DHAHRAN: The ninth Saudi Film Festival kicked off at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran on Friday with local and international film and media professionals walking the red carpet.
Many of them expressed their excitement about the industry’s future in the Kingdom.
Saudi actress Reem Al-Habib told Arab News that, as a young girl, she could never have imagined her life as it is now. “Back in the day, I would never have thought that this would happen, but (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman made me live this moment. I have goosebumps,” she said. “Now I can stand in my country and say I’m a Saudi actress and proceed from there. The world will look at us and take us as role models.”
Director Salma Murad, whose movie “Kabreet” is screening at the festival, expressed her excitement too. “The fact that the movie is real, and Saudi, and the fact that I am with my Saudi brothers and sisters, makes me very proud and happy,” Murad said. “I think this festival in particular promotes all filmmakers very positively, and thank God I’m part of this experience. My advice to the young ones is to keep at it. No matter how difficult it gets, just keep doing it.”
After the red carpet, participants headed to Ithra’s Cinema Hall where Saudi producer Salah Al-Fawzan — founder of Shamel Productions and producer of 34 feature films since the mid-Eighties — and Bahraini screenwriter Amin Saleh were being honored by the festival for their significant impact in the film industry, which has, according to the organizers, paved the way for cinema professionals today.
The winners of this year’s festival’s awards — valued at more than SR1.5 million ($400,000) — will be announced on May 11.
Saudi Film Festival opens with glamor and gratitude on the red carpet
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Saudi Film Festival opens with glamor and gratitude on the red carpet
- Saudi actress Reem Al-Habib told Arab News that, as a young girl, she could never have imagined her life as it is now
- Director Salma Murad, whose movie “Kabreet” is screening at the festival, expressed her excitement too
Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates Ramadan with Biennale Nights
- Held at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz Airport, the event offers visitors a cultural and spiritual experience
JEDDAH: The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has unveiled Biennale Nights, a special Ramadan program at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah.
Held at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, the event runs until May 25, offering visitors a cultural and spiritual experience that celebrates the holy month while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich Islamic heritage.
During Ramadan, visitors can take part in workshops featuring Arabic calligraphy and traditional craftsmanship, as well as interactive experiences exploring the artistic expressions associated with the holy month.
Sharing his experience, Ahmed Ramadan told Arab News: “This was my first time visiting the Islamic Arts Biennale, but I had planned to go for a while. When they announced the Ramadan events, I got even more excited. I feel that there is a strong connection between Ramadan activities and Islamic arts. I came with a group of friends, and we found many activities that suited young people.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Guests can explore an array of international cuisines, indulge in specialty delicacies like dates, honey and chocolates, and enjoy traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.
• The market also features henna art, storytelling sessions for children and game wagons, creating an engaging atmosphere for families.
He added: “We played some group games, enjoyed a variety of food, including traditional Saudi dishes and Ramadan sweets popular in the western region. Honestly, it was a wonderful experience.
“The timing, in the middle of Ramadan, was ideal, after the initial days of the month, which are usually packed with family gatherings and invitations. It was a great opportunity for my friends and me to come together in such a unique place.”
Running from March 6-15, the Ramadan Market welcomes visitors daily from 8 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., offering a vibrant mix of activities and attractions.
Guests can explore an array of international cuisines, indulge in specialty delicacies like dates, honey and chocolates, and enjoy traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.
The market also features henna art, storytelling sessions for children and game wagons, creating an engaging atmosphere for families.
Adding to the festive spirit, live music and cultural performances take place, while visitors can find unique Ramadan-themed gifts at the Biennale Design Store.
For many, the Ramadan Market has been a memorable experience.
Walaa Ali, a visitor from Jeddah, said: “The venue offered a diverse range of activities specifically designed for the holy month of Ramadan. What made these activities special was how well they aligned with the spirit of the month, covering various disciplines and formats — some were workshops, others were entertainment spaces and some featured food.”
Rowa Haddad from Makkah said: “I found it to be the perfect place to visit with my family. The venue offers a variety of activities that cater to all family members, and what makes it even more special is the spiritual Islamic theme that fits both the location and the essence of this holy month. That’s why visiting this place was an excellent choice for us.”
In partnership with the Red Sea Film Foundation, the biennale also presents a curated selection of film screenings, delving into themes of resilience, faith and identity from across the Islamic world.
These experiences offer visitors a meaningful way to engage with art, culture and heritage, blending traditional Islamic aesthetics with contemporary artistic expression.
The Ramadan Market offers iftar and suhoor options, including curated iftar menus for pre-booked gatherings featuring dishes inspired by Saudi and Middle Eastern cuisines.
The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a global platform for dialogue and exploration of Islamic arts. It is held at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, an award-winning architectural site that has long served as a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah.
The first biennale welcomed more than 600,000 visitors, and the second expands on this success with an even richer program.
The Ramadan events are open to all biennale visitors. Registration is available through the official website at biennale.org.sa.
Saudi crown prince congratulates Mark Carney on confirmation as Canada PM
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Mark Carney on Friday, on the occasion of the formation of the new government headed by him and his taking the constitutional oath as Prime Minister of Canada, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince expressed his best wishes for success and guidance to Carney and for the friendly people of Canada further progress and prosperity, SPA added.
Ex-central banker Carney succeeded Justin Trudeau as Canadian premier, following the latter’s announcement of his resignation in January.
Royal Commission for Yanbu signs animal welfare deals
- The first deal, signed with the Rahma Association for Animal Welfare, focuses on the running of a veterinary clinic, the provision of training and certification programs, and campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of animal welfare
YANBU: The Royal Commission for Yanbu has signed two agreements that will promote animal welfare and environmental protection.
The first deal, signed with the Rahma Association for Animal Welfare, focuses on the running of a veterinary clinic, the provision of training and certification programs, and campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of animal welfare.
The second, signed with the Yanbu Environmental Association, will see the establishment of community partnerships with non-profit organizations, including the organization of events, workshops and school visits to raise environmental awareness, and the creation of opportunities for residents to actively contribute to the preservation of their environment.
Islamophobia ‘most alarming manifestation’ of hate speech, Muslim World League chief tells UN
NEW YORK: Islamophobia is one of the most alarming manifestations of hate speech, according to the head of the Muslim World League, who was speaking at the UN on Friday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the MWL secretary-general, was the keynote speaker for the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at the UN General Assembly.
The event provided a platform for Al-Issa to highlight the growing concerns surrounding Islamophobia and its broader implications for global coexistence.
During his visit, Al-Issa also held bilateral talks with the President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang, discussing the rising trend of anti-Muslim sentiment and a range of other issues of mutual concern.
In his address, Al-Issa warned that the consequences of Islamophobia extend beyond the Muslim community to fuel extremism and social division. He stressed that such prejudice poses a fundamental challenge to inclusive citizenship, which is enshrined in democratic constitutions and international human rights principles.
He noted a concerning rise in discrimination against Muslims, including incidents of marginalization, barriers to integration, and denial of basic rights.
Exploring the root causes of Islamophobia, Al-Issa emphasized that the nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide represent the true essence of Islam and actively engage with the world’s religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity.
He referenced the Qur’anic verse that calls for human understanding and unity, stating that Islam’s message is one of peace and coexistence.
Al-Issa also underscored that Islamophobia is not merely a religious issue but a global humanitarian challenge that threatens social harmony, asserting that defending Islam in this context was synonymous with defending universal human values.
He denounced political rhetoric that exploits fear for electoral gains and condemned media platforms that propagate divisive narratives.
Al-Issa called for an end to policies that sow fear and division, rejecting attempts to link terrorism with Islam. He also criticized extremists who manipulate religion for their own agendas, emphasizing that rejecting others simply because of their religious or ethnic differences is a dangerous mindset that must be challenged.
He urged the international community to take responsibility in fostering tolerance and understanding. He highlighted the role of educational and cultural institutions in shaping future generations, stressing that raising awareness among young people is crucial in countering hatred and misinformation.
Following his address, representatives from various UN member states took the floor, outlining their governments’ efforts to combat Islamophobia and promote social cohesion.
Saudi deputy foreign minister meets with Spanish ambassador
- The deputy minister praised Sierra’s efforts in strengthening relations and wished him continued success in his future endeavors
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji met in Riyadh with Spanish Ambassador to the Kingdom Jorge Hevia Sierra, who came to bid farewell as his term concluded.
The deputy minister praised Sierra’s efforts in strengthening relations and wished him continued success in his future endeavors.
