Saudi FM receives phone call from newly appointed British counterpart
Saudi FM receives phone call from newly appointed British counterpart/node/2546596/saudi-arabia
Saudi FM receives phone call from newly appointed British counterpart
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy. (File/AFP)
Saudi FM receives phone call from newly appointed British counterpart
Prince Faisal congratulated Lammy on his new role after the Labour Party’s landslide election win last week
Ministers discussed strengthening Saudi-British relations and joint cooperation between the two countries
Updated 09 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his new British counterpart David Lammy on Tuesday.
During the phone call, Prince Faisal congratulated Lammy on his new role after the Labour Party’s landslide election win last week.
The two ministers discussed strengthening Saudi-British relations and joint cooperation between the two countries.
They also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Lebanon, and the importance of reducing the intensity of escalation in the region.
Halaa Nagadi desires to represent Kingdom on world stage
Hopes others ‘embrace this beautiful and expressive art form’
Updated 2 min 13 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia ballet dancer Halaa Nagadi, 18, is captivating audiences with her unwavering passion and hopes others would be inspired to “embrace this beautiful and expressive art form.”
She is currently preparing for the 2024 Dubai International Dance Competition set to start on Nov. 17 that will have professional and amateur dancers participating from all over the world.
“I became interested in ballet when I was on a journey to find a dance form that truly resonated with me,” Nagadi told Arab News. “The way ballet dancers could convey such powerful emotions and narratives through their bodies was simply captivating.”
Halaa Nagadi is currently preparing for the 2024 Dubai International Dance Competition set to start on Nov. 17 that will have professional and amateur dancers participating. (Supplied)
From a young age, Nagadi was mesmerized by the graceful movements and emotive storytelling of ballet, and she has pursued her dream with determination.
“One of my greatest goals is to represent Saudi Arabia on the international ballet stage,” Nagadi said. “I want to showcase the talent and artistry that exists within our country, and inspire others to embrace this beautiful and expressive art form.”
FASTFACTS
• Though ballet may not have been a typical path for a young Saudi Arabia woman, Nagadi was undeterred.
• She immersed herself in studying ballet, first through online videos and then by seeking out local and international training opportunities.
Though ballet may not have been a typical path for a young Saudi Arabia woman, Nagadi was undeterred. She immersed herself in studying ballet, first through online videos and then by seeking out local and international training opportunities.
“Balancing my studies in tourism and event management at King Abdulaziz University with my rigorous ballet training has not been an easy task,” Nagadi revealed.
“But I’ve remained steadfast in my pursuit, spending four to eight hours each day honing my skills, whether it’s at the ballet studio or the gym, ensuring that I am constantly improving and pushing the boundaries of my craft.”
Nagadi’s journey has not been without its challenges, however. Finding suitable ballet facilities in Saudi Arabia has been a significant hurdle, and sourcing specialized equipment is proving to be an ongoing obstacle, she explained.
Undaunted, Nagadi has sought out opportunities abroad, including a summer program in Romania and a ballet performance opportunity in Turkiye.
“I also took a masterclass for professional dancers from the principal of the Royal Ballet in London,” she added.
Nagadi’s dedication and passion have not gone unnoticed locally. “I have received the support of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, who have provided me with opportunities to showcase my talents at local events, such as the Taif Rose Festival and a theatrical performance that fused Arabic music with ballet,” she said.
As Saudi Arabia’s arts and culture scene continues to evolve, the ballet talent envisions a future where the dance form will flourish and draw audiences from across the Kingdom.
“I believe the ballet scene in Saudi Arabia will only continue to grow and develop,” she said. “More and more people are becoming interested in learning and practicing this art form.”
Nagadi’s unwavering determination has not only earned her recognition within the Saudi Arabia arts community but has also inspired a new generation of young people to explore the world of ballet.
Her story is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to challenge societal norms, anything is possible.
Saudi Arabia’s fire forts, lava fields reflect features of the past
The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah
Updated 2 min 19 sec ago
SPA
TAIF: Fire forts or lava fields, known in the Kingdom as harrat, are archaeological sites that reveal the past.
The lava fields contain features from the civilizational development of past peoples, giving hints of behaviors, culture, customs and traditions.
The black lava fields in the Kingdom, especially north of Taif — Hafir Kishb, Turbah, Al-Khurma, and Al-Muwayh — are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering.
The black lava fields are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering. (SPA)
Dr. Hammad Al-Ruwaili, a professor of history and archaeology, said that the history of volcanoes in the Kingdom dates back about 30 million years.
“They formed in two phases. The first phase coincided with the basaltic lava flows and the opening of the Red Sea, and the second phase began with volcanic activity in the Arabian Peninsula about 10 million years ago,” he added.
The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah.
Harrat Rahat is the largest volcano by area, followed by Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Al-Harrah, Harrat Nawasif and Harrat Hafir Kishb, which contains the Wahbah Crater, the deepest volcanic crater in the Kingdom with a diameter of 2 km and a depth of more than 220 meters. The site is a popular destination for locals and attracts tourists from around the world.
SPEEDREAD
The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah.
In Arabic, Harrat refers to “a land with black stones that seem to have been burned by fire.” The lava fields are named after the intense heat of rocks.
Al-Ruwaili said that volcanoes are classified into several types, including domed, scoria, shield and cratered.
He added that the Hafir Kishb derives its name from Mount Kishb, located about 260 km from the northeastern part of Taif Governorate. The black mountain is visible to the right of those traveling on the Riyadh Road after Al-Muwayh. The area is mostly scattered black rocks interspersed with sandy areas known as Al-Qee’an.
Other notable areas include Dughaybjah, Khawarah, Hafar, Al-Mashubah, Qia, Mraan and Al-Muwayh.
Al-Ruwaili added that east of Hafir Kishb lies a rough harrat which is very difficult to traverse.
Authorities arrested an Ethiopian in Al-Baha for violating border security laws and smuggling hashish
Updated 1 min 3 sec ago
SPA
NAJRAN: Two citizens have been arrested in Najran by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control for smuggling tablets subject to the regulation of medical circulation.
Preliminary procedures were taken against them and they were subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution.
Meanwhile, authorities arrested an Ethiopian in Al-Baha for violating border security laws and smuggling hashish.
Elsewhere, a citizen was arrested in Jouf for smuggling hashish and amphetamines. Preliminary procedures were taken against him and he was referred to the Public Prosecution.
Saudi Arabia reaffirms dedication to improving labor standards
Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s proactive measures and the impact of Vision 2030 in developing a national workforce
Updated 37 sec ago
SPA
BRAZIL: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi led the Kingdom’s delegation at the G20 Labor and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Fortaleza, Brazil, from July 25-26.
The event gathered together labor ministers from G20 member states, invited countries, leaders of international and regional organizations, and civil society representatives.
Al-Rajhi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s proactive measures and the impact of Vision 2030 in developing a national workforce. He outlined the Kingdom’s focus on reinforcing values, cultivating essential and future skills, advancing knowledge, and fostering a labor market that ensured decent work for all.
The minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to improving labor standards and conditions, including social security measures. He emphasized the importance of empowering beneficiaries through qualification, training and employment opportunities.
The pair discussed relations between their countries and other topics of mutual interest
Updated 5 sec ago
SPA
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Alibrahim met the Egyptian Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat on the sidelines of the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil.
The pair discussed relations between their countries and other topics of mutual interest.
