‘Difference’ exhibition in Dammam celebrates Saudi artists

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A vibrant art exhibition titled “Difference” is celebrating the work of three talented Saudi artists at the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in Dammam. (AN Photo)
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Updated 02 February 2025
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‘Difference’ exhibition in Dammam celebrates Saudi artists

  • Event features series of workshops, including art therapy sessions
  • Diverse collection blends a variety of techniques and styles

DHAHRAN: A vibrant art exhibition titled “Difference” is celebrating the work of three talented Saudi artists.

Held at the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in Dammam from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, the exhibition displays the works of Faraj Al-Dossary, Maha Al-Askar, and Eman Al-Youssef.

Each artist brings their unique vision to the canvas, celebrating their individual style while seamlessly contributing to the shared theme of the exhibition.

Al-Dossary is showcasing a diverse collection blending a variety of techniques and styles.

Often drawing inspiration from everyday life, his work illustrates subjects ranging from coffee and flowers to rich Arabic calligraphy.

Al-Dossary’s 14 paintings, which incorporate impressionistic, realistic, and abstract styles, burst with color thanks to his skillful use of acrylic and oil paints.

His artistic journey, marked by a strong foundation in realism, has recently evolved as he delves into the worlds of impressionism and abstraction.

“After reaching a stage of mastery in the realistic style, I wanted to create something new,” Al-Dossary told Arab News.

“This new style has pleased many of my followers, and I’m thrilled to embark on this experience.”

As part of the exhibition, he conducted a live drawing workshop that drew crowds eager to witness his process firsthand.

Building on this captivating showcase, Maha Al-Askar’s artworks stand out for their dynamic style, featuring fluid art techniques with wave-like patterns and marbling effects.

“Each painting is a story that I have crafted with my colors,” she explained.

Al-Askar specialized in art at King Saud University and worked as an art teacher for deaf people for 20 years.

Her seven abstract works invite viewers to interpret scenes reminiscent of cosmic landscapes, with paintings that blend earthy tones with bright whites and blues, creating depth and suggesting light emerging from darkness.

Eman Al-Youssef is likewise capturing visitors with her art therapy sessions and abstract works.

With a portfolio of eight paintings displayed at the exhibition, Youssef emphasizes the healing power of colors and the transformative nature of art.

Her approach blends various styles and elements, including calligraphy, shapes, and squiggles, resulting in compelling pieces that encourage artistic exploration.

Youssef’s art therapy workshop on Jan. 28 focused on using art for emotional healing, guiding participants to explore their feelings through creative expression.

Along with the exhibition, SASCA held a meeting on Saturday titled “Writing about the past to imagine the future of arts in the Kingdom.”

The event emphasized the significance of historical discourse in shaping modern art, encouraging participants to engage with evolving cultural narratives.


First flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Turkiye land in Saudi Arabia

Updated 30 April 2025
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First flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Turkiye land in Saudi Arabia

  • Qualified staff fluent in several languages and equipped with the latest technology will help simplify entry procedures for pilgrims

Madinah: The first flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Turkiye arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Wednesday. The annual Islamic pilgrimage is set to take place this year between June 4 and 9.

Authorities are providing qualified staff who are fluent in several languages and equipped with the latest technology to help simplify entry procedures for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported, and are ready to assist people arriving by land and sea as well as air.

An estimated 1.8 million pilgrims participated in Hajj last year.


Jeddah communication conference explores anime’s digital evolution

Updated 30 April 2025
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Jeddah communication conference explores anime’s digital evolution

  • The session focused on anime’s shift from traditional television broadcasts and DVDs to digital platforms, including live streaming, instant subtitling and cloud-based production

RIYADH: The eighth session of the Digital Communication Conference, titled “Anime in the Digital Space,” explored the transformation of Japanese anime over the past two decades, highlighting the impact of digital innovation and the internet.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the session focused on anime’s shift from traditional television broadcasts and DVDs to digital platforms, including live streaming, instant subtitling and cloud-based production.

Streaming giants such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation were highlighted as pivotal players in the transition, offering translated or dubbed episodes immediately upon release and funding original series such as “Devilman Crybaby” and “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.”

Speakers in the session, including Manga Productions CEO Essam Bukhary, said that social media and online forums have opened the door to unprecedented engagement among fans, as well as community and cultural interaction, since audiences now take part in evaluating episodes.

Concerns were raised that heavy dependence on technology could erode the handcrafted aesthetic that defines traditional anime.

Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning interest in manga and anime, which dates back to the 1970s, is helping to usher in a revolution in cultural production.

Japanese art forms have captivated audiences of all ages, gaining significant popularity in recent years. Their ability to combine entertainment, culture and education has made them of great interest to Saudi society.

To support this interest, the General Entertainment Authority has hosted events like the Saudi Anime Expo, drawing international visitors.

In line with these efforts, the ministries of culture and education launched the Manga Education program to nurture student talent, as well as integrate arts and culture into public education.
 


Muslim World League chief meets UK Islamic leaders in Madinah

Updated 30 April 2025
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Muslim World League chief meets UK Islamic leaders in Madinah

  • Delegation visits International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography
  • Visitors reaffirm support for Palestinian cause, call for end to genocide in Gaza

LONDON: The secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, met British Islamic leaders in Madinah on Wednesday to discuss issues facing the UK’s Muslim community.

The visitors praised the MWL’s important role in the Islamic world and among Muslim minorities in Europe and the UK, highlighting its work to preserve cultural and religious identities.

They also noted that King Charles welcomed Al-Issa as the first Arab and Muslim figure from outside the UK to visit Buckingham Palace after his coronation.

The delegation visited the MWL-affiliated International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, which tells the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s life.

During the talks they reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian cause and called for an “immediate end to the genocide being perpetrated against the people of Gaza by the brutal war machine of the Israeli occupation government.”

Gaza should be a symbol of unity, not division, among Muslim communities, they said, according to an MWL statement.

The delegation commended the 2019 Charter of Makkah, saying it helped foster interaction with non-Muslim audiences and promoted moderation in addressing contemporary issues.


Saudi deputy foreign minister receives Russia’s envoy in Riyadh

Updated 30 April 2025
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Saudi deputy foreign minister receives Russia’s envoy in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Russian Ambassador Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The pair discussed relations between their countries and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Also on Wednesday, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki met Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya in Islamabad, the diplomat wrote on X.

They discussed the importance of digital transformation and other topics of interest.


Saudi Arabia welcomes Rwanda, DRC declaration to draft peace deal

Updated 30 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes Rwanda, DRC declaration to draft peace deal

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has welcomed the signing of a declaration of principles between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it appreciated the diplomatic efforts made by the two sides and looked forward to their commitment to the declaration, which would enhance security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC signed a declaration at the US State Department on Friday. They agreed to draft a peace deal by May 2, respecting each other’s sovereignty and refraining from supporting armed groups after fighting resumed in the DRC’s mineral-rich east in October.