Saudi Ardah sets Guinness World Record in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role in achieving peace in an increasingly insecure world, New Zealand’s deputy prime minister told Arab News the same day his country announced new tariffs on Russia.

“This is a very dramatically changing world with greater insecurity than ever for a long, long time. And so, we’re looking at countries that are playing a pivotal role as Saudi Arabia is, and the Gulf states, in terms of peace here and world peace itself,” Winston Peters told Arab News during a state visit on Monday.

“I know these aspirations sound to be big and large objectives, but we have got to keep on trying to improve the world we’re in, and we’re looking and observing with a great deal of admiration of the new role in terms of stability that Saudi Arabia appears to be playing.”

The new sanctions announced by New Zealand target 52 individuals and entities involved in Russia’s military and energy industries, as well as North Korean support.

The minister firmly stated: “You will hear all manner of propaganda about Ukraine, but there was an invasion of Crimea in 2014, no one reacted.

“And then we had, just over three years ago ... the beginning of a war.

“Now we’re hearing that the so-called guilty party is utterly innocent, that somehow their soldiers coming over the border into Ukraine is an act of innocence.”

As an active member of the UN, New Zealand is looking for what Peters called “an illegal war” to end immediately.

Certain “uncertainties” from Russia’s point of view about where they fit in the NATO-sphere of nations and Ukraine’s position relevant to the alliance are, according to the Peters, irrelevant at this point in time.

The minister also touched on New Zealand’s stance on the war in Gaza, reaffirming his country’s support of a two-state solution.

“Observing this constant strife, decade after decade after decade, we all want a solution that is in the best interests of the people involved … No matter the government back in New Zealand, we have always been for a two-state solution,” he said.

But the minister said that the purpose of his visit was to take part in Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day weekend celebrations.

“It is a very important celebration … and also to see progress on Vision 2030, which we, even in a brief amount of time, can see so much has advanced from the point of view of economic and social progress,” he said.

He also discussed a recent free trade agreement between New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

New Zealand and the GCC concluded negotiations on an FTA on Oct. 31 of last year, and trade ministers on both sides are expected to sign the agreement in the coming months.

On strengthening cultural ties in the education sector, the minister spoke dimly of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diminishing numbers of Saudi students attending New Zealand universities.

“As a consequence, what used to be 6,000 students a year has dwindled away to a much lesser number, less than a thousand.

“So, we are going to have those talks going forward.”

Peters also touched on Saudi Arabia’s equestrian heritage, after watching New Zealand’s James McDonald perform in the Saudi Cup over the weekend.

“The Arabian horse is unique; it’s got stamina and can run enormous distances … From that, we’ve bred the best in the world.”

He also highlighted Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker’s two-round win over Martin Bakole in Riyadh on Saturday.

DHAHRAN: Qatif buzzed with excitement as it hosted a celebration of handicrafts, showcasing the talents of local artisans.

Under the patronage of Qatif Gov. Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, the four-day festival, which ended on Sunday, was held at the Anak Event Hall.

More than 200 booths displayed all manner of handcrafts, from traditional tools and knitted hammocks to jewelry, artisanal perfumes and incense.

The event emphasized the importance of preserving traditions and their role in the local economy, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Among the artisans was Mohammad Moghais, a 47-year-old woodworker who builds miniature versions of old-fashioned homes and shops painted in vibrant colors.

“I started woodworking at 16. Back then, there were no modern tools like today’s oscillating saws. All we had were basic hand saws,” he told Arab News.

Moghais’ first project was a small chair and from there he progressed to making tables, wardrobes and sofas.

“The focus at first was on traditional crafts. We would take discarded wood and repurpose it,” he said. “I always find ways to improve my craft.”

Moghais said he was motivated by the changes he saw to his neighborhood following a renovation project that threatened its character.

“It really hurt me to see that,” he said. “So I started making wooden fixtures, decorative pieces and items that reflected our traditional artistry, just like our forefathers used to make. That’s how I’ve continued my work over the years.”

Mohammad Alosaif is another of Qatif’s artisans, who showcased his expertise in crafting tin into everyday items like kettles and pots, a skill he learned from his father.

“I feel that the Kingdom’s ongoing support for these traditional crafts is essential, as they form the foundation of many modern industries,” he said.

“It may be an old craft, but it evolves alongside modern industries. For example, tin was once used for oil cans, butter containers and paint cans. Craftsmen would cut the tin into sheets, shape, press and refine it, then mold it into various forms, emboss it and polish it to create useful items.”

For visitors, the event provided a rich tapestry of craftsmanship that told stories of heritage and artistic expression. There were also workshops at which people engaged in a range of activities, like macrame and making incense holders and soap.

The festival also featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost.