Abu Radah and the musical heart of Riyadh’s Souq Al-Zal

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A beloved figure in Souq Al-Zal, Abu Radah is known for sharing his love for vintage sounds among locals and tourists alike. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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Abu Radah claps along to the rhythm, welcoming visitors to his stall with a warm smile and infectious enthusiasm, embodying the soul of Riyadh’s Carpet Market (Souq Al-Zal). (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 13 November 2024
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Abu Radah and the musical heart of Riyadh’s Souq Al-Zal

  • How one man’s passion is bringing Saudi musical history to life in Souq Al-Zal

RIYADH: In Riyadh’s bustling Souq Al-Zal the air is filled with the scent of spices, vibrant colors of traditional goods, and the echo of timeless melodies.

Amid the stalls of woven rugs and antiques, Abu Radah’s corner stands out. Known for his collection of records and cassettes, and his boundless passion for folk music, he has become a beloved figure in the market, sharing his love for vintage sounds with locals and tourists alike.




Rows of old-school cassette tapes evoke memories of simpler times, a reminder of the analog age preserved at Abu Radah’s stall in Souq Al-Zal. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

“I work with folk art. It’s my passion,” he told Arab News. “I love folk art; artists like Fahd Al-Saeed, Bashir Shannan, Essa, Taher, and all the folk artists, including Mohammed Abdu and Talal, all Khaleeji and non-Khaleeji music.”

For over two decades, Abu Radah has nurtured this passion, turning it into a collection that speaks to the soul of Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall.

• His corner is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history.

His stall, adorned with colorful rugs and surrounded by retro radios and speakers, is a treasure trove of music that resonates with Saudi heritage. “Honestly, I’ve been passionate about it since I was young. I started collecting records when I was around 17 or 18,” he said. “I used to get them from Abu Wahib, may he rest in peace, in Helat Al-Ahrar.




Abu Radah’s stall showcases a vibrant collection of vintage radios and speakers, inviting passersby to explore Saudi Arabia’s musical history. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

“Little by little, I collected records, tapes, silencing devices, recorders, musical scales, and classic recordings. It became a hobby and a routine for me, thank God.”

Visitors to Abu Radah’s stall can explore everything from rare vinyl records to cassette tapes, all carefully organized across tables covered in colorful textiles. “(I have) some rare records, like Bashir Shannan’s album ‘Al-Barih Yom Aindak.’ It’s hard to find, as well as the classic Fahd Al-Saeed records. These are collector’s items,” he says with pride.




A selection of vinyl records featuring classic Western artists, demonstrating Abu Radah’s diverse collection that appeals to both local enthusiasts and tourists. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

His dedication to preserving this musical heritage has made his stall a magnet for enthusiasts.

“Honestly, Bashir Shannan, may he rest in peace. He’s my favorite artist,” Abu Radah added, reflecting on his connection to the music.

His collection also includes international names. “I have records of Michael Jackson and other international artists. I got them because we receive tourists, and some might prefer non-Arabic music.”




A visitor inspects a vinyl record at Abu Radah’s stall, capturing a moment of nostalgia amidst the treasures of Riyadh’s Carpet Market (Souq Al-Zal). (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

This blend of local and international records makes his stall a fascinating stop for tourists. “Tourists enjoy it here. We even had an American tourist who loved it when I played a Michael Jackson record, and it became a trending moment,” Abu Radah recalls with a smile.

Souq Al-Zal, known for its antique treasures and traditional crafts, has evolved in recent years, attracting a new generation eager to reconnect with their roots. Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a surprising role in this resurgence.

Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall. Young Saudis and international tourists now flock to the market, eager to meet the man behind the music and experience his one-of-a-kind collection.

Abdullah Al-Sheqair, known as Shalgm, is another familiar face in the market who has spent eight to ten years there.

Shalgm admires how the market has evolved, crediting social media and the country’s leadership for revitalizing heritage. “Social media has boosted the market, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision has rejuvenated heritage. Previously, items like traditional coffee pots sold for little, but now they have high value. Back then, only the elderly were in this trade, but now both youth and elders are involved.”

According to Shalgm, the number of tourists has increased significantly, bringing fresh energy to the market. “Now, we have an increasing number of tourists visiting. They participate in auctions and enjoy the music with Abu Radah. Everyone’s happy,” he said.

Shalgm also holds a deep admiration for Abu Radah’s dedication to music. “Speaking of Abu Radah, he’s been a fan of Bashir for over 20 years … he is one of the nicest people in the market, even kinder than I am,” Shalgm added, highlighting Radah’s well-known generosity and warmth.

As the day winds down in Souq Al-Zal, the sound of Abu Radah’s records continues to echo through the market, creating an atmosphere where music bridges generations and cultures.

For those who pass by his stall, it is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history, brought to life by a man whose love for music is as timeless as the records he cherishes.

 


KSrelief wins Global Humanitarian Achievement Award

Delano Roosevelt, CEO of National Council on US-Arab Relations, presents the award to the supervisor general of KSrelief.
Updated 6 sec ago
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KSrelief wins Global Humanitarian Achievement Award

  • Delano Roosevelt, the council’s second president and CEO, presented the award to the supervisor general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, in Washington
  • Dr. Al-Rabeeah said the award is an international acknowledgement of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in relief efforts

WASHINGTON: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief was honored with the Global Humanitarian Achievement Award by the National Council on US-Arab Relations, in recognition of relief efforts that have made a substantial impact in crisis regions around the world.

Delano Roosevelt, the council’s second president and CEO, presented the award to the supervisor general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, in Washington, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah said the award is an international acknowledgement of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in relief efforts.

He underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to assisting people in need, supporting those affected by crises, and assisting refugees wherever possible.

He also affirmed that Saudi Arabia has consistently been a leader in charitable and humanitarian initiatives and is at the forefront of donor countries on regional and international fronts.

 


4th Saudi Green Initiative Forum hosted in COP16 Green Zone in Riyadh next month

Updated 39 min 52 sec ago
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4th Saudi Green Initiative Forum hosted in COP16 Green Zone in Riyadh next month

RIYADH: The Saudi Green Initiative announced on Thursday that the SGI Forum 2024 will take place on Dec. 3-4 under the theme “Action is in our nature.” 

The flagship climate and environment action event, now in its fourth year, will return to Riyadh for the first time since its launch in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, prime minister and chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Saudi Green Initiative.

The SGI Forum 2024 will coincide with the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties, or COP16, of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, or UNCCD. 

According to an SGI press release, the Riyadh COP16 (Dec. 2-13) will be the largest-ever UNCCD conference, the first to be held in the Middle East region, and the largest multilateral conference hosted by Saudi Arabia.

At this year’s SGI Forum, hundreds of policymakers, business leaders and subject-matter experts from across the world will convene in a dedicated SGI Pavilion in the UNCCD COP16 Green Zone. 

Dozens of tailored sessions will explore best practices, innovations and progress against SGI targets, with the goal of deepening collaboration and scaling up action for a greener future.

Since the launch of SGI, a significant positive impact has been achieved, with 4+ GW of renewable energy capacity installed, more than 95 million trees and shrubs planted, and more than 1,660 endangered animals re-wilded across the Kingdom.

For the duration of COP16, the SGI will welcome the public to a 4,000 sq m SGI Pavilion, where visitors can enjoy an interactive journey through Saudi Arabia’s whole-of-society climate and environment efforts in the SGI Gallery. 

A multimedia showcase and a broad range of experts will enable guests to learn more about the more than 80 initiatives already launched as part of SGI. 

Visitors can also attend and exchange ideas during daily SGI Talks, an expert-led speaker series that launched in 2023.

The SGI was launched by the crown prince in 2021 to drive climate action across all levels of society and achieve Saudi Arabia’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. 

The initiative demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication to improving the quality of life for current and future generations and addressing the region’s environmental challenges, including high temperatures, low rainfall, dust storms and desertification.

In 2022, the SGI Forum was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in tandem with UNFCCC COP27. The event revealed major climate action projects, including the launch of a circular carbon economy knowledge hub, and the establishment of a regional center for advancing emissions reduction with UNESCWA.

In 2023, the third SGI Forum took place in conjunction with UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai.

During the event, the Kingdom unveiled a 300 percent increase in installed renewable energy capacity since 2022, and more than 43 million trees were planted toward the goal of 10 billion.


Film review: ‘Gladiator II’ — entertaining, and a fun romp

Updated 14 November 2024
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Film review: ‘Gladiator II’ — entertaining, and a fun romp

RIYADH: After years of waiting, “Gladiator II,” a sequel to the epic saga “Gladiator” (2000), has finally hit the screen.

The film, released in VOX Cinemas, Saudi Arabia on Nov. 14, had a premiere at VOX Cinemas, Roshn Front in Riyadh on Tuesday evening.

Directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, “Gladiator II” continues the epic saga of power, intrigue and vengeance in Ancient Rome.

Starring Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Fred Hechinger, the action genre release offers full entertainment, and serves as a follow-up to Scott’s “Gladiator,” released almost 25 years ago.

Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist.

With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

With “Gladiator II” expected to have its work cut out trying to prove it can stand toe to toe with Scott’s highly regarded epic, the film is not exactly what fans have been expecting. It is no patch on the original, to be sure, but it is still a good fun time at the movies, with Mescal and Washington stealing the show. It is entertaining, and a fun romp.

Scott’s return to the Roman arena is something of a repeat, but it is still a thrilling spectacle and Mescal a formidable lead.

Set about 25 years after “Gladiator,” we are reintroduced to Lucius (Mescal), the now grown son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Maximus (Russell Crowe). He lives with his wife and child in Numidia as a respected warrior, but a far cry from his birthright. When a battalion of Roman soldiers, led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invades his land, his wife is killed in the battle, resulting in Lucius’ capture and enslavement. Passed along, he ends up in Rome, seen as fodder for the masses.

Obviously inspired by the similar predicamen    t of Maximus, Lucius quietly resolves to fight as a gladiator in the Colosseum. His silent reasoning and overwhelming abilities are noteworthy, capturing the attention of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave. Macrinus has designs on the throne of Rome, plotting to overthrow young emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn), taking Lucius under his wing in the process. As all of these people come together and realize Lucius’ connection; blood is spilt and lives are lost, but in the end Lucius takes his revenge.

“Gladiator II” is a good time at the multiplex, both for fans of the first one and those who do not have any extra affection.


KSrelief continues medical outreach in Kyrgyzstan, Yemen

Updated 14 November 2024
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KSrelief continues medical outreach in Kyrgyzstan, Yemen

RIYADH: Medical outreach initiatives by Saudi aid agency KSrelief in Kyrgyzstan and Yemen are continuing, Saudi Press Agency has reported.

In Bishkek, a week-long cardiac surgery and catheterization campaign is ongoing, with volunteer specialists performing three open-heart operations and 28 catheterizations. The initiative in Kyrgyzstan continues until Nov. 16.

In Aden, Yemen, KSrelief specialists carried out emergency medicine training for volunteers. Some 134 people received cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, while a further 10 were given advanced cardiovascular life support training.

Meanwhile, Dr Abdullah Al-Moallem, the aid agency’s health and environmental aid department director, hosted a World Health Organization delegation in Riyadh.

As part of proceedings, he discussed with Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, further possibilities for expanding their partnership to benefit patients in Europe.


KSrelief distributes aid to needy in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon

Updated 14 November 2024
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KSrelief distributes aid to needy in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon

  • The aid is part of the relief and humanitarian projects implemented by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to alleviate people’s suffering

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has distributed more much-needed aid to people in Lebanon, Yemen, Gaza and Syria, reported Saudi Press Agency.

In the Syrian city of Idlib, food and hygiene kits were delivered to 914 families, while 500 food parcels given out in Gaza benefited 3,500 people.

In the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon, 650 shopping vouchers were given to orphans and people with special needs from the Syrian refugee and host communities as part of the third phase of the 2024 Winter Clothes Distribution Project.

And in Yemen’s Hadhramaut Governorate, 800 winter kits were distributed, benefiting 4,800 people.