Amstel Quartet and vocalist Anass Habib’s ‘Stories of the Soul’ comes to Dhahran

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Music lovers in Dhahran had three opportunities to experience a fusion of sounds when Amsterdam’s Amstel Quartet joined Moroccan singer Anass Habib on stage at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 August 2023
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Amstel Quartet and vocalist Anass Habib’s ‘Stories of the Soul’ comes to Dhahran

  • “Stories of the Soul,” which began on Aug. 24, has been a sonic exploration rooted in the revival of classic Arabic songs — and with a jazzy twist

DHAHRAN: Music lovers in Dhahran had three opportunities to experience a fusion of sounds when Amsterdam’s Amstel Quartet — self-described as “the most colorful saxophone quartet in the world” — joined Moroccan singer Anass Habib on stage at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture.
“Stories of the Soul,” which had its final showing at Ithra on Aug. 26, has been a sonic exploration rooted in the revival of classic Arabic songs — and with a jazzy twist.
A member of the quartet said at the start of the show: “We are thrilled to be at Ithra tonight, on our first tour in Saudi Arabia.




In their captivating musical events at Ithra, the ‘stories of the soul’ performers
played favorites from sayid Darwish, Layla Mourad, Fairuz, Rabih Abou Khalil, and others. (Supplied)

“We really love it here; thank you so much for your hospitality. This project is quite unusual, the combination of four saxophones and a Moroccan singer to play Arabic music. I don’t think it has ever been done before.”
The quartet’s journey weaving sounds to Arabic vocals began about five years ago when they listened to a song by Umm Kulthum — which is why they decided to start the show with her “Al-Nil” classic.

FASTFACTS

• The Amstel Quartet’s journey weaving sounds to Arabic vocals began about five years ago when they listened to a song by Umm Kulthum.

• Anass Habib, the 43-year-old classically trained singer from Fez, Morocco, typically sings in Arabic, Aramaic and Greek.

During a 26-year career, the award-winning saxophone quartet has made a habit of collaborating with composers from around the world. The musicians’ versatility has been key in communicating a wide range of styles as they have connected to audiences in a variety of genres, and languages.




In their captivating musical events at Ithra, the ‘stories of the soul’ performers
played favorites from sayid Darwish, Layla Mourad, Fairuz, Rabih Abou Khalil, and others. (Supplied)


Habib, the 43-year-old classically-trained singer from Fez, Morocco, typically sings in Arabic, Aramaic and Greek, but chose only Arabic songs for the show.
Habib introduced himself to the audience, and said: “I’m very happy to be here this evening with all of you in this journey with the songs (that are) pillars of Arabic music.
“If you know the song and you want to sing along or to clap, feel free to do that.”
Although he gave the crowd full permission to join in, only a few hushed voices were audible for the first songs and applause was reserved until after the song was complete.
However, when Habib started singing Saudi Mohammed Abdu’s “Al-Amaken” in the middle of the set, the crowd found its voice and joined in.
The performers also played favorites from Sayid Darwish, Layla Mourad, Mahmoud Sobyh and Rabih Abou-Khalil. They also featured some Philip Glass and Abdelrahim Al-Masloub, and Fairuz, the “Cedar of Lebanon.”
The Dutch ensemble comprised Vitaly Vatulya on soprano saxophone, Olivier Sliepen on alto sax, Bas Apswoude on tenor saxophone and Harry Cherrin on baritone. The group originally met in 1997 after a tour with the National Youth Orchestra.
The repetitive notes that kept playing on loop almost put the audience in a sort of trance, while Habib’s vocals provided the main feature.
After the 11th and final song of the set, the crowd wanted more. A lone voice shouted “One more, one more” and Habib cheerfully huddled with the quartet to discuss what they could play next. They did two more songs, to the pure delight of the receptive fans who cheered through the entirety of the encore. At times, it turned into an impromptu singalong.
Habib ended the show by saying he was humbled by the passionate reception from the enthusiastic audience, and while it was his first trip to Saudi, it surely will not be his last.

 

 


Saudi Arabia extends condolences to Sudan after 11 die in mine collapse

A general view shows the Ariab company gold mine in the Sudanese desert, 800 kilometers northeast of the capital Khartoum. (AFP)
Updated 29 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia extends condolences to Sudan after 11 die in mine collapse

  • The collapse of the gold mine in the remote desert area of Howeid, northeast Sudan killed 11 miners and wounded seven others

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia extended its condolences and sympathy on Sunday after a traditional gold mine in Sudan partially collapsed and killed 11 miners.

The collapse of the gold mine in the remote desert area of Howeid, northeast Sudan also wounded seven others, the country’s mining company said on Sunday.

The Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom stands with Sudan during this tragedy and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. 


Jeddah panel explores declining marriage rates among youth

Dr. Khalid Sind speaks to attendees during the panel discussion. (Supplied)
Updated 29 June 2025
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Jeddah panel explores declining marriage rates among youth

  • Discussion highlights changing views on commitment, societal pressures, search for meaningful connection

JEDDAH: Amid changing values, shifting priorities and growing alternatives to traditional partnerships, a panel titled “Why is there a decline in marriage today?” has explored evolving views on love, commitment and marriage.

Organized by Ta3mq, a platform focused on honest dialogue, the event at Hayy Jameel’s Rukn Space in Jeddah featured panelists from psychology, community leadership and youth engagement.

It was moderated by Tasneem Alshanqiti, Ta3mq founder, and Motaz Al-Safh, a Saudi engineer and entrepreneur. The session addressed generational concerns, fears and new definitions of partnership.

Panel members (L-R): Tasneem Al-Shanqiti, Dr. Rozana Al-Banawi, Motaz Al-Safh and Dr. Khalid Sindi. (Supplied)

Reflecting on her role, Alshanqiti said: “I wasn’t just moderating — I was carrying the voice of younger women,” adding that she aimed to create a safe space that encouraged openness and reflection.

Panelist Rozana Albanawi, founder of Qeema and Jeddah_CM, said that the discussion explored marriage from societal, religious and psychological perspectives, focusing on self-understanding, compatibility over idealism, and the evolution of love.

Al-Safh said that he focused on creating a safe, judgment-free space for men to express vulnerability.

He described the conversation as “more like a talk between brothers than a formal panel,” aiming to help participants understand their fears and feelings about love and commitment.

The discussion highlighted recurring themes among Saudi youth. Al-Safh said that a few key issues kept emerging: Fear of failure, feeling unready, and pressure from expectations. Many question whether marriage today feels like love or a liability.

He added: “But beneath it all, there’s a real craving for connection, just done right, in a way that feels safe and meaningful.”

Dr. Khalid Sindi, a relationship and marriage psychotherapist, offered a broader national perspective by linking personal challenges to policy and social change.

Speaking to Arab News, he noted the ongoing transition in Saudi marriage values — from traditional to more modern — while emphasizing the preservation of core Islamic principles.

He highlighted government efforts under Vision 2030, such as the Saudi Marriage Fund and Sakani housing program, aimed at easing economic barriers for youth.

Sindi added: “Younger generations are seeking marriages that blend our cherished traditions with contemporary expectations of emotional connection and mutual growth. This represents not a rejection of our values but their natural adaptation to modern life.”

The panelists said that changing views on love and commitment reflected maturity rather than uncertainty.

Albanawi said: “There is high awareness among the generation now on marital topics, and many are seeking marriage with the right tools.”

She explained that conversation and dialogue help young people to commit while accepting uncertainty in relationships.

“The younger generation is looking for new ways to shape their marriage, such as avoiding unnecessary rules like high financial burdens or societal expectations that don’t match their reality.”

On the event’s outcome, Albanawi added: “A common theme was that marriages work best when couples marry early, are ready, and have family support.”

She noted that many believe delaying marriage increases fears and makes adaptation harder.

Sindi expressed a similar view on marriage’s evolving nature, saying that the changing views reflected progress and natural generational dynamics rather than fear or uncertainty.

“Rather than seeing shifting perspectives as problematic, the older generation should guide younger Saudis with wisdom and empathy.”

Highlighting the national context, Sindi noted the vital role of government initiatives in supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for marriage and family life, demonstrating a commitment to making families society’s cornerstone.

Reflecting on the session’s emotional honesty, Al-Safh said that hearing men express concerns such as, “I don’t want to fail someone’s daughter,” revealed deep care often left unspoken.

Alshanqiti echoed the need for open, non-judgmental spaces, saying fears about failure and not being enough reminded her that many seek places where they can be truly seen and heard. She described the session as a step toward that openness.

 

 


Global sculptures at open-air museum in historic Jeddah

The new sculpture installations at Al-Arbaeen Lake reimagine public spaces as platforms for cultural engagement. (SPA)
Updated 29 June 2025
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Global sculptures at open-air museum in historic Jeddah

  • The sculptures form a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, blending the site’s heritage with the language of contemporary art

JEDDAH: As part of a broader effort to revive the region’s visual identity through art, Al-Arbaeen Lake in historic Jeddah has been transformed into an open-air gallery featuring a curated collection of sculptures by international artists.

Led by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Jeddah Municipality, the initiative features 14 world-class artworks integrated into the city’s visual landscape, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Historic Jeddah's Visual Identity Reimagined Through Art Installations at Lake Al-Arbaeen. (SPA)

The sculptures form a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, blending the site’s heritage with the language of contemporary art.

Notable works on display include “The Illusion of the Second Cube” by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely; “Rouge” and “Flexibility of Balance” by Alexander Calder; “Circular Mass” by Arnaldo Pomodoro; “The Bird” by Spanish sculptor Joan Miro; and “Giving and Receiving Love” by Lorenzo Quinn — a powerful piece that reflects human values through striking aluminium forms.

FASTFACTS

• Led by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Jeddah Municipality, the urban art initiative features 14 world-class artworks integrated into the city’s visual landscape.

• Notable works on display include ‘The Illusion of the Second Cube’ by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely and ‘Giving and Receiving Love’ by Lorenzo Quinn.

The installations are part of a wider artistic movement that reimagines public spaces as platforms for cultural engagement.

By transforming urban environments into art experiences, the project invites both residents and visitors to explore the intersection of architectural heritage and modern creativity.

It underscores the growing role of art in shaping urban identity and fostering public appreciation for visual beauty in shared spaces of the Kingdom.

 


Saudi FM receives Djiboutian counterpart

Updated 29 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives Djiboutian counterpart

  • The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Djiboutian counterpart, Abdul Kader Hussein Omar, in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

The two ministers also chaired a meeting of the Political Consultations Committee between the two countries, during which they discussed coordination on key regional and international issues.

Saud Al-Sati, deputy minister for political affairs, was among the officials in attendance.

 

 


Saudi FM receives written message from Russian counterpart

The message was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during a meeting with Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom.
Updated 29 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives written message from Russian counterpart

  • Al-Khuraiji and Kozlov elaborated on relations between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a written message from his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The message, regarding Saudi-Russian relations and ways to support and strengthen them in various fields, was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji in Riyadh during a meeting with Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov.

During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji and Kozlov elaborated on relations between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields. Topics of common interest were also discussed, SPA added.