Ambassador holds Mexico independence day celebration in Riyadh

Special Ambassador holds Mexico independence day celebration in Riyadh
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Ambassador of Mexico to Saudi Arabia Anibal Gomez Toledo. (AN Photo/Loai Al-Kellawi)
Special Ambassador holds Mexico independence day celebration in Riyadh
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Ambassador of Mexico to Saudi Arabia Anibal Gomez Toledo. (AN Photo/Loai Al-Kellawi)
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Updated 16 September 2024
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Ambassador holds Mexico independence day celebration in Riyadh

Ambassador holds Mexico independence day celebration in Riyadh
  • Festive occasion brought together the Mexican community in Riyadh and friends of the embassy
  • Anibal Gomez Toledo: We are celebrating the 214th anniversary of the beginning of our independence from Spain

RIYADH: The ambassador of Mexico to Saudi Arabia, Anibal Gomez Toledo, hosted a vibrant national day celebration in Riyadh to commemorate Mexico’s independence day on Sunday.

The festive occasion brought together the Mexican community in Riyadh and friends of the embassy to highlight the strong ties between Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

The ambassador emphasized the significance of September as a month of celebration for both nations.

The ambassador said that the national day celebration hosted in Saudi Arabia held meaning for both Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

“Mexico and Saudi Arabia started bilateral relations back on September 12, 1952, so within the same month Saudi Arabia celebrates its national day on September 23,” he told Arab News.

“So September is a month of celebration for both Mexicans and Saudi Arabia.” 

The Mexico national day festivities took place in the Diplomatic Quarters Cultural Palace and welcomed ambassadors, Mexicans living in Saudi Arabia, Saudi authorities and friends of the embassy in an evening of celebration and music.

“It’s a very significant day. It is the most important day in our history,” Toledo said.

“We are celebrating the 214th anniversary of the beginning of our independence from Spain.

“At that time, a group of leaders headed this movement and they started the call on the night of September 15, so exactly at midnight on the 16th is when the movement started, and that is why we enact this special event that we are having today,” he said.

Guests followed the ambassador’s lead in waving flags and chanting “Viva la Mexico,” a chant that embodies the nation’s continued prosperity and freedom.

Toledo also highlighted a significant moment during the celebrations called “El Grito,” a tribute to the Mexican people’s battle cry when they rose up against Spanish rule on Sept. 16, 1810.

“Grito is the call of our founders when they started the revolution of independence. They called and started to gather, and we do something similar tonight,” he said.

“Saudis are very generous and very welcoming and very warm. We feel this warmth from Saudi people toward us Mexicans and Mexico.

“I have been here for almost five years, and I have this feeling of emotion when I am with a Saudi. We are not only friends but brothers ... I don’t know if we share the same DNA or something like that,” he said jokingly.

“We get along very easily; you can see how Saudis celebrate our day and how Mexicans celebrate Saudi national day.” 

The ambassador said that the two countries have been “working closely in the past five, six years.”

He added: “We activated our political dialogue, and now our bilateral dialogue is strong and solid. We have exchanged a number of high-level visits from both sides.”

When asked where he would like to see cooperation grow, the ambassador said that trade and tourism were areas of focus.

“Mexico and Saudi Arabia are G20 countries, two of the 20 largest economies in the world. I think we have great potential to continue together.

“Our bilateral trade surpassed $1 billion; five to six years ago, it was less than $300 million. We are seeing bilateral trade growing, and what I would like to have is to double or triple this figure.”

On tourism and cultural exchange, the envoy said that he “would also like to see more Mexicans in Saudi Arabia and more Saudis in Mexico.”

Toledo said that in May, the embassy signed an MoU between two higher education institutions in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, King Fahad Petroleum and Minerals and the Instituto Politecnico Nacional in Mexico offering scholarships for Mexicans to study their graduate degrees in Saudi Arabia.


Crown prince oversees signing of Saudi-Egypt council during visit to meet with El-Sisi

Crown prince oversees signing of Saudi-Egypt council during visit to meet with El-Sisi
Updated 16 October 2024
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Crown prince oversees signing of Saudi-Egypt council during visit to meet with El-Sisi

Crown prince oversees signing of Saudi-Egypt council during visit to meet with El-Sisi
  • Prince Mohammed, El-Sisi held discussion session in presence of delegation of both countries
  • Crown prince sent a cable of thanks to El-Sisi on his departure from Cairo

RIYADH: The Saudi Royal Court announced on Tuesday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Egypt. 

During his visit, Prince Mohammed will hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who received the crown prince on arrival.

The discussions will center on enhancing bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as addressing key issues of mutual concern.

The crown prince and El-Sisi held a discussion session in the presence of the two countries’ delegations, Saudi Press Agency reported.

They also witnessed the signing of the formation of the Saudi-Egyptian Supreme Coordination Council and the agreement to encourage and protect mutual investments between the Kingdom and Egypt.

The crown prince sent a cable of thanks to El-Sisi on his departure from Cairo.

He expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and reception he and his delegation received during their visit, SPA reported. 

He highlighted that the discussions held with the recipient have reaffirmed the strong ties between their two countries and their mutual desire to enhance cooperation across various fields.

The crown prince also emphasized the commitment to continued coordination on issues of common interest under the leadership of King Salman and El-Sisi and concluded by wishing the Egyptian president good health and success, and the people of Egypt continued prosperity.


Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan

Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan
Updated 16 October 2024
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Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan

Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan
  • “This event shone a spotlight on the impressive initiatives driving the Kingdom and the broader MENA region toward net zero, with both private and government sectors playing pivotal roles”

RIYADH: Solar power companies from around the world are gathering in Riyadh to cultivate new opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s path to net zero, during the Solar & Storage Live KSA exhibition.

NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. was one of the major organizations that attended the event.

“It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by our industry peers and partners, and I was thrilled to be asked to participate in the keynote interview,” said Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. 

Wesam Alghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company. (Supplied)

“I was also very happy to see the enthusiasm around NGHC’s project. The excitement about our progress toward becoming fully operational by the end of 2026 was palpable.

“This event shone a spotlight on the impressive initiatives driving the Kingdom and the broader MENA region toward net zero, with both private and government sectors playing pivotal roles.”

Solar power has emerged as a leading contender in the race for sustainable energy solutions, as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources.

Al-Ghamdi elaborated on how the solar energy system works at the company. “NGHC doesn’t produce its own solar panels, those are produced by our partners at Sungrow,” he said.

“Located in NEOM, we benefit from an optimal environment for solar energy generation, with nearly guaranteed sunlight throughout the year.

“Our solar garden will feature an impressive 5.6 million solar panels, generating up to 2.2 GW of solar energy to power our facility.”

He added: “Together with our wind farm, this renewable energy infrastructure will enable us to produce up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen (daily) by the time we are fully operational at the end of 2026.”

Solar energy is produced through the collection of sunlight using photovoltaic panels. This technology has seen remarkable advancements over the past decade, drastically reducing costs and improving efficiency.

These lower costs make solar power an affordable energy source for many people, thus an excellent option for both developed and developing countries.

One of the biggest players in solar power is China. The country is investing heavily in solar infrastructure not only for its economic benefit but for the environmental impact it provides.

Operating worldwide, BSL BATT is a Chinese company that produces battery storage systems, including storage for solar power.

Although BSL BATT has been operating in various countries within the Middle East, they are aiming to penetrate the Saudi solar market and develop their relations even further in the Kingdom, BSL BATT EMEA’s sales manager, Russel Tong, told Arab News.

Battery storage systems are critical in making solar power a feasible supply of electricity, as stored energy can be released overnight resulting in a round-the-clock supply when solar panels are not harvesting energy from the sun.

The combination of solar power and storage not only supports environmental sustainability but also drives economic growth, as evidenced by Saudi Arabia’s growing solar power industry.

As the Kingdom ramps up its solar power capacity, targeting a total of 130GW of renewable energy by 2030, economic opportunities are also on the rise.


‘Modernity Roots’ art exhibition merges Saudi past and present

‘Modernity Roots’ art exhibition merges Saudi past and present
Updated 15 October 2024
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‘Modernity Roots’ art exhibition merges Saudi past and present

‘Modernity Roots’ art exhibition merges Saudi past and present
  • Our cultural heritage is our ultimate powerhouse, says Bilory ArtHaus founder

JEDDAH: A new exhibition in Jeddah will “push boundaries” in the world of Saudi art, encouraging artists to challenge stereotypes and explore new horizons, its organizer believes.

Abdulrahman Kamil Mourad, general manager of the Bilory company and founder of Bilory ArtHaus, said the “Modernity Roots” exhibition will merge Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage with contemporary art practices, creating a dynamic platform for both artists and art enthusiasts.

AFM’s camel paintings utilize bold, African-inspired colors and Saudi symbols to explore a modern, progressive identity rooted in tradition. (Supplied)

The exhibition, the gallery’s first, draws inspiration from the Arabic term for origin and centrality, symbolized by the date stone, a revered element in Saudi culture, known for its vitality and unyielding strength.

“Modernity Roots is not just an exhibition, it’s a declaration of our roots and the unyielding power they instill within us as Saudis navigating the modern world,” Mourad said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• ‘Modernity Roots’ showcases the works of AFM and Heba Ismail, two prominent Saudi artists gaining wider recognition in the region.

• Bilory ArtHaus has positioned itself not only as a gallery, but also a creative space that promotes openness and innovation.

• Alongside its commitment to promoting art, Bilory Company also plans to launch an e-commerce jewelry platform.

“In a society eager to progress, this exhibition reminds us that our cultural heritage is our ultimate powerhouse, guiding us forward without losing sight of our origins.”

‘Modernity Roots,’ Bilory ArtHaus’ debut exhibition, is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes. (Supplied)

Mourad said that the exhibition is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes.

“The primary purpose of ‘Modernity Roots’ was to highlight that it is OK and desirable to be courageous and daring in the art production process, pushing boundaries and challenging the stereotypes surrounding Saudi art.

“Each artist embodies strong dedication and resilience, building on their rich Saudi cultural backgrounds, while exploring new horizons and opportunities,” he said.

‘Modernity Roots,’ Bilory ArtHaus’ debut exhibition, is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes. (Supplied)

The exhibition showcases the works of AFM and Heba Ismail, two prominent Saudi artists gaining wider recognition in the region.

AFM’s camel paintings merge pop art with cartoonish abstraction, utilizing bold, African-inspired colors and Saudi symbols to explore a modern, progressive identity rooted in tradition.

Ismail’s “The Holy Grail” series brings a cubist perspective to the theme of cultural identity and self-exploration, using modernist abstraction and striking colors to challenge perceptions and evoke deep emotional responses.

Together, their work creates a dialogue that bridges past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on the power of heritage in shaping the future.

Ismail said: “I’ve been involved with the team from the very beginning, and we spent months preparing for the launch.

“I contributed 23 paintings, all of which are very dear to me. The team was incredible. We became friends along the way, and the launch was a huge success.

“It was wonderful to work alongside AFM for the third time, and I love how our work complements and enhances each other’s.”

Mourad also explained Bilory’s approach to selecting artists for the inaugural exhibition, emphasizing a commitment to Saudi Vision 2030.

“From our perspective, there will never be a solid perfect choice when it comes to selecting art and artists; there are only different tastes and perspectives.

“Our main focus initially was to find creative Saudi artists who work with great passion. The main factor guiding our choice of these two artists was their alignment with our broader vision of participating in Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create more cultural art spaces and improve the overall quality of life.”

Bilory ArtHaus has positioned itself not only as a gallery, but also a creative space that promotes openness and innovation.

Mourad outlined the gallery’s broader ambitions, saying: “We aim to create a balanced and harmonious gallery that fosters multi-talented artists who challenge themselves and inspire others to do the same.

“This creative space will feature diverse exhibitions, showcasing both well-established and emerging local Saudi artists, as well as hosting international artists.

“We strongly believe that Bilory ArtHaus will play a major role in shaping the local art scene by promoting and exposing outstanding available talents.”

Alongside its commitment to promoting art, Bilory Company also plans to launch an e-commerce jewelry platform.

The exhibition, open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Oct. 31, offers visitors an immersive experience that highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution, and the enduring connection between tradition and modernity.

 


Crown prince to lead Saudi delegation at GCC-EU summit in Brussels

Crown prince to lead Saudi delegation at GCC-EU summit in Brussels
Updated 15 October 2024
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Crown prince to lead Saudi delegation at GCC-EU summit in Brussels

Crown prince to lead Saudi delegation at GCC-EU summit in Brussels
  • Senior EU officials held a briefing in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss “ambitious agenda” of event

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will lead Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit in Brussels on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

His participation follows directives from King Salman, SPA added.

Senior EU officials held a briefing in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss the “ambitious agenda” of the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-EU summit in Brussels on Oct. 16.

GCC and EU leaders will address regional stability, trade, and people-to-people cooperation during the summit.


Taif governor receives Japanese consul general

Taif governor receives Japanese consul general
Updated 15 October 2024
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Taif governor receives Japanese consul general

Taif governor receives Japanese consul general
  • The officials discussed issues of common interest in a spirit of cooperation

TAIF: Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud received Japanese Consul General Daisuke Yamamoto in Taif on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan met with Ambassador of Bahrain to the Kingdom Sheikh Ali Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Khalifa, at his office on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meetings, the officials discussed issues of common interest in a spirit of cooperation.