Saudi Arabia and Poland celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Saudi-Polish relationship at the Jeddah Science and Technology Center. Prince Abdullah ibn Fahd ibn Muhammad, deputy mayor of Makkah for security affairs, attended the opening ceremony of the first Saudi-Polish Artist Painting Exhibition on behalf of Prince Abdul Majeed, Makkah governor.
The exhibition took place in Riyadh where more than 20 paintings were sold ranging from SR20,000 to SR60,000.
Polish Ambassador Adam Kutach, gave the opening speech, where he expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the prince and the sponsors of this ceremony.
“This ceremony will add new dimensions to our growing ties. While Saudi businessmen found Poland an attractive place for business, Polish businessmen found Saudi Arabia a greatly profitable place too. Saudi Arabia is a fascinating civilization,” he said.
Farouk Kurashi, president & CEO of Arab Development Institute & Al-Lama Group, welcomed the Polish attendees and artists. Kurashi said, “Our previous event in Riyadh was a great success. We are honored to be a sponsor for this event, boosting Saudi and Polish relationships through art and beauty.”
The Polish painter Bogna Misztalska spoke to Arab News about her first visit to Saudi Arabia.
She said, “I consider this a great experience. I’m glad I was invited to participate in this exhibition which also featured the works of famous Saudi artists. Saudi people are very welcoming, generous and sympathetic too.”
The Saudi and Polish artists and sponsors were honored by the Polish embassy. Saudis Muna Abdullah Al-Gusabi, director of the Saudi Center for Creative and Plastic Arts, and Fauzea Abdulatif took part in the exhibition.
The painting that drew the most attention was of Crown Prince Abdullah with the Polish conjoined twins who went through a successful separation surgery in Riyadh.
Roaa Al-Khateeb said, “The exhibition is very good and displays a combination of the Saudi and Polish paintings. This also gives us the opportunity to learn about each other and foster freindship through art. It’s a great experience indeed.”