The Cultural department of the French Consulate in Jeddah with the support of Les Amis de la Culture Francaise honored Saudi photographers by organizing a three-day exhibition at the French Consulate premises.
Louis Blin, the new French consul general, welcomed the guests and diplomats on the occasion. He said he hoped the attendees will find the exhibition fantastic and feel at home in the French Consulate.
“Our main aim behind organizing this exhibition was to introduce Saudi artists to the French and European people, as well as to bring the two cultures and people close to each other. As Princess Reem Al-Faisal studied in France, I believe that she has a French touch in her photography, which is very important for us as we are here to develop mutual understanding between the people and cultures of the two countries,” he said.
Blin said the other photographers especially Esa Engawi, famous Saudi and international photographer, also played a huge role in the exchange of culture and mutual understating between the people of different cultures. He also said in future they are planning to bring French artists from all fields and educationists to Saudi Arabia for interaction between Saudi and French artists and educators.
Blin told the Saudi public that they should work together in the cultural field.
Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed Al-Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Region, praised the efforts of the French Consulate for organizing a marvelous exhibition at their premises.
“Today’s exhibition is fabulous, an excellent collection of 30 pictures representing the taste of the photographers and their philosophy, as Princess Reem’s pictures on Haj reflect the importance of Haj in the life of a Muslim. Through her pictures she communicated to Muslims and non-Muslims about the beauty of Haj and a side of this main pillar of Islam. Esa. S. Engawi also showed old and modern architecture of Makkah. We encourage this kind of cultural activities. We hope such activities will continue,” he said.
He also said he would like to see French artists and photographers in Saudi Arabia as this will help in cultural exchange. “I encourage cultural exchange, people-to-people interaction. This constitutes to building a solid relationship between the countries and people."
The exhibition featured photographs of Princess Reem Al-Faisal, who depicted her experience about Haj through the lens.
Princess Reem’s chosen genre is black and white photographs and her photos not only speak more than a thousand words, they have an ethereal quality, exude piety — whether it is that of a palm raised in prayer, Hajis (pilgrims) in singles, twos or in multitude at any of the holy sites such as Mina, Arafat or Muzdalifah, crossing the Makkah Haram courtyard, or a rural scene. Each of her photos conveys individuality as well as universality.
The work of Esa. S. Engawi was based on his experience of architecture and modern buildings. He said he likes to work in all styles but his favorite is portrait, through which he wants to send or give out a message.
“According to me photography is an art which equals 1,000 words. The thing which you can say in 1,000 words can be transformed and understood through one picture.
So we can communicate and express our feelings through a picture better than expressing ourselves in words, as pictures can be read, seen and even touched to get the feeling. My pictures are based on different messages from peace to lost world, spiritual feelings, change from the old era to modern world,” he explained.
Engawi has participated in more than 120 group exhibitions, 14 solo exhibitions and 59 International exhibitions and is a member of more than 20 organizations.
The photographs of Wedad S. Al-Saban, member of Saudi Photographers’ House, were based on her experience of capturing nature through the lens. Al-Saban explained that she is interested in nature. Her works were displayed the first time in 1995. She is now member of seven photographic organizations.
“In my pictures you can see the message of nature and simplicity of life. I love to capture nature in my lens, the small things around us. Beauty always attracts me and has become part of my work. The lessons we are getting from them can be seen in my work,” explained Wedad.
French honor Saudi photographers
French honor Saudi photographers
Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Chad’s presidential palace
- The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, involved gunmen attempting to storm the palace
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Saturday strongly condemned the recent attack on the presidential palace in N’Djamena, Chad, which left 19 people dead, including a soldier guarding the complex, and injured others.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Chad’s security and stability, while rejecting any actions that threaten the country’s peace.
In its statement, the Ministry extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and to the government and people of Chad. The Kingdom also wished a swift recovery for those injured in the assault.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, involved gunmen reportedly linked to Boko Haram attempting to storm the presidential palace, prompting a fierce battle.
The Chadian government confirmed that 18 attackers from a 24-member commando unit were killed in the fighting, alongside one security personnel. Tanks were deployed to secure the area.
Saudi authority issues health warning on food import
RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority issued a warning about Country Butcher Boy beef pepperoni, manufactured in the UAE.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the 250-gram packages with an expiration date of March 1, 2025, are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium posing serious health risks, confirmed by lab tests.
The authority advised the public to avoid consuming the product and dispose of any units they may have.
Steps have been taken to remove the contaminated product from the market, and regulatory action is being pursued against the importing company, the SPA reported.
Violations of food laws can result in severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to SR10 million ($2.6 million), or both.
The authority reiterated its commitment to food safety and will continue taking action against violators. Consumers can report food safety concerns to the authority’s call center at 19999.
Thai Embassy joins Riyadh greening initiative
RIYADH: The Royal Thai Embassy recently took part in a volunteer initiative at Aba Samri National Park in the Murat governorate of Riyadh region, in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
Part of the National Greening Season, the activity aims to enhance vegetation, curb land degradation, and plant native and adaptive species, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The embassy’s involvement promotes vegetation restoration and aligns with the center’s call for broader environmental engagement from all sectors. The scheme improves air quality, reduces dust storms and restores ecosystems, the SPA added.
The National Greening Season, a core element of the broader program, fosters public-private partnerships, volunteerism, and awareness about afforestation and combating desertification.
The center leads efforts to protect and restore vegetation sites across Saudi Arabia, addressing challenges such as wildfires, illegal logging and unregulated grazing to safeguard natural ecosystems.
Hayy Matsuri celebrates Japanese, Saudi cultural traditions
- Three-day festival features performances by Japanese and Saudi artists alongside a host of cultural-inspired activities
- Event coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Kingdom
JEDDAH: Art Jameel, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, has launched the second edition of Hayy Matsuri, a cultural festival celebrating the fusion of Japanese and Saudi traditions, arts, and innovation.
The festival runs until Jan.11 at Hayy Jameel, and marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
This year’s event features exclusive performances by Japanese music project Electronicos Fantasticos! and sound artist Daisuke Tanabe, both making their Saudi debut.
Their groundbreaking work, which transforms everyday objects and repurposed electronics into musical instruments, will be showcased in collaboration with Saudi artists such as DesertFish, Akram Ali, and Abstract Crew. Together, they explore memories of the past, present, and future through immersive audiovisual performances.
The festival has already garnered immense public interest, with more than 3,000 visitors attending on its opening day.
Antonia Carver, director of Art Jameel, highlighted the festival’s importance in fostering cultural exchange. “Through the Jameel family’s great history of philanthropy and long-standing relationship with Japan through ALJ Motors and Toyota, we have a special cultural connection here to explore through Hayy Matsuri.
“This year marks 70 years of Toyota in Saudi Arabia and 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, making it a particularly significant year for us.
“The enthusiasm for Japanese culture in Saudi Arabia is immense, as demonstrated by the overwhelming response we received during our open call for the Hayy Matsuri market and the crowds here tonight — the creativity and passion for Japan that exists here is truly remarkable.
“This year’s highlight is a set of performances and workshops by Electronicos Fantasticos!, a groundbreaking band that transforms old technology into instruments. Their fusion performance with Saudi musicians is a perfect example of the cross-cultural exchange we aim to foster at Art Jameel, showcasing how music, cinema and the arts can unite and communicate across cultures in an exciting and compelling way.”
Daisuke Yamamoto, consul general of Japan in Jeddah, expressed his enthusiasm for the event and its role in strengthening Saudi-Japanese ties. “Hayy Matsuri, held in wonderful cooperation with Hayy Jameel for the second consecutive year, strengthens the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
“This festival showcases various forms of Japanese culture, introducing them to Saudi society, and we are excited to have welcomed over 5,000 visitors last year, with hopes of seeing even more this year.
“As Saudi Arabia embraces cultural openness through its Saudi Vision 2030, Japan is proud to partner with the Kingdom in achieving these cultural goals, and Hayy Matsuri plays a vital role in this mission.
“This year, as Japan and Saudi Arabia celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, we are reminded of the importance of cultural exchange, as demonstrated by the recent signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture and Japan’s minister of education, culture, sports, science, and technology.”
The festival offers an array of workshops, performances, and activities that reflect Japanese and Saudi cultural practices. Visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, Ikebana flower arrangements, Japanese calligraphy, and origami.
Interactive sessions such as manga drawing, fan art illustration, a board games zone, printmaking activations and cosplay competitions provide creative outlets for all ages.
An open cultural market, supported by Monochrome Community, brings together over 30 vendors, celebrating a fusion of local and Japanese creativity.
The market features brands and artisans, such as Taiyo Matcha, The Boba Bar, and Onigiri Bites, offering visitors a range of authentic and innovative cultural experiences.
Founders of Taiyo Matcha, Anas Jeelani and Ai Nakamura, launched their products at the festival, aiming to elevate matcha standards in Saudi Arabia.
“We noticed that the matcha sold in the Saudi market is not as authentic as we are used to in Japan. We thought if we could bring authentic matcha from Japan and sell it at competitive prices, it would raise the standard for matcha in Saudi Arabia,” Jeelani said.
Workshops such as “Manga Drawing: The Hero’s Story” by Mohamed Almadan immerse participants in Japanese art techniques.
Almadan said: “In this workshop, we focused on creating a space-themed story where everyone had the chance to both write and draw their own manga.
“My goal is to guide participants in building their unique stories and characters while making the process approachable and fun.”
Alliance Française Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Hayy Cinema, presents Rendez-vous with French Cinema as part of the Hayy Matsuri 2025 festival.
Larry Lamartiniere, managing director of Alliance Française, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying: “As the newest resident of Hayy Jameel, we are thrilled to partner on Hayy Matsuri 2025 to highlight the strong cultural ties between France and Japan.”
“Our collaboration features two key components: the screening of ‘The Truth,’ a French-Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Kore-Eda, and a workshop dedicated to exploring the influence of Japanese culture on French traditions.
“France, now the second-largest market for Japanese animation and manga, has embraced various aspects of Japanese culture, from martial arts like judo to the growing popularity of sushi.
“Through this partnership, we aim to showcase the cultural synergy between the two nations and emphasize France’s role as a global cultural powerhouse.
“We hope to introduce audiences to the French perspective, encourage them to learn French, and offer them a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of manga, anime, and Japanese pop culture.
“The workshop will provide a unique opportunity to explore these cultural connections, and attendees can also dive into our newly available French manga collection at the Alliance Francaise library.”
Saudi fund supports Tunisia with hospital projects
RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development recently signed agreements to strengthen Tunisia’s healthcare sector by completing hospitals in Sbiba, Kasserine governorate, and El Jem, Mahdia governorate.
Funded through a soft loan, this initiative highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and supporting development in Tunisia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The signing ceremony, held at the Tunisian Ministry of Health in Tunis, was attended by Tunisian Minister of Health Mustapha Ferjani, Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz Al-Saqr, and the fund’s director general for Arab countries operations, Bandar Al-Obaid.
Ferjani expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of Tunisia, emphasizing that this project reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to the Tunisian healthcare sector.
Al-Saqr reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing joint development projects in Tunisia, financed through various Saudi entities, and stressed the fund’s commitment to completing all its initiatives in the country.
The Saudi Fund for Development so far has financed 32 development projects and programs in Tunisia through soft loans exceeding $1.23 billion, along with four grants worth over $105 million to support key sectors, SPA reported.
