LONDON: Saudi Arabia called on the international community to assume its responsibilities toward Iran’s continued violations of international agreements related to its nuclear agreement.
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called for pressing Tehran over the escalation of its nuclear activities, including in research and development, which contradict the regime’s claim that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Speaking during a high-level meeting at the UN General Assembly on the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, he told delegates in New York that the Kingdom supports international efforts to ensure Iran does not possess nuclear weapons in the short and long term, and prevent it from diverting the peaceful use of nuclear energy for military purposes.
“Establishing international peace and security is not achieved by possessing weapons of mass destruction, but through cooperation between countries to achieve development and progress,” Prince Faisal said.
He said Saudi Arabia called for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.
Prince Faisal added that despite international consensus and a regional desire to establish a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, “unfortunately Israel still refuses to accede to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and to subject its nuclear facilities to the comprehensive safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which contradicts the international resolutions.
Prince Faisal said the Kingdom was working closely with the international community and Kuwait, which will host the 10th conference to review the proposed NPT in January 2022.
Saudi foreign minister calls on world powers to act over Iran’s nuclear violations
https://arab.news/5uv3q
Saudi foreign minister calls on world powers to act over Iran’s nuclear violations
- Prince Faisal bin Farhan called for pressing Tehran over the escalation of its nuclear activities
- Kingdom calls for the abolition of all nuclear weapons
Global sculptors to transform Riyadh’s landscape
- Artists from 23 countries will shape city’s cultural legacy using local stone
RIYADH: The Riyadh Art program has announced the participating artists for the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event, scheduled to take place at ROSHN Waterfront, will run from Jan. 15 to Feb. 8, 2025, under the theme “From Then to Now.”
Using stone sourced from the Tuwaiq area, the completed pieces will be displayed around the city from Feb. 12 to 24 as part of the Kingdom’s national public art initiative.
A flagship project of Riyadh Art, launched on March 19, 2019, the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium seeks to foster artistic and cultural exchange through community partnerships, workshops, panel discussions and other activities.
It also aims to integrate artistic practices into Riyadh’s cultural landscape, according to the SPA.
The registration period for the symposium’s sixth edition drew significant global interest, with more than 750 applications submitted from 80 countries.
An independent committee of art and sculpture experts evaluated the submissions, ultimately selecting 30 artists from 23 countries to create public art sculptures using locally sourced stone, further enriching Riyadh’s cultural fabric.
The 2025 symposium will be curated by architect and artist Sebastian Betancur-Montoya and sculpture specialist Manal Al-Harbi.
Betancur-Montoya said: “We celebrate the constant challenges faced by artists this year. These challenges are a major source of inspiration, allowing everyone to create a legacy that bridges the past, present, and future in innovative and humane ways.”
The symposium has had more than 120 local and international artists participate over the past five years. It mirrors Riyadh Art’s public initiative that works to enhance the city’s cultural landscape through art, and which has now housed more than 1,000 public art pieces in neighborhoods, parks and other spaces.
Study reveals rich predator diversity in Saudi Arabia’s habitats
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife published a study titled “Predator Diversity and Conservation in Saudi Arabia” in the journal Diversity, documenting 14 predator species across six families in the Kingdom.
Using camera trap technology, the center recorded 4,787 nights of footage from 58 predator habitats, gathering data on species diversity, diet, distribution, threats, and habitat characteristics, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The red fox was the most frequently observed species, recorded in 15 ecological sites, followed by the striped hyena, seen in 13 sites, with the highest number in the Raidah Protected Area in Asir.
The Arabian wolf was also widespread, while the honey badger was the least frequently observed, SPA reported.
The study confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s habitats, especially in the southwestern regions of Asir, Jazan, the Najran highlands, and the Sarawat Mountains, support diverse predator species. The sand cat and sand fox were also noted in desert ecosystems.
The research highlighted significant threats to predators, including killing, poisoning, trafficking, and habitat loss, according to SPA.
CEO of the National Center for Wildlife Mohammed Ali Qurban emphasized the need for further research to better understand the species’ lives, habitats and genetic traits.
“This will enrich our scientific knowledge, enhance the effectiveness of habitat rehabilitation and conservation plans, and positively impact the protection of biodiversity for these wild animals in their natural habitats,” he said.
KSrelief continues food aid projects globally
RIYADH: KSrelief, Saudi Arabia’s aid agency, continues to provide food assistance to vulnerable populations in several countries.
KSrelief distributed 500 cartons of dates on Thursday in the Red Sea State of Sudan, benefiting 5,162 individuals from displaced families.
The agency also handed out 175,000 bags of bread to needy families, including Syrians, Palestinians and members of the host community in northern Lebanon.
This initiative benefited 125,000 individuals.
In Pakistan, KSrelief has distributed 2,300 food boxes in flood-affected areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, benefiting 14,227 individuals.
In Syria’s earthquake-hit regions, KSrelief has distributed 747 food parcels and 747 hygiene kits to affected families in Al-Dana of the Idlib Governorate.
The aid, which benefited 4,482 individuals, is part of a continuing project that supports people affected by the recent earthquake in northern Syria.
Border guards thwart drug smuggling attempts
RIYADH: Saudi border guards have foiled several attempts to smuggle illegal drugs into the country, state news agency SPA reported.
Border personnel seized 1.3 tonnes of hashish, 1,388,622 narcotic pills and 136 tonnes of qat in separate operations in Jazan, Aseer and Najran and also arrested 959 Ethiopians, 849 Yemenis, three Somalis and Eritreans and 12 nationals suspected of involvement in the smuggling attempt.
Security authorities urge the public to report any information related to drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions, and 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
People may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email: [email protected]. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Young Saudi rug makers weave kaleidoscope of dreams
- Bassam Al-Khalifi, Saud Al-Rasheed master the art of tufting rugs
RIYADH: In the wake of the pandemic Bassam Al-Khalifi and Saud Al-Rasheed transformed their isolation into creativity, leading to the birth of Ghazlah Studio — a hub for unique, hand-tufted rugs.
The Saudi men’s story is not just about artistry but a testament to how challenging times can inspire innovation and passion.
Al-Khalifi’s journey began when he sought to decorate his room. Frustrated by the lack of appealing rugs in the market, he decided to create his own.
“I wanted something different, so I ordered the equipment and dedicated a year to learning how to tuft,” he told Arab News. What started as a personal project quickly evolved into a larger vision.
Initially, neither Al-Khalifi, an artist and designer, nor Al-Rasheed, an avid art collector, had any experience in weaving. They faced a steep learning curve but were undeterred.
“We took six months to learn how to conceive designs, source materials, and weave the rugs,” Al-Khalifi explained.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The journey of Ghazlah Studio began when Bassam Al-Khalifi, frustrated by the lack of appealing rugs in the market, decided to create his own.
• Their debut collection titled ‘Color as a Scene’ evokes a range of emotions, reflecting the complex sentiments many experienced during the pandemic.
They experimented with various techniques, ultimately settling on a “cut and loop” method using 100 percent acrylic yarn. This approach stands in contrast to traditional Arabian carpet-making methods which often utilize wool and time-honored designs.
Their learning process was filled with challenges, but their determination pushed them forward.
Al-Khalifi pored over tutorials, consulted with experts, and practiced tirelessly. Al-Rasheed, with his keen eye for aesthetics, contributed by curating color palettes and design concepts.
What started as a hobby soon blossomed into a commercial venture. With their rugs gaining traction, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed launched Ghazlah, featuring a debut collection titled “Color as a Scene.”
The collection evokes a range of emotions, reflecting the complex sentiments many experienced during the pandemic. “I wanted to splash all these emotions on the piece itself,” Al-Khalifi said. The vibrant tapestries of feelings capture the essence of joy, nostalgia, and hope.
The vibrance of their work makes a statement piece in any room. Each piece is unique, with some featuring Saudi themes that enhance their significance and appeal. The artists also draw inspiration from their heritage, incorporating traditional motifs and modern designs, creating a fusion that resonates with a broad audience.
In Ghazlah’s Riyadh workshop, the atmosphere is filled with creativity and energy. The walls are lined with neatly organized shelves filled with spools of yarn in every imaginable color. There are some of Al-Khalifi’s paintings and rugs still in progress, showcasing their journey.
Al-Rasheed gestured around the space, saying: “This place is full of rugs that we made but decided not to sell. Why? Because we love them. I’m trying to push Al-Khalifi to sell them, but he won’t.”
Ghazlah Studio has made a notable impact in Riyadh, showcasing creations in three galleries. Their work has garnered attention not just locally but also from international platforms, leading to collaborations with major brands such as Vogue and Sephora.
These partnerships have elevated their profile and allowed them to reach a wider audience with which they can share their artistry and craftsmanship.
The duo’s success can also be attributed to their innovative marketing strategies. They leverage social media to share their creative process, engage with customers, and build a community around their brand.
By showcasing behind-the-scenes footage, they invite their audience into their world, allowing them to witness the transformation of raw materials into stunning art pieces.
As they continue to grow, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed are committed to exploring new design possibilities, as well as looking into creating home decor items. They plan to expand their collections, experimenting with different textures, materials, and techniques.
From a simple idea born during quarantine to a noteworthy business, Ghazlah Studio continues to make waves in the art scene, proving that even in isolation, inspiration can thrive.
As they weave their stories into every rug, Al-Khalifi and Al-Rasheed invite us all to find beauty and meaning in our own creative pursuits.
