Georgina Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo explore Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia

Georgina Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo explore Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia
‘Love in paradise. We keep discovering Saudi Arabia,’ Georgina Rodriguez captioned this photograph. (Instagram)
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Updated 20 March 2024
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Georgina Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo explore Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia

Georgina Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo explore Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia

DUBAI: Football star Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Argentinian model Georgina Rodriguez, are on a mission to explore Saudi Arabia — their most recent excursion was a visit to the Kingdom’s coastline, which the model shared on social media.  

“Love in paradise. We keep discovering Saudi Arabia,” Rodriguez posted from a Red Sea resort, while tagging @VisitSaudi, the official tourism account of Saudi Arabia. The photographs include shots of the couple and their children enjoying a day at the beach before posing for a photograph on an overwater deck.

The Al-Nassr footballer often uses his downtime to explore the country and was spotted in AlUla in December.

“Amazed by the extraordinary human and natural heritage of AlUla here in Saudi Arabia,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. 

The couple enjoyed a romantic dinner and visited AlUla’s Maraya, a multi-purpose venue that holds the Guinness World Record as the largest mirrored building with 9,740 glass panels. It is located 12 km from Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Hegra. 

Rodriguez has also been enjoying Saudi Arabia’s social scene without her famous partner —earlier in March she was seen at an event hosted by Saudi perfume label Laverne in Riyadh.

The Netflix star, who has her own reality show titled “I Am Georgina,” took control of the brand’s Snapchat account, offering followers an exclusive glimpse into her experience at the event.

In March 2023, Rodriguez collaborated with the brand on a campaign — and she answers candid questions about her time in the Kingdom in the new clip.

“I feel very safe in this country and really appreciate its family values,” she said in the stylish video posted on social media at the time.


Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup, Manga Arabia to publish ‘Road To 2034’ special manga

Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup, Manga Arabia to publish ‘Road To 2034’ special manga
Updated 10 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup, Manga Arabia to publish ‘Road To 2034’ special manga

Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup, Manga Arabia to publish ‘Road To 2034’ special manga
  • Special edition manga is part of SAFF’s efforts to build on the excitement as the Kingdom prepares to host the first 48-team FIFA World Cup held in a single nation
  • Partnership highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambition to celebrate its culture and legacy as part of its FIFA World Cup bid

DUBAI: The Saudi Arabia 2034 FIFA World Cup has entered a partnership with Saudi Research and Media Group’s Manga Arabia to release a special edition manga titled “Road to 2034” which aims to capture the imagination of young football fans and manga enthusiasts around the world.

The manga is a part of the Saudi Football Federation’s efforts to build on the excitement as the Kingdom prepares to host the first 48-team FIFA World Cup held in a single nation. Available in Japanese, English, and Arabic, it will be released both in print and digitally. 

The partnership highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambition to celebrate its culture and legacy as part of its FIFA World Cup bid, offering an opportunity to connect with youth across the world.

The collaboration also emphasizes the desire to inspire the next generation of young footballers to pursue their dreams through the powerful medium of storytelling.

The announcement falls on the same day as the World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Saudi Arabia and Japan, which is taking place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. 

“Our bid unites our nation through a passion for the beautiful game and is powered by the dreams and ambitions of over 32 million people,” Hammad Albalawi, head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup, said. “Through this manga, we are showing how our dream towards hosting the FIFA World Cup in ten years’ time is about inspiring future generations.

“We want to ensure we leave behind a lasting legacy. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to engaging our young population — 63 percent of which are under 30 — in ways that resonate with their interests while also showcasing and utilizing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage,” he added.

Rashid Al-Rashed, CEO of SRMG, also emphasized the importance of the partnership, saying it resonates with future generations, empowers local talents and promotes storytelling.  

Manga Arabia’s General Manager and Editor-in-Chief Essam Bukhary shared that the partnership highlights the Kingdom’s position in sports globally with the help of young Saudi talents, adding that the manga industry plays a huge role in society as it inspires future generations. 


Culture articulates beliefs, values that define a group of people, says Norway’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Culture articulates beliefs, values that define a group of people, says Norway’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Updated 10 October 2024
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Culture articulates beliefs, values that define a group of people, says Norway’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Culture articulates beliefs, values that define a group of people, says Norway’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia
  • Norwegian film shown as part of Nordic Culture Week
  • Ambassador Kjersti Tromsdal addresses attendees

RIYADH: Culture articulates beliefs, practices, values, and artistic expressions that define a group of people, said Norway’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Kjersti Tromsdal, adding it shaped our daily lives, influenced interactions, and connected across generations.

Tromsdal was speaking at a Norwegian evening organized as part of Nordic Culture Week that included a special screening of the award-winning film “Songs of Earth” on Wednesday.

Tromsdal added that the Nordic countries shared a rich culture characterized by common values such as equality, community, and a deep respect for nature.

From food and folklore to design and language, these elements helped to create a sense of belonging, she added.

Nordic Culture Week 2024 in Riyadh celebrated the shared culture of the Nordic countries, and presented expressions of the countries’ culture to the people of Saudi Arabia, including films from Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Tromsdal said that in Norway the connection to nature was particularly profound, adding: “Our landscapes, from majestic fjords to rich forests, are not just beautiful: They are integral to our identity.

“The concept of ‘open-air living’ reflects our belief that nature is essential for our well-being. It encourages us to embrace the outdoors, whether through hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying spending time outside in crisp air.”

Tromsdal added that this bond with nature was expressed in folk tales, music, and art, reminding all people of their responsibility to protect the environment.

She added: “This brings me to the special screening of the award-winning film ‘Songs of Earth’ by Margreth Olin, who is a prominent Norwegian filmmaker. She has gained recognition for her ability to explore complex social issues through a cinematic lens.

“The documentary ‘Songs of Earth’ illustrates the intricate relationship between humans and nature, capturing the essence of how our surroundings influence our lives and cultures.

“The film brings us through one of Norway’s most scenic valleys, where generations have been living alongside nature to survive. This is where the filmmaker’s father, now 85 years old, grew up. He will be our guide and take us through the four seasons in Olderdalen.”

The speech preceded the showing of the film.


Ancient Roman artifacts make regional debut in AlUla

Ancient Roman artifacts make regional debut in AlUla
Updated 10 October 2024
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Ancient Roman artifacts make regional debut in AlUla

Ancient Roman artifacts make regional debut in AlUla

DUBAI: The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is preparing to display a collection of artifacts from ancient Italian sites as part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival in AlUla, marking their first appearance in the region. 

Running from Nov. 7 to Dec. 14, the exhibition, titled “Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples,” will feature artifacts from the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried under volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. 

Statue of Trajan Minturno, late 1st century CE Marble.(Photo credit: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli)

It will also present pieces from the famed Farnese Collection, one of the most prestigious collections from Greco-Roman antiquity.

The exhibition will be held at the famed Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world.

Statuette of Alexander on horseback Herculaneum, 1st century BCE Bronze. (Photo credit: Giorgio Albano, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli)

Rami Almoallim, the vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said in a statement: “The display of these ancient artifacts is particularly poignant, because just as the people of ancient Rome sought beauty and craftsmanship, so too did the ancient civilizations of AlUla, and my hope is that visitors can experience both here.

“This exhibition is ultimately a tribute to both our legacies and reinforces AlUla’s vital role as a centre for heritage preservation, knowledge exchange, and discovery,” he added. 


Christina Aguilera to perform in Abu Dhabi

Christina Aguilera to perform in Abu Dhabi
Updated 10 October 2024
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Christina Aguilera to perform in Abu Dhabi

Christina Aguilera to perform in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: US pop icon Christina Aguilera is set to make her long-awaited return to Abu Dhabi on Feb.15, performing in the UAE capital for the first time in 17 years.

Her gig will be part of Saadiyat Nights, a three-month series of open-air musical events that begins with her show.

Aguilera, known for her four-octave range, will be joined by Iranian performer Ebi, whose real name is Ebrāhim Hāmedi. He will treat fans to an array of hits from across his 50-year career. 

Boyz II Men, the American vocal harmony group and four-time Grammy Award winners, will take to the stage on Jan. 25, while Egyptian composer Omar Khairat will perform a collection of his symphonies on Feb. 1.

 


REVIEW: ‘Joan’ gives Sophie Turner the chance to shine

REVIEW: ‘Joan’ gives Sophie Turner the chance to shine
Updated 10 October 2024
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REVIEW: ‘Joan’ gives Sophie Turner the chance to shine

REVIEW: ‘Joan’ gives Sophie Turner the chance to shine
  • British actor proves her leading lady credentials in 80s crime drama

LONDON: In the UK, “Joan” is already being touted as one of the best shows of autumn 2024, with early reviews lauding its faithfully recreated Eighties’ setting, stellar soundtrack, and that ‘based on a real person’ kudos that resonates so well with audiences. And, thanks to a star turn from leading lady Sophie Turner, “Joan” could very well have the ingredients to win over viewers around the world too. Because while some of the settings, parlance and stylings do feel very UK-centric, Turner (back on screens for the first time since 2022) is captivating here, turning in a performance as housewife-turned-jewel-thief-turned-crime-boss Joan Hannington that’s loaded with equal parts grit and glamor.

Forced to leave her abusive partner when he falls foul of some local gangsters, Joan can’t seem to catch a break, beset on all sides by men who objectify and underestimate her, or both. She takes a job at a jewelry store working for kindly boss Bernard, only to learn that he, like most of the men in “Joan,” is a slimy creep too. So Joan, desperate to earn enough money to start a new life with her daughter, pockets a handful of diamonds and flees. She meets local antiques dealer (and trader in stolen goods) Boisie, and the two dare to daydream of a world where they can simply take what they want.

Mother Joan is all worry and anxiety, but jewel thief Joan is Eighties’ glamor personified — and Turner, championing the strong shoulder pads and power dressing of the era, drags her character from timid victim to powerful crime boss in short order. As Boisie, Frank Dillane is the equal of his co-star, the chemistry between the two crackling as they tentatively begin to trust one another. If there’s one criticism of “Joan,” it’s that the titular antihero seems to lurch alarmingly from fiery confidence to lovestruck dependence and back again, but with a pair of leads this good, that’s a niggle that can be easily forgiven.