to the bilateral relationship, particularly at a time of profound transformation in the Kingdom.
We were honored to work alongside him to advance commercial and cultural ties, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of UK-Saudi collaboration.
Roxana Mohammadian-Molina
Saudi British Joint Business Council deputy chair
“At the Saudi British Joint Business Council, we were honored to work alongside him to advance commercial and cultural ties, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of UK-Saudi collaboration. He leaves a lasting legacy, and we wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week
- Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat
- Saudia confirms to Arab News security threat was ultimately deemed false
RIYADH: A Saudia Airlines flight carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia from the Middle East was diverted on Saturday following a bomb threat, according to reports.
It is the second such incident in a week involving a Saudia flight.
Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat, and was due to land in Surabaya on the island of Java.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said air traffic controllers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta received a call alerting them to a bomb threat onboard the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday morning.
The head of the regional airport authority, Asri Santosa, said in a statement that officers were inspecting the aircraft upon arrival, though the airport remained fully operational.
All 376 passengers, Hajj pilgrims from Java, and 13 crew members were reported safe, according to a North Sumatra police spokesperson. The passengers are expected to resume their journey on Sunday.
On request for comment by Arab News, Saudia confirmed the security threat was ultimately deemed false.
“In strict accordance with safety protocols, Saudia diverted flight SV5688 operating to Surabaya to Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia as a precautionary measure,” the airline said.
“The aircraft landed, and all guests and crew have deplaned safely. Local authorities conducted the required checks shortly after landing and have cleared the aircraft for continued operation.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain Saudia’s highest priority no matter the cost. Full care and support have been provided, and onward travel arrangements to Surabaya are being made,” it added.
On Tuesday, another Saudia flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after authorities received an email containing a bomb threat.
‘Color Your Summer’ program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors
The Saudi Tourism Authority has launched “Color Your Summer,” a program showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural diversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The initiative will run until the end of September.
Activities will be hosted in six main destinations “that blend the sea and mountains and merge adventure with relaxation.”
The STA expects the program to attract more than 41 million visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom this year, with projected tourism spending surpassing SR73 billion ($19.47 billion).
Asir will host its Summer Season, featuring “a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events such as Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event,” as well as “adventure trails and outdoor activities amid lofty mountains and pleasant weather, while the region’s ancient stone houses evoke a rich cultural memory, adding an authentic touch for visitors.”
The STA, in partnership with Jazeera Airways, recently announced that direct flights from Kuwait to Asir will be available three times a week from July 15 until the end of September, strengthening the airline’s presence in the Saudi market and supporting the authority’s efforts to promote various summer destinations in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Riyadh will make its mark this summer by hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, which is set to attract visitors from around the world. “The city is also a hub for artistic and cultural events and a variety of entertainment shows throughout the summer,” the SPA stated.
Jeddah will be welcoming visitors with new beaches and luxury resorts this summer, and its diverse selection of marine activities and “relaxation events” make it “the right place for family and water sports enthusiasts alike,” the SPA wrote, adding: “Visitors can explore City Walk and circus performances at Circus 1903.”
Sheybarah and Ummahat islands will also be featured as part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network. “With their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, the islands add a maritime adventure to the portfolio of the Kingdom’s destinations,” the SPA stated.
Taif will greet its summer visitors this year with “refreshing mountain breezes and the fragrant blooms of Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, nestled between traditional markets and lush orchards,” according to the SPA. “Meanwhile, Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains cast a magical misty aura, providing experiences for adventure and culture enthusiasts steeped in the city’s rich heritage and history.”
And in Baha, visitors will encounter “stunning natural beauty from the heights of the mountains to the depths of the valleys in Raghadan Forest.”
