Students join handicrafts week to create, promote traditional crafts

Students join handicrafts week to create, promote traditional crafts
1 / 5
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts staged several workshops this week as part of the activities of Saudi International Handicrafts Week. (SPA)
Students join handicrafts week to create, promote traditional crafts
2 / 5
The events focused on the carving of wood, gypsum and clay and sought to highlight and preserve some of the Kingdom’s traditional arts. (SPA)
Students join handicrafts week to create, promote traditional crafts
3 / 5
The wood carving workshop challenged participants to produce pieces inspired by the traditional doors found in different parts of the country. (SPA)
Students join handicrafts week to create, promote traditional crafts
4 / 5
The wood carving workshop challenged participants to produce pieces inspired by the traditional doors found in different parts of the country. (SPA)
Students join handicrafts week to create, promote traditional crafts
5 / 5
The wood carving workshop challenged participants to produce pieces inspired by the traditional doors found in different parts of the country. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 10 June 2023
Follow

Students join handicrafts week to create, promote traditional crafts

Students join handicrafts week to create, promote traditional crafts
  • Royal Institute of Traditional Arts stages special carving workshops
  • Saudi International Handicrafts Week runs until Monday

RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts staged several workshops this week as part of the activities of Saudi International Handicrafts Week.
The events focused on the carving of wood, gypsum and clay and sought to highlight and preserve some of the Kingdom’s traditional arts.
The wood carving workshop challenged participants to produce pieces inspired by the traditional doors found in different parts of the country, each of which is made from a particular type of wood, such as tamarisk, teak or juniper.
The gypsum carving event sought to produce pieces influenced by the historic houses of Jeddah, while the clay workshop aimed to create works inspired by the wall paintings of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri.
Al-Qatt Al-Asiri is an art form practiced exclusively by women and deeply rooted in the identity of the Kingdom’s southern region. It can be seen decorating the interior walls of guest rooms in Asiri homes.
In 2017, UNESCO added Al-Qatt Al-Asiri to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Students from the institute also sold traditional fashion items, jewelry, wooden crafts and Al-Qatt Al-Asiri products at the event.
The Saudi International Handicrafts Week is organized by the Heritage Authority and runs until Monday at the Riyadh Front.


Saudi Arabia to become ‘global yachting destination’

Saudi Arabia to become ‘global yachting destination’
Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia to become ‘global yachting destination’

Saudi Arabia to become ‘global yachting destination’

RIYADH: Red Sea Global, the megaproject developer, announced on Thursday a new partnership that will bring expertise from Monaco to establish the Kingdom as a major yachting destination.

The new partnership with Monaco Marina Management, or M3, will help Red Sea Global’s Amaala Yacht Club meet the criteria and standards to obtain the La Belle Classe Destinations certification.

Jose Marco Casellini, CEO of M3, said: “Red Sea Global’s vision for regenerative tourism closely mirrors our mission to promote sustainable yachting. We’re excited to help bring these ambitions to life and work together to put the Amaala Yacht Club and Saudi Arabia on the global yachting destination.”

The La Belle Classe Destinations certificate is owned and operated by the Yacht Club de Monaco and is awarded to yachting destinations demonstrating a deep understanding of maritime ethics, etiquette, and environmental protection.

The agreement with M3 also includes creating a sailing academy, supporting training and recruitment, and providing seasonal, reciprocal opportunities for members, cadets and youth.

“What excites me most about this partnership is the opportunity for training and knowledge transfer,” said John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global. “Empowering Saudi nationals has always been at the center of our regenerative approach, and with our marina employees receiving best-in-class training both in Monaco and at Amaala, we are confident that we are fulfilling our promise to create destinations by the people and for the people of Saudi Arabia.”

Phase One of Amaala, to be open in 2025, consists of eight resorts offering 1,200 hotels. Once complete, Amaala will be home to more than 3,900 hotel rooms across 29 hotels and approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, supporting high-end retail, fine dining, wellness, equestrian and recreational facilities.


Makkah robots helping pilgrims and visitors

Makkah robots helping pilgrims and visitors
The robots serve different purposes to enhance visitors' experiences. (SPA)
Updated 35 min 51 sec ago
Follow

Makkah robots helping pilgrims and visitors

Makkah robots helping pilgrims and visitors

MAKKAH: The Grand Mosque’s authorities have introduced robots to help pilgrims and visitors, which includes the dispensing of Zamzam water bottles and assisting with cleaning up various areas.

The devices are also able to help Umrah pilgrims perform their rituals with information in several languages.


Saudi Arabia, China sign transport agreement

Saudi Arabia, China sign transport agreement
Updated 37 min 34 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia, China sign transport agreement

Saudi Arabia, China sign transport agreement

 

RIYADH: The transport ministers of Saudi Arabia and China — Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser and Li Xiaopeng — signed an agreement on Wednesday to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement aims to see an exchange of expertise in modern transport methods, including the use of high-tech methods to enhance roads, build autonomous vehicles, and improve shipping and the running of ports.

During his visit to China, Al-Jasser attended the World Forum on Sustainable Transport in Beijing, and met with senior government officials, as well as leaders of transport and logistics companies.

Al-Jasser highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation and investments, saying Saudi Arabia had ambitious plans for the industry as part of a national strategy for transport and logistics.


Riyadh to host ‘Web3 Summit: Blockchain and Beyond’ in October

Riyadh to host ‘Web3 Summit: Blockchain and Beyond’ in October
Updated 29 September 2023
Follow

Riyadh to host ‘Web3 Summit: Blockchain and Beyond’ in October

Riyadh to host ‘Web3 Summit: Blockchain and Beyond’ in October

Saudi Arabia’s transformation akin to Japan’s rise: Ambassador Iwai

Saudi Arabia’s transformation akin to Japan’s rise: Ambassador Iwai
Updated 29 September 2023
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s transformation akin to Japan’s rise: Ambassador Iwai

Saudi Arabia’s transformation akin to Japan’s rise: Ambassador Iwai
  • Similarities in developments in industry, culture, job creation, and the passion of the people

Saudi Arabia’s remarkable economic and social transformation now underway is much like the rise of Japan several decades ago, according to Tokyo’s envoy Fumio Iwai.

Japan’s ambassador made the comments in a lecture on Sept. 28 titled “Experience of Japan through Meiji Restoration” at Abdulrahman Al-Sudairy Cultural Center in Sakaka, Jouf province.

Iwai said there were considerable similarities between the two nations including the developments in industry, culture, job creation, and the passion of the people.

He also exchanged opinions with members of the audience during a question-and-answer session.

Prior to the lecture, Iwai met with Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Jouf.

He had earlier met with Jouf University’s president Dr. Mohammed bin Mufrij Al-Huwaiti, and visited the local chamber of commerce, as well as the Nawwaf Al-Rashed Heritage Museum.

In a post on X, Iwai said the visit was a “fun experience, but at the same time very difficult, especially in the question-and-answer session.”

“I once again realized the limitations of my listening and understanding skills in Arabic,” he added.