JEDDAH: A workshop for couples who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a loving and unique way is being held at the Art Space Center in Jeddah.
The idea is for each partner to create an artwork on their individual canvases, which are then brought together like two pieces of a puzzle. One painting flows into the other, and without either, the picture is incomplete, just like the people who created them.
Afrah Mohammad, the center’s business development manager, explained the thinking behind the promotion.
“We got this idea last year and held the workshop first for couples on Valentine’s Day and then for mothers and their children on Mother’s Day,” she told Arab News.
“We were happy it was such a success. People thought of it as an opportunity to express love in a tangible way and at the end of the workshop they got to take the paintings home to keep as a beautiful memory,” she said.
People do not need any special artistic skills to take part in the workshop but should be willing to have fun and spend quality time with their significant other, Mohammad said.
Doing so could help them to “discover the way their energies intertwine through color, shape and lines,” she said.
“They might discover interesting things about one another and end up bonding even more.”
The Art Space Center is open to all ages and provides a range of workshops and other activities.
Valentine’s Day: Center holds painting workshop for couples in Jeddah
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Valentine’s Day: Center holds painting workshop for couples in Jeddah
- People thought of it as an opportunity to express love in a tangible way
Saudi Arabia, Italy explore economic, cultural pacts at talks
- Over 100 Saudi private, public representatives are visiting Italy
- Wide-ranging talks will be held, says chair Kamel Al-Munajjed
MILAN: Saudi Arabia businesspeople and government officials began talks here on Monday with their Italy counterparts on enhancing economic, trade and cultural ties.
Kamel Al-Munajjed, the chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, said at an initial meeting that the visit from April 28 to 30, was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and other government entities, in partnership with Italian institutions.
Al-Munajjed said this delegation was the largest Saudi Arabia business mission to Italy to date, comprising 100 participants, including over 20 representatives from ministries and government agencies.
The leaders come from various sectors including renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, food, agriculture, real estate, healthcare, and technology.
Al-Munajjed said the three business forums to be held would address industrial transformation, sustainable energy, smart cities, innovation, and supply chain dynamics.
There would also be site visits to prominent Italian companies and projects.
The forums commenced with the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Italian Business Forum in Milan on Monday.
On Tuesday there would be talks held with representatives of the Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
And on Wednesday, discussions will be held with the Federation of Industrialists in Turin.
The Saudi Arabia delegation includes various business leaders, among them Abeer Al-Ghamdi, founder and CEO of Hayyak Arabia Travel and Tourism.
Al-Ghamdi told Arab News: “Today we’re in Italy with the goal of attracting more visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, showcasing it as a premier destination.
“Our focus is on managing tourist destinations and providing quality programs that reflect Saudi culture and diversity, creating unforgettable experiences for every visitor.”
Yousef Maimani, a board member of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, told Arab News: “We signed our first cooperation agreement in 1932, and two years ago, we celebrated 90 years of Saudi-Italian relations.
“Our agreements, including those on double taxation and investment protection, play a crucial role in supporting investments. Given Italy’s industrial capacity, we aim to attract investments, especially in the industrial sector.”
Maimani said there are significant opportunities for Italian firms to participate in the projects of the nation’s government and large companies.
He said Saudi Arabia attracted $96 billion in foreign investments recently, underscoring the potential for collaboration between family-owned and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.
Luca Barbi, general partner and chief operating officer of Saudi Technology Ventures, who also participated in the discussions, expressing optimism about the synergy between Saudi Arabia and Italy.
“Both countries share a similar mindset, and Italy’s developed capabilities can significantly benefit Saudi Arabia’s dynamic market, offering vast opportunities across various sectors.”
Saudi crown prince issues directive naming Riyadh street after late minister
- Directive comes in appreciation of the 60 years that Al-Nafisah spent serving his religion, country, and Saudi kings, SPA said
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince has ruled that a street in the Hittin neighborhood, northern Riyadh, be named after Motleb bin Abdullah Al-Nafisah for devoting most of his life to the public service.
Al-Nafisah gave 60 years serving his religion, country, and Saudi kings, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Al-Nafisa, who died on March 27, was a loyal statesman who served his country with dedication and sincerity, SPA added.
He held a number of positions since joining the civil service in 1962, the last of which was minister of state and member of the council of ministers, which he held until his death.
Saudi Arabia’s National Events Center launches Event Pioneers program for graduates
- The year-long program, beginning with applications opening on Sunday, will provide hands-on experience in collaboration with the Qiddiya Investment Co. and the Asir Development Authority
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Events Center has opened applications for a new training and employment initiative aimed at young Saudis seeking a career in the fast-growing events sector, it was announced on Sunday.
Launched in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, the Event Pioneers program will offer recent graduates practical training across eight key disciplines, including event content, protocol management, visitor experience, marketing and communications, event management, event operations, crowd management, and health and safety.
The year-long program, beginning with applications opening on Sunday, will provide hands-on experience in collaboration with the Qiddiya Investment Co. and the Asir Development Authority.
Participants will undergo intensive training while working in various areas of the events industry, with a focus on developing practical skills and preparing graduates for full-time roles in the sector.
Organizers say the program is designed to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of empowering young people and expanding the Kingdom’s workforce in emerging industries.
It also aims to build a pipeline of skilled Saudi talent to meet the demands of a sector that has seen rapid expansion through entertainment, cultural and sports events.
“The Event Pioneers program is part of broader efforts to develop human capital, enhance local content, and create sustainable job opportunities for Saudi youth,” the National Events Center said in a statement.
Training will be delivered in partnership with leading local and international institutes to ensure that participants are equipped with the latest industry expertise.
Officials hope that the initiative will help shape the next generation of leaders in the Kingdom’s growing events sector, providing a career pathway at a time when demand for skilled professionals is rising.
A closer look at the Great Reef off Jeddah’s coast
- The reef is shaped not only by natural coral structures but also by cavities and openings formed by marine organisms
RIYADH: The Great Reef, just 24 kilometers off Jeddah’s coastline, is a marine heritage site known for its stunning coral formations.
Covering almost six sq. km, the reef showcases the diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the heart of the Red Sea.
The reef is shaped not only by natural coral structures but also by cavities and openings formed by marine organisms and through weathering processes, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Despite pressure from sea currents, tides, and human activity, waters around the reef remain strikingly pure, providing an ideal environment for coral growth and marine life to flourish.
FASTFACTS
• Covering almost six sq. km, the Great Reef showcases the diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the heart of the Red Sea.
• It offers a key anchorage for small vessels, and is also a nesting and breeding site for numerous seabird species.
According to Saudi Geological Survey’s spokesperson Tariq Al-Khail, the Great Reef offers a key anchorage for small vessels, and is also a nesting and breeding site for numerous seabird species.
The reef has a growing reputation as a tourism destination, and has become increasingly popular for swimming, recreation, diving, and underwater exploration, he said.
Conservation efforts have focused on raising environmental awareness among visitors to preserve this natural landmark for future generations, Al-Khail added.
Saudi National Guard minister visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
- The minister was briefed on the key exhibits, which highlight the journey of Islamic arts through the ages
JEDDAH: The Minister of the Saudi National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz has visited the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, which is being held at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The minister was briefed on the key exhibits, which highlight the journey of Islamic arts through the ages.
He also explored a diverse collection of rare artworks and historic artifacts, alongside contemporary pieces by Saudi and international artists showcasing the richness of the Islamic civilization and presented in collaboration with major global museums and cultural institutions.
The exhibition runs until May 25.
