Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week

Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 December 2024
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Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week

Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
  • A number of initiatives and foundations from across the globe took home wins for their work in creating transformations across communities through music
  • Brazil’s music scene had a successful night as it took home two awards

RIYADH: Riyadh Music Week festivities continue in the capital as the fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village.

A number of initiatives and foundations from across the globe took home wins for their work in creating transformations across communities through music.

Hosted by Saudi actor Hakeem Jumuah, the night kicked off with opening remarks by CEO of the Music Commission Paul Pacifico and CEO of Sound Diplomacy Music Events and Education, Luke Jones.

Jones told Arab News: “The Music Cities awards is the world’s leading (platform), and I think recognition of people doing fantastic and important policy work in the development of Music City, strategies, night time economy, and everything else that is needed to make music, entertainment and culture work in an economically viable and sustainable way around the world.

“So in Riyadh, that’s exactly what we are trying to build. It’s a real privilege and a pleasure for us to host this important award ceremony as we build our city with these important tenets in mind.”

With over 300 applications from 19 countries across six continents, this year’s competition highlights the vital role that music plays in shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of cities.

To the nominees and applicants this year, he said: “Your innovative projects and unwavering commitment to using music for the greater good are an inspiration to us all.

“It enriches communities, fosters creativity, and reminds us of music’s profound ability to connect. We encourage all of you to continue applying for the awards. It’s not just a competition, it is a growing database of inspiration and celebration of what is possible when using becomes a tool for transformation.”

The selection process was led by a high level global jury of 10 experts who work at the forefront of music and city development, including Helen Glengarry, music industry lead of the City of Gold Coast, Australia; Khadija El-Bennaoui, head of performing arts at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi; Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, GRAMMY Award-winning engineer, producer, composer, and owner of Royal Studios; and Nada Alhelabi, the general manager of MDLBEAST Foundation in Saudi Arabia.

Brazil’s music scene had a successful night as it took home two awards. The city of Salvador, which was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music due to its rich Afro-Brazilian cultural influences, won Best Global Music City, while The Brazilian Symphony Orchestra Foundation took the category for best initiative to support music education and career development.

Australian entities also took home big wins. Queensland Music Festival was named the Best Music Tourism Initiative for its flagship Queensland Music Trails, while Music Victoria, a prominent organization known for its advocacy, research, and professional development within the music industry, won Best Organization Or Individual Supporting Music In The City.

Best Initiative to Support Diversity and Inclusion in Music went to the Miami Music Project, Inc., while Central Florida Community Arts won Best Initiative Using Music to Improve Health and Wellbeing.

The French Bye Bye Plastic Foundation, a women-led grassroots nonprofit focused on eliminating single-use plastics in the music industry, won Best Initiative Using Music to Support Environmental Sustainability; The Best Initiative Using Music for Economic, Social or Community Development went to the Viña del Mar International Song Festival; and Best Night-Time Economy Initiative was won by Bristol Nights, a partnership project initiated by Bristol City Council to support the city’s nightlife and those working from 6 pm to 6 a.m.

Located in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada, Main Stage Rehearsal Studios won the title for Best Use of Music in Real Estate or City Planning, while the Best Digital Innovation to Support Musicians or Music in Cities went to Opulous, which has developed products that transform how users engage with the music industry.

The award show started the two-day Music Cities Convention, held Dec. 9-10, including a number of panels and workshops dedicated to discussing what it takes to create a solid foundation for a thriving music industry.

The festivities were organized by Music Cities Events, which is part of sound diplomacy events and education.

“This event is a rare opportunity for policies to be put on stages, alongside events like Soundstorm festival and XP, to give policy its rightful focus as the underpinning of everything else that we need to happen to have creative careers and successful environments,” said Pacifico.


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

Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 
Updated 34 min 1 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.
 


Review: ‘Unstoppable’ is a predictable, feel-good outing

Review: ‘Unstoppable’ is a predictable, feel-good outing
Updated 18 January 2025
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Review: ‘Unstoppable’ is a predictable, feel-good outing

Review: ‘Unstoppable’ is a predictable, feel-good outing
  • Story of Anthony Robles, championship-winning wrestler born with one leg, makes for a satisfying biopic

LONDON: It is easy to forget that, sometimes, all you want from a movie is a healthy dose of good vibes — and few genres are better suited to that than the sports biopic.

The film “Unstoppable” tells the real-life story of Anthony Robles, an American wrestler who won the 125-pound (57 kg) US National college wrestling championship in 2011 despite being born with one leg.

Directed by William Goldenberg (a storied screenwriter and editor, making his directorial debut here), “Unstoppable” stars Jharrel Jerome (“Moonlight,” “When They See Us”) as Robles, with Jennifer Lopez as his mother Judy and Bobby Cannavale as his stepfather Rick.

‘Unstoppable’ is directed by William Goldenber. (Supplied)

Already a talented high-school wrestler, Robles misses out on his dream college scholarship, but opts instead to pay to attend Arizona State University and win a place on their feted wrestling team.

Despite dealing with Rick’s abusive behavior at home, Robles continues to win over his teammates. And, backed by his mom’s unending belief, and that of his high-school coach (played by Michael Pena), he proves himself not only worthy of his spot, but an athlete capable of performing on the national stage.

Here is the thing with sports movies (or the good ones, at least), you have to really lean into every single cliche and embrace all the heartstring-plucking tropes. Because, if you do — and if the film has a decent cast doing an earnest job — the payoff is worth it.

And so it is with “Unstoppable,” a movie that is as determined as its real-world protagonist. Sure, there are a few story beats that get teased and then dropped. Sure, the by-the-numbers buildup to the climactic showdown is beyond predictable.

But this movie has a stellar lead performance from Jerome (helped by absolutely seamless effects and stunt work, which sees Robles himself performing some of the wrestling sequences), and an immensely talented supporting cast.

Lopez, Cannavale and Pena are all great, but Don Cheadle also deserves his share of the plaudits for his turn as Robles’ college coach and mentor.

Is this the most sophisticated exploration of the world of collegiate wrestling? Nah. But is it a heartwarmingly decent movie that will make you feel good? Absolutely.


Courchevel Boulevard World brings skiing experience to Riyadh

Courchevel Boulevard World brings skiing experience to Riyadh
Updated 17 January 2025
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Courchevel Boulevard World brings skiing experience to Riyadh

Courchevel Boulevard World brings skiing experience to Riyadh
  • Ski zone provides the thrill of the slopes in the heart of the city
  • Around 200 people per day visit Riyadh’s new wintry attraction

RIYADH: A new attraction is thriving in Riyadh at the Courchevel zone at Boulevard World, where visitors can indulge in an authentic skiing adventure.

This unique attraction which opened in December brings the thrill of the slopes to the heart of the city, allowing both beginners and seasoned skiers to enjoy the winter sport under the guidance of professional trainers.

Children can revel in the joy of making figures from the fresh snow, adding an extra layer of fun to their experience. (AN photo by Loai Ali)

These skilled professionals want to do more than teach. “We are here to train and help everyone learn how to ski while enjoying the experience,” said Marwan Akiki, a ski instructor from Lebanon.

The focus at Courchevel is on creating a fun environment for the entire family. “Every day, we receive approximately 200 visitors of different ages, from 7 years old to adults,” Akiki explained.

I came with my children today, and we had a great time in the snow town, especially since they haven’t seen snow before.

Salman Al-Ghamdi, Visitor

The attraction also features an enchanting igloo area designed for both children and adults. This whimsical setting allows families to feel as though they have been transported to the snowy parts of Europe.

The attraction features an enchanting igloo area designed for both children and adults. (AN photo by Loai Ali)

Children can revel in the joy of making figures from the fresh snow, adding an extra layer of fun to their experience.

Salman Al-Ghamdi recently brought his children, Mohammed and Sara, to Courchevel, and their delight was palpable.

The focus at Courchevel in Riyadh is on creating a fun environment for the entire family to indulge in an authentic skiing adventure. (AN photo by Loai Ali)

“I came with my children today, and we had a great time in the snow town, especially since they haven’t seen snow before. You should come and visit; honestly, it’s magical,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.  

For many, Courchevel Boulevard World represents a first encounter with snow and skiing. “This is the first time in Riyadh where we found snow and a school to teach this experience,” Akiki noted.

Visitors can unwind at the on-site restaurants after a thrilling day of skiing. (AN photo by Loai Ali)

One of the standout features of Courchevel Boulevard World is the provision of comfortable, tailored clothing for all guests so that they can enjoy their time without worrying about the cold.

“We want to make it a seamless experience for our guests, so they can focus on having fun,” Akiki explained.

After a thrilling day of skiing, visitors can unwind at the on-site restaurants, which offer a range of dining options. These eateries provide a cozy atmosphere ideal for relaxing and sharing stories about the day’s adventures.

Additionally, there is a shop offering equipment and outfits for the snow from various global brands, ensuring guests have access to high-quality gear for their skiing needs.

There are plans to have various events and competitions to further enhance the community aspect of the attraction.

 


A celebration of Saudi Arabia’s artisanal heritage 

A celebration of Saudi Arabia’s artisanal heritage 
Updated 17 January 2025
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A celebration of Saudi Arabia’s artisanal heritage 

A celebration of Saudi Arabia’s artisanal heritage 
  • The Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 as The Year of Handicrafts. Here, Arab News highlights some of the Kingdom’s most significant traditional crafts 

Al-Khous 

While palm trees are famed for providing dates, which play such a significant role in traditional Khaleeji hospitality, the plants themselves are equally important in Arabic heritage. The tree trunks and leaves were commonly used to create temporary or permanent accommodation, and Al-Khous — the weaving of palm fronds — is one of the oldest regional handicrafts. Bedouins would use the technique to create baskets, bowls, mats, tablecloths, brooms, and bags to be carried by their camels. The palm leaves are dried out in the sun, then cut (to ensure all thorns are removed) and soaked before being dyed, if required, and then sewn together. It’s a painstaking process, that requires great attention to detail and a steady hand.  

Bisht  

This traditional long cloak, traditionally made from wool, was originally worn by Bedouins in winter, but is now an important part of the regional wardrobe for special occasions including weddings, graduations, and Eid. These days, most bishts are machine-made, and a high-quality, hand-tailored bisht is seen as something of a status symbol, having become the formal wear for politicians and other high-ranking individuals in the Gulf and beyond. 

Al-Ahsa, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is renowned for its bisht tailoring, and many of the products are known by the names of the families who have made them for generations, including the Al-Qattan, Al-Kharas, Al-Mahdi, and Al-Bagli. Each tailor has their own thread (zari) design. 

Speaking to Arab News a few years ago, one Al-Ahsa tailor, Abu Salem, said: “Black bishts with gold stitching are the most popular. In the early Nineties, new colors were introduced to the bisht market. Blue, grey and maroon are mostly worn by the younger generation. The older generation sticks to the traditional black, brown and cream.  

“Tailoring bishts is an art that requires accuracy and skill. The gold embroidery requires patience and takes many hours,” he continued. “Hand-making one of these bishts could take from 80 to 120 hours and four tailors, each with one specific task.” 

Sadu weaving 

This ancient tribal craft dates back centuries. Bedouin Sadu weavers would create tightly spun tent awnings, rugs and more in a variety of colored patterns for their tribes using dyed wool, hair or fur woven on a floor loom. These days, Sadu patterns are commonly seen on clothing and interior décor. Speaking to Arab News in 2021, Mohammed Khoja, founder of clothing brand Hindamme, said that Sadu and its range of patterns “reflects an element of storytelling because it says so much about the livelihoods of the early Arabs. It comes in many forms in various colors, so it’s incredibly inspiring. I knew that I wanted to reference it in my designs. I wanted to reflect its beauty in a more contemporary format.” 

Dr. Delayel Al-Qahtani, director of the studies and research department at Atharna, a social enterprise dedicated to Arabian culture and handicrafts, told Arab News: “Al-Sadu is a craft that requires innovative skills and a lot of effort, as the weaver has to work hard to transform the raw material into something new. It is an intricate craft that requires precise hand movements. The final product is always a beautiful design.”  

Henna tattooing 

The practice of applying henna — a reddish-brown dye made from dried, powdered leaves of the henna tree — to the body was recently added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, thanks in large part to the efforts of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission. Henna has been used to dye skin, hair and fingernails since for millennia, dating back at least to the time of the ancient Egyptians.  

A report from the Saudi Press Agency at the time henna was added to the UNESCO list stated: “Henna has great cultural significance in Saudi Arabia, with the art mastered by women and passed down through generations. It represents ‘joy and optimism’ and is a social tradition that strengthens community bonds.” 

Pottery 

Midianite pottery dating back more than 1,500 years has been discovered in northwestern Saudi Arabia, and it’s clear that pottery has a long and distinguished history in the Gulf in general. Cooking pots, cups and utensils are among the most common items crafted by traditional potters, and clay pots, especially, play a vital role in the region’s culinary heritage. As a recent Saudi Press Agency report stated: “The slow and even distribution of heat enhances the dishes cooked in (them), such as madhbi and mandi.” Local authorities in Jazan and other regions have been organizing workshops and courses to encourage the younger generation to keep this tradition alive. 

Sword and janbiya making 

The crafting of weaponry is another centuries-old skill that is being preserved in various areas of the Kingdom. The Najran region, in particular, is famed for producing some of the most stunning ornamental swords and janbiya (short, curved daggers). What were once necessities for desert tribesmen are now generally for decoration only, but the artistry required to produce them remains the same and is a source of great pride in the Kingdom and the wider Arabian Gulf. The daggers are generally “made from iron, with handles of animal horn, often adorned with silver or gold,” according to a recent SPA report. Carvings on the hilts and sheaths are often used to depict the owner’s tribal background. The finest examples can cost thousands of dollars. 


‘Dubai Bling’ season 3: A rollercoaster of drama, fashion and unfinished business 

‘Dubai Bling’ season 3: A rollercoaster of drama, fashion and unfinished business 
Updated 17 January 2025
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‘Dubai Bling’ season 3: A rollercoaster of drama, fashion and unfinished business 

‘Dubai Bling’ season 3: A rollercoaster of drama, fashion and unfinished business 

DUBAI: Here we go again. It’s season three of “Dubai Bling,” featuring jaw-dropping opulence from the extravagant lives of the rich and sort-of famous. And from the very first episode, the drama is ramped up with the kind of intriguing revelations that keep viewers hooked. 

The new season features returning cast members Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Mona Kattan, Ebraheem Al-Samadi, Safa and Fahad Siddiqui, Farhana Bodi, and Marwan Al-Awadhi (aka DJ Bliss) and his wife Danya Mohammed. Media personality Mahira Abdel Aziz and Iraqi singer and actress Jwana Karim are new faces, bringing fresh energy and conflict, particularly as the latter already has history with a couple of the regulars. 

One of this season’s standout moments is Safa’s quirky farewell party for her car. She also showcases her playful personality by bringing her daughters to her office and setting up a ball pit. Mother and daughters all wear coordinated outfits, complete with matching heels.  

Safa’s humor and charisma once again shine through, making her one of the most entertaining personalities on the show. 

This season also delves deeper into DJ Bliss and Mohammed’s journey to improve their marriage and wraps up a few long-running conflicts, including Khoury, Safa and Bodi’s ongoing tensions, and Adada and Karim’s years-long fight. Although it then leaves viewers hanging on a few other issues, so it’s safe to assume we’ll see a fourth season. 

Often, though, the show’s emotional arcs feel overly staged (even by reality TV’s standards). It’s not always clear that these people are really friends, rather than unconvincing actors playing friends. Al-Samadi’s hijacking of a pregnancy announcement, for example, seems wholly contrived in order to provoke a reaction. 

Visually, at least, the show remains stunning, showcasing high-end fashion, striking makeup, and sculpted hairstyles. Every frame is luxurious.  

Ultimately, “Dubai Bling” offers entertaining escapism. Fans will once again enjoy the glitzy aspirational glamor, but those seeking authenticity should look elsewhere.