‘Phantom of the Opera’ show debuts in Riyadh

The Royal Commission of Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced that the iconic Broadway show “Phantom of the Opera” is coming to Riyadh’s The Arena Venue from Oct. 14 to Dec. 5. (Supplied)
The Royal Commission of Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced that the iconic Broadway show “Phantom of the Opera” is coming to Riyadh’s The Arena Venue from Oct. 14 to Dec. 5. (Supplied)
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Updated 28 September 2023
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‘Phantom of the Opera’ show debuts in Riyadh

‘Phantom of the Opera’ show debuts in Riyadh
  • “The Phantom of the Opera” is a globally popular show that premiered at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London in 1986. It tells the story of a disfigured musical genius haunting the Paris Opera House

RIYADH: Riyadh will host the famous Broadway production, “The Phantom of the Opera,” at The Arena from Oct. 14 to Dec. 5.

In partnership with Broadway Entertainment Group and The Really Useful Group, the Saudi capital will host 54 days of magnificent shows, aligning with Riyadh’s vision to become a global art destination and enhance entertainment offerings as part of the Quality of Life Program.

During the showing period, there will be 59 performances featuring a cast of 100 participants, including actors, crews and orchestra members. The play will also feature 230 intricate costume designs.

“The Phantom of the Opera” is a globally popular show that premiered at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London in 1986. It tells the story of a disfigured musical genius haunting the Paris Opera House.

The show has received more than 70 major theatrical awards, including seven Tony Awards on Broadway and four Olivier Awards in London’s West End.

The play will be a recent addition to Riyadh’s repertoire of plays and performances. It will mark the beginning of many exciting events on Riyadh Season’s entertainment calendar.

Riyadh recently delighted audiences with family favorites such as “Shrek The Musical” and the return of “Disney on Ice” as part of their “100 Years of Wonder” celebration.

More than 10 million visitors have attended Riyadh Calendar events this year so far.

Tickets for the show are currently being sold at a 20 percent “early bird” discount, starting from SR200 ($54), and can be bought on https://phantom.platinumlist.net/ and https://www.ticketingboxoffice.com/the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets/grou...  

 

 


Saudi Arabia’s RCU strengthens partnership on cross-cultural exchange with France’s Centre Pompidou

Royal Commission for AlUla, France’s Center Pompidou sign cultural cooperation agreement. (Supplied)
Royal Commission for AlUla, France’s Center Pompidou sign cultural cooperation agreement. (Supplied)
Updated 28 November 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s RCU strengthens partnership on cross-cultural exchange with France’s Centre Pompidou

Royal Commission for AlUla, France’s Center Pompidou sign cultural cooperation agreement. (Supplied)
  • Centre Pompidou to expand in Saudi Arabia, open new art museum in Al-Ula Cultural Complex

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla signed an agreement with the Paris-based Centre Pompidou to formalize, strengthen, and expand collaboration and knowledge sharing ahead of the establishment of a new contemporary art museum in AlUla in 2027.

Officially signed in Paris on Monday, the new executive program agreement builds on the long-time cultural partners’ shared principles of reciprocity and skills transfer and creates a strategic roadmap toward a more expansive and mutually beneficial working relationship in sectors related to the promotion and conservation of art, culture, science, and heritage, said the RCU in a statement on Tuesday.

The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between the RCU and Centre Pompidou in March to develop a world-class contemporary art museum in AlUla, with defined multi-year phases leading up to its public opening in 2027.

RCU has made significant progress in its plans to establish the new museum, including the announcement of Lina Gotmeh as architect tasked with creating a new cultural destination for the ancient Arab oasis city and the wider region in the northwest of Saudi Arabia.

Chosen for her track record of high-quality designs that merge outstanding levels of creativity with sustainability, most notably demonstrated in her acclaimed 2023 Serpentine Pavilion in London, the new museum will reflect Gotmeh’s responsible, considered, and conscious vision of a modern art landmark inspired by AlUla.

Carbon-efficient and merging sensitively into AlUla’s oasis, the museum will set new standards in sustainable design, showcasing how architecture can be a catalyst for urban regeneration and environmental renewal while offering opportunities for engagement with the community through a calendar of workshops, school programs, and more.

A hub for cultural and artistic expression, the museum will create a platform for critical thinking in contemporary art by offering a regional and international collection that highlights the artists’ overall production and unique research.

The museum is building its legacy through various initiatives, including art residencies, exhibitions, commissions, and publications.

The residencies have facilitated artistic production from artists such as Daniah Saleh (Saudi Arabia), Muhannad Shono (Saudi Arabia), and Sabine Mirlesse (France/US), while the landscape program commissions work from artists like Manal Al-Dowayan (Saudi Arabia), Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim (UAE), Superflex (Denmark), and Serge Attukwei Clottey (Ghana), among others.

The signing of the new executive program agreement is an opportunity to fine-tune and enhance the existing ecosystem of successful partnerships and cross-cultural cooperation between RCU and Centre Pompidou.

With a defined artistic and curatorial strategy, the program allows for the ongoing exchange, acquisition, loan, and display of artwork and artifacts between RCU and Centre Pompidou, as well as the promotion of various scientific and cultural initiatives based around the sharing of unique items from each partner’s collection.

Centre Pompidou’s experience and expertise in creating a comprehensive strategy to attract international visitors will support RCU’s goal of transforming AlUla into the world’s largest living museum and a global hub for cultural and heritage tourism.

Nora Al-Dabal, arts and creative planning director at the RCU, said: “The signing of the executive program agreement marks a new phase in our mutually beneficial partnership that is helping to define successful cross-cultural collaborations between AlUla and our colleagues at one of France’s leading institutions.

“By establishing a clear roadmap of growth that covers key areas of cooperation in diverse sectors related to culture, heritage, and art, this partnership will allow for the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and new ideas. It will give colleagues from Paris and AlUla the chance to work closely in important fields related to museology and to contribute to the development of AlUla’s new contemporary art museum. Both sides of this partnership have a great deal to offer and … learn from the other. I look forward to deepening RCU’s relationship with Centre Pompidou.”

 


Saudi Games kick off with pomp and flair

Saudi Games kick off with pomp and flair
Updated 55 min 47 sec ago
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Saudi Games kick off with pomp and flair

Saudi Games kick off with pomp and flair
  • Over 6,000 athletes will compete in a cumulative 53 events until Dec. 10

RIYADH: Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium lit up in a spectacular show of culture, song and dance earlier this week for the opening ceremony of the Saudi Games 2023.

The ceremony signaled the start of another historic sporting event in Saudi Arabia and featured a variety of performances, a ceremonial torch lighting, fireworks and light shows. Together, it created an entertaining atmosphere for the audience with French music producer DJ Snake also giving an unforgettable performance.

The Minister of Sports during his speech at The Saudi Games 2023 in Riyadh. (AN photo by Saad Alanzi)

The Saudi Games, the biggest athletic event in the Kingdom, celebrate their second season this year. The competition kicked off on Nov. 27 following formal trials which ended in October.

Over 6,000 athletes will compete in a cumulative 53 events until Dec. 10. This year, athletes from a variety of disciplines including tennis, boxing, archery, wrestling and Thai boxing were invited to take part.

These ambitions ... their seeds were implemented and empowered by the crown prince with his full encouragement.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki, Saudi sports minister

“The opening ceremony was wonderful. It was well organized, too. I enjoyed the atmosphere very much, my wife and my children as well,” said attendee Ahmad Bunyan.

A large number of people from across all age groups and numerous countries gave the opening ceremony a local and international audience. Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki gave a speech prior to the official announcement of the beginning of the games. He noted the support and encouragement from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which has inspired many to strive towards and succeed in reaching their goals.

The opening ceremony of the second Saudi Games featured a variety of performances, a ceremonial torch lighting, fireworks and light shows. (AN photos by Saad Alanzi)

“These ambitions … their seeds were implemented and empowered by the crown prince with his full encouragement,” Prince Abdulaziz added.

“We will meet again, hoping for our meeting to be renewed in a sports event where our champions from all over the Kingdom gather, to start a new section of making heroes journey in the second edition of the Saudi games, which opens an opportunity for more than 6000 athletes.”

The organizing committee prepared a song for the opening of the tournament, called “Among Us Heroes.” It was performed by Saudi artists such as Dalia Mubarak, Zeina Imad and Ayed Youssef, along with Kuwaiti artist Badr Al-Shuaibi.

 

 


Saudi Cabinet reiterates call for complete ceasefire in Gaza

Saudi Cabinet reiterates call for complete ceasefire in Gaza
Updated 28 November 2023
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Saudi Cabinet reiterates call for complete ceasefire in Gaza

Saudi Cabinet reiterates call for complete ceasefire in Gaza
  • Cabinet emphasised the Kingdom’s view that stability can only be achieved through establishment of independent Palestinian state

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s call for a complete ceasefire in Gaza and the protection of civilians in the territory.

A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas entered a fifth day on Tuesday after the deal was extended to allow further releases of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The Cabinet also stressed the need to provide civilians with aid and emphasised the Kingdom’s view that security and stability can only be achieved in the region through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Cabinet also confirmed its commitment to combating climate change and prioritising the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment which it said reflects the Kingdom’s interest in enhancing international cooperation and finding concrete solutions to support the global economy.

The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Fifth Arab Water Conference which was recently held in Riyadh, and highlighted the Kingdom’s active role in addressing regional and international water challenges. This includes the establishment of the Global Water Organization and the provision of technical solutions that support achieving sustainable water security.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s participation in a number of recent international meetings as part of its efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with international partners, and contribute to efforts to achieve justice and peace in the world.


Saudi Arabia sends 22nd relief plane to aid Gaza

Saudi Arabia sends 22nd relief plane to aid Gaza
Updated 28 November 2023
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Saudi Arabia sends 22nd relief plane to aid Gaza

Saudi Arabia sends 22nd relief plane to aid Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia sent on Tuesday its 22nd plane carrying aid destined for Gaza, which departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh for Al-Arish International Airport in Egypt.

Operated by KSrelief, the aircraft is preparing to transport essential aid to those affected by the crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Onboard the relief plane are 39 tons of aid supplies, including food, shelter, and medical provisions. This initiative is part of an ongoing campaign dedicated to alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.


Saudi crown prince receives Brazil president in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Updated 46 min 46 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives Brazil president in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Riyadh on Tuesday.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The two leaders held a session of talks, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The visit coincides with Tuesday’s announcement that the Kingdom’s capital Riyadh has been chosen to host the 2030 World Expo.