Italian ambassador wants ‘to create a big space’ for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia

Special Italian ambassador wants ‘to create a big space’ for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia
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Ambassador Carlo Baldocci makes an address at the 8th Italian Design Day in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Italian ambassador wants ‘to create a big space’ for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia
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Ambassador Carlo Baldocci makes an address at the 8th Italian Design Day in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Italian ambassador wants ‘to create a big space’ for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia
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Attendees at the 8th Italian Design Day in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Italian ambassador wants ‘to create a big space’ for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia
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Ambassador Carlo Baldocci at the 8th Italian Design Day in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Italian ambassador wants ‘to create a big space’ for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia
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Ambassador Carlo Baldocci makes an address at the 8th Italian Design Day in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Updated 09 December 2024
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Italian ambassador wants ‘to create a big space’ for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia

Italian ambassador wants ‘to create a big space’ for design collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia
  • Carlo Baldocci: ‘We feel that there is room to create a big space, which might be a sort of a museum for Italian design in Riyadh’
  • Baldocci: ‘Vision 2030 is a spectacular and very successful approach and vision for the future of this country and of the region’

RIYADH: The Italian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Carlo Baldocci, on Monday said there is room to create a big space for collaborations between Italy and Saudi Arabia in the design sector.

Speaking to Arab News at the opening session of Italian Design Day, the ambassador said: “Today we are celebrating the Italian Design Day, which is a very important moment of aggregation to explain and to discuss possible collaborations between Italy and Saudi Arabia in this sector.

“We are making a lot of new ideas on paper. We feel that there is room to create a big space, which might be a sort of a museum for Italian design in Riyadh.

“But it’s something that we are working on. It has not yet been defined, we want to be very successful on something which we are sure will be a strong pillar of the collaboration, in which we will reinforce our partnership capacity in all aspects, sharing knowledge, sharing capacities, and experiencing different sensibilities. We really want to work on this together with our Saudi friends,” Baldocci said.

On transformation in Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030 and the Italian design, Baldocci said: “Vision 2030 is a spectacular and very successful approach and vision for the future of this country and of the region. And we feel that there is incredible possibility for the Italians to be present in all the aspects of this vision, cooperating at the economic level, cultural level, partnering in all the different aspects we can do together, and of course there is space for the Italian design in the vision, why not.”

The eighth edition of Italian Design Day kicked off in Riyadh with a two-day program of workshops by the Lombardini22 studio, the chosen representative for 2024 for the day in Saudi Arabia.

Lombardini22 is a leading group in the Italian architecture and engineering sector, specializng in the office, retail, urban, living, hospitality, education, data centre and fair sectors.

A group of professionals, from architects to engineers, designers and communication specialists, are attending the workshops taking place until Tuesday at Casa Italia in the Localizer Mall, where experts from Lombardini22 will share their experience in the field of urban regeneration, sustainability, innovation, hospitality and lifestyle and human centered architecture.

The Italian Design Day is an initiative created by Italy’s ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation in collaboration with the ministry of culture and, as last year, includes the participation of the Association for Industrial Design, the Compasso d’Oro Foundation, the ITA Agency, the Salone del Mobile, the Triennale di Milano and Confindustria, with the aim of involving and recognizing key figures from the public and private sectors who embody the excellence of Italian design and the business world.    

In seven years (from 2017 to 2023), the Design Day generated about 1,370 events around the world. At these events, more than 580 professionals, including designers, architects, entrepreneurs and academics focused on innovation, industry and high-quality Italian craftsmanship.

The event this year proposed a theme: “Manufacturing value — inclusiveness, innovation and sustainability.”

The event is an opportunity to promote the participation of international experts in the sector in the Salone del Mobile in Milan, one of the most important events worldwide for the furniture and design sector, scheduled from April 8 to 13, 2025.


Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 

Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 
Updated 30 min 14 sec ago
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Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 

Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 
  • Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements
  • Winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority

RIYADH: The inaugural Joy Awards honored Arab talent with musical performances that serenaded a star-studded guest list at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.

The award show opened with a concert by Christina Aguilera, who performed “The Voice Within” and her hit song “Genie in a Bottle.”

Musical icons Mohammed Abdo and Andrea Bocelli performed together, blending Gulf and Italian sounds.

Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic.

Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey were among the international and local celebrities who showcased their dazzling ensembles on the ceremony’s iconic lavender carpet on Saturday.

As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia.

“I picked it because I wanted to represent Saudi Arabian designers and fashion, especially here in Riyadh, which is such an upcoming hot spot for Saudi Arabian fashion,” she said.

Lebanese actress Nawal Kamel arrived in a black and silver studded gown designed by her go-to Lebanese fashion designer, Joelle Nemnum.

“I can’t believe I’m here. I’m very excited to meet the (Saudi) people up close. I know many people from Lebanon but being here and seeing the locals, who are so different and incredible, is amazing. They (Saudis) are so kind and welcoming — they truly lift you up and take care of you. I’m so grateful to be here and to witness the Joy Awards,” she said.

Held at the Kingdom Arena, the Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event recognizing and honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements. The event is part of Riyadh Season and is co-organized by MBC Group.

The winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority. The list included candidates across various categories. The nominees were carefully chosen by specialized committees based on their efforts and achievements over the past year.
 


Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage

Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage
Updated 18 January 2025
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Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage

Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage
  • Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry

RIYADH: The Fashion Commission and luxury group Kering have launched the selection process for the winners of the Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia.

The initiative aims to support innovative startups making a significant impact on the fashion industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The application process began in November 2024, inviting startups to submit applications and promote sustainability. More than 100 startups applied, with 20 selected to participate in a three-day training camp in Riyadh.

The program featured workshops focused on key performance indicators, goal setting and pitching skills, SPA reported.

On Jan. 14, the shortlist of 20 startups gathered in Riyadh for the final presentation, where each applicant was evaluated on customer engagement, circular economy and water protection.

Following the presentations, the evaluation process began to select the top 10 proposals, which will be assessed by the jury based on innovation, relevance, fashion connection, and potential impact on nature and society.

The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 27 in Riyadh, where the top three winning startups will be announced.

Winners will have the opportunity to travel to Paris for exclusive mentoring with Kering’s sustainability teams and present their innovations at the ChangeNOW 2025 summit.

Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry.

He added that the award aimed to showcase and support startups driving innovation in circular fashion and environmental stewardship.

Cakmak emphasized the commission’s commitment to advancing solutions that address current challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future in fashion.

 


Jazan festival showcases region’s rich heritage

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
Updated 18 January 2025
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Jazan festival showcases region’s rich heritage

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
  • Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery

RIYADH: The Jazan Winter Festival has attracted a large number of visitors with a variety of heritage events, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The festival plays a key role in boosting regional tourism, drawing guests from within the Kingdom and beyond.

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing, the SPA reported.

Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery.

The scheme stimulates the local economy and highlights the region’s culture through captivating performances and folk dances, the SPA added.

Local perfumes and herbs are on display, highlighting the area’s rich heritage. Food enthusiasts can try traditional dishes that showcase local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Spanning three months, the event features 300 activities across 42 sites in Jazan and its governorates. The festival’s activities also include art exhibitions, plays and poetry gatherings.

 


Saudi ambassador meets Mauritian minister in Port Louis

Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem (R) receives Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat in Port Louis. (Supplied)
Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem (R) receives Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat in Port Louis. (Supplied)
Updated 18 January 2025
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Saudi ambassador meets Mauritian minister in Port Louis

Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem (R) receives Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat in Port Louis. (Supplied)
  • They discussed way to enhance bilateral relations as well as other topics of mutual interest

PORT LOUIS: Saudi Ambassador to Mauritius Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat recently met Mauritian Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem, the Saudi Embassy wrote on X on Saturday.

During the meeting, they discussed way to enhance bilateral relations as well as other topics of mutual interest.

Meanwhile, officials at the Digital Cooperation Organization received Austrian Ambassador to the Kingdom Oskar Wustinger and a delegation from Austria’s Ministry of Finance, the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, and other institutions, the organization wrote on X on Saturday.

 


Saudi customs tackle 2,124 smuggling cases in single week

Saudi customs tackle 2,124 smuggling cases in single week
Updated 18 January 2025
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Saudi customs tackle 2,124 smuggling cases in single week

Saudi customs tackle 2,124 smuggling cases in single week
  • The crackdown included more than 350 cases linked to prohibited substances

RIYADH: Customs officials at land, air, and sea ports across the Kingdom were involved in 2,124 seizures of prohibited items in a single week, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority reported.
The figure reflected the authority’s commitment to protecting society from smuggling and illegal activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The crackdown included more than 350 cases linked to prohibited substances, of which 98 involved narcotics such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, shabu and captagon pills.
The authorities also thwarted more than 1,745 attempts to smuggle tobacco and its derivatives, 22 cases involving money and three cases involving weapons and related accessories.
The authority urged the public to report any information regarding smuggling by calling 1910, the international number 009661910 or by emailing [email protected]. Financial rewards are offered for accurate information.