Kalimat’s journey continues with writing workshop in Alkhobar

The Kalimat workshop invited participants to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories. (Supplied)
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The Kalimat workshop invited participants to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories. (Supplied)
Kalimat’s journey continues with writing workshop in Alkhobar
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The Kalimat workshop invited participants to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories. (Supplied)
Kalimat’s journey continues with writing workshop in Alkhobar
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The Kalimat workshop invited participants to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories. (Supplied)
Kalimat’s journey continues with writing workshop in Alkhobar
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The Kalimat workshop invited participants to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories. (Supplied)
Kalimat’s journey continues with writing workshop in Alkhobar
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The Kalimat workshop invited participants to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 February 2025
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Kalimat’s journey continues with writing workshop in Alkhobar

Kalimat’s journey continues with writing workshop in Alkhobar
  • ‘We’re remaking the new narrative of Saudi Arabia,’ says co-founder Haifa Al-Owain

ALKHOBAR: A decade after Kalimat House first began its journey in the heart of Alkhobar, the initiative has returned with a writing workshop to capture the evolving essence of the city and its people.

“We’re remaking the new narrative of Saudi Arabia,” Haifa Al-Owain, co-founder of Kalimat House, told Arab News.

Founded in 2014 by cultural visionaries Anfal Al-Hammad and Al-Owain, Kalimat House was born with a mission to foster literature, arts and social impact.




Haifa Al-Owain, Kalimat House co-founder. (Supplied)

Initially centered on creating a safe space for women to engage in storytelling and creative expression, Kalimat has evolved over the years, expanding its reach to embrace all genders and a broader community, while retaining its commitment to promoting intellectual exchange and fostering creativity.

The Alkhobar workshop marked a symbolic return to where it all began for Kalimat — which has since evolved toward Riyadh and online — by providing an opportunity to reflect on the past while looking toward the future.

FASTFACT

Founded in 2014 by cultural visionaries Anfal Al-Hammad and Haifa Al-Owain, Kalimat House was born with a mission to foster literature, arts and social impact.

Hosted at the new permanent Tanafs Cultural Experiences’ space in northern Alkhobar, the ticketed workshop invited participants, some of whom were visiting from other cities, to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories.




The Kalimat workshop invited participants to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories. (Supplied)

Through a unique blend of creative exercises and prompts led by Al-Owain, participants were encouraged to reflect on how their personal stories were woven into the fabric of the city.

Participants shared images of Alkhobar, including the corniche and spaces like hospital rooms, taken with both old film cameras and modern smartphones. All photos were printed to provide a tangible memory connected to Alkhobar.

Red notebooks were provided for participants to write on, but a few opted to write on their laptops or phones.




The experience of writing in front of mostly unfamiliar faces was an opportunity to reconnect with the city and the people who live in it. (Supplied)

People were encouraged to read aloud their snippets to be discussed among the group.

For many, these images and the writings they inspired were more than just pictures; they were windows into the past, evoking nostalgia for familiar streets, once-bustling markets.

The ever-present Alkhobar cats and the corniche made cameos in nearly every narrative.

Even if it’s the same city, we see it in different ways.

Haifa Al-Owain, Kalimat House co-founder

“Even if it’s the same city, we see it in different ways,” Al-Owain said.

For some, the workshop was a way to reestablish a connection with a city that, depending on who you ask, had either changed too much or not enough over the years.




Co-founders of ‘Kalimat’ Haifa AlOwain, Anfal AlHammad along with the host of the writing workshop space Khaled Almsaad, Founder of Tanafs Cultural Experiences. (Supplied)

“The Dammam I was born in is not the Dammam I live in right now,” Al-Owain said.

Dammam, a vital port located in the Eastern Province, is a prime example of urbanization, with new developments reshaping its skyline and identity.

Now mostly residing in Riyadh where she grew up, Al-Owain sees the change that has shifted over time in each city as personal to each of us.




All photos were printed to provide a tangible memory connected to Alkhobar. (Supplied)

She said: “I think it’s funny how some people found it to be a relief for a city to be the same and others found that to be disappointing. So it just depends on their ideas.”

The tension between progress and preservation became a central topic during the discussions. Participants pondered what aspects of their cities they felt should remain the same and what should evolve with time — a conversation that spoke to the larger cultural shifts happening across Saudi Arabia.

One of the workshop’s most poignant moments came through the reflections of Hussah Al-Yahya, a past participant who returned to Alkhobar four months ago after three years in London.




The Kalimat workshop invited participants to explore their relationship with the city of Alkhobar, using writing and photography to uncover personal histories and collective memories. (Supplied)

“I was born and raised in Alkhobar; this is my hometown,” she told Arab News. “I attended some Kalimat workshops in the past. My experience today was different from the earlier workshops that I attended. It’s different because I’m a different person.”

The workshop for Al-Yahya was not just a chance to reflect on the city; it was a journey of self-discovery and reconnection with a place that held memories of both joy and struggle.

“I have so many experiences in the city, good and bad,” she said. “But for the most part I do remember or I am grateful that even my bad experiences were amongst people and a place that is like this. I was lucky that my family had built a community here that was very loving and supporting and kind.”

For Al-Yahya, the workshop held another particular significance. “Today’s workshop was the first time that I shared something I wrote. And it was the first time that I wrote with intention,” she explained.

Writing in a room full of mostly unfamiliar faces became a way to reconnect with both the city and the people who share it.

Kalimat House’s evolution over the years also mirrors the changes in Saudi society.

“We started Kalimat 10 years ago, and now we’ve transformed into a company that deals with both business-to-customer and business-to-business experiences,” said Al-Hammad.

Al-Hammad stressed that, from the very beginning, the goal was to create a platform that welcomed people, regardless of their language or background.

“We didn’t want to feel like we were excluding a community or someone because they didn’t speak the language,” she explained. Kalimat’s bilingual approach (Arabic and English) has played a vital role in fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

Khaled Almsaad, founder of Tanafs Cultural Experiences, a community-centered initiative, was present during the workshop, offering invaluable insights and showcasing updated old maps on the big screen. His street photography was hung all over the space, offering more visual guidance to the participants.

Al-Hammad said that the goal of the workshops was to create spaces for creative exploration and human connection.

“We don’t want to do any academic or systematic workshops because people are more chilled and relaxed these days,” she said, adding that the workshops had become a vital part of the cultural scene in which participants could engage in art, literature and storytelling in an informal and inclusive setting.

For Kalimat, it is not just about the writing but fostering connections and providing a space for individuals to explore their identities and narratives.

“There won’t be a Kalimat activity without networking or socializing because they go together,” said Al-Hammad.

“Honestly, this is what has helped Kalimat survive all these years.”

 


Meet your sole mate at Sneaker Con in Riyadh

Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
Updated 9 sec ago
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Meet your sole mate at Sneaker Con in Riyadh

Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
  • Visitors can buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition sneakers

RIYADH: Sneaker Con in Riyadh has opened its doors to enthusiasts and collectors, offering a platform to buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition items as part of Riyadh Season.

Billed as “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth,” Sneaker Con is one of the world’s largest sneaker conventions, which has previously been held in cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its Riyadh edition — the first in Saudi Arabia — runs until Feb. 19 at ANB Arena.

A pair of signed sneakers by basketball player Michael Jordan, featured at Sneaker Con Riyadh. (AN photo by Hajar AlQusayer)

The event provides visitors with the opportunity to engage with industry experts and meet influencers in the sneaker community.

One visitor, Fares Indejani, highlighted the growing sneaker culture in Riyadh, pointing out that sneakers have become an integral part of personal style and expression. He told Arab News about the impact of the event on the local sneaker community.

These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space. But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.

Fares Indejani, Sneaker enthusiast

“These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space,” he said. “But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.

Visitors engaging with various shops and exploring exclusive sneakers at Sneaker Con Riyadh. (Supplied)

“You get an idea of what direction we’re heading toward, and that’s valuable knowledge for investors and business owners,” he added. “Really knowing what kind of communities are popping up, seeing how loud and real they are, and recognizing that they exist, have a voice, and are moving, is crucial.”

Abdulmohsen Al-Ahmari, another visitor, said the event provides an opportunity to see sneakers that are not typically available.

“Making connections at Sneaker Con and getting to know people helps me later,” he said.

Chase Young, a sneaker trader and founder of Culture Kicks, said: “There are people with crazy pairs of shoes and a lot of different collectors’ items here, and very high-end shoes, so (the market) is definitely big here.”

Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.

 


Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days draws more than 200k visitors to Dhahran

Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days draws more than 200k visitors to Dhahran
Updated 40 sec ago
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Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days draws more than 200k visitors to Dhahran

Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days draws more than 200k visitors to Dhahran
  • Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days featured many other activities, ensuring that visitors could engage with Japan’s cultural heritage through a variety of creative, educational and interactive experiencesIthra’s Japan Cultural Days featured many other activities

DHAHRAN: Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days concluded on Saturday after a dynamic 17-day run, offering visitors a deep and immersive experience into Japanese arts, traditions and contemporary culture.

The event, which began on Jan. 23, attracted more than 200,000 visitors in its first 10 days.

A variety of activities were offered for children and adults, ensuring everyone's enjoyment. (Supplied)

Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Morino Yasunari toured the exhibitions, engaged with artists and cultural representatives, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.

His visit underscored the significance of the festival in fostering dialogue and mutual appreciation.

A wide variety of music was featured at the festival, from meditative shakuhachi to high-energy drums. (Supplied)

The program featured a wide range of activities for both children and adults, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. Families took part in hands-on craft workshops, traditional calligraphy, origami and manga drawing sessions, while younger visitors enjoyed storytelling sessions featuring Japanese folktales and legends.

One of the most anticipated performances came from Drum Tao, the globally renowned Japanese drumming ensemble known for its powerful stage presence and theatrical performances.

A variety of activities were offered for children and adults, ensuring everyone's enjoyment. (Supplied)

The group combined traditional taiko drumming with modern choreography and lighting effects, delivering a high-energy spectacle that captivated audiences.

A metaverse experience in Ithra’s plaza allowed visitors to explore virtual Japanese markets and cultural celebrations.

A wide variety of music was featured at the festival, from meditative shakuhachi to high-energy drums. (Supplied)

The festival also explored Japanese storytelling through literature and anime. Several sessions on Japanese literature highlighted its unique introspective nature, referencing authors like Haruki Murakami.

Music played a central role in the festival, with performances ranging from the meditative tones of the shakuhachi flute to high-energy drum ensembles. Visitors also explored Japanese culinary traditions, gaining insights into the precision and artistry behind dishes such as sushi and wagashi.

A variety of activities were offered for children and adults, ensuring everyone's enjoyment. (Supplied)

One of the most celebrated workshops covered kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Attendees were invited to transform shattered ceramics into decorative pieces, embracing the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection.

Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days featured many other activities, ensuring that visitors could engage with Japan’s cultural heritage through a variety of creative, educational and interactive experiences.

 


Tourism Ministry launches second executive master’s program to develop Saudi tourism leadership

Tourism Ministry launches second executive master’s program to develop Saudi tourism leadership
Updated 13 min 35 sec ago
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Tourism Ministry launches second executive master’s program to develop Saudi tourism leadership

Tourism Ministry launches second executive master’s program to develop Saudi tourism leadership
  • Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that, through the executive master’s program, the ministry works to provide key opportunities for Saudi tourism professionals to receive advanced education and training

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a second executive master’s program, offering four educational packages and teaming up with three prestigious European hospitality institutions — Les Roches in Spain and EHL and Glion in Switzerland, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program aims to train 300 Saudi professionals in international tourism and hospitality management, advancing expertise in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Under the ministry’s “Ahluha” initiative, which has already trained more than 100,000 Saudi citizens, domestically and internationally, in 2024. The program focuses on equipping participants with modern management techniques and high-quality resource management skills for the tourism industry.

Candidates must meet rigorous eligibility criteria, including an honors bachelor’s degree in tourism-related fields, minimum five years of professional experience, proven English language proficiency, willingness to travel for training requirements, and successful completion of a personal interview.

According to SPA, the program builds on the success of its first edition, in which 198 graduates completed managerial training at leading Spanish and Swiss institutions.

Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that, through the executive master’s program, the ministry works to provide key opportunities for Saudi tourism professionals to receive advanced education and training.

He said the program represents a strategic investment in developing Saudi tourism leadership.

“This initiative is crucial for preparing the next generation of Saudi leaders who will drive our growing tourism sector,” he said.

“We are focused on enhancing our national workforce’s capabilities, expanding their horizons and exposing them to global best practices in tourism management,” he added.

 


Diriyah literary festival inspires children

In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals. (SPA)
In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals. (SPA)
Updated 14 min 13 sec ago
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Diriyah literary festival inspires children

In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals. (SPA)
  • Children had the opportunity to show their artistic skills in the Story and Drawing Corner in which the little ones transformed stories into paintings that reflected their creative visions

RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival, which concluded on Feb. 8, aimed to encourage a love of reading and storytelling in young children.

As part of a series of events in Diriyah Season boasting the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” the festival transformed Diriyah into a magical world for children, one in which they moved between pavilions.

Photo/Saudi Press Agency

In the Story Village, young visitors listened to inspiring tales told by professionals.

Shadow Shows, meanwhile, transported children to realms inspired by the book “Kalila and Dimna,” offering a unique visual experience that blended art with literature.

Photo/Saudi Press Agency

Children also had the opportunity to show their artistic skills in the Story and Drawing Corner in which the little ones transformed stories into paintings that reflected their creative visions.

The interactive performances were no less captivating, presenting historic tales inspired by Diriyah’s rich heritage in a theatrical, interactive format that encouraged children to actively engage. This added a rich educational and cultural dimension to their experience.

The initiative was organized to strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a hub for arts and literature on the world stage.

 


Sri Lankan envoy celebrates diplomacy, independence

Sri Lankan envoy celebrates diplomacy, independence
Updated 14 min 26 sec ago
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Sri Lankan envoy celebrates diplomacy, independence

Sri Lankan envoy celebrates diplomacy, independence
  • The envoy highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka

RIYADH: Sri Lanka’s ambassador in Riyadh, Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, gave a speech on the 77th anniversary of Sri Lankan independence and 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Sri Lanka on Feb.5 at the Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarters in Riyadh on Feb.5.

“I take this opportunity to extend my sincere greetings to all the Sri Lankan nationals living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day of Sri Lanka,” he said.

The envoy’s speech focused on Sri Lanka’s politics, tourism and economy.

He also highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.

“Although the modern diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia were established 50 years ago, the ancient diplomatic relations between the two countries, in fact, began in the 7th century A.D., when the then King of Sri Lanka, called Aggabodhi III (623-640 AD) dispatched his ambassador from Sri Lanka to Madina Al-Munawwarah on a factfinding mission at the time of Prophet Muhammad to learn about the new religion of Islam. This incident is reported in the Ajaib-Al-Hind by Ibn Shahriyar,” he said.