Art Residency Al-Balad showcases concludes 2022 edition with Jeddah art exhibition 

Art Residency Al-Balad showcases concludes 2022 edition with Jeddah art exhibition 
The Art Residency Program Al-Balad concluded its 2022 edition with an art exhibition organized by the Ministry of Culture in Tamer House, Al Sharafiyah district, on Jan 25, in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Updated 28 January 2023

Art Residency Al-Balad showcases concludes 2022 edition with Jeddah art exhibition 

Art Residency Al-Balad showcases concludes 2022 edition with Jeddah art exhibition 

JEDDAH: The Art Residency Program Al-Balad concluded its 2022 edition with an art exhibition organized by the Ministry of Culture in Jeddah’s Tamer House, Al-Sharafiyah district, on Jan. 25.

The show, which runs until Feb. 4 features the works of more than 30 artists who took part in the four residency cycles held in Al-Balad from March to October 2022.

Launched in the same period as the Islamic Arts Biennale, the exhibition aims to promote Jeddah as a top destination in the art world and encourage cultural conversations on tradition, innovation, harmony and conflict, as well as urban and natural environments.

A distinguished group of Saudi, Arab and international artists presented their works and interacted with the public to discuss their visions for the transitional state of Jeddah.




The show features the works of more than 30 participants who took part in the four residency cycles held in Al Balad from March to October 2022. (Supplied)

Mohamed Ali Ghomriani, managing director of Hafez Projects, said: “The Art Residency Al-Balad was a unique experience for all of us. Hafez Projects as the operator of the program was very fortunate to be able to witness this wonderfully creative and inspiring journey. It facilitated residents, artists, curators and writers to share and exchange what goes on within the walls of the Jeddah historical district with the wider public and vice-versa.

“Now we can only celebrate the success of this important process and engage by showcasing the art projects produced thanks to the art residencies through a final exhibition,” he added.

Speaking to Arab News, Andrea Alkalay from Argentina, a visual artist in photography, said: “It is lovely to revisit my friends’ works by seeing them in an exhibition and also to discover the work of other residents. This exhibition definitely consists of a highly rich and diverse range of works, all inspired by the same location but in very different ways.”

Alkaly is exhibiting her project, “The Rock Cycle,” with three pieces from her work representing the cycles of change, the idea of demolishing to transform. The remains of Al-Balad houses served as her inspiration, and she used materials, collages, gold leaves and other techniques in her work.




Andrea Alkalay from Argentina, is exhibiting her project, “The Rock Cycle,” with three pieces from her work representing the cycles of change, the idea of demolishing to transform. (Supplied) 

She said: “The Art Residency Program Al-Balad and the Ministry of Culture allowed me to discover the Kingdom in an absolutely inspiring atmosphere. The ability to freely develop my creativity and materialize it at no cost enabled me to expand my imagination without boundaries. I was able to start a new project, which I am excited to investigate and develop further. Being offered this incredible opportunity with a studio place for six weeks in such a unique location has been a dream.

“This kind of community building is fundamental to my own enhancement within the arts. There are many artists I was introduced to who have shifted ideas on how I think about art-making, and what I make,” she added.

Some of the pieces created during the residency were shown in Argentina and also during Miami Basel week. For Alkaly, the residency was an integral and rich learning experience.

Nahla Khogeer, a wooden sculpture visual artist from Jeddah, said: “I discovered Al-Balad from a different perspective as if I had never been there. I learned new things from the community and the residents. I’m thankful to the Ministry of Culture and Hafez Projects for this opportunity to showcase my talent.”

Taking part in the exhibition with her artwork “Roads to Memory,” Khogeer documents the four historical neighborhoods of Al-Balad using wooden screens (Al-Mangour) that feature architecture from the district. The original mangour pieces embody the pathways of these areas.




"Roads to Memory" by Nahla khogeer documents the four historical neighborhoods of Al-Balad using wooden screens. (Supplied)

Donia Al-Shetairy, a multidisciplinary visual artist from Yemen, said: “During the residency, I was given important educational opportunities. Most importantly, space and support were provided to focus on my art practice and to develop a new project.”

Her work, “Speech of the Stone,” reimagines the city of Al-Balad through sound to focus on the importance of reviving and preserving the auditory memories of the city. “This exhibition offered me a chance to present my work in a bigger space and attract a larger audience, unlike the open studio. The previous period (between the end of my residency and the final show) was a continuation of my research on recordings and oral heritage, which enriched the discussion with the audience,” Al-Shetairy added.

The exhibition will feature a poetry reading session by author Bakr Al-Jaber, a clay sculpting workshop with artist Maan Alabbadi and an outdoor projection by artist Ahmed Al-Sindi.

As part of the Ministry of Culture’s Advancing Cultural Entrepreneurship initiative and Saudi Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, and operated by Hafez Projects, the second edition of the Art Residency Program Al-Balad 2022 edition offered opportunities to several emerging artists, curators, writers (critics and art historians), and those in the middle of their careers in the field of visual arts, from the Kingdom and around the world.

The free exhibition is open to visitors until Feb. 4.


Ramadan meet, greet initiative launched for Makkah pilgrims, umrah visitors

Ramadan meet, greet initiative launched for Makkah pilgrims, umrah visitors
Updated 14 sec ago

Ramadan meet, greet initiative launched for Makkah pilgrims, umrah visitors

Ramadan meet, greet initiative launched for Makkah pilgrims, umrah visitors
  • Greeting points will be set up at the Haramain train station and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah
  • Nada Al-Malki: The pilgrims are warmly welcomed at the designated train station, and a set of gifts are presented to help them perform their rituals with ease

RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah has launched a welcome initiative for pilgrims and umrah visitors arriving in Saudi Arabia.

The scheme has been initiated by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques represented by its media affairs, public relations, and women’s exhibitions agency.

Greeting points will be set up at the Haramain train station and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Agency official Nada Al-Malki said: “The pilgrims are warmly welcomed at the designated train station, and a set of gifts are presented to help them perform their rituals with ease.”

The initiative was started last year at the railway station with senior management greeting pilgrims and distributing information on digital services, and gift packages including a prayer rug, umbrella, and Zamzam water.

On Sunday, the presidency, represented by the agency responsible for libraries and cultural affairs, launched its Ramadan program in the Grand Mosque library which will include scientific and cultural meetings and seminars.

The first evening session looked at various aspects of the life of the Prophet Muhammad.


Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers to meet during Ramadan

Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers to meet during Ramadan
Updated 27 March 2023

Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers to meet during Ramadan

Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers to meet during Ramadan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, have agreed to meet during the month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported early Monday.

The diplomats also discussed in a phone call a number of issues amid the trilateral agreement signed in China.

The Kingdom and Iran agreed on March 10 to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies within two months following years of tensions.

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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss cooperation
Updated 27 March 2023

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed bilateral relations and cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported early Monday.

During a phone call, the officials also reviewed efforts towards regional and international developments to enhance security and stability.


Saudi Arabia’s traditional souqs exude Ramadan vibes

Saudi Arabia’s traditional souqs exude Ramadan vibes
Updated 27 March 2023

Saudi Arabia’s traditional souqs exude Ramadan vibes

Saudi Arabia’s traditional souqs exude Ramadan vibes
  • Bustling with tourists and residents, souqs are the beating heart of Saudi cities

RIYADH: Souqs are the best place to buy Ramadan essentials — food, decoration or fashion — and to experience the hustle and bustle of the holy month.

Souq, meaning market in Arabic, is a modern shopping destination but with an old-world charm.

May AlSheikh, reservoir geoscientist at Aramco, spoke with Arab News to explain the importance of souqs in the Middle Eastern culture.

AlUla’s Old Town is a serene marketplace with a beautiful view of mountains. (Supplied)

“Souqs are historical shopping and trading scenes that have been around for thousands of years. I strongly believe they remain an essential component for preserving culture and identity in Saudi Arabia, on the local scale, and the Middle East region as a whole,” Alsheikh said.  

Alsheikh believes the souq is a place where tourists can indulge in culture and get a taste of tradition.  

“I work in a company that is a cultural melting pot with people coming from all walks of life, and I always recommend my expatriate colleagues to visit souqs — they love it! It’s a great tourist attraction and a pleasant activity, where they enjoy the traditional ambiance while purchasing traditional goods and foods,” she said.

AlKhobar’s Al-Swekit Souq

One of the oldest souqs in the Eastern Province, Al-Swekit Souq, is a hub for affordable gold jewelry and abayas.  

AlUla’s Old Town is a serene marketplace with a beautiful view of mountains. (Supplied)

AlSheikh visits the Al-Swekit Souq during the month of Ramadan to buy all sorts of things for herself and the family.   

Souqs are historical shopping and trading scenes that have been around for thousands of years ... they remain an essential component for preserving culture and identity in Saudi Arabia, on the local scale, and the Middle East region as a whole.

May AlSheikh, Reservoir geoscientist at Aramco

“Shopping in Swekit market is fun, especially around this time of the year with the holy month of Ramadhan fast-approaching. The shops in Swekit usually sell a variety of traditional merchandise and local produce. I personally love buying abayas, spices and customary festive attire for myself and the kids,” she said.  

Jeddah’s Al-Balad Souqs

Al-Balad is Jeddah’s oldest neighborhood, founded in 7th century AD, and is home to a plethora of some of the oldest traditional markets: Souq Al-Badu‎, Souq Qabil, Souq Alawi, Souq Nada, Souq Al-Khaskeya, Souq Bab Makkah and Souq Bab Shareef.

The souqs have a variety of shops to explore, selling gold, textiles, honey, spices and much more. Some of these markets have been around for decades and hold a special place in the hearts of locals.  

AlUla’s Old Town is a serene marketplace with a beautiful view of mountains. (Supplied)

“It is a lively, enjoyable, and unpretentious social activity where you see people from different backgrounds and economic classes shop and interact together. And, quite frankly, that’s the beauty of it! It breaks social norms, shrinks the social and economic classes’ gap, and promotes a healthy, inclusive society. In addition to that, souqs give thrive to small-scale businesses which feed into the overall economic growth,” AlSheikh said.  

Just make sure to put your bargaining hats on to show off some negotiation skills.

AlUla’s Old Town Souq

Julian Ryall, Japan correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, visited The Old Town Souq in AlUla, where community locals set up clothing shops, fruit stands, pottery and crafts, and cafes amid a beautiful view of the mountains.

“Any foreign visitor who comes to Saudi Arabia is going to want to visit a souq. It has to be one of the most important elements of a trip, as important as drinking tea on a trip to England,” Ryall said.

He added: “I loved the hustle and bustle of market, of the stall-holders calling out to passers-by, of being encouraged to haggle on prices and just the items that were available,” Ryall said.

“The local gold shop was the perfect place. I was embarrassingly bad at haggling so the owner took pity on me and gave me a discount anyway. I think I’ll tell my wife I did haggle the price down when I give her the earrings.”  

Riyadh’s Almaigliah Souq

Established in 1986, Almaigliah Souq is the first wholesales traditional market in Riyadh located next to Al-Masmak Fort.  

The complex consists of four buildings, each specializing in a genre of shopping: gold, women’s clothing, men’s apparel, and perfume.  

Almaigliah is best known for their great deals on the best Arabian ouds perfume, spices and women’s abayas.

For almost three decades, this souq has attracted tourists from all over the world and continues to be a retail destination for locals.  

 


Who’s Who: Abdulrahman K Justaniah, first Saudi partner at global strategy consulting firm Kearney

Abdulrahman K Justaniah
Abdulrahman K Justaniah
Updated 27 March 2023

Who’s Who: Abdulrahman K Justaniah, first Saudi partner at global strategy consulting firm Kearney

Abdulrahman K Justaniah

Abdulrahman K Justaniah is the first Saudi to become a partner at the elite global strategy consulting firm Kearney.

Justaniah joined in January 2022 while being part of the strategic operations practice and supporting the firm’s growth in the region. He has been part of many of the transformational projects in the Kingdom supporting clients as a trusted adviser.

Previously he had several public and private sector leadership roles. The most recent was vice-president of strategy and excellence at the Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority in 2021.

The authority was established in 2017 to support Saudi Arabia’s efficiency, project execution, operations and maintenance for all spending through the public budget.

He joined the authority as the fifth employee during the startup and served in multiple leadership roles.

Before his vice-presidency role, he held the same position for strategy and shared services from 2020 to 2021, and was executive director of strategy and organizational excellence from 2019 to 2020.

He also worked as executive director of the strategic procurement unit from 2017-2019 and led the establishment of the strategic procurement unit to increase government efficiency, and led the organizational design, developed processes, and set up governance with more than 450 government entities across the Kingdom.

Before that Justaniah worked with Procter & Gamble as manufacturing director in Dammam from 2015 to 2017 and led part of Dammam’s manufacturing operations.

He has also worked with P&G as regional supply chain director/IMEA demand planning leader in Cairo, transition and startup director, market planning senior manager, project manager and supply planning manager.

Justaniah obtained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran. He also completed leadership courses, pathways to leadership process, GROW Coaching, situational leadership and emerging leaders.