Saudi Culinary Arts Commission to host open meeting to support small producers

The event will gather producers in the culinary arts sector to discuss production-related topics. (Twitter @MOCCulinary)
The event will gather producers in the culinary arts sector to discuss production-related topics. (Twitter @MOCCulinary)
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Updated 08 July 2024
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Saudi Culinary Arts Commission to host open meeting to support small producers

Saudi Culinary Arts Commission to host open meeting to support small producers
  • The event will cover various topics, such as improving production efficiency and its impact on individuals and society

RIYADH: The Culinary Arts Commission is organizing an open meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday with the title “Supporting Small Producers.”

The event, the Saudi Press Agency reported, will gather producers in the culinary arts sector to discuss production-related topics, ways to enhance efficiency and the impact on individuals and society.

This initiative reflects the commission’s drive to engage stakeholders in all fields linked to the sector.

The event will cover various topics, such as improving production efficiency and its impact on individuals and society, ways to enhance the quality of local and heritage products, increasing income for small producers, encouraging producers to enter the industry, and providing an open space for audience opinions and ideas, as well as discussing the challenges they face.

The open meetings are regularly organized by the Culinary Arts Commission as a communication channel that connects it with the culinary arts community in the Kingdom and those interested in this creative field.

The aim is to address all topics related to the sector, share views and aspirations for its development, and listen to ideas and suggestions that contribute to this development.

 

 


Diriyah Biennale announces winner of the 2024 AlMusalla Prize

Diriyah Biennale announces winner of the 2024 AlMusalla Prize
Updated 6 sec ago
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Diriyah Biennale announces winner of the 2024 AlMusalla Prize

Diriyah Biennale announces winner of the 2024 AlMusalla Prize
  • The winning team includes Lebanon and UAE-based East Architecture Studio, British engineering firm AKT II, and Lebanese artist Rayyane Tabet
  • Design combines Islamic architecture and heritage with modern sustainable practices and is inspired by palm tree farms in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Diriyah Biennale Foundation announced the winner of the 2024 AlMusalla Prize, an architectural competition to create an innovative prayer space at King Abdulaziz International Airport’s Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The successful design team includes East Architecture Studio, which has offices in Lebanon and the UAE; British engineering firm AKT II; and Lebanese artist Rayyane Tabet, who splits his time between Beirut and San Francisco.
The team said they set out to design a communal prayer area that combines traditional Islamic architecture with modern sustainable practices, with the aim of creating a serene, inclusive space in which people can reflect on and engage with the rich artistic and spiritual traditions of Islam.
The design of the 6x6-meter space, inspired by palm tree farms in the Kingdom, will be constructed using materials derived from the trees, an abundant natural resource in Saudi Arabia, including wood and fronds. This choice reflects a revival in local crafts and architecture inspired by Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad neighborhood.
According to SPA, the space is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with an open courtyard in addition to designated areas for prayers. The interior of the musalla, or prayer space, will be adorned with layers of textiles colored with dyes that use natural pigments, with the aim of creating a connection between worshippers and their environment.
Prince Nawaf bin Nayef, who chaired the prize jury, said the winning project balances traditional Islamic architectural principles with an innovative, modern, eco-friendly design. The use of palm trees symbolizes the region’s cultural and environmental connections, he added, while the simplicity and versatility of the design means it can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it a model for sustainable architecture.
Aya Al-Bakri, the CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, praised the successful team for creating a prayer space that embodies the values of openness and community and reflects the broader mission of the Islamic Arts Biennale to promote cultural exchanges.
The musalla will be installed as a central feature of the Islamic Arts Biennale, which begins on Jan. 25, 2025, and will remain there for four months before being moved to the airport.


Saudi Arabia, Malaysia bilateral trade in 2023 recorded at $11.07bn

Saudi Arabia, Malaysia bilateral trade in 2023 recorded at $11.07bn
Updated 18 min 2 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, Malaysia bilateral trade in 2023 recorded at $11.07bn

Saudi Arabia, Malaysia bilateral trade in 2023 recorded at $11.07bn
  • Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, ambassador of Malaysia to Saudi Arabia highlighted the two countries’ history as trading partners
  • “We are celebrating the National Day not only for Malaysia, we are celebrating the good ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia”

RIYADH: The Kingdom was the largest trading partner of Malaysia among the West Asian countries in 2023, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, ambassador of Malaysia to Saudi Arabia, said on Thursday.
Abdullah was speaking at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia, celebrating National Day, Malaysia Day, and the 91st Malaysian Armed Forces Day at Riyadh’s Cultural Palace.
He highlighted the two countries’ history as trading partners.
“The total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2023 was recorded at $11.07 billion, an increase of 8.5 percent from 2022,” he said. “As of the first quarter 2024, numerous projects involving the Kingdom’s participation have been approved in Malaysia, with total investments amounting to $1.65 billion.
“The bilateral economic ties have been strengthened further with the inauguration of a business council during the visit of Majed Al-Qasabi, minister of commerce, to Malaysia this year, paving the way for more extensive trade and investment opportunities, particularly in sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
“We are celebrating the National Day not only for Malaysia, we are celebrating the good ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia,” the ambassador told Arab News.
“That’s why we invite diverse people, not only Malaysians, but also our Malaysian friends in Saudi Arabia and businesses.”
In his opening remarks, Abdullah highlighted that the celebration of National Day and Malaysia Day was centered around the theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka.”
He explained that Malaysia MADANI represented Malaysia’s prosperity and progress, grounded on the core values of “sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity and trust.”
The Malaysian Armed Forces celebrate their Armed Forces Day in line with the formation of Malaysia on Sept. 16, 1963.
The ambassador in his speech highlighted the history of Malaysia, the country’s stance on Palestine, and Saudi-Malaysian cooperation on trade and bilateral relations.
“Since the independence of our nation 67 years back, on August 31, 1957, Malaysia has witnessed phenomenal growth, transitioning from an agriculture-based economy to a dynamic, diversified one,” Abdullah said.
He said that “Malaysia remains unwavering in its support of the Palestinians and their cause to achieve freedom from the illegal Israeli occupation.”
Speaking about bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, the ambassador said that numerous high-level visits had taken place since his mission as ambassador, referencing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s several visits to the Kingdom.
“This not only solidifies the longstanding close relations between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia but further strengthens the personal bond between the two leaders,” he said.
Following his remarks, young martial artists took to the stage in a multiple-part traditional Malaysian martial arts demonstration.
Undersecretary of Riyadh Region Faisal Al-Sudairi was among the invited officials attending the ceremony.


A new visual journey: Noor Riyadh unveils art book in London

A new visual journey: Noor Riyadh unveils art book in London
Updated 57 min 39 sec ago
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A new visual journey: Noor Riyadh unveils art book in London

A new visual journey: Noor Riyadh unveils art book in London
  • Publication celebrates light art festival, city

RIYADH: Noor Riyadh, a flagship program of Riyadh Art, has announced the publication of its first coffee-table book, “Noor Riyadh: A New Visual Culture,” in collaboration with the global publishing house Assouline.

The milestone event took place in London, and was attended by curators, artists, and creatives from around the world, Riyadh Art’s media center said on Thursday.

The publication honors Noor Riyadh’s legacy as the world’s largest light art festival and pays tribute to Riyadh itself, which is transformed into an open-air gallery that blends tradition with modernity.

With contributions from artists within Saudi Arabia and beyond, the initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to enhance the arts among Riyadh’s residents and visitors.

The publication takes readers on a visual journey through the previous editions of Noor Riyadh, showcasing the diverse artworks that have reflected the vibrant energy and transformative power of light in uniting and inspiring people.

It tells a story of innovation and aesthetic expression in light art, featuring significant contributions that enrich the cultural scene and cement Noor Riyadh as a comprehensive artistic event of global significance.

The special edition, which is part of Assouline’s Classics and Ultimate Collections, reveals the collaborative spirit of the creative community and reflects the dynamic essence of Riyadh.

It offers a unique opportunity for art lovers, photographers, and anyone inspired by the message of light art.

Noor Riyadh Festival holds a prestigious place in Guinness World Records as the world’s largest light art festival.

It returns to Riyadh from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14 with the theme “Light Years Apart,” exploring the profound connection between the Earth and stars.

Visitors to the event will experience 60 grand artworks and engage with both traditional and modern concepts of light and creativity.

Through sculptural installations, immersive experiences, and light projection techniques, the event will transform Riyadh into a living, illuminated canvas, fostering a vibrant dialogue between art and technology.

Noor Riyadh is a citywide annual festival of light and art which was launched in March 2021. It includes the festival and a world-class exhibition, along with a public program of community activities featuring educational workshops, talks and performances.

Staged by Riyadh Art, the festival aims to nurture local talent and help to inspire youngsters to drive Saudi Arabia’s creative economy.


Mayors of Riyadh and Seoul sign MoU

Mayors of Riyadh and Seoul sign MoU
Updated 16 min 56 sec ago
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Mayors of Riyadh and Seoul sign MoU

Mayors of Riyadh and Seoul sign MoU
  • Prince Faisal and Oh Se-hoon also discussed future cooperation between two capitals

SEOUL: The mayor of Riyadh signed a memorandum of understanding with his Seoul counterpart during his visit to the South Korean capital, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf and Oh Se-hoon oversaw the signing ceremony at an event on Friday.

The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral ties and foster cooperation in key areas such as city management, smart cities, cultural exchange, and sustainable urban planning.

The MoU will covers collaboration in infrastructure management, parks and gardens, digital governance, waste management, and recycling, alongside the exchange of experts and hosting joint events.

Prince Faisal and Oh Se-hoon also discussed future cooperation between Riyadh and Seoul and shared insights on urban development and sustainable planning.


World Mental Health Day: Raising awareness of issues is key to reducing stigma, experts say

World Mental Health Day: Raising awareness of issues is key to reducing stigma, experts say
Updated 11 October 2024
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World Mental Health Day: Raising awareness of issues is key to reducing stigma, experts say

World Mental Health Day: Raising awareness of issues is key to reducing stigma, experts say
  • Malek Almoosa, CEO of Almoosa Health, says more people ‘are willing to seek help’ and ‘a lot of progress has been made in the Kingdom in recent years’
  • A 2022 McKinsey Health Institute study found 66 percent of people surveyed in the Gulf region had faced mental health challenges at some point

RIYADH: Increased awareness of mental health issues in Saudi Arabia has resulted in less stigma and more people seeking professional help, a health industry leader said on World Mental Health Day on Thursday.

This trend of more people receiving care to improve their mental health reflects positive changes taking place in society, added Malek Almoosa, the CEO of Almoosa Health.

“It is promising that more individuals are recognizing the need for support and are willing to seek help, which in turn leads to greater engagement with mental health services,” he said.

“This is a positive sign of increased awareness and acceptance of mental health issues in our society, and a lot of progress has been made in the Kingdom in recent years. In turn, this has led to decreased stigma around seeking help, although some cultural barriers remain.”

Scott Armstrong, founder of the mental health-awareness platform Mentl, which is based in the UAE, said that while poor mental health is a global concern, there are factors in the Arabian Gulf region that make efforts to address it even more challenging.

“There is a lot of stigma … it still takes a lot for people to come forward and have the courage to look in the mirror and have a difficult conversation,” he said.

One of the factors, he added, is the ambitious nature of professional life in the region.

“There are so many things that one can achieve, one can strive for, but at the same time it’s very, very easy to get swept up in that and then burn out,” he said.

Armstrong has his own experience of the struggles that can accompany mental illness; he decided to found Mentl after his father died following a battle with depression.

“I remember looking at his body in the open casket and just going: ‘Why can we not talk about this?’” he said.

Almoosa, whose company recently opened a mental health facility in Al-Hofuf, said it is particularly important that efforts to raise awareness of metal health issues continue.

“Continued advocacy and community engagement will be essential to ensure that acceptance and support for mental health services continue to grow,” he said.

In 2016, more than 4,000 people between the ages of 15 and 65 from all parts of the Kingdom were polled as part of the Saudi National Mental Health Survey. It found 80 percent of Saudis with severe mental health issues did not seek any kind of care or treatment, and that mental health conditions were more commonly reported by young people and those with higher levels of education.

The prevalence of mental disorders among Saudi youth was found to be 40 percent, which was lower than in the US (52.4 percent) but higher than Australia (26 percent) and the European average (13.7 percent).

Armstrong, whose company launched the “Tear Away the Silence” program on World Mental Health Day, said such surveys serve as important tools that can motivate more people to seek help.

“The cold, hard statistics show us that more people are struggling than are not,” he said, referencing a 2022 McKinsey Health Institute study that found 66 percent of people surveyed in the GCC had suffered from mental health challenges at some point in their lives.

“It’s just so important that people don’t feel isolated, lonely or that it’s just them and that there’s something wrong with them … It takes courage to open up but you will be surprised just what the response is.”