RIYADH: The European Music Week in Riyadh is bringing audiences classical, pop, folk and jazz sounds to celebrate the “dynamism and richness of relations” between Saudi Arabia and the EU.
The EU delegation, in partnership with the embassies of EU member states and the Saudi Music Commission, inaugurated the event on Nov. 11.
Running until Nov. 20 at the Saudi Music Hub, the festival is hosting a rich selection of artists from Portugal, Denmark, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Estonia, Greece and the Netherlands.
Christophe Fernand, ambassador of the EU, told Arab News: “Tonight is the launch of the European Music Week. It is a unique occasion; it is an event that did not exist before. This is a very important moment for Saudi Arabia and the EU. It reflects the dynamism and richness of the relations. The economic partnership must be strengthened by a cultural partnership.”
The ambassador added: “We live in a world where trade is increasingly important. It is fundamental that people learn to know each other, to better understand each other and this goes through culture in the general sense of the term. Tonight, it is the turn of music to bring together two cultures as rich and diverse as each other.
“Music today is an opportunity to have a good time together and also to know each other.”
Faisal Al-Gain, director general of the Saudi Music Hub, told Arab News: “This is an important event because our goal is to celebrate culture. It is, therefore, an incredible opportunity that allows us to celebrate musical art, and to promote new co-creation and new content.
“So, we could really embrace this art and look at best practices and how we can work together, whether it’s in the form of performances or from an educational perspective, to see how we can improve the quality of music.”
Since Nov. 11, the Saudi public and music enthusiasts at the festival have explored European music, including contemporary Portuguese sound, courtesy of the group Almanata, a collective made up of Portuguese friends living in Riyadh.
Louise Tuxen, a Danish singer and composer, showed her rich and emotive repertoire at the festival. Whether singing in Danish or English, her melodies explore themes of life, family, friendship, happiness, sadness and death.
Tuxen captivated the audience with her warm voice, offering a delightful musical journey through a small corner of Denmark.
The Arcis Saxophone Quartet brought German sounds to the event through its four talented members: Claus Hierluksch, Ricarda Fuss, Anna-Marie Schafer and Jure Knez.
French-Maltese singer Cynthia Queenton blends charm and talent, and is widely recognized for her vocals through advertising jingles aired on French television.
Queenton blends “swing poppy jazz” with a “French touch.” Raised on the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Cole Porter and Michel Legrand, she honed her craft at the Academie de musique et de danse Classique de Paris.
Audiences will also have the opportunity to attend concerts featuring artists from Italy, Estonia, Greece and the Netherlands.
From jazz to classical: European Music Week takes center stage in Riyadh
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From jazz to classical: European Music Week takes center stage in Riyadh
- The EU delegation, in partnership with the embassies of EU member states and the Saudi Music Commission, inaugurated the event on Nov. 11
- Envoy says festival is ‘very important moment’ for Saudi Arabia and the EU
Saudi Arabia advocates for quality of life during COP29
- One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification
- This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom
BAKU: While COP29, the 29th climate change conference, continues discussions for a 12th day in the capital city of Azerbaijan to elevate health and well-being for people all over the world, sustaining the level of quality of life after the implementation of policies is important.
Sustainability, in general, has emerged as a critical focal point for countries worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. As the Kingdom moves from a predominantly oil-based economy to a more diverse and sustainable model, the implications for quality of life are profound.
One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification.
This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom.
The Saudi government is working to create a more resilient and prosperous future through various investments in sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly technologies and projects.
Sustainable urban development is central to enhancing the quality of life. Projects such as NEOM, a futuristic city planned to integrate smart technology and sustainable living, show how urban environments can be designed while keeping growth sustainable even after the completion of the city.
Such projects aim to provide residents with green spaces, efficient public transport and smart infrastructure, all contributing to a higher standard of living.
Aeon Collective is another example that shows the Kingdom’s commitment to raising living standards for people.
The company is an interdisciplinary, non-profit organization based in Riyadh, committed to advancing the concept of sustainability and development in Saudi Arabia, while at the same time focusing on the intersection of social, economic, and ecological well-being.
Aeon Collective is considered a Waqf, which is an Arabic word meaning assets that are donated, bequeathed, or purchased to be held in perpetual trust for general or specific charitable causes that are socially beneficial.
Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shalan, co-founder of Aeon Collective, explained to Arab News during COP29 the concept and objective of the organization.
“As you know, Waqf is one of the oldest legal Islamic structures, (established) almost 1400 years ago,” she said. “The intention was to reorient this legal structure (Waqf) into a space that allowed us to focus on sustainability in the longer run, but in the shorter run try to answer one key basic question, ‘what would it take to align opportunities for socio-economic mobility for individuals through the active action of repairing our planet?’”
Princess Mashael spoke further of the need to reclaim the Islamic framework Amarat Alardh, which, according to her, means “custodianship of the land.”
“It is within our own heritage, our culture, Islamic, Arabic, Saudi, that we have to be there to take care of our fellow citizens, our fellow humans, but importantly, every other being, plant, animal, that we share this planet with,” she said.
Moreover, public awareness and engagement in sustainability practices are being fostered through educational campaigns and community initiatives. By encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable habits, such as recycling and energy conservation, the government aims to create a culture of sustainability that enhances community well-being.
Throughout the conversation, Princess Mashael praised the perspectives Saudi Arabia is bringing to the table of negotiations during this event, yet stressed also the responsibility of individuals to raise the bar of ambition on a national level to ensure that those goals and ambitions are translated on the ground.
In addition, Princess Mashael was a speaker at one of the panels on Wednesday, regarding sustainability in cities.
“Cities tend to not only be the biggest congregators of carbon but also where most of the brains we are trying to attract, who solve these issues, live ... So it is having a mentality that goes beyond scarcity, beyond fear-mongering and eco-anxiety; to a mentality of growth, to a mentality of being able to do.”
Sustainability in Saudi Arabia is not merely a response to environmental concerns; it is a holistic approach to improving quality of life through strategic initiatives in numerous sectors, including urban planning and community engagement; the country is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future for its people.
Women’s traditional market in Al-Baha: a cultural hub empowering local artisans
- Traditional marketplace provides a platform where local women gather to practice ancestral handicrafts
RIYADH: Women’s traditional markets in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Aqiq governorate have emerged as a vibrant center of cultural preservation and economic empowerment in Al-Baha region.
This traditional marketplace provides a platform where local women gather to practice ancestral handicrafts and trade indigenous products.
Through their participation, women play a vital role in safeguarding Saudi national identity and cultural heritage.
The marketplace enables them to use government support programs designed for productive families and small to medium enterprises, transforming traditional handicrafts into viable commercial products.
A recent tour by the Saudi Press Agency revealed the market’s rich tapestry of products, from woven carpets and jewelry to local delicacies and traditional spices.
Visitors can find authentic products including al-kadi (Pandanus) plants, rayhan (natural clothing fragrance), local honey, traditional ghee, various types of incense, metalwork, textiles, and traditional clothing.
The market distinctively features artisans creating handmade crafts in real time.
Umm Abdullah, a craftswoman, said the market’s significance goes beyond commerce.
“This space has become a crucial meeting point for women to exchange news, experiences and expertise,” she said.
“It is not just about trading goods — it is about discovering talents and creating job opportunities, while strengthening cooperation among women to pass our heritage to the next generation in innovative ways that reinforce national identity.”
Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Sawat, Al-Baha region’s secretary, underscored the market’s role in supporting productive families by organizing women’s work and providing a secure environment for women entrepreneurs and their products while promoting cultural values.
Al-Sawat highlighted the municipality’s commitment to supporting community projects, praising Al-Aqiq Municipality’s initiative in establishing the market.
The facility covers an impressive 4,000 sq. meters and houses 47 shops. The space includes prayer facilities, restrooms and ample parking, complemented by landscaped green spaces, seating areas and children’s recreational facilities.
Saudi defense minister meets Swedish counterpart
- Discussions focused on bolstering cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sweden
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met Johan Stuart, minister of state at the Swedish Prime Minister’s office, in Riyadh on Thursday.
They discussed ways in which relations and cooperation between their countries might be enhanced, along with other issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Other Saudi officials present during the discussions included Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, chief of the general staff of the Kingdom’s armed forces, and Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, director general of the defense minister’s office.
The Swedish minister was accompanied by a delegation that included Bjorn Kalvakov, charge d’affaires of the Swedish Embassy in Riyadh, and Sophie Becker, deputy head of the Middle East and North Africa department at Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Italian food festival highlights nation’s rich taste and culinary flavors
JEDDAH: The Italian Consulate General in Jeddah hosted on Wednesday night a unique event celebrating the richness and uniqueness of Italian products and flavors on the occasion of the ninth edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.
The event is being celebrated all over the globe from Nov. 16-22 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture as part of their drive to promote the beauty and quality of Italian gastronomy.
Leonardo Costa, the Italian consul general in Jeddah, said: “We are glad to hold this Italian food street festival in the framework of the 9th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World celebrating Italian food culture. The theme for this year’s events is ‘Mediterranean Diet: Traditional Cuisine and Healthy Food,’ which is not a list of healthy food but a lifestyle.”
He added: “All the communities of the Mediterranean Sea share the same idea of hospitality and friendship. All concepts that fully applied to the great generosity and hospitality to the Saudi people and their way of conceiving food.”
Held at Al-Basateen Compound, the Italian Consulate General in Jeddah set up an elaborate street food scene around the pool area, ranging from big local Italian brands from shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and hotels in Jeddah with the attendance of guests drawn from the diplomatic corps, journalists, Italian expatriates, Saudi guests, the business community, and other selected food enthusiasts.
The festival contained multiple food stalls displayed by the sponsors and participants such as Danub, Lallo restaurant, Assila hotel, Margherita KSA, Montana water by Sharbatly, Ferrero, Loacker, and other brands, where everyone showcased different distinctive Italian delicacies.
Music was also played for the guests by DJ Ahmed Can.
Saudi businessman Mohammed Al-Zahrani — who became fascinated by Italian coffee during his visits to Catanzaro, the capital of the Calabria region in Italy, is the founder of Dell’Oro Store. He told Arab News how he turned his passion into a business.
“I am glad to be part of the ninth Week of Italian Cuisine in the World for the first time, and I am here to promote our coffee,” he added.
Spanish aerobatic pilot Castor Fantoba puts on a spectacular air display in Riyadh
- World-class pilot soars high at Sand & Fun event
RIYADH: A Spanish world-class powered aerobatic pilot on Tuesday put on a thrilling aerobatic display filled with loops, rolls, spins, dives and climbs at the Sand & Fun event at Al-Thumamah airport, Riyadh.
Organized by the Saudi General Aviation, the event runs from Nov. 19-23.
Castor Fantoba’s performance was one of 10 SkyVentures at Sand & Fun’s series of airshows.
In a sitdown interview with Arab News, Fantoba described how his passion for aviation began and what it takes to become a world-class aerobatic pilot.
As a child, Fantoba lived in the Spanish region of Navarra, where he watched small planes flying in the sky.
“Every child is looking into the blue ... Near my village there was an older field and eventually there were small planes doing tours and I was always stuck to the glass of the car, looking into the window trying to see if there was something around. I think it was that simple thing that marked my life.”
After secondary school, Fantoba developed a deeper admiration for aviation, which led to him pursuing a career as an engineer.
Fantoba graduated as an aeronautical engineer and gained his extensive flying experience in areas such as aerial advertising, skywriting, crop-dusting and water-bombing.
He then decided to take a different route and become a pilot, after working for several years in aircraft maintenance.
Today, Fantoba is an airline captain qualified to fly Boeing 737, 757 and 767s, powered aerobatics in the world-renowned Sukhoi Su-26M and is also a certified flight instructor for ultralight motorized gliders, private pilot licence training, and powered aerobatics.
To prepare for his airshows, Fantoba has a precise regimen of physical training and technical training coached by retired pilot and former member of the Soviet and Russian national aerobatic team, Nikolai Nikituk, who is widely recognized as one of the best pilots in the history of aerobatics.
“He (Nikituk) is the one who is pushing us and modeling us to arrive at that point in which we will compete and try to win.”
During airshows, pilots take turns performing and on some days the wind could work against them. In moments like those, endurance is key, a practice taught by Nikituk.
“If you control your stress, you get focused and you don’t get nervous and lose energy.”
Aerobatic pilots draw geometrical figures in the sky using a unique composition of sequences. When performing advanced aerial maneuvers, pilots can experience a range of gravitational forces.
Aerobatic pilots are trained to handle these forces by tensing their muscles to maintain blood flow to the brain and avoid blacking out.
Fantoba said dealing with negative Gz force, when pushing a plane over into a dive, took him 10 years of practice to perfect it.
“After 10 years of training, (previously) I was not able to get the good rotation or transition, but this year I got it so this for me is the most satisfying.”
To avoid problems in equilibrium, prevent dizziness and fade-out, Fantoba said a lot mental focus, physical conditioning, and training are required.
“You need to do exactly what you are told to do in a sequence. A sequence is composed of about 14 figures that are very complex with rotations in all directions.”
Fantoba spoke of an experience when he blacked out during a positive Gz flight. “I remember I was beginning a training camp and I was really relaxed during the beginning of the season ... I was not pushing my body … I remember I was going up and then a voice was calling me ‘Castor, do you hear me?’ (on the radio) and I saw all blue and suddenly realized I was flying.”
Pilots begin with 10 points and lose 1 point per 5 degrees of deviation, so precision is vital to a successful airshow. Pilots usually score an average five points, but Fantoba’s attention to detail allowed him to score 8.3 points in the previous World Championship.
Fantoba encourages individuals to try flying. “With normal health, you can fly ... you have fantastic aircraft here in Saudi Arabia … call them (organizations) and ask them ‘how can I become a pilot?’ It’s easy and you will discover an absolute new world.”
“Aerobatics and generally all air sports, it does not matter if you are a man or woman, it’s based on skill … in aerobatics we do not have separation.”
Fantoba has numerous achievements to his credit.
He was a runner-up in the 2022 World Team Championship, runner-up in freestyle at the 2019 World Championship; three bronze medals at the 2017 World Cup; double bronze medal in the 2015 World Cup, bronze medal in Classic and Freestyle in the 2016 European Championship, Absolute European Champion 2014, and nine times Absolute Spanish Champion.
He has been officially recognized as a high level athlete by the Higher Sports Council since 2005. He has bagged more than 50 medals in his sporting career, six medals in a single top-category competition (European Aerobatic Championships 2014). He has won 30 FAI (world governing body for air sports) medals, including six golds.
