How Riyadh Season united Indians and Pakistanis

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Renowned Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brought an audience of 20,000 Pakistani and Indian music lovers together on Friday night as part of Riyadh Season. (Supplied)
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Renowned Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brought an audience of 20,000 Pakistani and Indian music lovers together on Friday night as part of Riyadh Season. (Supplied)
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Renowned Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brought an audience of 20,000 Pakistani and Indian music lovers together on Friday night as part of Riyadh Season. (Supplied)
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Renowned Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brought an audience of 20,000 Pakistani and Indian music lovers together on Friday night as part of Riyadh Season. (Supplied)
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Renowned Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brought an audience of 20,000 Pakistani and Indian music lovers together on Friday night as part of Riyadh Season. (Supplied)
Updated 26 October 2019
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How Riyadh Season united Indians and Pakistanis

  • The performance, the first of its kind for Indian and Pakistani expatriates in the Kingdom, delighted the audience
  • Fans were united in their praise for Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) for organizing the concert

RIYADH: Renowned Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brought an audience of 20,000 Pakistani and Indian music lovers together on Friday night as part of Riyadh Season.

Fans were united in their praise for Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) for organizing the concert.

Aslam performed a string of hits before telling the crowd: “I’ve missed you all these years. And I really want to thank Turki Al-Sheikh (GEA chairman) for making this happen.”

The singer’s two-hour performance ended with a hymn as he paid respect to the Holy Cities.

“I am living the Saudi Vision 2030. It’s such a happy moment for all of us who have waited for him for 15 years,” Jana, a Jeddah student, said.

 

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performed Qawwali hits with a live orchestra.

The performance, the first of its kind for Indian and Pakistani expatriates in the Kingdom, delighted many in the audience.

“This is such an honor. I respect the Saudi government for honoring us. There has never been anything on such a large scale for expats living in the Kingdom,” Azhar Ali, an Indian national living in Riyadh, told Arab News.

“We’re grateful to have our stars come and perform here. It makes us feel more integrated in society,” Maqsood Ali, a Pakistani expatriate, said.

 

Salma Khan, a Canadian national, drove from Jeddah to Riyadh with her husband and children to attend the concert.

“We took a road trip. I’m so glad my children witnessed this historic moment. The performances were impeccable,” she said.

Riyadh Season will continue until Dec. 15 with more than 100 events and activities.


A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage

Updated 11 sec ago
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A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage

  • Centuries-old art form of batik deeply rooted in Indonesian culture
  • Included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage

RIYADH: Reporting on the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency highlighted the Indonesian pavilion, which showcased the exquisite art of batik.

Indonesian artisans had creatively blended traditional batik techniques with motifs inspired by different regions of the Kingdom, “creating stunning pieces that seamlessly intertwine the two cultures,” according to the SPA.

The centuries-old art form of batik is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, and is included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It involves a meticulous process known as wax resist-dyeing to create its intricate patterns. The designs often have cultural and religious significance, reflecting the deep connection between Indonesians and their environment.

The convergence of Indonesian and Saudi artistic traditions at Banan, which ended on Friday, “exemplifies the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries,” the SPA stated.

Dalia Alyahya, head of the handcrafts sector at the Heritage Commission, which organized the event, highlighted the significance of such cultural exchanges.

“Through art, we can bridge cultural divides and foster global harmony. Batik, with its rich history and enduring appeal, continues to inspire and connect people across the world,” Alyahya told the SPA.

Artists and representatives from more than 20 countries exhibited at the event alongside the Kingdom’s own talent.

Through Banan and other initiatives, the Heritage Commission “raises awareness about the importance of handicrafts as part of cultural heritage, ensuring they are preserved and passed on,” the SPA wrote.


Royal order approves transformation of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital

Updated 14 min 28 sec ago
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Royal order approves transformation of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital

RIYADH: A royal order was issued on Saturday to transform King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center into an independent, non-profit institution under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, acting CEO of the commission, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their commitment to improving health services in the Kingdom, the SPA added.

Al-Sultan said that the transformation will “establish the hospital as a global leader in ophthalmology, reflecting the leadership’s dedication to providing world-class healthcare.”

The hospital's transformation is part of a broader initiative to enhance specialized health and educational entities, including King Saud University and King Faisal Specialist Hospital.

The Royal Commission will oversee the hospital’s development, ensuring it aligns with international standards and “continues to serve as a cornerstone of Saudi healthcare excellence,” the SPA reported.

 


Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life

Updated 30 November 2024
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Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life

RIYADH: Abdullah Mustafa, a prominent Muslim scholar from Thailand and one of the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, has expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in shaping his life and career, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Fifty years ago, a young Mustafa embarked on a life-changing journey to Saudi Arabia, receiving a scholarship from the Islamic University of Madinah. He fondly recalled the simplicity of the Prophet’s Mosque during his early days — a stark contrast to the magnificent religious landmark it has become today.

During his 16 years in Saudi Arabia, Mustafa immersed himself in Islamic studies, earning a doctorate in Islamic advocacy and interfaith dialogue. His academic pursuits were particularly focused on understanding Buddhism, the predominant religion in Thailand, and developing effective strategies for Islamic outreach.

Upon his return to Thailand, he dedicated his life to spreading the message of Islam. He translated the Holy Qur’an into the Thai language, making it accessible to a wider audience. His tireless efforts have led to numerous conversions and a strengthened Muslim community in Thailand.

He emphasized the enduring impact of Saudi Arabia’s support for Muslims worldwide and highlighted the “esteemed” position held by graduates of Saudi universities in various fields, including education and Islamic jurisprudence.

Looking to the future, Mustafa expressed hope that his daughter, currently studying at Taibah University in Madinah, will continue his legacy of serving Islam.

He acknowledged the Kingdom’s progressive approach to education, emphasizing the importance of women scholars in Islamic advocacy.

He also extended heartfelt thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims around the world, and gratitude to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its endeavors to promote moderate Islam and foster “global Islamic unity.”


Saudi Arabia’s 26th relief plane lands in Lebanon

Updated 30 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s 26th relief plane lands in Lebanon

  • Continuing mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts for the Lebanese population displaced by the conflict continues with the 26th relief plane arriving at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Saturday morning.

The aircraft, operated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, was loaded with various relief aid, including food, medical and shelter supplies, state news agency SPA reported.

The continuing mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people.


KSrelief conducts medical outreach in Yemen, Djibouti and Bangladesh

Updated 30 November 2024
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KSrelief conducts medical outreach in Yemen, Djibouti and Bangladesh

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) conducted various medical activities in Yemen, Djibouti and Bangladesh in cooperation with volunteer organizations and specialists.

In Yemen’s Socotra, 16 specialist volunteers successfully completed a project involving specialized and general pediatric surgeries. During the campaign from Nov. 16 to 23, KSrelief’s medical team conducted 404 examinations, performed 60 surgeries, and provided medicine for 208 patients.

In Djibouti, the aid agency launched on Wednesday a cardiac catheterization surgery project – with seven specialists in the team – and has successfully performed four procedures since.

In Bangladesh’s city of Rangpur, KSrelief implemented the Saudi Volunteer Project to combat blindness and its contributive diseases. The center’s volunteer medical team examined 5,082 cases, performed 456 specialized eye surgeries, and distributed 1,454 eyeglasses from Nov. 22 to 26.