JEDDAH: The Saudi-Korean Youth Forum, which ran in Seoul from June 17-27, witnessed a successful participation of 26 Saudi university students and professionals. The Saudis and their Korean counterparts exchanged knowledge and strengthened relations between the two countries.
Arab News participated in the forum from the beginning, and now looks back at the event.
The forum began with a preparatory workshop, held at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in May, where the participants were briefed on the activities of the forum as well as the preparations for holding a dialogue between the Saudi and Korean youth delegations.
The focus and theme of the forum was on knowledge-based economy, e-education and advanced broadband Internet services.
The Saudi-Korean Youth Forum is the sixth in a series of forums that are conducted within the framework of the historic initiative Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah took to achieve world peace through promoting dialogue between followers of various religions and cultures.
In Seoul the youth delegation toured IT and communication facilities, academic and technological institutions, research centers and places of cultural and historical importance.
Saudi youths visited the Korean Ministry of Education Science & Technology where they explored knowledge based economy and e-education programs.
They next visited Samsung offices where they where they given visual demonstration of the company’s profile and history and also viewed all the new products.
After each event Saudi delegates held dialogue sessions with their Korean counterparts on educational, social and technological aspects of their visits.
At the Korean Educational Development Institute, the Saudi youths listened to a lecture by Hyeseung Maria Chang, a research fellow at the institute. Hyeseung said the education system in Korea was instrumental in developing the country into a knowledge and industry-based economy.
“Higher education and professional training receive every support from the government,” Hyeseung said. “We also provide intensive training to teachers to improve the quality of education. We have introduced advanced technology to the education system.”
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated the program to promote Saudi youth relations with nations around the world.
Yusuf Al-Saadoun, undersecretary for economic and cultural affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “The mission is to support the development of economic, cultural and political relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the world and to invest in Saudi youth by giving them the opportunity to communicate with youth in other parts of the world, while spreading a positive image of the Kingdom.”
Al-Saadoun underscored the success of forums held earlier in various countries, including China, Brazil, Germany and India.
During the forum’s conclusion Saudi and Korean youths presented statements, one to King Abdullah and to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, the other to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The statements were given to strengthen bilateral cooperation in a knowledge-based economy, smart cities and e-education and make joint efforts to find solutions in scientific, educational, technological and economic matters.
Their statement to the UN chief said: “We are future leaders. Today’s youth are looking forward to the progress of knowledge economy, smart cities and electronic education and spread them all over the world. (…) We ask you to introduce e-education technology in schools and community centers throughout the world, especially in developing countries.”
Bilateral bonds strengthened at Saudi-Korean Youth Forum
Bilateral bonds strengthened at Saudi-Korean Youth Forum
Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January
- Over 30 artists explore cultural heritage through contemporary art
JEDDAH: The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the event will showcase a blend of timeless Islamic civilization treasures and contemporary artistic creations.
The biennale will offer visitors a journey through the artistic heritage of Islam, engaging the senses, intellect, and creativity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Featuring contributions from over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the artworks will be displayed in both indoor and outdoor spaces until May 25.
Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will curate contemporary art, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.
Shono, along with artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, has tasked the artists with creating new works that complement historical Islamic artifacts.
The biennale’s theme, “And All That Is In-Between,” captures the essence of contemporary artworks, transcending simplistic notions to foster collective understanding, imagination, and interpretation.
The artworks, inspired by themes including space, time, and light, provide insight into preserving and nurturing culture by exploring the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia.
The new art pieces will be displayed alongside historical artifacts, including religious relics, maps, and jewelry, in five indoor halls and various outdoor spaces beneath the Hajj Terminal canopy.
The works, also inspired by the concept of the garden in Islamic civilization, blend nature and traditional design while addressing contemporary environmental and social issues.
The Islamic Arts Biennale will be organized into seven sections — Al-Bidaya (the beginning), Al-Madar (the orbit), Al-Muqtani (homage), Al-Mathala (the canopy), Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Al-Musalla (the prayer hall) — spread across various galleries and outdoor areas, covering 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space.
Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Ukraine, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Barakah, presented his credentials to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at a ceremony held in the capital, Kyiv.
Ambassador Al-Barakah conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Zelensky along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of Ukraine.
Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin
RIYADH: Resin art, a crafting technique using the liquid form of the substance to create 3D objects or glossy coatings, has gained widespread popularity. When mixed with a hardener, resin solidifies, forming a glass-like finish.
Elyan Al-Aufi, a citizen from Madinah and a visual arts graduate of Taibah University, has significantly contributed to the medium, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Her pieces reflect Madinah’s culture, incorporating local elements including Madani script, roses, mint and basil.
Travelers to Madinah and the Prophet's Mosque often purchase her art as souvenirs, including keychains, jewelry, wall clocks, decorative pieces, and prayer beads, the SPA reported.
Resin art is versatile, used to create accessories and jewelry — such as necklaces, rings and earrings — via special molds. It is also key to paintings made with pouring techniques, producing distinctive results.
Resin is popular in household items including tables and trays, often featuring natural elements such as flowers or wood. It also used to preserve memorabilia and natural objects including leaves, photos and other items.
With its glass-like transparency and glossy finish, resin art allows creative use of colors, dyes, and natural elements such as flowers and shells. It produces durable, timeless pieces.
Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs recently honored winners of a Qur’an memorization competition in Nepal, involving more than 750 contestants and with 18 winners in four categories for boys and girls.
The competition, supervised by the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu and coordinated with Nepal’s Muslim Commission, concluded with awards presented by the ministry’s undersecretary, Awad Al-Anzi.
Saudi Ambassador to Nepal Saad Nasser Abu Haimed and Nepal’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire attended the ceremony, alongside Islamic leaders, diplomats and parliamentarians.
The event featured Qur’an recitations by contestants and highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to promote the Qur’an globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Anzi reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to Islam’s values of justice, mercy and kindness and emphasized its longstanding support for Qur’an-related initiatives, including competitions and free distribution through the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.
Abu Haimed praised the competition as part of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the Qur’an and congratulated the winners.
Participants expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s support of Islam and encouragement of Qur’an memorization and recitation.
Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition
RIYADH: The Qassim municipality pavilion at the Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition, held alongside the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, impressed visitors with a stunning display of wooden sculptures.
The intricate works show the region’s cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Characterized by exquisite detail, the sculptures demonstrate the remarkable skill of Qassim’s craftsmen in transforming wood into captivating art that blends authenticity and creativity.
The display reflects the strong support provided by the municipality and the Heritage Commission to local artisans, according to the SPA.
By fostering this talent, the region promotes a thriving creative environment and ensures Qassim’s heritage reaches a wider audience through events such as this festival.
The exhibition runs in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh, until Dec. 31.
