National Day: LuLu sets world record for largest flower pot mosaic

National Day: LuLu sets world record for largest flower pot mosaic
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National Day: LuLu sets world record for largest flower pot mosaic
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National Day: LuLu sets world record for largest flower pot mosaic
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Updated 22 September 2024
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National Day: LuLu sets world record for largest flower pot mosaic

National Day: LuLu sets world record for largest flower pot mosaic

In a dazzling display of creativity and national pride, LuLu has officially secured the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest flower pot mosaic. This stunning floral masterpiece, spanning 94 square meters, was unveiled in celebration of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, crafted with an incredible 125,000 fresh flowers. This world record event was held under the patronage of Governorate of Jeddah, Amana Jeddah, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Lenobadir volunteering initiative, and in partnership with Comfort, a fabric softener brand.

The achievement was recognized during a ceremony held at ROSHN Waterfront Jeddah, where Guinness World Records adjudicator Mbali Masechaba Nkos presented the certificate to LuLu’s western region team. The event was attended by Ahmed Alqarni, director general of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture — Makkah region. 

“This record-breaking event stands as a testament to LuLu’s commitment to fostering national pride and embodies the spirit of unity of the nation,” said Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Saudi.

The floral mosaic, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcases the theme “Dream and Achieve,” capturing the aspirations and hopes of the Saudi people. The event gathered numerous attendees who marveled at the display, celebrating national pride. Attendees also got the opportunity to participate in various activities and win exciting prizes, including iPhones, AirPods, televisions, and exclusive annual gym memberships.

LuLu hosted the event in association with ROSHN, and Rotana SN. Rafeek Muhammed Ali, regional director, Lulu — western region, and other senior officials were also in attendance.


Cannes film festival says to ‘honor’ slain Gaza photojournalist

Cannes film festival says to ‘honor’ slain Gaza photojournalist
Updated 8 min 29 sec ago
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Cannes film festival says to ‘honor’ slain Gaza photojournalist

Cannes film festival says to ‘honor’ slain Gaza photojournalist
  • The film features conversations between Farsi and Hassouna as the 25-year-old photographer documents the impact of Israel’s devastating war on the Palestinian territory
  • Hassouna was killed along relatives in a strike on her family home in Gaza last Wednesday, the day after the documentary was announced as part of the ACID Cannes selection

PARIS: The Cannes film festival said Wednesday that the screening of a documentary about Gaza photojournalist Fatima Hassouna at the event next month would honor her work after the “horror” of her death in an Israeli air strike last week.
“Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” by Iranian director Sepideh Farsi is to be shown at ACID Cannes, at this year’s May 13-24 festival, which runs parallel to the main competition.
The film features conversations between Farsi and Hassouna as the 25-year-old photographer documents the impact of Israel’s devastating war on the Palestinian territory.
Hassouna was killed along with 10 relatives in an air strike on her family home in northern Gaza last Wednesday, the day after the documentary was announced as part of the ACID Cannes selection.
The Israeli military, which media freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused of carrying out a “massacre” of Palestinian journalists, claimed it had targeted a Hamas member.
“The Cannes Film Festival wishes to express its horror and deep sorrow at this tragedy, which has moved and shocked the entire world,” the festival said in a statement on Hassouna sent to AFP.
“While a film is little in the face of such a tragedy, its screening at the ACID section in Cannes on May 15 will be, in addition to the message of the film itself, a way of honoring the memory of the young woman, a victim like so many others of the war,” it added.
Just before her death, Hassouna wrote on social media that “if I die, I want a loud death. I don’t want to be just breaking news, or a number in a group.”
“She was such a light, so talented. When you see the film you’ll understand,” Farsi told Hollywood news website Deadline after her death. “I had talked to her a few hours before to tell her that the film was in Cannes and to invite her.”


Cannes festival organizers also announced new films on Wednesday in its main competition that will compete for its coveted Palme d’Or award.
American filmmaker Lynne Ramsay (“We Need To Talk About Kevin“) has been selected for the main competition with her thriller “Die My Love” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.
Out of the 21 films in the main competition this year, seven have been made by women directors, the joint highest total.
Iran’s Saeed Roustaee is also set to compete for the main prize with his latest feature, “Mother and Child,” three years after showing “Leila’s Brothers” in Cannes which led to him being sentenced to six months in prison in Iran.
The festival has also secured the world premiere for the first film directed by former Twilight star Kristen Stewart — “The Chronology of Water” — which will screen in the secondary “Un Certain Regard” competition.
She will be up against fellow American actress-turned-director Scarlett Johansson whose director debut “Eleanor the Great” has also been selected in the same section.
The death of Hassouna last week has transformed the screening of the documentary about her into a prominent event at Cannes.
The ACID festival said her “life force seemed like a miracle” in a statement released after her death.
“This is no longer the same film that we are going to support and present in all theaters, starting with Cannes,” it added.
RSF also denounced her death. “Her name joins those of nearly 200 journalists killed in 18 months. This carnage must stop,” it wrote on the Bluesky social media website.
Also at Cannes, Palestinian twins Tarzan and Arab Nasser will showcase their latest film “Once Upon a Time In Gaza,” a tale of murder and friendship set in the war-torn territory, in the secondary “Un Certain Regard” section.
An attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, 2023 set off the war. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Israeli forces have since killed more than 51,000 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.


Emirati FM holds talks with Nepal’s president and prime minister in Kathmandu

Emirati FM holds talks with Nepal’s president and prime minister in Kathmandu
Updated 4 min 17 sec ago
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Emirati FM holds talks with Nepal’s president and prime minister in Kathmandu

Emirati FM holds talks with Nepal’s president and prime minister in Kathmandu
  • Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan emphasizes commitment of the UAE to the enhancement of bilateral relations
  • Areas identified for improved collaborations include the economic, commercial, investment and developmental sectors, as well as trade

LONDON: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE’s foreign minister, met the president and prime minister of Nepal in Kathmandu on Wednesday as part of a diplomatic visit to the country.

President Ram Chandra Paudel expressed his country’s desire to strengthen and enhance relations with the UAE, as he and Sheikh Abdullah discussed ways in which collaboration might be improved in several areas, including the economic, commercial, investment and developmental sectors, the Emirates News Agency reported.

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli also talked with the foreign minister about how to boost bilateral relations. They focused in particular on enhancement of economic and trade cooperation, and explored sectors that could help support sustainable development in both countries.

Sheikh Abdullah said his country is committed to the strengthening of relations with Nepal and investment in available opportunities, and he praised the ongoing development of cooperation in various sectors.

Other officials present at the meetings included Ahmed bin Ali Al-Sayegh, an Emirati minister of state; Saeed Mubarak Al-Hajeri, assistant minister for economic and trade affairs; Abdulla Balalaa, assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability affairs; and Abdullah Al-Shamsi, the UAE’s ambassador to Nepal.


Juve’s top-four dream hits the snooze button in Parma loss

Juve’s top-four dream hits the snooze button in Parma loss
Updated 31 min 5 sec ago
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Juve’s top-four dream hits the snooze button in Parma loss

Juve’s top-four dream hits the snooze button in Parma loss
  • Juve sit fifth on 59 points, one behind Bologna who occupy the final Champions League spot
  • The second half unfolded in the same lifeless fashion as the first

MILAN: Juventus stumbled to a 1–0 defeat at Parma on Wednesday, failing to impress with a sleepy performance as they slipped out of the top four with the season now edging toward its conclusion.
Juve sit fifth on 59 points, one behind Bologna who occupy the final Champions League spot, with five rounds remaining. Parma, meanwhile, took a significant step away from the relegation zone and have 31 points — six clear of 18th-placed Venezia.
The first half was a dull affair, with both sides appearing to have already clocked off for an early end-of-season break, drifting through the motions and barely creating any real chances until the final minutes.
Mateo Pellegrino lit up the home crowd right before the break, soaring through the air in first-half stoppage time to meet a looping cross and head the ball with pinpoint precision into the net for the only goal of the match.
The second half unfolded in the same lifeless fashion as the first, with Juve applying some late pressure but failing to find an equalizer.


Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year

Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year
Updated 35 min 20 sec ago
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Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year

Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year
  • Prince Khalid bin Bandar picked up his award at a ceremony in London attended by the diplomatic community

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, has been named “Diplomat of the Year” for the Middle East and North Africa at a ceremony in London.

Prince Khalid was voted for by fellow diplomats representing more than 180 missions accredited to the UK, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The award, run by London-based “Diplomat Magazine,” recognizes ambassadors and diplomats who have made outstanding contributions to diplomatic work in the UK.

Prince Khalid was presented with the award during the magazine’s annual ceremony at London Hilton on Park Lane on Tuesday. The event was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners from more than 90 countries.


From ‘Tash Ma Tash’ to ‘Hobal’ — a legacy honored

From ‘Tash Ma Tash’ to ‘Hobal’ — a legacy honored
Updated 29 min 23 sec ago
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From ‘Tash Ma Tash’ to ‘Hobal’ — a legacy honored

From ‘Tash Ma Tash’ to ‘Hobal’ — a legacy honored
  • Saudi Film Festival honors decades-spanning career of Saudi veteran actor Ibrahim Alhasawi
  • Ibrahim Alhasawi: ‘We’re seeing a powerful emergence of Saudi cultural identity through film’

DHAHRAN: “I felt an overwhelming sense of pride when I heard the news,” said Ibrahim Alhasawi, the Saudi veteran actor celebrated at this year’s Saudi Film Festival.

“Having witnessed the festival since its first edition in 2008, and being recognized alongside many fellow filmmakers I’ve worked with over the years, is truly an honor,” he told Arab News.

The 11th Saudi Film Festival, which concluded on April 23 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, honored Alhasawi’s nearly four-decade career shaping Saudi cinema.

Organized by the Saudi Cinema Association in collaboration with Ithra and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, the festival was held under the theme “Stories Seen and Told,” with a focus on “Cinema of Identity” to highlight film’s role in expressing personal, cultural and national identity.

A cornerstone of Saudi cinema, Alhasawi began in community theater in the 1980s before gaining prominence in television and film, including as producer and director. His notable works include the iconic series “Tash Ma Tash” as well as recent performances in “Hajjan” and “Hobal.”

He spoke candidly about the industry’s growth, saying: “The change has been tremendous. Since the founding of the Saudi Film Commission, we’ve seen a clear rise in both the scale and quality of Saudi productions.”

His work is rooted in cultural storytelling. “Art without identity loses its soul,” he said. “We’re seeing a powerful emergence of Saudi cultural identity through film. With stories like ‘Hobal’ and ‘Hajjan,’ we are introducing audiences worldwide to the depth of our heritage.”

Alhasawi also highlighted the importance of representing the Kingdom’s regional diversity, noting how different areas of Saudi Arabia bring distinctive perspectives and traditions that enrich the national narrative.

The festival paid tribute to the actor with a commemorative book, “From Village Theatre to the Global Screen,” featuring photographs, reflections and testimonials about his journey.

He met aspiring filmmakers at festival book signings and discussions, cementing his role as a mentor.

Of his acting process, he said: “I approach each role by exploring the character’s physical presence, social background and psychological depth. These layers help bring the performance to life with sincerity and nuance.”

The festival showcased 68 films from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, including eight narrative features and 21 shorts, with “Hobal,” directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei, standing out for its themes of cultural identity and resilience.

Ithra’s venues hosted screenings, panels, workshops and red-carpet events, blending film with musical and artistic performances to underscore cinema’s place in Saudi cultural life. 

By celebrating icons such as Alhasawi while amplifying new voices, the festival highlights Saudi cinema’s vibrant legacy and its growing global influence.