Saudi photographer uses 3-D tech to create keepsakes

Using 3-D photography and printing, Abdulrahman Al-Almaei aims to document significant memories for people and record the Kingdom’s rich heritage, along with important stages in culture, clothing, and cuisine. (Instagram/minimi_sa)
Using 3-D photography and printing, Abdulrahman Al-Almaei aims to document significant memories for people and record the Kingdom’s rich heritage, along with important stages in culture, clothing, and cuisine. (Instagram/minimi_sa)
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Updated 12 December 2023
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Saudi photographer uses 3-D tech to create keepsakes

Saudi photographer uses 3-D tech to create keepsakes
  • Abdulrahman Al-Almaei aims to capture Kingdom’s progress, heritage, culture

MAKKAH: Photographer Abdulrahman Al-Almaei is leveraging the latest 3-D technology to offer Saudis a new way of capturing precious moments.

As well as taking pictures of people, the lensman aims to document significant memories and record the Kingdom’s rich heritage, along with important stages in culture, clothing, and cuisine.




Using 3-D photography and printing, Abdulrahman Al-Almaei aims to document significant memories for people and record the Kingdom’s rich heritage, along with important stages in culture, clothing, and cuisine. (Instagram/minimi_sa)

Minimi, located in Riyadh’s Boulevard World, involves more than 80 cameras and 12 flashes inside a room. The subject is photographed from all sides before the images are combined to form a 3-D model that includes every detail.

The result is an alternative to traditional photos or artifacts.  

HIGHLIGHTS

• Abdulrahman Al-Almaei offers an alternative to traditional photos or artifacts.

• Minimi, located in Riyadh’s Boulevard World, involves more than 80 cameras and 12 flashes inside a room.

• The subject is photographed from all sides before the images are combined to form a 3-D model that includes every detail.

His idea grew from an affinity with new technologies rather than a passion for photography. He noted that there were companies in the US renowned for their exceptional printer manufacturing capabilities, while the innovation was also mainstream in Japan, South Korea, and China.  

On developing the concept in Saudi Arabia, he said: “While we are progressing by learning from others’ experiences, we are seeking something that aligns with our culture.




Using 3-D photography and printing, Abdulrahman Al-Almaei aims to document significant memories for people and record the Kingdom’s rich heritage, along with important stages in culture, clothing, and cuisine. (Instagram/minimi_sa)

“Our focus is on refining and implementing this technology to enhance our values and culture. We are exploring potential and specific fields to generate fresh and modern perspectives in 3-D technologies,” he added.

While the technology was still new and costly, he pointed out that it was distinctive and currently unparalleled.

Al-Almaei said: “This is the phase of idea validation. We are on the verge of enhancing these concepts, particularly in the realm of photography, in order to make the experience affordable for everyone and not limited to a privileged few.”




Using 3-D photography and printing, Abdulrahman Al-Almaei aims to document significant memories for people and record the Kingdom’s rich heritage, along with important stages in culture, clothing, and cuisine. (Instagram/minimi_sa)

However, he added, one disadvantage of 3-D photography was the need for specialized cameras. Printing also took a long time and required both patience and advanced technical capabilities.

Currently, the technology was only available in the Kingdom in Riyadh, but he said the feasibility of extending it to other cities was being evaluated. He also hoped Saudi Arabia’s younger generations would get involved and be encouraged to learn the fundamentals of 3-D photography.

As well as being used to print buildings and houses, the technique is also being used to document heritage, cultures, ancient clothing, and food.

Al-Almaei said the technology had no limits and offered an opportunity to connect the Kingdom’s historical wealth with its bright present.  

 


KSrelief supervisor general meets UK development minister

KSrelief supervisor general meets UK development minister
Updated 58 min 21 sec ago
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KSrelief supervisor general meets UK development minister

KSrelief supervisor general meets UK development minister

RIYADH: Anneliese Dodds, the British minister for development, has praised Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts in various countries of the world through its relief agency KSrelief.
The minister made this comment during a video conference Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, the head of KSrelief, where they also discussed matters of common interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs.
Meanwhile, Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, KSrelief assistant supervisor for operations and programs, met with Gavi Vaccine Alliance chief executive Sania Nishtar in Riyadh to discuss humanitarian and relief measures and ways to provide essential vaccines to countries assessed in need.
Elsewhere, the aid agency has also awarded an initial approval certificate to the Ain Ophthalmology Association in Jazan, allowing it to conduct operations outside the Kingdom.
In Jordan, KSrelief clinics provided services to 2,551 Syrian refugees in Zaatari Camp.


KSelief distributes thousands of date cartons in Yemeni cities 

KSelief distributes thousands of date cartons in Yemeni cities 
Updated 11 September 2024
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KSelief distributes thousands of date cartons in Yemeni cities 

KSelief distributes thousands of date cartons in Yemeni cities 

RIYADH: KSrelief continues implementing several projects in Yemen, including the distribution of dates across the country to neediest groups.
The agency distributed 6,000 cartons of dates in the districts of Al-Houta and Al-Melah in Yemen’s Lahj Governorate, benefiting 36,000 individuals, state news agency SPA reported. 
It also delivered 3,187 cartons of dates to vulnerable groups in the Midi district of Yemen’s Hajjah governorate.
This aid, benefiting 18,000 individuals, is part of the date assistance distribution project in Yemen for 2024.


Arab League FMs urge enforcement of UN court decision on occupied Palestinian territory

Arab League FMs urge enforcement of UN court decision on occupied Palestinian territory
Updated 11 September 2024
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Arab League FMs urge enforcement of UN court decision on occupied Palestinian territory

Arab League FMs urge enforcement of UN court decision on occupied Palestinian territory
  • International Court of Justice has ruled settlements are illegal
  • Ministers call for UN to suspend Israel from general assembly

CAIRO: The Arab League’s foreign ministers have urged the international community to enforce the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion declaring Israel’s settlements illegal in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

At the conclusion of their discussions on Tuesday at the 162nd Ministerial Meeting of the Arab League Council in Cairo, the ministers said Israel must cease its illegal presence and all settlement activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They called on the UN General Assembly and Security Council to consider additional measures to end Israel’s illegal occupation.

The ministers also urged the ICJ to expedite its judgment on the case brought by South Africa against Israel, which accuses Tel Aviv of failing to abide by the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

They said Israel’s expulsion of the Palestinian people from their land constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

It was also a declaration of war and aggression against Arab nations, undermines peace prospects, and exacerbates conflict in the region.

They called on the UN to suspend Israel from participating in its general assembly, SPA reported.

This was because of Israel’s “non-compliance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, its threat to international peace and security, and its failure to fulfill its obligations that were a condition for its admission to the United Nations.”

They also slammed Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, which they said were obstructing efforts for a ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners and hostages.


Saudi Arabia reaffirms strong support for Sudan

Saudi Arabia reaffirms strong support for Sudan
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia reaffirms strong support for Sudan

Saudi Arabia reaffirms strong support for Sudan

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia reiterated its support for Sudan during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, reported state news agency SPA.

Abdulmohsen bin Majed bin Khothaila, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered a statement on the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan.

In his statement, Khothaila emphasized the need to protect Sudan and its people from further destruction and the worsening humanitarian situation.

The Sudanese army, led by de facto ruler Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, is locked in conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Khothaila has stressed the importance of adhering to the protection of civilians and aid workers and ensuring the safety of humanitarian corridors for the delivery of essential aid.

The war, which began in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Saudi Arabia also urged the prioritization of the interests of Sudanese people and halting of the conflict to safeguard state institutions and lead Sudan to safety.

The Kingdom called on the international community to commit to protecting Sudan and its people and working to restore security and stability in the country while welcoming international efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving peace in Sudan.


 


Saudi FM discuss Palestine, Syria and Somalia crises with counterparts in Cairo meeting

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends an Arab League meeting in Cairo on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends an Arab League meeting in Cairo on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi FM discuss Palestine, Syria and Somalia crises with counterparts in Cairo meeting

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attends an Arab League meeting in Cairo on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Ministers discussed joint Arab action to intensify coordination on the Palestinian issue at the meeting

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his counterparts at the sidelines of the Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Cairo on Tuesday.

During the meeting, ministers discussed joint Arab action to intensify coordination on the Palestinian issue and other matters of concern.

Regional and international developments were also discussed at the meeting that was attended by a Turkish foreign minister for the first time in 13 years.

Bin Farhan bin Abdullah additionally met with his Tunisian counterpart Mohamed Nafti, who discussed ties and regional and international issues of common interest. 

The Kingdom’s foreign minister also met with the Mauritanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Salem Ould Merzoug, on the sidelines of the Ministerial meeting and discussed cooperation.

Several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia and the Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit took part in a Liaison Committee meeting which discussed strengthening the Arab role in settling the Syrian crisis.

Similarly, a meeting was held to support Somalia in confronting the assault on its sovereignty. The meeting was attended by many Arab leaders including Faisal bin Farhan, and Arab the importance of respecting sovereignty of states was discussed.