Saudi Islamic affairs minister visits Al-Azhar University in Cairo
Minister given an overview of the university’s various colleges, departments
Updated 26 August 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh visited Al-Azhar University on Sunday as part of his participation in the 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Cairo.
The minister met Salama Dawood, the president of Al-Azhar University, accompanied by the Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, and several university officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The minister was given an overview of the university’s various colleges and departments and engaged in discussions about potential cooperation in scientific and research fields.
Al-Asheikh praised the university for its efforts in promoting the values of moderation globally, expressing his appreciation for the institution’s contribution.
He also emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in scientific areas for the mutual benefit of both Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Dawood highlighted the strong ties between the Kingdom and Egypt, underlining the significance of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the conference and its leading role in advancing the principles of Islamic moderation.
Indian almonds in Jazan: Tropical fruits at their best season
Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity
The combination of heavy rains and relatively high temperatures in Jazan enhances production quality
Updated 5 sec ago
SPA
JAZAN: In the heart of Jazan, where nature displays its beauty, the Indian almond stands out as a distinctive seasonal agricultural product for which the region in southwestern Saudi Arabia is well known.
The almond tree is characterized by its dense foliage, abundant shade, delectable fruits, and rich flavor.
Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity, thriving in the region’s warm environment and tropical climate, which foster their growth and bloom. The fruits are highly sought after, enjoyed as a snack, or valued for their natural oils.
The almond season in Jazan begins in February, marked by the blooming of white and yellow flowers that attract bees, which, along with the wind, aid in pollination.
Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity, thriving in the region’s warm environment and tropical climate, which foster their growth and bloom. (SPA)
Between May and July, the fruits gradually ripen, transitioning from green to yellow or red, signaling their full maturity.
Peak production occurs in June and July, when the fruits are harvested and sold in local markets in substantial quantities and varying sizes, with each fruit weighing between 15 and 30 grams.
Ripe almonds are prized for their soft texture and the ease with which the edible core can be extracted, reaching their peak sweetness and exhibiting a more pronounced almond flavor.
Indian almonds are available in well-known markets, including the central Jazan market, as well as in the governorates of Sabia, Bish, Abu Arish, Samtah, and others throughout the region.
Ripe almonds are prized for their soft texture and the ease with which the edible core can be extracted. (SPA)
In Jazan, the combination of heavy rains and relatively high temperatures enhances production quality, increasing investment opportunities for cultivating this product.
This includes the development of packaging and marketing operations both locally and internationally, the establishment of factories for extracting Indian almond oil, and the expansion of organic agriculture to meet the rising demand for natural and healthy products. These initiatives contribute significantly to the region’s agricultural and economic development.
Visitors can buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition sneakers
Updated 08 February 2025
Hajar AlQusayer
RIYADH: Sneaker Con in Riyadh has opened its doors to enthusiasts and collectors, offering a platform to buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition items as part of Riyadh Season.
Billed as “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth,” Sneaker Con is one of the world’s largest sneaker conventions, which has previously been held in cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its Riyadh edition — the first in Saudi Arabia — runs until Feb. 19 at ANB Arena.
A pair of signed sneakers by basketball player Michael Jordan, featured at Sneaker Con Riyadh. (AN photo by Hajar AlQusayer)
The event provides visitors with the opportunity to engage with industry experts and meet influencers in the sneaker community.
One visitor, Fares Indejani, highlighted the growing sneaker culture in Riyadh, pointing out that sneakers have become an integral part of personal style and expression. He told Arab News about the impact of the event on the local sneaker community.
These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space. But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.
Fares Indejani, Sneaker enthusiast
“These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space,” he said. “But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.
Visitors engaging with various shops and exploring exclusive sneakers at Sneaker Con Riyadh. (Supplied)
“You get an idea of what direction we’re heading toward, and that’s valuable knowledge for investors and business owners,” he added. “Really knowing what kind of communities are popping up, seeing how loud and real they are, and recognizing that they exist, have a voice, and are moving, is crucial.”
Abdulmohsen Al-Ahmari, another visitor, said the event provides an opportunity to see sneakers that are not typically available.
“Making connections at Sneaker Con and getting to know people helps me later,” he said.
Chase Young, a sneaker trader and founder of Culture Kicks, said: “There are people with crazy pairs of shoes and a lot of different collectors’ items here, and very high-end shoes, so (the market) is definitely big here.”
Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days draws more than 200k visitors to Dhahran
Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days featured many other activities, ensuring that visitors could engage with Japan’s cultural heritage through a variety of creative, educational and interactive experiencesIthra’s Japan Cultural Days featured many other activities
Updated 09 February 2025
Arab News
DHAHRAN: Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days concluded on Saturday after a dynamic 17-day run, offering visitors a deep and immersive experience into Japanese arts, traditions and contemporary culture.
The event, which began on Jan. 23, attracted more than 200,000 visitors in its first 10 days.
A variety of activities were offered for children and adults, ensuring everyone's enjoyment. (Supplied)
Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Morino Yasunari toured the exhibitions, engaged with artists and cultural representatives, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
His visit underscored the significance of the festival in fostering dialogue and mutual appreciation.
A wide variety of music was featured at the festival, from meditative shakuhachi to high-energy drums. (Supplied)
The program featured a wide range of activities for both children and adults, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. Families took part in hands-on craft workshops, traditional calligraphy, origami and manga drawing sessions, while younger visitors enjoyed storytelling sessions featuring Japanese folktales and legends.
One of the most anticipated performances came from Drum Tao, the globally renowned Japanese drumming ensemble known for its powerful stage presence and theatrical performances.
A variety of activities were offered for children and adults, ensuring everyone's enjoyment. (Supplied)
The group combined traditional taiko drumming with modern choreography and lighting effects, delivering a high-energy spectacle that captivated audiences.
A metaverse experience in Ithra’s plaza allowed visitors to explore virtual Japanese markets and cultural celebrations.
A wide variety of music was featured at the festival, from meditative shakuhachi to high-energy drums. (Supplied)
The festival also explored Japanese storytelling through literature and anime. Several sessions on Japanese literature highlighted its unique introspective nature, referencing authors like Haruki Murakami.
Music played a central role in the festival, with performances ranging from the meditative tones of the shakuhachi flute to high-energy drum ensembles. Visitors also explored Japanese culinary traditions, gaining insights into the precision and artistry behind dishes such as sushi and wagashi.
A variety of activities were offered for children and adults, ensuring everyone's enjoyment. (Supplied)
One of the most celebrated workshops covered kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Attendees were invited to transform shattered ceramics into decorative pieces, embracing the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection.
Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days featured many other activities, ensuring that visitors could engage with Japan’s cultural heritage through a variety of creative, educational and interactive experiences.
Tourism Ministry launches second executive master’s program to develop Saudi tourism leadership
Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that, through the executive master’s program, the ministry works to provide key opportunities for Saudi tourism professionals to receive advanced education and training
Updated 08 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a second executive master’s program, offering four educational packages and teaming up with three prestigious European hospitality institutions — Les Roches in Spain and EHL and Glion in Switzerland, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program aims to train 300 Saudi professionals in international tourism and hospitality management, advancing expertise in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Under the ministry’s “Ahluha” initiative, which has already trained more than 100,000 Saudi citizens, domestically and internationally, in 2024. The program focuses on equipping participants with modern management techniques and high-quality resource management skills for the tourism industry.
Candidates must meet rigorous eligibility criteria, including an honors bachelor’s degree in tourism-related fields, minimum five years of professional experience, proven English language proficiency, willingness to travel for training requirements, and successful completion of a personal interview.
According to SPA, the program builds on the success of its first edition, in which 198 graduates completed managerial training at leading Spanish and Swiss institutions.
Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that, through the executive master’s program, the ministry works to provide key opportunities for Saudi tourism professionals to receive advanced education and training.
He said the program represents a strategic investment in developing Saudi tourism leadership.
“This initiative is crucial for preparing the next generation of Saudi leaders who will drive our growing tourism sector,” he said.
“We are focused on enhancing our national workforce’s capabilities, expanding their horizons and exposing them to global best practices in tourism management,” he added.
Children had the opportunity to show their artistic skills in the Story and Drawing Corner in which the little ones transformed stories into paintings that reflected their creative visions
Updated 08 February 2025
SPA
RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival, which concluded on Feb. 8, aimed to encourage a love of reading and storytelling in young children.
As part of a series of events in Diriyah Season boasting the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” the festival transformed Diriyah into a magical world for children, one in which they moved between pavilions.
Photo/Saudi Press Agency
In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals.
Shadow Shows, meanwhile, transported children to realms inspired by the book “Kalila and Dimna,” offering a unique visual experience that blended art with literature.
Photo/Saudi Press Agency
Children also had the opportunity to show their artistic skills in the Story and Drawing Corner in which the little ones transformed stories into paintings that reflected their creative visions.
The interactive performances were no less captivating, presenting historic tales inspired by Diriyah’s rich heritage in a theatrical, interactive format that encouraged children to actively engage. This added a rich educational and cultural dimension to their experience.
The initiative was organized to strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a hub for arts and literature on the world stage.
