KABUL: The first batch of Saudi aid arrived in Afghanistan on Monday and will be delivered to the people of Herat, the Afghan Red Crescent Society said, as international relief efforts continued following deadly earthquakes that hit the western province over the weekend.
More than 2,000 people are feared dead after a series of powerful quakes that devastated western Afghanistan on Saturday, which also injured around 1,200 people and destroyed at least 1,300 houses.
The Saudi aid agency KSrelief is donating more than 15,000 food packages, worth a total of $2 million, to be distributed by its local partner, the Afghan Red Crescent Society.
“KSrelief has offered food items in aid for those affected by the earthquake in Zinda Jan district of western Herat province,” Irrfanullah Sharfzoi, the society’s spokesman, said.
“The center handed over 2,250 of 15,750 food packages of various food items worth $2 million to the Afghan Red Crescent Society on Monday.”
Each of the packages contained 62 kilograms of different food items, he added.
“We are grateful to KSrelief for always reaching out to citizens in need in difficult situations,” Maulvi Abdultif Sabit, the society’s deputy secretary-general, said.
The center is among other international aid groups sending help for survivors of the quake, the second major tremor to hit Afghanistan in just over a year.
“The situation is worse than we imagined with people in devastated villages still desperately trying to rescue survivors from under the rubble with their bare hands,” Thamindri de Silva, national director at World Vision in Afghanistan, said.
“People need urgent medical care, water, food, shelter, and help to stay safe.”
Saudi Arabia’s AlUla airport welcomes first direct flight from Jordan
Royal Jordanian Airlines launches twice-weekly flights from Amman
Saudi city has set goal to attract 2 million visitors a year by 2035
Updated 11 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: AlUla International Airport received its first Royal Jordanian Airlines flight on Saturday, with the opening of a new direct route from Amman.
“Unlocking AlUla: Your journey begins!” the national carrier said on X. “We are expanding our route network by adding AlUla as the fifth destination in Saudi Arabia with two weekly flights.”
The launch of the new route from Queen Alia International Airport reflects the growing interest in AlUla, which boasts a rich heritage, diverse nature and hosts various events throughout the year.
Unlocking Al-Ula: Your journey begins! We are expanding our route network by adding Al-Ula as the 5th destination in Saudi Arabia with two weekly flights.
The flights will enable people to better explore the ancient historical connection between the two regions.
Saudi Arabian Airlines recently expanded its routes to connect AlUla to Europe, with direct flights from Paris which took off on Jan. 28. Gulf Air will also operate two flights per week between Manama and AlUla until March 6, and from April 10 to April 27.
Direct flights to AlUla are also available from Dubai, Doha, Cairo and various cities within the Kingdom.
AlUla has set a goal to welcome 2 million visitors a year by 2035.
‘Imagine Picasso’ brings art to light in new dimensions at Riyadh’s Laysen Valley
Held in Riyadh, the exhibition uses immersive technology to explore Spanish artist’s works
Updated 17 February 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: “Imagine Picasso,” an interactive art exhibition organized by the Visual Arts Commission, is being showcased at Laysen Valley in Riyadh until March 3.
By employing the latest display techniques, the exhibition explores Pablo Picasso’s world from a new creative perspective. It not only provides an educational experience in both Arabic and English but also a moving presentation that allows visitors to see art in a new light.
By employing the latest display techniques, ‘Imagine Picasso’ explores Pablo Picasso’s world from a new creative perspective. (Supplied/AN photos)
“The most fascinating aspect of ‘Imagine Picasso’ is a long wall covered with images from more than 200 paintings selected for this exhibition. Their titles, dates and residences are included. It felt like a small miracle,” said visitor Abdullah Al-Jamhan.
HIGHLIGHTS
• ‘Imagine Picasso’ has been licensed to Encore Productions by the Picasso Estate.
• The immersive exhibition’s main purpose is to create a setting that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, language or culture.
The immersive exhibition’s main purpose is to create a setting that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, language or culture, and to encourage feelings, dreams and thought in even the youngest visitors.
By employing the latest display techniques, ‘Imagine Picasso’ explores Pablo Picasso’s world from a new creative perspective. (Supplied/AN photos)
This digital exhibition has been licensed to Encore Productions by the Picasso Estate. The creators of “Imagine Picasso,” Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron, closely collaborated with art historian Androula Michael, the leading expert in Picasso’s works and career.
Mauger and Baron used Image Totale technology, which was developed by Albert Plecy and dates back to the 1970s in France. Image Totale immerses viewers in a world of visuals, allowing them to freely walk about and investigate their surroundings.
By employing the latest display techniques, ‘Imagine Picasso’ explores Pablo Picasso’s world from a new creative perspective. (Supplied/AN photos)
Picasso, who helped to develop the cubist movement, is regarded as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. More than 200 of the renowned Spanish painter’s works are projected as part of the show.
Aside from viewing the projections of his paintings, the exhibition covers Picasso’s various periods and themes, including his early and later work, allowing visitors to dive deep into the iconic artist’s world.
By employing the latest display techniques, ‘Imagine Picasso’ explores Pablo Picasso’s world from a new creative perspective. (Supplied/AN photos)
“We always considered Picasso to be the master of cubism, but the exhibition had a lot of his more realistic pieces, and I particularly enjoyed the family portraits, such as the way he depicted his mother,” visitor Fatima Al-Hajj said.
The paintings in “Imagine Picasso” are drawn from prestigious museum collections, such as those held by the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, the Museum of Modern Art in Moscow, the Musee Picasso in Paris, and the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.
Held in different cities around the world every year, “Imagine Picasso” transcends the traditional art exhibition format, providing a distinctive exploration of the creative genius of Picasso.
Tickets available at https://dc.moc.gov.sa/home/event-tickets/184/imagine-picasso/
Al-Arousa, which is about 100 meters high, was formed thousands of years ago and has kept its current shape due to natural conditions
Updated 17 February 2024
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: The captivating Al-Arousa rock formation, located 100 km north of AlUla, is one of the region’s most prominent attractions.
It sits amid a collection of distinctive rock formations, and according to Dr. Salma Hawsawi, a professor of ancient history, the archaeological evidence found in the area is proof of the civilizations that once lived there.
AlUla is located in the middle of Wadi Al-Qura, surrounded by mountains from the east and west.
FASTFACTS
• Al-Arousa, which is about 100 meters high, was formed thousands of years ago and has kept its current shape due to natural conditions.
• The rock formations in the AlUla region are considered natural wonders of the world because they were created without any human intervention.
High temperatures, strong solar radiation and dry continental winds are a feature of this desert area in summer. The temperatures decrease in the mountainous highlands, and in the spring and autumn the weather is characterized by moderate coolness and warmth during the day.
Hawsawi said: “Climatic and geographical conditions have led to the formation of rocks in the area in human and animal shapes.”
Al-Arousa, which is about 100 meters high, was formed thousands of years ago and has kept its current shape due to natural conditions. The formation is commonly thought to resemble a woman standing tall, wearing a beautiful dress.
Behind the figure is another rock formation that could be considered an extension of the dress, especially as it appears the figure is holding onto the hem of the garment. It could also be imagined as a seat with inscriptions on it. The figure has been interpreted by some to resemble an aristocratic woman or a queen due to the shape of the dress, which in local culture and customs would fit a grand occasion.
All the rock formations in the area are considered natural wonders of the world because they were created without any human intervention. Other distinctive rock formations in the area include Ship Mountain, Elephant Mountain and Arch Mountain.
Hawsawi said that AlUla has a rich historical and cultural depth with visitors feeling like they are traveling through different civilizations in time.
The diverse landscape of AlUla and its rich history and heritage continues to attract visitors. From researchers interested in studying historical sites to tourists wanting to explore the Kingdom’s landmarks and engage in recreational and adventurous activities, AlUla’s grand beauty and allure makes it one of the most prominent regions.
Academy launches second Arabic language program for non-native speakers
Initiative aims to give students grounding in written, spoken Arabic
Classes start on Septempter 1, 2024
Updated 17 February 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language has begun accepting applications for its second study program for non-native speakers at the Abjad Center in Riyadh.
The program supports the goals of the Human Capability Development Program under Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting the Arabic language and culture.
HIGHLIGHT
The program comprises four levels, each of which runs for two months, totaling 160 educational hours. Students are expected to gain a working knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, sounds and spelling for both reading and writing. The classes start on Sept. 1.
“We aim to empower trainees to attain proficiency in the Arabic language and assist them in integrating into society through an engaging educational environment,” said Saad Al-Qahtani, head of the academy’s educational programs.
The program comprises four levels, each of which runs for two months, totaling 160 educational hours. Students are expected to gain a working knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, sounds and spelling for both reading and writing. The classes start on Sept. 1.
Dr. Saad Al-Qahtani, Head of the Educational Programs Sector at the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language. (Supplied)
The Abjad Center provides internationally accredited education for non-native speakers, as well as giving students the chance to learn about local culture and history.
More than 16,000 people from around the world applied for the first phase of the program, of which 150 were selected.
Al-Qahtani said students from 31 nations had already taking part in the program and that that number was set to rise to 42 in the coming months.
AlUla exhibition celebrates ‘journey of contemporary art’
Updated 17 February 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: A celebration of the work of contemporary Saudi artists is being held at the Maraya Concert Hall in AlUla.
Titled “More than Meets the Eye,” the exhibition is part of the AlUla Arts Festival and runs until April 27.
The exhibition runs through April 27 as part of the AlUla Arts Festival. (SPA)
Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag, the event’s artistic curator, said the collection represented a “journey of contemporary art” and explored themes such as homeland, identity and belonging.
The artists on show include Abdulhalim Radwi, Mohammed Al-Saleem, Mounirah Mously, Ahmed Mater, Muhannad Shono and Dana Awartani.
