A medley of French, Saudi melodies and visual art

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Bahraini DJ Na Der, Saudi calligraphy artist Faisal Altayeb, French artist JA Dupont Castro and Syrian oud player Wasem. (Supplied)
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Updated 07 December 2024
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A medley of French, Saudi melodies and visual art

  • Alliance Francaise d’Arabie Saoudite partners with SASCA for vibrant live performances

DAMMAM: On a cool Friday evening, Dammam’s Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts hosted a groundbreaking collaboration with the Alliance Francaise d’Arabie Saoudite and the French Embassy.

The eclectic two-hour show featured celebrated French artist JA Dupont Castro, Saudi calligrapher Faisal Al-Tayeb, Bahraini DJ and musician Na Der, and Syrian oud player Wasem.

Brought together “to build cultural bridges and explore the dynamics of collaboration,” the unlikely group of artists delivered an enriching experience for all to see and hear.

The result combined tangible art — such as paint smeared on a large black sheet — with digital and light projections illuminated and woven into the same work.

The sounds of live music from both sides further added to the allure and ambiance of the space and helped the hands of the visual artists move to the beats. The outcome was an improvised yet cohesive masterpiece.

The local community was invited to witness the interaction on stage at SASCA’s newly unveiled location. The event blended sights and sounds from the East and West with cutting-edge innovation, offering a one-night-only live performance that merged calligraphy, music and what was referred to as “paint-mapping.”

Castro, renowned for his live paint-mapping — a method combining projection technology and live artistic improvization — shared his excitement with Arab News about the performance. He was also ecstatic about his first visit to the Kingdom and the creation of completely curated works — all live.

“I developed a form of art that thrives on collaboration, where I work with painters and musicians live. It’s always exciting because I come to discover how local artists work — their processes, their world. My world meets theirs and we try to create something unique together.

“Improvization is at the heart of this. The energy of the audience shapes our performance. The audience, they’re witnessing something that is going to happen once, not twice. You know, it’s a one-time creation that begins, ends, and we don’t do it again,” he told us.

Al-Tayeb, who lives in the Eastern Province, brought his distinctive Arabic calligraphy style to the mix. He used real paint to write words in an abstract form, which Castro layered overtop with light and digital color. For Al-Tayeb, the project was not just about showcasing his skills but also expanding his artistic vision.

“For now, I’m a calligrapher, but I’m exploring other kinds of art. This collaboration with Jack (Castro) is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow,” he told Arab News.

“We’ve been working together to understand each other’s processes — blending Saudi desert hues with Jack’s digital and light-based techniques. Art doesn’t require a language; it’s about communicating through colors, forms and sound. This project is my first time working with music alongside visuals, and it’s truly fascinating.”

Al-Tayeb also reflected on Saudi Arabia’s evolving art scene: “The Kingdom has made tremendous progress in the arts, thanks to government support and initiatives by the Ministry of Culture.

“Saudi Arabia is becoming a hub for global collaboration, providing artists like me the opportunity to share our culture with the world.”

Syrian oud player and Saudi resident Wasem added depth and warmth to the space with his soulful compositions, inspired by the themes extracted from the artworks. He explained his distinctive approach to Arab News.

“I translate paintings and sculptures into music. It’s not just about improvization — it’s about understanding the artist’s concept and expressing it through melodies,” he said. “In Saudi Arabia, much of our work is influenced by local heritage. We incorporate eastern rhythms and quarter tones to give our compositions authenticity while merging them with global musical scales. This collaboration today is a bridge between East and West, creating a blend that honors both traditions.”

Wasem emphasized the humanistic essence of such collaborations.

“This kind of fusion serves global heritage and promotes universal traditions. It’s about connecting deeply with the stories and movements we experience and translating them through strings,” he said.

Bahraini DJ Na Der, who provided the evening’s dynamic soundtrack, described the event to Arab News as a metaphorical bridge.

“It only took me an hour to cross from Bahrain to Saudi today, but the more beautiful bridge is the cultural one we are building here tonight. This collaboration — blending music, painting, and light mapping — is unlike anything seen in the Gulf before — I’ve never seen it.

“We’ve synchronized well (the artists), and I believe tonight’s show will be unforgettable,” he told Arab News ahead of the performance.

The event marked another milestone in SASCA’s efforts to foster cultural exchange. Yousef Al-Harbi, director of SASCA’s Dammam branch, shared the significance of such initiatives with Arab News.

“This collaboration with the French Cultural Center is not our first. Over the years, we’ve partnered with French, British and American cultural organizations to host renowned artists and introduce new artistic concepts,” he said. “Such events broaden artistic horizons and encourage exchanges between local and international artists, enriching the community. They also help strengthen the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia, by combining visual and auditory arts to create a holistic experience for us all to enjoy.”

Held inside SASCA’s state-of-the-art venue, the live performance captivated a diverse audience. The interplay of traditional Saudi calligraphy, French projection art and customized music coming from both sides offered a fusion of culture and innovation that reverberated within the space long after the improvised art was completed.

As Castro and Al-Tayeb’s work illuminated the real and metaphoric canvas, Wasem’s sultry oud and Na Der’s electronic beats created a rhythm that resonated with the crowd. The event was attended by mostly French and Saudi residents and its success was a testament to the interest within the local community who came together to witness an experimental live show.

The French artist will continue his journey across Saudi Arabia, performing a few other exclusive one-night shows in other cities, each with local artists from those area, further enriching the Kingdom’s vibrant cultural tapestry for both the performers and the audience.


KAUST develops new cooling technology to improve efficiency and lifespan of solar panels

Updated 9 sec ago
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KAUST develops new cooling technology to improve efficiency and lifespan of solar panels

  • New technology has the potential to cut down the maintenance cost of solar cells
  • Experiments were conducted in cold and rainy regions of the US to test its effectiveness in different climate conditions

RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has made a notable research breakthrough, developing a new composite material that improves the efficiency and lifespans of the cells used in solar panels through cooling.

The new technology has the potential to cut down the maintenance cost of solar cells, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Results of the study, carried out in partnership with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, were published in the journal Materials Science and Engineering.

The study targeted the issues of commercial solar panels, which only convert around 20 percent of sunlight into electricity, while the remainder is absorbed as heat or reflected away. Other problems include high temperatures, which reduce the efficiency and performance of the cells, shortening their lifespan and demanding more frequent replacement.

This means that cooling is essential, yet traditional cooling systems such as fans and pumps consume electrical energy; passive cooling, on the other hand, requires no electricity.

Prof. Chiaochiang Gan, lead researcher at KAUST, explained that the nanomaterials used in the passive cooling process are thin substances that can be applied to multiple systems that demand cooling, such as solar cells and agricultural greenhouses, without affecting their performance.

He said that the study, conducted through the Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies, led to the creation of a material that absorbs moisture from the air at night and releases it during the day.

Covering solar cells with this material, when deployed in coastal areas of Saudi Arabia for weeks, helps keep them cool.

The passive cooling technology also helps reduce the cost of generating electricity from these cells by 18 percent.

Experiments were also conducted in cold and rainy regions of the US to test its effectiveness in different climate conditions; the results proved the technology effective in all environments.

Preliminary studies also show that other applications for the material include light-emitting devices, which typically suffer from reduced efficiency at higher temperatures.

Abdullah Al-Muqbil, researcher at the Institute of Microelectronics and Semiconductors, director of the Optics and Electronics Center of Excellence at KACST, and co-author of the study, noted that these findings also open up potential for application in lighting and laser technologies.

The research team at KAUST achieved a record-breaking performance in solar cell efficiency due to their specialized designs, showcasing the diverse expertise at the university, according to SPA.

The Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies is one of four research centers of excellence run by KAUST. It aims to support the Kingdom’s national goals in fields such as artificial intelligence, food security, renewable energy and storage technologies and smart health.


Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed

The kiswa-changing ceremony at the Grand Mosque in Makkah takes place on Thursday morning. (SPA)
Updated 11 min 37 sec ago
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Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed

  • Kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script

RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah faced the dawn of the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muharram, with the kiswa-changing ceremony by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.

This annual event embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to serve the Two Holy Mosques — not only in organizational and administrative aspects but also on a symbolic and sacred level, given the central place the Kaaba holds in the hearts of more than a billion and a half Muslims worldwide.

They installed the embroidered curtain with gold-plated threads, the hizam (belt), the samadiah (decorative elements), lantern-shaped pieces, and decorations surrounding the mizab (rainwater spout), the corners, and other adornments, creating a captivating scene infused with feelings of reverence and supplication.

The occasion also highlights the pioneering role of Saudi youth, who form the backbone of production, supervision, and execution within the complex. 

National competencies demonstrate leadership in guiding work teams, overseeing design details, and innovative technical solutions that ensure the highest standards of precision — merging exquisite craftsmanship with modern technological aspirations.

The kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script, forming a masterpiece that demands precise engineering, care and artistic expertise to preserve its identity and quality over time.

This annual event is not merely a repeated occasion but an extension of a historical legacy established by the Founding King Abdulaziz — and reinforced by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is part of the national vision centered on serving the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and other visitors.

Every year, the ceremony to change the kiswa is a memorable scene in the collective memory of the Islamic nations and a living symbol of how the care for the holy sanctuaries has evolved from a responsibility into a leadership role.


Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day

Updated 27 min 7 sec ago
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Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day

  • More than 922 kg of banned substances seized in KSA over 12 months
  • A number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

RIYADH: More than 922 kg of banned substances, including more than 20 million pills, have been seized in Saudi Arabia over the past year, the Kingdom’s customs authority announced on Thursday as officials marked the UN’s world anti-drug day.

One recent drug bust in cooperation with authorities from the Syrian Arab Republic thwarted an attempt to smuggle 200,000 amphetamine tablets from the Levant nation, a Ministry of Interior spokesperson said via the Saudi Press Agency.

The announcement was made as a number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Events in the Riyadh and Asir regions will run until Saturday, educating members of the public about the dangers of drugs.

Smugglers have attempted to bring contraband into the country in various ways, by concealing the items in shipments of food, household utensils, vehicles, shoes and even inside their body cavities, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said.

The organization places the fight against drugs as one of its top priorities and will continue to tighten security at the Kingdom’s borders, it added.

Jasim Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that the GCC countries see drug control measures as a top priority.

The GCC states have formed a united front to tackle the use and trade of illicit substances which endanger families and society, he added.

Albudaiwi also stressed the importance of reintegrating recovering drug addicts into society, and highlighted the role that schools, the media, religious leaders and civil society’s institutions play in stopping the use of drugs.

Meanwhile, the Naif College for National Security in Riyadh celebrated the graduation of 63 trainees of various courses on Thursday, including anti-drug programs.

The ceremony was attended by Maj. Gen. Muhammad bin Saeed Al-Qarni, the director general of narcotics control, who congratulated the graduates and stressed that the Kingdom’s anti-drug programs received the full support of the country’s leadership.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has called on members of the public to contribute to the fight against drug smuggling in order to protect society and the Kingdom’s economy.

Reports can be made to the domestic telephone number 1910, internationally via 009661910, or via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa.

All reports are treated with confidentiality, the authority said, and accurate information will be rewarded financially.


Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy

Updated 57 min 44 sec ago
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Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy

  • Tom Barrack, US envoy to Syria, visited Riyadh on Thursday

LONDON: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, received Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, in Riyadh.

During the meeting on Thursday, officials discussed ways to support the Syrian Arab Republic in enhancing its security, stability, and economic recovery, reported the Saudi Press Agency.


Djibouti ambassador praises deep ties between African state and Saudi Arabia

Updated 26 June 2025
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Djibouti ambassador praises deep ties between African state and Saudi Arabia

  • Djibouti Embassy celebrates 48th anniversary of independence 
  • Ambassador reaffirms Djibouti’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause

RIYADH: The Djibouti Embassy in Riyadh donned patriotic colors as its staff celebrated their national day on Wednesday night, hosting a befitting reception to mark the occasion.

On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the National Independence of Djibouti, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia and the dean of the Diplomatic Corps, hosted an official reception at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter.

The event was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Riyadh Region, as guest of honor and patron, and Prince Sultan bin Salman, the founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club.

The reception was also attended by numerous princes, ambassadors, distinguished business leaders, media professionals, artists, and members of the Saudi and Djibouti community.

Addressing the gathering the ambassador highlighted Djibouti’s remarkable achievements over the past five decades, particularly in terms of security, stability, and sustainable development.

He also emphasized the deep and sincere fraternal relations that unite the leaderships and people of the two nations.

Furthermore, the ambassador reaffirmed Djibouti’s firm and unwavering position in support of the Palestinian cause, advocating for the restoration of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia also strongly supports the two-state solution as the path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestine is officially recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states and has observer status at the UN.

The ambassador also reiterated Djibouti’s commitment to a calm, constructive, and principled diplomacy, actively working to promote peace in the region and around the world, rejecting wars and advocating for dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.