RIYADH: Two Saudi Arabia artists have produced compelling paintings and are offering workshops that provide insights into the verse of legendary pre-Islamic poet Imru Al-Qais, who was born in the Najd region in 501 A.D. and died in Turkiye in 544 A.D.
Wijdan Al-Jahwri and Meznah Jiffry are also running workshops at the Imru Al-Qais Festival launched by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture as part of Arab Poetry Year 2023.
“My paintings showcased in this workshop are based on one of the most famous poems by Imru Al-Qais, where he wrote about the beauty of his lover in great detail,” said Jiffry, in reference to “Stop, friends! Let’s stay and weep at the thought of my love,” which is the first of the world-famous seven “Al-Mu’allaqat,” or “The Suspended Odes.”
“I tried to embody the beauty of the woman he described through my painting. I firmly believe that visual art and poetry are two sides of the same coin,” she said of Al-Qais’ description of what is believed to be his cousin Unaizah.
Using a variety of materials in her paintings, including saffron, Al-Jahwri said she attempted to depict the internal struggles of the famous poet.
Pointing at one of her paintings, she said: “I wanted to paint the suffering experienced by Imru Al-Qais in a square form. When we are faced with problems, we tend to shut down and metaphorically close ourselves in a square form box, we do not go outside of the box to solve our problem, but bravely Al-Qais always solved and overcame every problem he faced.”
She added: “I wanted to express this part of his life with a piece of cloth that I took out of the frame to show how (he) overcame every struggle and problem he had.”
Al-Jahwri said she used different colors to depict various periods of Al-Qais’ life.
“I used sandy color to convey the early part of his life, his childhood and upbringing,” said Al-Jahwri.
Several of the two artists’ paintings were produced during a workshop, in the presence of the participants, who were encouraged to do the same with various types of paints and brushes.
There are also other cultural activities and events at the festival that embody the life of the poet, including musical performances and a play.
There is also a virtual reality display of rare historical artifacts found in an archaeological site in Al-Faw, the home of Al-Qais.
In addition, the festival is hosting calligraphy, sculpture, handicrafts and poetry-writing workshops.
“I am very happy to know about the different sites of Saudi Arabia, including the cultural aspects. And it was interesting for me to watch all these programs and activities in this festival,” said Yujin, a South Korean student from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, who is attending a program at King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic language.
She added: “I was impressed by the play that I saw about Imru Al-Qais. I didn’t know much about the poetry during the Jahiliya (pre-Islamic) period, but through this festival, I was able to know that.”
Saudi Arabia artists pay homage to legendary poet Imru Al-Qais
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Saudi Arabia artists pay homage to legendary poet Imru Al-Qais

- Wijdan Al-Jahwri and Meznah Jiffry displaying art and offering workshops on the iconic verse of the pre-Islamic warrior-poet
- Festival on the writer showcased as part of Arab Poetry Year 2023, organized by Kingdom’s Culture Ministry
Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

- Concert features symphonic arrangements, in-game HD visuals
DHAHRAN: It is “game on” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture after it opened its doors to an event on Thursday.
The orchestral performance, which is being held nightly at the Ithra Theater — with two shows scheduled for Friday — celebrates the soundtracks of popular video games and attempts to breathe new life into them.
The concert features symphonic arrangements paired with in-game HD visuals and exclusive concept art from popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher 3.

Sergey Smbatyan, founder of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director and principal conductor since 2005, was on hand to lend context and commentary between the scores on opening night.
He told the crowd before the show: “If you’re not a gamer, what I want you to do is to imagine that you’re in a museum — an art museum — but instead of a curator telling you about the images that you’re going to see on this huge screen, let these musicians tell you that exact story.
“Tonight there is no right time to clap; there is no wrong time to clap. If you hear something you like from these guys (gesturing to the orchestra behind him on stage), let us know.
“We're going to start off tonight with role-play games, or what are known as RPGs, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is focused on interactive storytelling, decision-making and strategy.”
Dhahran resident Paul Blay took his two daughters Sylvia, 11, and Celeste, 10, to the show.
Blay, who is a father of six, told Arab News: “I get emails about Ithra events and saw this one and I thought it would be fun for me and the girls to go to. Like with anyone that you love, I shared the things I love with them.”
The Blay family moved to the Kingdom last year and were keen to attend an event that merged gaming with music.
Celeste told Arab News: “I really like video game music; the music is really pretty and I like listening to that. It is kind of what motivated me to come here. And, also, my dad likes video games.”
The older Blay sisters have both taken music lessons and play multiple instruments, including the piano, the harp and the clarinet.
Their father said: “Some of the best music that’s being composed nowadays is for movies and video games. I expected it to be really high quality and good (at Ithra).”
The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
The last show takes place on April 5, with tickets starting at SR200 ($53), available at the venue or via the Ithra website.
Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

- The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations
MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz launched the “Love of Khaled Al-Faisal” exhibition as part of Jeddah Season festivities.
The ceremony was attended by Prince Turki bin Faisal, alongside several relatives of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
The delegation toured the exhibition, housed at the Abadi Al-Johar area in Jeddah, which runs from April 3-8 and welcomes visitors daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations.
Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

- Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors
HAIL: With its vibrant array of wildflowers framed by golden sand dunes and majestic mountains, the Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah is one of the Hail region’s most captivating attractions.
Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors, particularly during holidays, Eid and the spring season.
The attraction enchants guests with its sweeping fields of poppies, perfectly balanced in form and color. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder.
This striking beauty enhances the region’s reputation for breathtaking scenery and offers a unique experience.
Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

- The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added
BOLOGNA: Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the Bologna International Book Fair 2025, held in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3.
The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience.
Bassam Al-Bassam, general manager of publishing at the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said the commission organized various initiatives to enhance the publishing and translation industry in the Kingdom and showcase the Saudi cultural landscape.
The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added.
By participating in international book fairs, the Kingdom aims to enhance its cultural presence on a global scale and create new opportunities to promote Saudi culture both regionally and internationally.
Attempt to smuggle qat foiled in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan

- Preliminary procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics were handed to the competent authority
JAZAN: Saudi Border Guard land patrols in Farasan, Jazan, arrested three Yemenis for violating border security system regulations and attempting to smuggle 171 kg of qat.
Meanwhile, Border Guard land patrols in Al-Daer, Jazan, foiled an attempt to smuggle 45 kg of hashish. Preliminary procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics were handed to the competent authority.