Ambassador gathers together Peruvian community in Saudi Arabia to celebrate national day

Peruvians from across the Kingdom gathered at the Peru embassy in Riyadh to celebrate the national day with music, mingling and authentic dishes. (AN Photo/Loai El-Kellawy)
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Peruvians from across the Kingdom gathered at the Peru embassy in Riyadh to celebrate the national day with music, mingling and authentic dishes. (AN Photo/Loai El-Kellawy)
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Updated 13 July 2024
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Ambassador gathers together Peruvian community in Saudi Arabia to celebrate national day

Ambassador gathers together Peruvian community in Saudi Arabia to celebrate national day
  • Peruvian National Day falls on July 28 each year and marks the day Peru gained its independence from Spain in 1824

RIYADH: Peru’s embassy opened its doors in Riyadh to Peruvians living in Saudi Arabia to celebrate its national day and the Peruvian independence month of July.

“Today is a special occasion for the Peruvians, it’s a gathering during this month. Why? Because July is the month of our independence,” Carlos Zapata, the ambassador of Peru to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.

“Our independence is on July 28 but we celebrate now because I have the opportunity to gather lots of the Peruvians before they move for vacation,” he said.

The ambassador said that the event was also a chance for Peruvians living in Saudi Arabia to get to know each other.

“This is an opportunity for them to join together and celebrate our national day,” he said.

Peruvian National Day falls on July 28 each year and marks the day Peru gained its independence from Spain in 1824.

During the national holiday, Peruvians enjoy authentic food and commemorate the occasion, and this celebratory tradition was carried out thousands of miles away in Saudi Arabia.

Zapata expressed what it meant for him to see so many Peruvians gathering to celebrate the national day in the embassy in Riyadh. “I think it’s very interesting because a lot of Peruvians have big opportunities in Saudi Arabia. I am very happy to receive this number of Peruvians, we have officially registered around 300 (Peruvians living in Saudi Arabia).

“I’m very happy to see the Peruvians that appreciate the opportunities in Saudi Arabia and appreciate all the changes in Saudi Arabia.”

The ambassador said that he arrived in the Kingdom during his first mission as ambassador from 2015-2019. He recalled the changes he has seen since starting his second mission in 2022, describing it as a “privilege” to witness the changes.

“Really it’s a privilege to have that opportunity, so I can tell people about the changes,” he said. “For a diplomat that is very important.” 

In 2015 the ambassador said that there were about 60 Peruvians living and working in Saudi Arabia, mainly in the oil industry, and now there were more than 300 Peruvians working in the Kingdom.

The ambassador said that he would like to see cooperation grow in the trade sector between the two countries.

“I think there’s a lot to do together and I hope in the near future we will have more things to show between both countries,” he said.

“In agricultural produce, Saudi Arabia needs the produce and we produce the produce.”

Zapata said that shared know-how was another area where the two countries could further their bilateral cooperation.

“Saudi Arabia has a lot of know-how, especially in the oil field and gas field, and we can share our experience in the mining field,” he said.

The ambassador introduced Arab News to one of the guests at the national day celebration, Leyla Reynaga, who now has Saudi nationality and has been living and working in the Kingdom for 40 years.

“I have been in Saudi Arabia for nearly 40 years. I am married to a Saudi. We have been married for nearly 40 years and we have five sons,” Reynaga said.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my life in Saudi Arabia. It hasn’t been difficult at all, to be honest — some people may be surprised to hear that but it hasn’t been difficult at all.”

Reynaga is retired but was head of the English department of Al-Qasim University and a consultant for the vice director of the university.

“On July 28, Peru celebrates their independence from the Spanish colony. It’s a wonderful event that happened 200 years ago, and today the ambassador of Peru has been so kind to invite all of the Peruvians living in Saudi Arabia to celebrate together,” she said.

“It’s a wonderful event and it’s wonderful to see all the community, we have been very welcome and we are enjoying our time in the embassy.” 

Reynaga highlighted the joy she feels at seeing so many Peruvians experiencing what the Kingdom has to offer.

“I’m very happy that a lot of Peruvians are coming to Saudi Arabia to see the beauty of the country, to see the beauty of Islam, and to see the amazing, amazing kindness, welcoming capacity and ability of the Saudi people,” she said.


White House thanks Saudi crown prince for facilitating Russia and Ukraine talks

White House thanks Saudi crown prince for facilitating Russia and Ukraine talks
Updated 26 March 2025
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White House thanks Saudi crown prince for facilitating Russia and Ukraine talks

White House thanks Saudi crown prince for facilitating Russia and Ukraine talks

RIYADH: The White House on Tuesday thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on facilitating important talks on safe navigation in the Black Sea.
A White House statement said: “The United States expresses gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and hospitality in once again facilitating these important discussions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The US reached separate agreements with Russia and Ukraine in the Saudi capital Riyadh to keep the waterway, a vital route for agricultural goods, secure.
The two warring parties came to Saudi Arabia to discuss, with US and Saudi officials, first steps on settling crucial issues in the hopes of then reaching a wider resolution to the conflict.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and has annexed parts of the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the talks and said they were early steps toward a peaceful settlement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: “We will need clear guarantees. And given the sad experience of agreements with just Kyiv, the guarantees can only be the result of an order from Washington to Zelensky and his team to do one thing and not the other.”


Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians
Updated 26 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday an Israeli attack on Syria that killed civilians.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom reiterates its categorical rejection of the continued attempts of the Israeli occupation authorities to undermine the security and stability of Syria and the region through their blatant and repeated violations of relevant international laws.
Syrian authorities said the attack on the village of Kuwayya killed at least 6 civilians.
The Syrian foreign ministry in a statement condemned “the continued Israeli aggression on Syrian territory, which saw a dangerous escalation in the village of Kuwayya” in the southern Daraa province.
Israel has continued its bombing campaign in Syria even after the ouster of Bashar Assad, whose rule came to an end last year after a swift rebel advance led to him fleeing to Russia.


Ramadan through the lens of art

Saudi photographer Sultan Al-Qahtani captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements. (Supplied
Saudi photographer Sultan Al-Qahtani captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements. (Supplied
Updated 25 March 2025
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Ramadan through the lens of art

Saudi photographer Sultan Al-Qahtani captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements. (Supplied
  • Holy month inspires creative process
  • Themes of faith and introspection reflected in artwork

RIYADH: The holy month of Ramadan offers profound creative inspiration with its themes of faith, renewal and introspection, three Saudi artists have told Arab News.

Norah Al-Ruwaili, Manar Al-Otaibi and Sultan Al-Qahtani discussed how Ramadan shapes their artistic expression.

For Al-Ruwaili, the holy month allows her to engage with her work more deeply. “Ramadan naturally slows everything down, creating space for reflection and intentionality,” she said.

 An artwork featuring floral patterns and Arabic calligraphy. (Supplied/@noras.scribbles)

“That shift influences my art. I become more mindful of the themes I explore and the emotions I want to convey.”

Al-Otaibi echoed this sentiment, describing how Ramadan transforms her approach to creativity.

“Ramadan deeply influences my artistic process by bringing a sense of stillness, introspection and spirituality,” she said.

Usually warmth is presented in the sunny days. In Ramadan, nights lights are vibrant and reflect warmth.

Sultan Al-Qahtani

For Al-Qahtani, a photographer, Ramadan shifts his focus to nighttime settings and the beauty of lights in the holy month. “Usually warmth is presented in the sunny days. In Ramadan, nights lights are vibrant and reflect warmth,” he said.

Al-Ruwaili finds herself “drawn to themes of stillness, spirituality and inner transformation.

“Patterns, calligraphy and elements inspired by prayer mats or architecture often appear in my work, like in my Mihrab paintings.

A vibrant mihrab-inspired artwork adorned with red floral elements. (Supplied/@noras.scribbles)

“I also love incorporating symbolism, whether through floral elements that represent spiritual blossoming or color choices that evoke serenity and depth,” she said.

Al-Otaibi uses “vibrant colors and intricate patterns” to express the emotions of the holy month.

For Al-Qahtani, Ramadan photography records the community spirit; he captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements.

Al-Ruwaili said that spirituality and creativity are inseparable during Ramadan: “Creativity and spirituality aren’t separate for me, they intertwine. My artistic process becomes quieter and more intentional during Ramadan, almost like a form of meditation.”

But balancing creative work with fasting and responsibilities is a challenge, Al-Otaibi said. “It can be challenging, especially with work and other responsibilities. However, I often feel refreshed and inspired after iftar, which helps me reconnect with my creative flow,” she added.

Al-Qahtani experiences creative moments spontaneously, often between prayers and meals: “Creative moments are not planned but sometimes it can be harnessed late at night between prayers and meals.”

Representing the true spirit of Ramadan in visual art is not always easy. For Al-Ruwaili, moving beyond traditional imagery like lanterns and crescents to capture the feeling of Ramadan is her biggest challenge.

“Ramadan is deeply personal and spiritual, so visually representing its essence without being overly literal can be challenging,” she said.

“I try to move beyond traditional symbols like lanterns or crescents and focus more on the feeling of Ramadan: The sense of peace, renewal and contemplation.”

Al-Otaibi also struggles to visually depict the intangible elements of the holy month. “One challenge is translating the atmosphere of Ramadan into visual art, through key elements like the moon, fanous lights and family gatherings.

For Al-Qahtani, the challenge lies in capturing aesthetic nighttime lighting without overexposing the image: “Since most of the pictures I take are in the night, (I need) proper lighting — aesthetically pleasing lights, not just lots of lights.”

Al-Ruwaili’s Mihrab digital paintings hold a deep personal meaning: “My Mihrab digital paintings are probably the clearest example. They were inspired by the patterns found in prayer mats, which hold so much significance in daily spiritual practice.

“To me, they represent a sacred space; a personal retreat where stillness and connection meet,” she said.

Al-Otaibi created a painting of a family gathering during suhoor, which “represents togetherness, tradition and the quiet beauty of Ramadan nights.”

Al-Qahtani’s photography showcases Ramadan’s lights and the communal spirit.

Through painting, photography and digital art, the three artists capture the essence of the holy month, reflecting a period that is both personal and universally meaningful.

 


Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May

Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May
Updated 25 March 2025
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Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May

Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May
  • Al-Rajhi highlighted the event as a milestone in advancing global dialogue on occupational safety and health and improving compliance with standards at regional and global levels

RIYADH: The 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference will be held in Riyadh from May 4 to 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The event will gather local and international leaders from governments, the private sector, and academia, to discuss the future of occupational safety and health, as well as challenges and opportunities in global labor markets.

Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Human Resources and Social Development Minister. (SPA)

The conference aims to promote a culture of safety by fostering dialogue on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices while sharing essential knowledge, the SPA reported.

It will focus on developing policies and preventive measures to enhance occupational safety and health, with an emphasis on the role of technology in improving workplace environments.

Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi said: “The conference will address critical issues impacting work ecosystems and work on developing optimal frameworks.”

Al-Rajhi highlighted the event as a milestone in advancing global dialogue on occupational safety and health and improving compliance with standards at regional and global levels.

 


Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport

Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport
Updated 25 March 2025
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Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport

Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport
  • Spanning 1,200 sq. meters, the lounge can accommodate over 240,000 passengers annually

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has opened the new Altanfeethi Lounge at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

Spanning 1,200 sq. meters, the lounge can accommodate over 240,000 passengers annually, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The inauguration was attended by the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, and Mohammed Alkhuraisi, the chairman of the Altanfeethi Company’s board of directors, along with regional civil and military officials.