JEDDAH: The latest technology and modern ways of living help us in many ways but there are also big drawbacks to this latest technology and smartphones.
According to experts and doctors, the main victims of the latest technology are children.
Seven-year-old Raed bin Abddat is addicted to videogames on his mobile to the point where his eyesight deteriorated so much in two months that if it was not taken care of he could have become blind.
Raed’s mother, Shazia Khan, told Arab News that it happened because Raed spent hours sitting with his mobile and PC playing videogames. Even if his parents wanted him to stop he fought back and secretly used his computer or mobile, and due to this, the power of his eyes became +3, which his doctor said is the last stage and after that he would become blind if it was not taken care of.
Another child, Rayana Naeem, also faced the same problem when the doctor strictly told her younger sister Tyba Naeem to keep her away from computers, games and mobile phone screens otherwise she could lose her eyesight. Her eyesight is affected but can be saved from further loss.
Dr. Adnan Khan, from one of the clinics, said that because of the latest technology children are badly affected. A number of children have come to his clinic with eyesight problems due to sitting for hours in front of TV, computer screens or mobiles.
Children should be encouraged to exercise in the open air instead of sitting glued to their tablets. These devices have various consequences on a child’s life, he explained.
He said the screen of a mobile and computer are very harmful to eyesight, especially when children continually stare at it to play games. He also said this addiction not only affects eyesight but also their health. According to the doctor, the number of children with weak eyesight is increasing these days.
Sociologists working for social and charity centers have called on parents not to let their children spend too much time on smartphones and tablets.
A survey done by Saudi social experts also revealed that the frequent use of latest technology by children is destroying not only their health but also affecting their behavior, making them lazy, weakening their imaginative thinking abilities and decreasing concentration levels.
According to the survey, children are becoming addicted to technology, which directly affects their behavior. Fifty-nine percent of children who use smartphones, tablets or computers showed less interest in other activities; 37 percent of children who use smartphones or tablets to play video games prefer being alone or don’t like to go out and mingle with people; and 10 percent of children, due to excessive focus on games, are unable to pay proper attention to their studies.
Children spending four to five hours a day on videogames on tablets become aggressive if they aren’t allowed to play. According to the survey, children are spending five hours or more on tablets and video games than they spent five years ago.
According to the survey, in almost 40 percent of homes in the Kingdom children are playing video games every day. Almost 3 million video games are sold annually in the Kingdom, and a child in the Kingdom spends nearly SR1,500 on video games.
In addition, there are 19.6 million Internet users in the Kingdom. Almost 72.8 percent of the people here use smartphones, when SR111 billion was spent in the Kingdom for buying smartphones and the latest technology.
Modern technology takes a heavy toll on children
Modern technology takes a heavy toll on children
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.
