Saudi women make their mark at Madinah Dates Season exhibition
Region is central to Saudi Arabia’s food security goals, Vision 2030
Updated 20 October 2024
Arab News
Riyadh: Women and girls from the Madinah region made their presence felt at the 2024 Madinah Dates Season exhibition, which was held next to Quba Mosque.
They conducted arts and cooking workshops, organized the crowd flow, participated in marketing, and displayed various types of dates and date by-products, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Malak Al-Juhani, a date vendor who was participating in the exhibition for a second time, said that her experience and enhanced marketing skills had contributed to increased sales and helped her cater to visitors seeking popular, sought-after dates.
Chef Enayat Anbar Khan, who has over 17 years of experience in the field, said that her workshops on date processing and traditional crafts improved skills and knowledge and helped women exchange experiences.
She added that the tasting and cooking section offered consultations on the nutritional value of dates, as well as a variety of recipes.
A group of women specialized in sewing, embroidery, engraving, and wood carving were also participating to showcase key professional skills in these fields and to train visitors to the exhibition.
Sections featuring families working in the cottage industry displayed over 30 varieties of traditional dishes, along with various date-based juices and other products.
The Madinah Dates Season, which continues until the end of the year, celebrates local agriculture, innovation, and tradition, and contributes to the region’s sustainable development.
Madinah, with 5.6 million palm trees and an annual production of 263,000 tonnes, is central to Saudi Arabia’s food security goals and Vision 2030.
The season features auctions of harvests from more than 29,000 farms, highlighting a range of date varieties, including anbara, ajwa, safawi, barhi, khudri, sukkari, and medjool.
India shines at Riyadh Season’s Global Harmony Initiative
Event at Al-Suwaidi Park is an unforgettable experience, says Indian ambassador
Updated 43 sec ago
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: In a vibrant celebration of global cultures as part of the Global Harmony Initiative, India’s diverse cultural heritage and lifestyle is being prominently displayed at Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative, launched as part of the Quality of Life Program by the Ministry of Media in line with Saudi Vision 2030, forms a centerpiece of the ongoing Riyadh Season at Al-Suwaidi Park.
With song, dance, and delectable dishes, Indian culture is being prominently celebrated at Riyadh Season’s Al-Suwaidi Park. (SPA/Supplied/ Instagram/ suwaidipark)
Various artists and celebrities from India are demonstrating their country’s rich plural culture and heritage during the celebration at Al-Suwaidi Park. These include popular Indian playback singer, music director, songwriter, film and music producer, Himesh Reshammiya; Surabhi Mehra and Samriddhi Mehra, popularly known as “Chinki-Minki” from the popular “Kapil Sharma Show;” Emiway Bantai, Indian rapper, music artist and actor known for “Gully Boy” (2019); and social media influencer and TV actor Sameeksha Sud.
Indian ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan posted on X: “Got an opportunity to meet famous Indian music star and singer Himesh Reshammiya.
The Global Harmony Initiative aims to showcase the diverse lives of expatriates in the Kingdom, from across countries and cultures.
Sarry Shaaban, General Entertainment Authority official
“His connection at Suwaidi Park on Friday was an unforgettable experience for fans comprising both Indian expatriates and local Saudi attendees. Truly a night to remember! #RiyadhSeason.”
With song, dance, and delectable dishes, Indian culture is being prominently celebrated at Riyadh Season’s Al-Suwaidi Park. (SPA/Supplied/ Instagram/ suwaidipark)
Speaking to Arab News, siblings Chinki-Minki, who are celebrated for their comedic talent on social media and Indian television, said: “We are here for the first time, and we are enjoying it. We have experienced very warm hospitality, we met Indian community members who (have been) staying (in Saudi Arabia) for years and loving it.
“They enjoy the diversity of Saudi culture, inclusive Indian culture and mixing with diaspora of other countries and living in harmony. We are really happy and blessed that we are here and got the opportunity to attend the Global Harmony event here.”
There are live performances by dance troupes, music groups and singers from India on all days for the 2.6 million Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)
Bantai told Arab News: “All praise to the Ministry of Media (and) General Entertainment Authority for such a great season providing great opportunity for the diaspora, especially the Indian community, getting nine days of fun-filled cultural activities.
“It’s a good opportunity to celebrate pluralism and multicultural diversity. I am here to perform for my people … the Indian community as well as other diaspora joining a celebration of global harmony at Al-Suwaidi Park.
“The environment here is very happening, very inclusive, celebrating the diversity, which is great, salute and respect to them,” he added, thanking the Saudi authorities.
Sud told Arab News: “First time in Riyadh, I am very excited to be here. I have heard a lot about Saudi Arabia … I am happy to see a vibrant Indian community living in Riyadh celebrating multiculturalism, global harmony. Things here are very calm, relaxing and luxurious. I am looking forward to it.”
Among the participants from India, cricketers Umran Malik and S. Sreesanth are also included, the organizers said.
There are live performances by dance troupes, music groups and singers from India on all days for the 2.6 million Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia.
A separate bazaar area has been set up with Indian cuisine, clothing items and handicrafts.
Zeenat Enam, an Indian resident joining the celebration at Al-Suwaidi Park on Saturday evening, told Arab News: “I am very happy to be here and see live performances by different groups. India is known for its diversity, secular fabric and being here to see celebration of diversity as part of the Global Harmony Initiative is an amazing feeling.”
Sarry Shaaban, GEA coordinator at Al-Suwaidi Park, told Arab News: “The Global Harmony Initiative aims to showcase the diverse lives of expatriates in the Kingdom, from across countries and cultures.”
The initiative is focused on the diverse lives of residents in the Kingdom, looking at their professional and family lives, social and recreational activities, contributions to the economy, success stories, and cultural integration into Saudi society, Shaaban explained.
“I myself, (when) staying abroad, used to travel to different cities to watch celebrations of Arab culture, not necessarily Saudi celebrations. It is nice that the GEA has made such arrangements here for the different diaspora,” he added.
The celebration will also highlight government and private sector efforts to improve the quality of life in Saudi cities.
Besides India, the other participating countries are the Philippines (Oct. 22-25), Indonesia (Oct. 26-29), Pakistan (Oct. 30-Nov 2), Yemen (Nov. 3-6), Sudan (Nov. 7-16), Jordan, Lebanon, Syria (Nov. 17-19), Bangladesh (Nov. 20-23 and Egypt (Nov. 24-30).
India and Saudi Arabia enjoy a long history of cultural engagement.
In recent years, bilateral cultural activities have accelerated in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Saudi minister attends inauguration ceremony of Indonesian president in Jakarta
Prabowo was sworn in as president of Indonesia in Sunday’s ceremony and took the oath at parliament to officially succeed outgoing leader Joko Widodo
Updated 41 min 50 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir represented the Kingdom at the inauguration ceremony of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Sunday.
Prabowo was sworn in as president of Indonesia in Sunday’s ceremony and took the oath at parliament to officially succeed outgoing leader Joko Widodo.
Al-Jubeir conveyed the congratulations and greetings of the Saudi leadership to Prabowo, and the wishes of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for further growth, progress, and prosperity in Indonesia.
He also delivered a message from King Salman to the new president, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the reception, the two officials reviewed aspects of existing cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields
Updated 20 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Vanuatuan counterpart Matai Seremaiah Nawalu in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the reception, the two officials reviewed aspects of existing cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields.
They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to them.
Riyadh governor receives newly appointed French ambassador
They emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening ties between the nations
Updated 9 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received recently appointed Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia Patrick Maisonnave in Riyadh on Sunday.
Prince Faisal wished the ambassador success in his new duties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, Vice Speaker of the Shoura Council Mishaal Al-Sulami met with Vice President of the French Commission on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces Helene Conway-Mouret on Sunday.
They emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening ties between the nations.
Authorities seize 692 kg of qat, arrest offenders in Jazan, Asir
Security authorities reiterate call for public to report any information
Updated 20 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control has seized a total of 692 kg of qat in Jazan and Asir and made multiple arrests of people attempting to sell narcotics, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Ground patrols of the Border Guard in the Jazan region led to the arrests of 13 Ethiopian nationals for smuggling 185 kg of the narcotic qat plant, while authorities in the Asir region arrested six Ethiopians for smuggling 127 kg of the drug.
Further patrols in the Jazan area foiled a reported attempt to smuggle 125 kg of qat while, in Asir, 255 kg was the quantity of the drug being smuggled.
Preliminary legal procedures have been completed for all the individuals involved, who were subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution.
Security authorities have reiterated their call for the public to report any information concerning drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
Individuals with information may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or through email at [email protected]. Information would be treated with strict confidentiality.
