Saudi Arabia-related highlights from the Abu Dhabi Book Fair 

Saudi Arabia-related highlights from the Abu Dhabi Book Fair 
‘Shajarah Al-Sharifah.’ (Supplied)
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Updated 25 May 2023

Saudi Arabia-related highlights from the Abu Dhabi Book Fair 

Saudi Arabia-related highlights from the Abu Dhabi Book Fair 

DUBAI: Here are five s​​​​​​elections from London-based rare-book dealer Peter Harrington’s offering at the UAE fair.

‘Shajarah Al-Sharifah’ 

“Shajarah Al-Sharifah” (‘The Noble Tree’) is a beautifully restored family tree of Prophet Muhammad “embellished with hand-painted gilt decoration which gives the work the appearance of being a manuscript,” according to Peter Harrington’s catalogue. The dealer believes this publication to have been made in Cairo or Istanbul sometime in the mid-1800s. “We could not find any other examples in institutional libraries, although the search is difficult due to similarities between titles and the fact that this is not dated,” the catalogue states. 

The second part of the book, following the family tree, focuses on the caliphs, beginning with the Rashidun Caliphate — the most powerful cultural force in the region during its existence — and its first caliph, Abu Bakr, in 632 CE. “According to the concluding sentences, the text was written in the time of sultan Abdulmejid I and is here mentioned as the last in the chain of caliphs,” the catalogue explains. 

‘The Heart of Arabia’ 

Written in 1922 by Harry St John Bridger Philby, chief representative in the British protectorate of Transjordan and a man whose tombstone declares him the ‘Greatest of Arabian explorers,’ this is an account of his fascinating mission to Imam Mohammed ibn Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, which began in late 1917.  

“Philby started in Al-Uqayr, then travelled with a small party by camel via Hufuf to Riyadh, to meet Ibn Sa’ud,” the catalogue explains. “From there he went on to complete his crossing of Arabia, with camels and an escort provided by Ibn Sa’ud. The journey of almost 900 kilometres (560 miles) destined for Jeddah ‘was not without its problems. Philby’s escort resented having to guard an infidel, refusing to even eat with him, while villagers on the way proved similarly unwelcoming ... However Philby’s crossing of the Arabian peninsula, only the third of the century, had now brought him firmly into the public eye.’ In Jeddah, he met the Hashemite ruler of Hejaz, the Sharif Husain, leader of the Arab Revolt, the preferred choice as future Arab leader of both T. E. Lawrence and the British authorities.” Husain was not Philby’s preferred choice however. He had been “greatly impressed” by Ibn Saud, and always backed him as the man who could unite the area’s tribes and lead them forward. As the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography says: “In the central judgments of his life — that Ibn Sa’ud was the man to back in Arabia and that the Arabs had to have their independence — (Philby) was right and almost everyone else was wrong.” 

Original poster of the expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque 

This poster from 1985 shows the beginnings of the decade-long expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah initiated by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz in 1984. The mosque was expanded on three of its sides, and a new marble courtyard was built around it. “The new structure had 27 inner courtyards with concrete domes, and an air-conditioning system. The movement of more than 1 million worshippers was eased with new gates, escalators and walkways,” the catalogue states. A similar project was implemented at the Holy Mosque in Makkah at the same time, which increased its capacity from 48,000 worshippers at one time to a staggering 1.5 million. The poster, the catalogue says, shows “prayer in the new extension at Madinah before its completion, King Fahd laying the foundation stone for the expansion project, a view of the construction project, and a large constructed model of the proposed new design.” 

‘The Holy Mosque at Makkah’ 

Described by the dealer as a “sumptuously produced visual celebration of the completion of almost a quarter century of transformative works on the Holy Mosque and Kabba in Makkah,” this volume, commissioned by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, features images taken by the award-winning photojournalist Mohamed Amin and was “the first work to offer an architectural and technical survey” of the holy site, “breaking new ground especially in its coverage of the Saudi extension and magnificent construction work which are without parallel in the entire history of the Holy Mosque.” Amin’s images, meanwhile, present “detailed views of the diverse and extensive developments.” Amin was the first photographer to be granted permission to document the Hajj and spent three years in the 1970s travelling around the Kingdom. 

‘Jam’ Al-Manasik Wa Naf’ Al-Nasik’ 

This rare book from 1872 combines two separate volumes on “the rites and the benefit of the pilgrim” written by two great scholars: Rahmatullah Al-Sindi and Ahmed Ziyauddin — who wrote their works almost three centuries apart. Al-Sindi’s work, written in 1543 CE in Madinah, “initially attracted local opposition,” according to the dealer’s catalogue, but later “became a landmark in the field that Hanafi scholars in South Asia and the Ottoman Empire consulted for centuries.” Ziyauddin — also known as Gumushanevi — was strongly associated with Sufis, and his work, “lithographed throughout in naskh script,” became an equally important source for followers of that religious practice.   


Break in case of emergency: Japanese vending machine to offer free food if earthquake hits

Break in case of emergency: Japanese vending machine to offer free food if earthquake hits
Updated 02 June 2023

Break in case of emergency: Japanese vending machine to offer free food if earthquake hits

Break in case of emergency: Japanese vending machine to offer free food if earthquake hits
  • Coastal city launches trial of lifesaving devices that will distribute essential supplies in case of disaster

LONDON: Imagine a city with vending machines that unlock during earthquakes and other natural disasters, providing free food and supplies.

That is exactly what is happening in the Japanese coastal city of Ako, in Hyogo prefecture, as the country steps up its natural disaster preparations.

On Friday, Japanese news outlet The Mainichi reported that the city had launched a trial run with two emergency vending machines.

The machines usually sell snacks and drinks, but will also distribute items for free during major earthquakes or typhoons.

As well as 300 bottles of soda and 150 emergency food items, the lifesaving machines contain lockers filled with essential sanitary items, such as portable toilets and masks, the news outlet said.

The vending machines unlock when an evacuation order is issued after a quake or other natural disasters.

The “hygiene supply disaster prevention stockpiling vending machines” have been installed near buildings designated as evacuation shelters.

Ako is located in an area that is vulnerable to severe earthquakes. 

The emergency vending machine project is a collaboration between the municipality and Tokyo-based pharmaceutical firm Earth Corp., which has research and production facilities in Ako.

The company has signed agreements with 17 municipalities across Japan since 2020 to help solve local issues, with the machines in Ako said to be the first of their type in the country.

A company representative said: “We would like to spread this throughout the country as a socially oriented project.”

Vending machines can be found on almost every street in Japanese cities and sell a wide variety of items —  some as unique as bear or whale meat.

In a similar initiative, a vending machine with a radio that automatically broadcasts emergency information was installed in a Tokyo park earlier this year.

The radio will be activated by severe earthquakes, and transmit evacuation and other vital information from a local community station.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. On May 26, a 6.2 magnitude quake struck east of Tokyo.


Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein shows off surprise Dolce & Gabbana gown at wedding reception

Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein shows off surprise Dolce & Gabbana gown at wedding reception
Updated 02 June 2023

Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein shows off surprise Dolce & Gabbana gown at wedding reception

Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein shows off surprise Dolce & Gabbana gown at wedding reception

DUBAI: Jordan’s new Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein, who is from Saudi Arabia, stepped out in a surprise second look at the state reception after she wed Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II on Thursday.

The bride greeted international royals and dignitaries in a white cap-sleeve ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and swirling embellishments by Italian luxury label Dolce & Gabbana — however, she retained the  delicate diamond tiara, designed by Yan Sicard from Fred Jewelry, and matching earrings from earlier in the day.

The Jordanian royal family greeted guests at the state reception. (Royal Hashemite Court) 

Meanwhile, Queen Rania, who opted for a chic Dior look at the wedding ceremony, stepped into a cream-and-gold gown by Lebanese couturier Elie Saab for the reception dinner.

Guests included dignitaries and royals from around the world, including the UK’s Prince and Princess of Wales William and Kate Middleton; US First Lady Jill Biden; Qatar’s Sheikha Moza bint Nasser; the king and queen of Malaysia; the king and queen of The Netherlands; King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain; Prince Sébastien of Luxembourg; Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark; Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland; Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway and Hisako, Princess Takamado and her daughter, Princess Tsuguko of Takamado of Japan, among others.  

Princess of Wales Kate Middleton (far right) attended the state reception. (Royal Hashemite Court) 

The Princess of Wales showed off a gown by British designer Jenny Packham.

US First Lady Jill Biden wore a lilac dress, featuring heavy floral embroidery, accompanied by a light pink shawl.

UK's Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, were also in attendance. While it marked the second time that Princess Beatrice, 34, wore a tiara in public, it also marked a first for her: the first time she sported the York tiara. The special headpiece was bought by Queen Elizabeth for her mother, Sarah Ferguson, and worn by Fergie at her 1986 wedding to Prince Andrew. 

While it marked the second time that Princess Beatrice, 34, wore a tiara in public, it also marked a first for her: the first time she sported the York tiara. (Royal Hasemite Court)

Earlier in the day, Al-Hussein unveiled her wedding gown as she married Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II in Amman.

The bride, formerly Rajwa Al-Saif, wore a classic white gown by celebrity-loved Lebanese couturier Elie Saab for the nuptials and following public reception. The full-sleeved gown featured a dramatic veil that trailed for several meters behind her, while the neckline stood out for its chic draping. 

She accessorized the look with a glittering tiara and matching diamond earrings, along with white strappy shoes, as she held a bouquet with white flowers.


Review: ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ brings a galaxy far, far away into your home 

Review: ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ brings a galaxy far, far away into your home 
Updated 02 June 2023

Review: ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ brings a galaxy far, far away into your home 

Review: ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ brings a galaxy far, far away into your home 

LONDON: For as long as there has been “Star Wars,” there have been spin off computer games, all the way back to the arcade classics of the early 1980s. The phenomenal success of the franchise has meant that the games cover more or less all of the genres, from flight simulators, strategy and resource management to more epic role-playing games like “Knights of the Old Republic.” The games are in a sense both a mirror of the technology of the time as well as the culture. 

With that in mind, the latest edition, “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,” combines the power of the PlayStation 5 with the character development of the more sensitive modern hero.  

This is the second game for lead character Cal Kestis. In the first, “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” Cal is on the run following the massacre of the Jedi, with his initial focus on hiding his powers and avoiding trouble.

By the end of the story, he was a more fully formed leader and resistance fighter against the all-powerful Empire, which is where this game starts, and such is the scale of the narrative arc that there is a fair balance of time-watching cut sequences versus actual gameplay.  

That makes “Survivor” as close to an immersive “Star Wars” film that we have across the vast number of titles that preceded it. Beyond the stunning renditions of classic locations from the films, along with the iconic music and sound effects, the key to the title’s true homage to its cinematic peers is its combat engine.

Cal can choose from a range of lightsaber configurations — including the color of the blade and design of the handle — and can learn, by acquiring skill points, a vast array of different combat moves. Many involve combining use of the Force or whether Cal is up against one or multiple enemies. Whilst there is a balance of art against the carnage of button smashing, it tends to reward the former, which makes for a genuine sense of being in the shoes of a Jedi warrior.  

Beyond combat, the second main aspect of gameplay that needs mastering is around the gymnastic abilities Cal uses to move around the various worlds he visits. It is essentially space parkour, with Cal running along walls, flipping and sliding his way across seemingly inaccessible environments. Again, this is high-adrenaline fun, but there is a trade off as the vast worlds Cal inhabits are not truly open and accessible, but rather hide a set route that the player must take to proceed.  

The game’s main story tells of how Cal comes to terms with being one Jedi up against the Empire that has killed so many of his friends. The main character carries an aura of loss and isolation with him as he travels from planet to planet, reinforced by the fact that his best friend is the droid BD-1, who also helps with practical things like providing health top ups and hacking computers.  

“Survivor” is a bigger and more ambitious game than its predecessor, with a number of side quests and micro-missions giving variety and more choice to the player. There is humor in the dialogue, and the ability of Cal to sense “Force echoes” allows for depth and detail of this impressive snapshot of the “Star Wars” universe.
 


Good leadership begins with happiness, says Egyptian author Mo Gawdat at Riyadh conference

Good leadership begins with happiness, says Egyptian author Mo Gawdat at Riyadh conference
Updated 01 June 2023

Good leadership begins with happiness, says Egyptian author Mo Gawdat at Riyadh conference

Good leadership begins with happiness, says Egyptian author Mo Gawdat at Riyadh conference
  • Mo Gawdat: You become a successful leader because you prioritize happiness
  • Deepak Chopra: It’s good to have a timed target; on the other hand, you have to be process-oriented in the present moment

RIYADH: Authors Deepak Chopra and Mo Gawdat revealed their methods for successful leadership and embracing the future of AI at a conference in Riyadh. 

Chopra and Gawdat were among the many speakers at the Annual Leadership Conference, which explored how managers must adapt in a rapidly changing world to build a sustainable future.

In an interview with Arab News, Gawdat, a former Google employee, said he managed his flourishing company, One Billion Happy Foundation, with unconventional methods.

“You become a successful leader because you prioritize happiness,” he said. “We think that leaders are all about controlling everyone and everything. That’s not true at all. Leaders, by the meaning of the word, are in the front, chasing their vision and dream, where others want to be behind them.”

Gawdat said he created his firm seven years ago after the loss of his son, vowing to make one billion people happier. That task started with his own employees.

“We’re always happy. And the reason is because with that happiness, you create that connection, and with that connection, you achieve more success, and you become a better leader,” Gawdat said.

“You give your people reasons to find happiness in what they do, that you give your people purpose in your vision,” he added. 

Gawdat said coping with what life throws your way is all about making better choices on what we decide our stressors will be. 

“Eighty percent of the things that break us are not things that we necessarily need to have in our life. We can be very effective at weeding out the stuff that doesn’t really require our attention,” he said. 

“Everything from waking up in the morning to a very loud alarm instead of a kind alarm. Or maybe even sleeping a little early, so that you don’t need an alarm.”

The conference held a signing of Chopra’s book “The Soul of Leadership” and Gawdat’s second book, “Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World.” 

Gawdat said his work looked at the need to commit to a “dynamic, fast-moving … world with AI.”

It explored how “accepting the fact that this is upon us … and then committing to becoming the best user of it,” would allow people to get the “best outcome of this situation.”

In a panel discussion, Chopra broke down the skills needed to be a successful leader: Look and listen, Emotional bonding, awareness, doing, empowerment, responsibility, and synchronicity.

Chopra, who has written 93 books, said effective leadership in a workplace required a shared vision, maximum job diversity, and a leveraging of the strengths of team members. 

“It’s good to have a timed target; on the other hand, you have to be process-oriented in the present moment,” Chopra said. “In cognitive science, we call it awareness. It’s not in time, it’s in between every thought, breath, movement, perception, sensation, is this presence.”

Chopra is also a clinical professor of family medicine and public health at the University of California and the founder of Chopra Foundation. 

The conference, themed “Creating a sustainable and resilient global economy: the convergence of finance, business, and technology,” was held in the King Abdullah Financial District. 


Princess Rajwa stuns in Elie Saab as Queen Rania wears Dior at Jordan’s Royal wedding

Princess Rajwa stuns in Elie Saab as Queen Rania wears Dior at Jordan’s Royal wedding
Updated 02 June 2023

Princess Rajwa stuns in Elie Saab as Queen Rania wears Dior at Jordan’s Royal wedding

Princess Rajwa stuns in Elie Saab as Queen Rania wears Dior at Jordan’s Royal wedding
  • Full-sleeved gown featured a dramatic veil that trailed for several meters behind the bride, while the neckline stood out for its chic draping

DUBAI: After weeks of speculation, the new Crown Princess of Jordan Rajwa Al-Hussein unveiled her wedding gown as she married Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II in Amman on Thursday. 

The bride, formerly Rajwa Al-Saif, wore a classic white gown by celebrity-loved Lebanese couturier Elie Saab. The full-sleeved gown featured a dramatic veil that trailed for several meters behind her, while the neckline stood out for its chic draping. 

She accessorized the look with a glittering tiara and matching diamond earrings, along with white strappy shoes, as she held a bouquet with white flowers.

For his part, the crown prince donned a suit that drew inspiration from the design worn by King Abdullah II on his wedding day in 1993. The suit’s sleeves paid homage to the style favored by both King Abdullah II and King Abdullah I.

The reveal follows weeks, if not months, of speculation about what label the royal family would pick for the Saudi national to walk down the aisle in. Luxury labels Dior and Bruce Oldfield were floated by celebrity stylists and fashion magazines around the world, with some industry insiders throwing British designer Sarah Burton’s name into the ring.

Jordan’s ever fashionable Queen Rania wore a gown by French label Dior. (Royal Hashemite Court)

Jordan’s ever-fashionable Queen Rania wore a gown by French label Dior that hailed from the luxury label’s fall 2022 couture collection.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Princess of Wales was among the high-profile royal guests at the ceremony.

Kate, Princess of Wales, and William, Prince of Wales, were among the high-profile royal guests at the ceremony. (RHCJO)

For the highly anticipated occasion, she wore an elegant Elie Saab gown from the brand’s fall/winter 2017 couture collection.

The pastel piece featured a high neck, full bell-shaped sleeves, as well as embroidery and lace detailing.

Princess Beatrice, who attended with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, wore a long-sleeved sequined dress by British brand Needle & Thread. (Courtesy of Royal Hashemite Court)

Also from the Britain, Princess Beatrice, who attended with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, wore a long-sleeved sequined dress by British brand Needle & Thread. She matched the black belt of the dress with a black bow adorning her flowing locks.

US first lady Jill Biden, accompanied by her daughter Ashley Biden, wore a light purple gown by Lebanese designer Reem Acra. (Courtesy of Royal Hashemite Court)

US First Lady Jill Biden, accompanied by her daughter Ashley Biden, wore a lilac gown by Lebanese designer Reem Acra. She was also spotted wearing the dress in April during a state dinner at the White House.

Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary, accompanied by Crown Prince Frederik, wore an Erdem cream gown with blue floral print. The luxury label was founded in London by Canadian Turkish fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu.

Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary, accompanied by Crown Prince Frederik, wore an Erdem cream gown with blue floral print. The luxury label was founded in London by Canadian-Turkish fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu. (Courtesy of Royal Hashemite Court)

Earlier, the bride stayed true to her Saudi roots at her May 22 henna night by wearing a custom-made gown by Saudi designer Honayda Serafi. 

The designer took inspiration from the Al-Shaby thobe of the Najd region in Saudi Arabia, home to the bride’s family. 

“The brief was that she wanted to wear something very modest and something from Saudi Arabian culture, but with a modern twist. She wanted the piece to be very elegant, and she also wanted it to be white,” Serafi previously told Arab News. 

Apart from the references to Al-Saif’s Saudi heritage, the dress also featured nods to Jordanian culture.

Serafi included the seven-pointed white star that is present on the Jordanian national flag, which symbolized the seven verses of Surat Al-Fatiha in the Qur’an.

Other details in the dress included Saudi Arabia’s palm trees, which symbolize life and vitality, as well as a verse by famous Tunisian poet Aboul Qacem Echebbi — “When my eyes see you, life becomes right” — etched into the dress in Arabic lettering.

“My intention behind designing this dress was to document the eternal love and the history of the royal wedding. And, of course, I have used traditional threads and it is all hand embroidered,” said Serafi.