Five designers receive AlUla Design Award during Paris Design Week

The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
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The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
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The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
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The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
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The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
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The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
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The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 September 2023
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Five designers receive AlUla Design Award during Paris Design Week

Five designers receive AlUla Design Award during Paris Design Week

ALULA: The innovative works of five young designers from the Middle East and South Asia were awarded the AlUla Design Award during the second Paris Design Week.

The designers presented items across six categories inspired by the heritage, landscape and artistic legacies of AlUla.

After a rigorous selection process, 10 finalists were chosen by a jury of recognized leaders from the design sector.

The five winners are “Tawa” by Shaddah Studio from Saudi Arabia; “Naba Tea Tiffin” by Ikkis, Gunjan Gupta from India; “AlUla Terrains: Dates Serving Set” by Saudi-Lebanese Teeb; “Incense Heritage Collection” by Tunisian Sarra Hafaiedh and “Oil Lantern” by French-Moroccan Paris-based architect Imane Mellah.

The award forms part of the development of additional design initiatives in AlUla including the groundbreaking “Madrasat Addeera Editions” exhibited during Paris Design Week and the announcement of the upcoming inaugural Design Residency and opening of Design Space AlUla. 

“Tawa” by Shaddah Studio, founded in 2015 by Deem Alhgbani and Watfa Hamidaddin, introduced its innovative new chair-rug combo product.

“This unique and stylish chair features a hidden feature that allows it to transform into a beautiful rug,” the designer told Arab News. “This high-quality material ensures that the rug will remain in pristine condition, even with heavy use.”

“Tawa” means “folded” in Arabic. Transportable, the chair makes it easy to enjoy an escape whether in AlUla or in the middle of the hustle and bustle of your own city, added the designers.

“Made by artisans of AlUla, from materials found in AlUla, ‘Tawa’ will over-go a full 360 experience, combining all efforts by nature and local artisans to provide a solitary experience to its visitors. By facilitating this chair for locals and internationals, ‘Tawa’ helps educate on the importance of finding beauty in these serene places … connecting with nature in any form.

“A magical escape above the Saudi Desert, AlUla, sets the scene by gazing into its wondrous landscapes and up its galaxies of stars,” Shaddah Studio added.

AlUla Design Award is an integral part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting design and culture in AlUla, solidifying its position as a leading design destination.

The “Madrasat Addeera Editions” exhibition, curated by Samer Yamani which was on view until Sept. 16, showcased four limited-edition statement pieces designed by local and international designers including Saudi Dr. Zahrah Al-Ghamdi, Cristian Mohaded, TAKK  by Mireia Luzarraga and& Alejandro Muino and TECHNOCrafts.

The collection draws inspiration from the rich local culture and narratives, blending traditional arts with innovative modern techniques and sustainable materials.

Yamani told Arab News: “The collection is formed from a variety of materials with different uses and dimensions, all for indoor use. Khous, wood, textiles, clay, embroidery, leather, natural cellulose, bio-plastics among other materials were all used in this collection, serving as expressive mediums to capture and convey the magical spirit and character of AlUla — its endless desert, its magical dunes, its staggering stones.

“The collection seeks to infuse the majestic beauty of the AlUla region into interior spaces.” 

The rebirth of AlUla
Hegra, ancient city of the Nabataeans in Saudi Arabia’s historic AlUla Valley, is emerging from the mists of time to take its rightful place as one of the wonders of the world

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Saudi Arabia condemns attempt by extremist group to tear up Qur’an outside embassies in The Hague

Saudi Arabia condemned an extremist group for tearing up copies of the Holy Qur’an outside a number of embassies in The Hague.
Saudi Arabia condemned an extremist group for tearing up copies of the Holy Qur’an outside a number of embassies in The Hague.
Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns attempt by extremist group to tear up Qur’an outside embassies in The Hague

Saudi Arabia condemned an extremist group for tearing up copies of the Holy Qur’an outside a number of embassies in The Hague.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia strongly condemned and denounced an extremist group for tearing up copies of the Holy Qur’an outside a number of embassies in The Hague.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s complete rejection of such repeated and hateful acts that cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

Such acts clearly incite hatred, exclusion, and racism, and directly contradict international efforts aiming to spread the values of tolerance, moderation, and rejection of extremism, the ministry said.

The acts also undermine the necessary mutual respect for relations between peoples and countries, the ministry added.

Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands have seen a string of protests in public in recent months where copies of the Qur’an have been burned or otherwise damaged, prompting outrage in Muslim nations.


Saudi Arabia condemns provocative practices carried out by extremists at Al-Aqsa Mosque

A view of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and its Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Old City. (File/AFP)
A view of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and its Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Old City. (File/AFP)
Updated 18 min 2 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns provocative practices carried out by extremists at Al-Aqsa Mosque

A view of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and its Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Old City. (File/AFP)
  • Ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s firm position in support of Palestinian people and efforts aimed at ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Sunday continuous provocative practices carried out by a group of extremists at Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret at practices carried out by Israeli authorities that undermine international peace efforts and contradict international principles and norms regarding respecting religious sanctities.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s firm position in support of Palestinian people and all efforts aimed at ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

It also expressed its support for achieving a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, enabling the Palestinian people to establish their independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders, with east Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek those territories for their hoped-for independent state.


Speaker lineup for World Tourism Day in Riyadh revealed

During the event, tourism leaders will deliver speeches and panel discussions will focus on three UNWTO core themes.
During the event, tourism leaders will deliver speeches and panel discussions will focus on three UNWTO core themes.
Updated 24 September 2023
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Speaker lineup for World Tourism Day in Riyadh revealed

During the event, tourism leaders will deliver speeches and panel discussions will focus on three UNWTO core themes.
  • Over 500 officials, leaders, and experts from 120 countries will attend, highlighting the importance of the day in shaping the future of global tourism

RIYADH: The speaker lineup for this year’s World Tourism Day in Riyadh on Sept. 27-28 has been revealed.

Over 500 officials, leaders, and experts from 120 countries will attend, highlighting the importance of the day in shaping the future of global tourism.

The diverse range of speakers reflects the industry’s commitment to celebrating achievements and finding solutions to key challenges.

The speaker lineup includes Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih and Saudi Deputy Tourism Minister Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud.

Other notable speakers are South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, Croatian Tourism and Sports Minister Nikolina Brnjac, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy, Spanish State Secretary Rosa Ana Morillo Rodriguez, World Travel and Tourism Council CEO Julia Simpson, Global Tourism Economy Forum Secretary-General Pansy Ho, Saudia CEO Ibrahim Koshy, MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, Travelport CEO Greg Webb, Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch, and OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured.

“On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet. So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.”

World Tourism Day will be held under the theme “Tourism and Green Investments” with the aim of fostering global collaboration in examining investment opportunities to strengthen the resilience of the tourism industry and steer the sector toward an investment-led and sustainably focused future.

During the two-day event, tourism leaders will deliver keynote speeches and panel discussions will focus on three UNWTO core themes: people, planet and prosperity.

Participants will explore the power of tourism and the sector’s role in bridging cultures, preserving the environment, and promoting a more harmonious and interconnected world.

At the two-day event, Saudi Arabia will hand over the chair to Georgia, which will host the event next year.


Saudi authorities foil drug-smuggling attempts

Saudi authorities foil drug-smuggling attempts
Updated 24 September 2023
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Saudi authorities foil drug-smuggling attempts

Saudi authorities foil drug-smuggling attempts
  • Initial legal procedures have been taken against the suspects

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have arrested several people and seized large quantities of illegal drugs in operations carried out across the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested a citizen, two residents and a Yemeni national in Jeddah for selling 10 kg of hashish, as well as three citizens in the Asir region for selling 15 kg of hashish.

Initial legal procedures have been taken against the suspects and they will be referred to the public prosecution office.

Meanwhile, land patrols in the Al-Dair governorate of the Jazan region also thwarted an attempt to smuggle 120 kg of qat.

Saudi security forces are appealing to the public to report information concerning drug smuggling or dealing by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.

Members of the public can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control on 995 or via email at [email protected]. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.


KSrelief chief meets with international president of Doctors Without Borders

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief, meets with Dr. Christos Christou.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief, meets with Dr. Christos Christou.
Updated 24 September 2023
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KSrelief chief meets with international president of Doctors Without Borders

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief, meets with Dr. Christos Christou.
  • During the meeting, they discussed ways to provide necessary medical aid to people affected by conflicts, epidemics and natural disasters

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, recently met with Dr. Christos Christou, the international president of Doctors Without Borders, on the sidelines of the work of the UN General Assembly at its 78th session in New York City.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to provide necessary medical aid to people affected by conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters, and deprivation of health care in some needy countries.

Christou praised the Kingdom’s active humanitarian role at the international level, noting the efforts of KSrelief in the health sector and caring for the sick and injured people around the world.