AL-AHSA: Traditional woodcrafts ingrained in a Saudi region’s heritage were showcased at a major festival event.
Wood-carving has played an important part in Al-Ahsa’s history, and experts in the art demonstrated their skills at one of the latest Sharqiah Season attractions taking place in the Eastern Province.
Male and female artists from Al-Ahas are aiming to breathe new life into the ancient craft which has been passed down through generations.
The wood carvings from the region take on many shapes and forms, with triangles being the most popular, and often incorporate calligraphy.
The cultural event titled Al-Ahsa Creative highlighted some of the many traditions of the area including music and handicrafts.
Abdullah Al-Shabaan, 70, has been producing wood carvings since he was 10 years old and is the last person in his family carrying on the tradition.
“I started practicing this craft with my grandfather and uncle, and I would create items after school and on vacations with both of them. The craft brings me peace and I cannot let go of it,” Al-Shabaan told Arab News.
Although his children have not followed in his footsteps, Al-Shabaan has held tutorials for those wishing to learn the craft.
“In 2016 I held a workshop for four females and a male, and one of the women really excelled. Then in 2017 I taught a group of five women and two men, and last year I was teaching 17 young men. Young people remain interested in this craft and are still holding on to it,” he added.
Fatimah Al-Hmoudi, 39, is a visual artist who started carving wood two years ago.
“Women are a minority in this field, and so I’m happy to be among those women who practice this art. I like to merge the past with the present, and as someone from Al-Ahsa I want to hold onto our heritage,” she said. “I am interested in all of Al-Ahsa’s history and want to showcase its identity.”
Al-Hmoudi pointed to one of her artworks shaped as a palm tree and with the word “Al-Ahsa” engraved on it in Arabic. “The palm tree symbolizes Al-Ahsa, and I added patterns that are specific to Al-Ahsa,” she added.
One visitor to the event, Shahad Al-Ghamdi, told Arab News: “Al-Ahsa has developed in so many ways. Culture is being showcased all the time, and we are provided with great entertainment events.”
Saudi heritage event aims to carve out future for traditional woodcrafts
Saudi heritage event aims to carve out future for traditional woodcrafts
- Wood-carving has played an important part in Al-Ahsa’s history
Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's ministry of foreign affairs expressed said the Kingdom welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon in a statement posted on X on Wednesday.
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن ترحيب المملكة العربية السعودية بوقف إطلاق النار في لبنان، وتثمن المملكة جميع الجهود الدولية المبذولة في هذا الشأن pic.twitter.com/WMNFlh0EsT
— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA) November 27, 2024
The Kingdom expressed appreciation for all international efforts made for the ceasefire, adding that it hoped it would lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolution (1701) and the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability and the return of the displaced to their homes in safety and security.
Resolution 1701 calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Fam Foods, Kobe Beef Association partner to launch halal-certified beef in Saudi Arabia
- As part of the event, Fam Foods announced the upcoming opening of Hocho, a premium Kobe and wagyu-based restaurant set to launch in Via Riyadh
RIYADH: The introduction of halal-certified Kobe beef to the Saudi market was marked by an exclusive evening at the residence of Morino Yasunari, the Japanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The event was hosted by Fam Foods, the only authorized reseller in the Kingdom, in collaboration with the Kobe Beef Association and highlighted the deepening cultural and culinary partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Guests enjoyed a unique atmosphere that blended heritage and contemporary celebration. They were welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee, a gesture reflecting the nations’ shared value of hospitality, while the decor also combined their traditions.
They were also treated to a culinary journey featuring authentic Japanese techniques, including teppanyaki preparations demonstrating the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship behind Kobe beef. The renowned Kimono Butcher captivated the audience with a masterful demonstration of beef cutting, symbolizing the precision and dedication synonymous with Japanese culinary heritage.
Princess Muneera Al Rasheed, chairwoman of Fam Foods, said during her address: “This evening celebrates more than just the introduction of halal-certified Kobe beef; it embodies the rich culinary and cultural partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia. At Fam Foods, we are committed to innovating while safekeeping tradition — together, we are transforming premium dining experiences in the Kingdom.”
Shinnosuke Murakami, president of the Sanda Meat Center Export Expansion Consortium which oversees the export of Kobe from Japan, said: “Kobe beef represents the pinnacle of Japanese wagyu beef, renowned worldwide for its exceptional flavor, rich aroma and unparalleled tenderness.
“We are deeply grateful to His Royal Highness Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Her Highness Princess Muneera Al Rasheed, and the Fam Foods team for their ongoing support in this partnership and providing us the opportunity to share this wonderful delicacy with the people of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.”
Traditional performances also added depth to the evening, connecting attendees to the cultural roots of Japan, with the serene melodies of a koto performance and the elegance of a flute recital bringing the event to life.
As part of the event, Fam Foods announced the upcoming opening of Hocho, a premium Kobe and wagyu-based restaurant set to launch in Via Riyadh. The venture is set to redefine Japanese dining in Saudi Arabia, offering an elevated culinary experience that brings the artistry of Japanese beef to the forefront.
Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter
- Message delivered to minister during meeting in Riyadh
RIYADH: King Salman has received a letter from the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inviting him to the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.
The message was delivered to Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.
The two sides held cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest.
The 45th GCC Summit takes place in Kuwait on Sunday.
King Salman asks people of Saudi Arabia to pray on Thursday for rain
RIYADH: King Salman called on Muslims in Saudi Arabia to pray on Thursday for rain, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Everyone who is able should be keen to perform the prayer, in accordance with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad,” the Royal Court said.
Muslims are often asked to pray for rainfall in times of drought or other water shortages.
Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture
RIYADH: The Global Harmony initiative concludes its third edition with a week-long celebration of Egyptian music, art and tradition in Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season.
Running from Nov. 24-30 and organized by the Ministry of Media, the event invites visitors to experience Egypt’s rich heritage through a range of cultural activities.
Speaking to Arab News, Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Tarek El-Meligy highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. “The Egyptian community is the most harmonious, coexistent and understanding in a positive way within Saudi society,” he said.
“If you ask any Egyptian which country they would like to live in after Egypt, they will say Saudi Arabia.”
Sarry Shaaban, an executive and consultant at the General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are talking about millions of visitors, both residents and Saudis, entering the park. Whether I’m a resident, a Saudi or from a country hosting the event, it provides an opportunity for residents to learn about your culture, colors, explore its arts, food, crafts, and traditional industries.”
Live music and dance performances displaying Egypt’s cultural traditions, with the rhythm of drums and flutes and performers in traditional costumes, have brought the life and spirit of Cairo’s streets to Riyadh.
A separate bazaar area has been set up featuring Egyptian cuisine, traditional clothing and handcrafted items.
“An event like this carries positive messages and highlights something we strive to emphasize every day, that we are one people, united by love and affection,” said El-Meligy.
Egyptian Sameh Nabil emphasized the feel of unity: “This initiative brought us closer together as Egyptians, and with Saudis here, I feel like we are brothers. I always feel like we are not expatriates.”
And visitor Khaled Zahir said: “This event reflects the love, connection and affection between Egyptians living in the Kingdom and Saudis.”
Egyptians make up 11 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population, according to the Saudi Census, meaning such exhibitions are important in promoting mutual respect and harmony.
El-Meligy said Saudi Arabia hosted the largest Egyptian expatriate community abroad, with remittances from those in the Kingdom forming a significant part of their home nation’s income.
“In recent months, remittances from Egyptians abroad have increased substantially, thanks to the facilities between the two countries and the confidence in both the Saudi and Egyptian economies,” he added.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture. In his October visit to Cairo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss investment opportunities and the establishment of a supreme coordination council to deepen bilateral relations.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw a 35.16 percent annual increase in the first half of 2024, according to the General Authority of Statistics. The increase was driven by a 73.44 percent surge in Saudi imports from Egypt, totaling $4.18 billion.
Egypt has also shown a growing interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, with a 71 percent rise in licenses granted to Egyptian firms in the second quarter of 2024.
The festival, which began in October, highlights the lives, contributions and cultural integration of its residents. So far, it has celebrated cultures including Indian heritage and moving through Philippine, Indonesian, Pakistani, Yemeni, Sudanese, Bangladeshi, Jordanian, Lebanese and Syrian traditions.
