Sheikh Saleh Kamel, president of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said Monday that investment in the Islamic countries is essential for the their development individually as also for the region as a whole.
Saleh Kamel was speaking at a function organized by the Arab consuls general here to honor him on his new assignment as the president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The reception was attended by Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah, in addition to a number of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomats and officials from the JCCI on Monday.
Saleh Kamil exhorted the Arab businessmen to invest their money in Arab countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, as “there are ample opportunities available in the Kingdom.” Referring to the message of Islam, Saleh Kamel said: “The Qur’an has enjoined upon us to help each other; rich countries should help poor countries and the rich should also help their poorer counterparts to develop.”
Saleh Kamel, who is also the chairman of the General Council for Islamic Banks, thanked the Arab consular group for extending him the honor and emphasized on mutual cooperation and Islamic solidarity for the development of Islamic and Arab countries.
Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed Tayeb praised the efforts of Arab diplomats in organizing such an important gathering.
He emphasized on cooperation between Arab countries and other Islamic countries, and added that the Kingdom is providing investment opportunities for all Arab countries.
He stressed on harmony between Arab consuls to facilitate and speed up investment.
“Islamic heritage and civilization are deep-rooted phenomena, so we need to look and invest in Islamic and Arab countries. We should eradicate bureaucracy; what we need is harmony and friendly and transparent investment and business to reach our target,” said Tayeb.
The Algerian consul general and dean of the consular corps, Salah Attia welcomed the guests and diplomats and congratulated Saleh Kamel for his appointment as new president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
While extending his congratulations on behalf of all Arab diplomats, Attia said, “Ahmed Tayeb and Sheikh Saleh Kamel have always made concerted efforts in building bridges of communication to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the diplomatic corps and civil society.”
The Algerian diplomat praised Kamel’s “unique personality and way of thinking” in enhancing Saudi the role of businessmen and the economy as chairman of the JCCI, founder and president of Dallah Al-Baraka Group and president of the World Association of Islamic Banks.
“Sheikh Saleh Kamel has a noble character and Islamic affiliation, which always helps in fostering a productive relationship between the Arab group and consuls. He has always given priority to achievements in development and Arab investment,” he said.
Saleh Kamel stresses investment for Arab unity and development
Saleh Kamel stresses investment for Arab unity and development
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.
