Cirque du Soleil excited at Saudi visit with new show
Updated 14 October 2022
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Cirque du Soleil showcases its new show “OVO” at Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh from Wednesday.
The show’s performances revolve around insects scared of a strange animal that comes out of a mysterious egg – all played by professional artists.
Cirque du Soleil has presented seven shows in Saudi Arabia since 2018.
Arab News spoke to two of the performers, who were excited at performing in Saudi for the first time.
Svetlana Delous said: “This is our first time in the Kingdom and we are always on the road with Cirque du Soleil. We are used to traveling a lot, but we are very excited to visit a new country and meet a new audience.”
The costumes were designed and tested by a creative team in Montreal, Canada. (Supplied)
Kilian Mongy said of the performers’ colorful dress on stage that it took around “seven to nine months to create one costume, and we consider them as art pieces.”
The costumes are conceptualized, designed and tested by a creative team in Montreal.
Mongy said: “It’s special material that stretches a lot, and we wash them after every show, so they have to be intact. It’s going to be washed 300 times a year.”
The new show, which boasts 52 performers and aerial displays accompanied by South American music, has been seen by 7 million people in 26 countries.
The performance takes place in Riyadh five days a week from 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. It ends on Dec. 3.
RIYADH: CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority Hisham Aljadhey inspected several facilities in Jeddah, including the authority’s branch office, to assess operations and ensure product safety.
He reviewed laboratory initiatives for detecting mycotoxins like aflatoxin, caused by improper storage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Aljadhey highlighted the need for skilled personnel and advanced equipment to prevent non-compliant products from reaching local markets.
Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the Western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (SPA)
He also reiterated the authority’s commitment to improving service quality and enhancing customer experiences to raise performance standards, SPA reported.
On Monday, Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation, enabling investment, and identifying opportunities. It also provided a platform for the private sector to share challenges and suggestions, helping the authority refine its services.
Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the Western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (SPA)
Aljadhey stressed the importance of improving product quality, fostering partnerships, and supporting investment within regulatory frameworks to protect public health.
He called on the private sector to enhance self-regulation and compliance to ensure safety and quality, the SPA reported.
Private sector representatives expressed gratitude for the engagement, posed questions, and offered suggestions, which were addressed by Aljadhey and the food authority officials.
Saudi, Japan expanding cultural relations to mark 70th anniversary
Kingdom’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka highlighted by Saudi Culture Ministry
Updated 14 January 2025
Arab News Japan
RIYADH: Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto on Monday said that cultural relations are expanding with Saudi Arabia as the two nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
Matsumoto made the comments during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq at Diriyah’s Al-Bujairi District, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials discussed events planned for this year, with Altouq highlighting the Kingdom’s participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka.
Matsumoto arrived in Riyadh on Jan. 12 and will travel next to Jordan.
Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games
Meeting at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee headquarters in Riyadh
Updated 14 January 2025
Arab News Japan
RIYADH: Officials representing the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto discussed on Monday plans for the hosting of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya city in 2026.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the SOPC’s CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen attended the meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The officials discussed ways to facilitate the participation of Saudi Arabia’s sports delegation in the games.
Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan have strengthened following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SOPC and the Japanese Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Set to begin in September, the theme of the 2026 Asian Games is “Imagine One Asia.”
Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties
During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between the Kingdom and Brazil
Updated 14 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Monday from Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Brazil and emphasized their commitment to further developing cooperation across various fields.
Discussions also encompassed a range of topics of mutual interest, highlighting the shared vision for addressing global and regional challenges and both leaders reaffirmed their countries' dedication to fostering collaboration that benefits their respective nations and contributes to global progress, SPA added.
Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape
On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old
Updated 14 January 2025
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: When one thinks of Saudi Arabia, the first things that spring to mind might be the bustling metropolises of Riyadh and Jeddah, or sacred Islamic sites like the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
But by venturing further, one can uncover a land rich with history and mystery, particularly in the country’s northern expanses. Often overlooked by tourists, the region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and a past waiting to be explored.
Hail city is located in the northern of Najed and is famous for its monuments, especially in cities such as Jubbah and As Shwimes. (Supplied)
Among them is the Hail province, located in the north of Najd and famous for its monuments, especially in Jubbah and Shuwaymis.
Hussain Al-Khalifah, a Saudi archeologist with more than 30 years of experience, spoke to Arab News about some of the area’s hidden gems.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia.
• On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.
“There are mountains called Al-Raat and Al-Manjor. These two sites contain the oldest rock art ever immortalized on rocks … wonderful images of animals and lions (carved),” he said.
AlShuwaihatiyah is unique in the world with its Oldowan tools, which are stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. (Supplied)
“These two mountains are registered by UNESCO as a rock art site. It is somehow a form of continuous rock art, starting from Shuwaymis moving to Jubbah and ending at Al-Tawil mountain in Jouf.”
Al-Khalifah explained this art form spread to two other cities through migration thousands of years ago. In ancient times, he suggested, people migrated from Hail to Dumat Al-Jandal and Tayma.
AlShuwaihatiyah is the second oldest archaeological site in the world and is the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. (Supplied)
Another area near Hail worth discovering is Fayd. This city is at the center of the Hajj road known by locals as Darb Zubaidah, along which people used to travel from Kufa in Iraq to Madinah.
“Fayd is considered one of the important points in the area. It is one of the prettiest destinations, known for its rich Islamic history,” Al-Khalifah said. “It is worth it for me to get in my car and take a trip from Riyadh to explore this place.”
Hail city is located in the northern of Najed and is famous for its monuments, especially in cities such as Jubbah and As Shwimes. (Supplied)
Jouf Province is also ripe for exploration, with Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, among the recommended areas for visitors.
It is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. According to Al-Khalifah, its history dates back 1.3 million years.
This city is unique, he said, with its Oldowan tools — stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. He recommends making the most of the experience by visiting with an expert who knows the area’s history.
On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.
“This spot is one of my discoveries, but to visit this location it requires a permit from the Heritage Commission because it is being monitored by environmental security,” explained Al-Khalifah.
Whether you are an adventurer, history buff or cultural enthusiastic, Saudi Arabia’s northern region is the place to go to go.
