RIYADH: The fifth annual Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium will be held under the theme “Dimensions of Movement” from Jan. 14 to Feb. 24.
Visitors can see 30 sculptors working on their projects or visit the final exhibition from Feb. 12-24.
Sarah Alruwayti, Tuwaiq Sculpture director, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said the symposium, now in its fifth edition, has become a significant international event on the global sculpting calendar.
“This year, we have made substantial progress toward delivering on the goals of Vision 2030, with the inclusion of 10 Saudi artists who will be joined by 19 international sculptors, and the involvement of Dr. Fahad Aljebreen, the first Saudi assistant curator for Tuwaiq Sculpture.”
Led by curator Marek Wolynski and associate curator Fahad Aljebreen, 30 local and international artists will produce large-scale sculptures exploring the notions of progress, expansion, and accelerated advancements of modern society under the year’s theme “Dimensions of Movement.”
After the exhibition, the works will be installed across Riyadh.
The artists will begin sculpting on granite from Jan. 14. Visitors will be able to see the works from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Sundays.
Tuwaiq Sculpture will also be accompanied by a public program of workshops and other activities at ROSHN Front. These will include 15 panel discussions, masterclasses, and over 30 workshops for beginners and intermediate levels.
Featured activities include a welding and metal sculpting workshop by Saddek Wasil, and a chair-making workshop by Amr Abuzaid. The site will welcome 20 local school and university visits throughout the festival.
Tuwaiq Sculpture is an initiative under Riyadh Art, the project behind the city’s art and light festival, which aims to turn the Saudi capital into a “gallery without walls.” Since its launch in 2019, Tuwaiq Sculpture has welcomed thousands of visitors, and worked with 120 local and international artists.
Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium returns with packed program, live sculpting
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Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium returns with packed program, live sculpting
- Visitors can see 30 sculptors working on their projects, or visit the final exhibition from Feb. 12-24
- The artists will begin sculpting on granite from Jan. 14
Drug smuggling and trafficking networks dismantled: Saudi interior ministry source
- The source explained that the two networks were active in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions
- Regular procedures were taken against the 13 members of the two networks and they were referred to the Public Prosecution
RIYADH: Two criminal networks that specialized in smuggling amphetamine tablets and hashish have been dismantled and their members arrested, an official source at the Saudi Ministry of Interior has said.
The source explained that the two networks were active in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions, through King Khalid International Airport and Farasan Island.
The 13 members of the networks include a Ministry of Interior employee, four employees from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, two Ministry of Defense employees, and three residents of Yemeni and Syrian nationalities.
Regular procedures were taken against the 13 members of the two networks and they were referred to the Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that authorities will crack down on anyone who dares to tamper with the security and stability of the Kingdom and that of its citizens and residents.
Saudi program to train future ambassadors of moderation globally
- 60 students from 40 countries selected; initiative backed by $1m in contributions from Saudi endowments, foundations
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan recently inaugurated the Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness program for scholarship students in Saudi Arabia.
Launched at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs headquarters in Riyadh, the program is supervised by both ministries, Saudi universities and donor institutions in the nonprofit sector.
Al-Asheikh said that the program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims, and aligns with its vision to promote moderation based on solid principles and authentic traditions.
The program combines rigorous scientific methodology with practical applications to train select international students at Saudi universities as ambassadors of moderation within their communities, he added.
The fellowship represents an integrated training system that fosters cognitive and leadership excellence, preparing graduates to address contemporary challenges and contribute to a cooperative and prosperous future.
President of King Abdulaziz University Tareef Al-Alaama said that the fellowship was launched in the summer with support from the Endowment of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for His Parents and under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The program attracted significant interest, with about 300 male and female students from various nationalities applying. After a thorough nomination and selection process, 60 people from 40 countries were selected.
Ten seats are reserved in honor of the minister of Islamic affairs for exceptional students from Muslim minority communities worldwide, recognizing their efforts in promoting moderation and combating hatred and extremism.
In conjunction with the program’s launch, the General Authority of Awqaf, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for Developmental Housing and the Al-Rajhi Endowment pledged almost SR4 million ($1 million) to support the initiative.
The contributions highlight the program’s role in promoting the values of moderation, in line with the ministry’s mission and the directives of Saudi leadership.
Syrian FM Al-Shibani receives invitation to visit Saudi Arabia
- Al-Shibani has expressed optimism about the future of Syrian-Saudi relations
DUBAI: Foreign Minister of the transitional government in Syria, Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani, said on X on Monday that he had accepted an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to visit the Kingdom, in what would be his first foreign trip since the ouster of former president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.
“We look forward to building strategic relations with Saudi Arabia in all fields,” read a statement posted on the Syrian Arab News Agency's X account.
Al-Shibani has expressed optimism about the future of Syrian-Saudi relations, and has emphasized the importance of building strategic ties in all fields, SANA reported.
He added, “I am honored to represent my country and look forward to this opportunity to enhance cooperation and dialogue.”
It follows comments made by Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who said Saudi Arabia had a major role to play in his country’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya, which aired on Sunday.
“Saudi Arabia has a major role in Syria’s future, and I take pride in everything it has done for us,” he said, adding that he spent his early childhood in Riyadh and hoped to visit the city again.
Al-Sharaa also praised recent Saudi statements as “very positive” and commended Riyadh’s efforts toward stabilizing Syria.
Earlier this month, a high-ranking Saudi delegation headed by an advisor to the Royal Court visited Syria and met with Al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Riding, target sports attract visitors in Asir
- Certified trainers are on hand to provide guidance on horseback riding and archery
RIYADH: Horseback riding and target sports are popular attractions at the Muhayil festival in the Asir region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Held in Muhayil governorate, 80 km northwest of Abha, the festival offers entertainment, sports and shopping.
Horse riding instructor Salma Mohammed said the activities, part of the Muhayil Asir winter program, have drawn significant interest, especially from children.
Mohammed and other trainers teach how to handle horses, offer guided rides, and provide instruction in archery and air-rifle use.
Mohammed, a lifelong horse enthusiast, became a qualified instructor after completing specialized training.
Bandar Al-Hilali, owner of the festival’s horse stable, said the goal is to highlight the significance of horses and teach basic riding and target shooting with the aid of certified trainers.
Horseback riding instruction covers balance, rein handling, calming techniques, and track riding. Archery training includes proper shooting methods and friendly competitions. Participants also learn the basics of air-rifle marksmanship.
Muhayil governorate, in the Tihama Asir region, is experiencing notable economic and tourism growth due to its mild winter climate, attracting visitors from the highlands.
Riyadh Season’s winter fun draws crowds
RIYADH: The Courchevel area in Riyadh Season’s Boulevard World zone has become a highly popular destination since its opening.
This winter wonderland offers a mix of adventure and fun, appealing to those seeking unique experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The journey starts in the ski area, with a large open field for practicing under the guidance of expert trainers.
The snowy atmosphere provides a thrilling backdrop for various challenges and activities, the SPA reported.
There is a section to capture photos and videos to preserve memories of the winter adventure.
The subzone also offers winter supplies for a cozy experience. And visitors can purchase winter-themed souvenirs.
Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already attracted over 13 million people, according to Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
