Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra

Special Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at Ithra. (Supplied/Ahmed Al-Thani)
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Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at Ithra. (Supplied/Ahmed Al-Thani)
Special Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra
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Ambassador Morino Yasunari visits Ithra’s wagashi-making workshop (Japanese confectionary). (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani, Ithra)
Special Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra
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Ambassador Morino Yasunari pose for a group photo with Japanese professionals. (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani, Ithra)
Special Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra
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Ambassador Morino Yasunari visits the tea-making workshop at Ithra. (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani, Ithra)
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Updated 29 January 2025
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Japanese ambassador visits Japan Cultural Days at Ithra

Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at Ithra. (Supplied/Ahmed Al-Thani)
  • Yasunari tours exhibits, drops in on sushi-making workshop
  • Locals, expats and Japanese visitors try tea ceremonies and other activities

DHAHRAN: Japan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended a cultural event in Dhahran on Monday as the two countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Ambassador Morino Yasunari toured various Japan Cultural Days exhibits at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), where events run until Feb. 8. The envoy even dropped in on a sushi-making workshop where Arab News was in attendance.

Communal tables were set up and a professional sushi chef instructed the 20 participants on how to prepare three kinds of sushi, using select ingredients. The ticketed class allowed sushi-lovers to roll out their own sushi and then eat it.




It is the first time that Japanese culture is truly immersed at Ithra. (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani)

Those at the table joked that perhaps the ambassador popped in to see their work because he could not resist the delicious aromas coming out of the space.

One of those participants at the class was Danah Al-Harbi. The ambassador happened to visit her session, and she told Arab News that his visit showed his commitment to understanding the similarities between the two countries.

“It was honestly a completely new experience for us in the Eastern Province. It is the first time that Japanese culture is truly immersed at Ithra, and one of the most notable highlights of this event for me was the sushi-making experience.

Saudis that maybe did not go to Japan have a chance to taste the flavor of Japan. I hope to see you next time in Japan but today, you can come to Ithra.

Rieko Ono, Workshop facilitator

“I had to try it and it was truly exceptional. I love eating sushi, but I didn’t know how to make it until today,” Al-Harbi told Arab News. “Now, I can eat it after making it.”




Saudis making sushi at the Japan Cultural Days workshop. (Photo by Ahmed Al-Thani)

Yasunari also visited the Japanese House experience where visitors took part in a traditional tea ceremony, serving and drinking matcha while making wagashi, the delicate, plant-based traditional Japanese confectionary crafted by hand to complement the unsweetened tea.

“The most interesting part is that I find something similar and also something in common between the two countries, Japan and Saudi, I found that the Arabic coffee and tea culture is something very close to each other, and we use this too for friendship and harmony,” Rieko Ono, who flew over from Tokyo to lead some of the workshops, told Arab News.

“I came to Saudi Arabia a few years ago, that was also fun, so it’s my second time and I love this. I’m very happy that Saudi Arabia is open now and so welcoming — I admire this.

“Saudi people love Japanese culture and anime helped us a lot,” she said. “Saudi people that maybe did not go to Japan have a chance to taste the flavor of Japan. I hope to see you next time in Japan but today, you can come to Ithra.”

 


Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud

Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution. (@ppgovsa)
Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution. (@ppgovsa)
Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud

Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution. (@ppgovsa)
  • Accused committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products for sale online

RIYADH: A Saudi citizen has been sentenced to five years in prison for financial fraud that defrauded 41 victims, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

An investigation carried out by the Financial Fraud Prosecution revealed that the accused had committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products through online sales outlets, deceiving victims into believing that goods were for sale, and then immediately blocking them after they transferred the required amounts to his bank account.

The Public Prosecution affirmed its commitment to protecting society from all financial fraud crimes and anyone who attempts to seize the money of others through fraud.


Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth

Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth
Updated 19 min 13 sec ago
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Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth

Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth
  • Saudi Reef is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif
  • Goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global rose producer

RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif.

The program highlights its efforts to grow this vital sector in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, focusing on food security, rural development, and improved agricultural efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, emphasized that the program’s participation supports national efforts to empower rose and aromatic plant farmers and promote its initiatives in the field.

He noted that Saudi Reef is a strategic partner in driving sustainable agricultural transformation, particularly in regions like Taif, Jazan, and Asir, known for their rose and aromatic plant production.

Al-Buraikan added that the program supports more than 400 farmers and has achieved a 34 percent rise in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually.

The goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global rose producer, the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture launched an initiative at the forum, distributing 15,000 tissue-cultured seedlings to promote sustainability and boost production.

The forum featured sessions on “Challenges of Taif rose cultivation” and “The future and challenges of medical tourism in the Kingdom.”

Scientific lectures covered topics such as sustainable development in rose use, carbon neutrality in the aromatic journey of the Taif rose, livelihood development for farmers, and the role of AI in enhancing product quality.

Arruddaf Park in Taif opens daily at 4 p.m. for visitors to explore the exhibition and enjoy the rose displays. The forum runs until April 26.


Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience

Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience
Updated 15 April 2025
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Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience

Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience
  • Governor highlights leadership’s commitment to enhancing spiritual journeys through innovation, development

MADINAH: Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, attended the opening of the second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

In his speech, Prince Salman emphasized the special attention given by the Saudi leadership to Makkah and Madinah, highlighting the ongoing development and construction efforts that reflect their religious, cultural and historical significance.

The three-day event, themed “Enriching the Experience of Umrah Performers and Visitors,” is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to serving Islam by ensuring the comfort, safety and security of pilgrims.

He also discussed upgrades to the Prophet’s Mosque and nearby historic sites to deepen visitors’ spiritual connection and enhance their experience.

The forum, held at the King Salman International Convention Center until April 16, features more than 150 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.

Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors remains a top priority for the leadership, and pointed out that more than 122 million visitors performed Umrah during Ramadan with ease.

The forum features more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions led by 100 speakers, alongside the signing of numerous agreements between relevant service providers — all aimed at enriching the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors.

It aims to establish new standards for Umrah and visitor services through technological advances, digital transformation and sustainable sector investments.

An interactive exhibition displays innovative technical solutions and services, while workshops bring together decision-makers and experts to discuss development opportunities, present cutting-edge solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience and enhancing the sector’s overall efficiency.


Saudi center adopts advanced artery stent technique

KFSHRC has treated patients with below-the-knee peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion. (SPA)
KFSHRC has treated patients with below-the-knee peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion. (SPA)
Updated 58 min 51 sec ago
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Saudi center adopts advanced artery stent technique

KFSHRC has treated patients with below-the-knee peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion. (SPA)
  • Procedure involves inserting a bioresorbable stent through a catheter in the thigh, avoiding open surgery
  • It restores blood flow, relieves pain, speeds wound healing and significantly reduces amputation risk

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center has treated patients with below-the-knee peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion using a minimally invasive, next-generation technique.

The procedure involves inserting a bioresorbable stent through a catheter in the thigh, avoiding open surgery, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It restores blood flow, relieves pain, speeds wound healing and significantly reduces amputation risk.

The center is the first in the Kingdom — and the third worldwide outside the US — to adopt the advanced treatment method, the SPA added.

Implemented at the center in Riyadh and Jeddah, the technique uses a stent that dissolves naturally after restoring blood flow, eliminating the need for a permanent implant and reducing long-term complications.

The approach also improves circulation and shortens recovery time, helping patients regain mobility faster, according to the SPA.

The center plans to expand research and collaborate with global institutions to evaluate long-term outcomes, and advance treatment protocols for peripheral vascular disease.

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King Faisal Prize laureates honored at ceremony in Riyadh

King Faisal Prize laureates honored at ceremony in Riyadh
Updated 15 April 2025
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King Faisal Prize laureates honored at ceremony in Riyadh

King Faisal Prize laureates honored at ceremony in Riyadh
  • Awards, most prestigious in Muslim world, recognize outstanding achievements in science, medicine, Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, service to Islam

RIYADH: The King Faisal Prize ceremony, held on Monday night under the patronage of King Salman in Riyadh, honored six distinguished laureates whose contributions have significantly advanced their fields and enriched humanity.

Held under the auspices of King Salman, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar handed over the awards to laureates at the event’s 47th edition.

Several princes, senior government officials, academics and scientists attended the ceremony at Prince Sultan’s Grand Hall at the Al-Faisaliah Center.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, thanked the dignitaries for attending and congratulated the laureates.

Scholars and experts in service to Islam, Islamic studies, medicine, and science gathered in the Saudi capital to celebrate excellence, knowledge, and service.

This year’s Service to Islam Prize was awarded jointly to two laureates from Saudi Arabia. The Tebyan Qur’an Project by Liajlehum Association for Serving People with Disabilities was recognized for developing the world’s first complete Qur’anic interpretation in sign language, making the sacred text accessible to the deaf community and promoting inclusivity in Islamic education.

The second laureate, Sami Abdullah Almaqlouth, was honored for his outstanding efforts in mapping and preserving historic Islamic sites through his work at the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information. His documentation supports cultural preservation and public awareness of Islamic heritage.

The Islamic Studies Prize, awarded for archaeological studies in the Arabian Peninsula, was also shared between two scholars. Prof. Saad Abdulaziz Alrashid, a leading Saudi archaeologist, was recognized for his foundational contributions to the study of Islamic inscriptions and archaeological heritage. His work has laid the groundwork for a new generation of scholars and brought international attention to the region’s historic richness.

Prof. Said Faiz Alsaid, another prominent Saudi figure in the field, was honored for his comparative studies of Arabian epigraphy and his contributions to decoding the ancient civilizations of the peninsula, bridging pre-Islamic history with Islamic archaeology.

The Arabic Language and Literature Prize on the topic of studies of identity in Arabic literature was withheld this year as the works nominated did not meet the standards of the selection committee.

The Medicine Prize, awarded for cellular therapy, went to Prof. Michel Sadelain, director of the Center for Cell Engineering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

He was recognized for his pioneering work in CAR-T cell therapy, a breakthrough cancer treatment that involves genetically modifying immune cells to target and destroy tumors. His research has opened new possibilities in treating leukemia and other previously incurable diseases, marking a milestone in medical innovation.

The Science Prize, focusing on physics this year, was awarded to Prof. Sumio Iijima of Japan. Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery of these cylindrical nanostructures revolutionized the field of nanotechnology.

Carbon nanotubes are now used in cutting-edge applications across electronics, materials science, energy storage, and even biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.

The KFP was established in 1977, and was awarded for the first time in 1979 in three categories — service to Islam, Islamic studies, and Arabic language and literature. Two additional categories were introduced in 1981 — medicine and science. The first medicine prize was awarded in 1982, and in science two years later.

Since its inception in 1977 and its first awards in 1979, the KFP has recognized 301 laureates from 45 nationalities who have made outstanding contributions to Islam, knowledge, and humanity.

Each of the five prize categories is endowed with SR750,000 ($200,000), a 24-carat gold medal and a certificate signed by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal.