Fine arts take visitors to new heights at Saudi falcons exhibit
Updated 02 September 2022
Arab News
RIYADH: The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition brought together various schools of fine arts, showcasing realism, abstract art, caricatures and sculptures created by local and international artists.
Organized by the Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, the annual exhibition was opened on Aug. 25 and will continue until Sept. 3.
Artist Haila Al-Hamoud attracted attention with her artworks, where she uses a pyrography electric pen to burn masterpieces onto a wooden canvas.
Al-Hamoud said that the exhibition was a vital opportunity for Saudi artists to meet different people from around the world who were interested in their work.
She added that it was wonderful to integrate arts into major events with large turnouts, which contributes to raising the level of cultural awareness in the community, especially since the art section at the exhibition included various artistic disciplines.
Lebanese artist Rania Al-Atrash said that she was inspired by the desert environment, which was reflected in her artwork, noting that the wildlife in Saudi Arabia and the Arab Gulf states motivated her to explore its secrets and aesthetics, combining Arab authenticity and the purity of nature.
She stressed that the eye of the falcon often inspires artists because it shows strength, sharpness and pride, not to mention the falcon’s swift movements, all of which allow artists to create aesthetic, detailed paintings.
Al-Atrash expressed her admiration at how each section at the exhibition was carefully organized, noting that everything included was related to falconry, hunting and safaris in an attractive and engaging style.
Saudi Arabia welcomes Tajik, Kyrgyz and Uzbek tri-border treaty and 'eternal friendship' pledge
Deal formalized the point where the three Central Asian countries’ borders meet in the mountainous Fergana Valley
Borders in Central Asia were often drawn up under the Soviet Union and never properly demarcated
Updated 6 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday welcomed the border deal forged between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on the Fergana Valley, a long-disputed region that has ignited bloody clashes.
In a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom also congratulated the three Central Asian neighbors for signing a Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship, wishing them “continued stability and prosperity.”
Saudi Arabia has maintained deep ties with Central Asian countries, even hosting the GCC Central Asian Investment Forum 2024 in May last year.
The border deal signed on Monday by presidents Emomali Rakhmon of Tajikistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Sadyr Japarov Kyrgyzstan, formalized the point where their countries’ borders meet in the mountainous valley.
The densely populated region has been the scene of numerous conflicts — mainly for control of water that is running out in a region badly hit by climate change.
A map of the Fergana Valley. (Wikimedia Commons: Uwe Dedering)
The three leaders met several days before an EU-Central Asia summit in Uzbekistan. Relations between the former Soviet republics, long strained by rivalries, have warmed recently.
Borders in Central Asia were often drawn up under the Soviet Union and never properly demarcated.
But in recent years, Central Asian countries have announced border agreements to regulate the sharing of water, facilitate trade and ensure the stability of this resource-rich region.
In the Tajik city of Khujand, the three presidents also called in similar statements for “reinforcing the cooperation between brotherly nations” — including in energy and transport.
The Tajik and Kyrgyz leaders also inaugurated a section of a joint high-voltage line to supply Pakistan and Afghanistan with energy produced by Central Asian hydroelectric power stations.
The summit follows the signing of border treaties in mid-March between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in 2023.
Trump to visit Saudi Arabia in May, White House confirms
Trip to Kingdom will be first foreign trip of president’s second term
Updated 01 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: US President Donald Trump is to visit Saudi Arabia in May, the White House confirmed on Tuesday.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The president will be heading to Saudi Arabia in May. As for specific dates and details, we will be reading those out to you as soon as we possibly can.”
The trip to the Kingdom will be the first foreign trip of Trump’s second term as president.
Regarding a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Leavitt said that Trump “has made it clear that’s what he wants to see” and “his team remains engaged on it every day.”
Saudi Arabia has hosted talks involving the US and Russia, and the US and Ukraine as Trump facilitates moves toward a ceasefire.
Saudi leadership offers condolences to ruler of Umm Al-Quwain after death of his mother
Updated 01 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The leaders of Saudi Arabia offered their condolences to Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al-Mualla, the ruler of the emirate of Umm Al-Quwain in the UAE, following the death on Monday of his mother, Sheikha Hessa bint Hamid Al-Shamsi.
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their heartfelt sympathies along with their prayers that God will grant eternal rest to Sheikha Hessa, as well as solace and strength for her family and loved ones during this time of sorrow.
Authorities in Umm Al-Quwain have declared three days of mourning in her honor.
Madinah Retreats: Culture, spirituality to power up the soul
Paradigm shift blends wellness practices, cultural expeditions, spiritual experiences
Updated 01 April 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: In the sacred embrace of Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest sites, a new culture-oriented wellness experience is offering a journey that integrates spirituality, culture, and heritage.
The inspiration behind Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar’s experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Recognizing key gaps in traditional retreat models and leveraging Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision, he envisioned a paradigm shift that blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey.
Rehbah, where the first wellness retreat in Madina was held earlier in 2024. (Supplied)
With a background as a corporate culture change and people engagement manager, Al-Bitar has curated over 50 retreats across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the US, serving more than 400 participants.
His academic training spans diverse fields, including organizational behavior, Islamic spirituality, and intercultural studies.
Officially launched in 2024 after five years in the making, the initiative held its second retreat, under the theme “The Arrival,” earlier this year in Madinah.
FASTFACTS
• Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar’s experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
• It blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey.
Al-Bitar told Arab News: “Every retreat we design starts with clear intentions and objectives, supplemented by a story and a theme that aligns with a particular destination.”
The retreats feature a collective of facilitators who work together toward a unified intention, ensuring a balanced and immersive experience.
“One of our main goals is to promote different destinations in Saudi Arabia that are perfectly ideal for wellness-centric experiences, in addition to its unmatched culturally enriching character,” Al-Bitar said.
“We seek to partner with pertinent governmental initiatives and entities that fulfill the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for wellness tourism and exceptional experiences.”
Al-Bitar explained that each retreat is meticulously structured around three core pillars: spirituality (meditative practices and inner reflection); culture (heritage site visits, traditional storytelling, and local experiences); and wellness (movement–based practices, mindfulness exercises, and healing foods).
By integrating these elements into daily programs, Madinah Retreats offers a journey tailored to the needs of participants and is a “philosophy of being rooted, real, and rich.”
The retreats target individuals and groups seeking genuine transformation in their well-being, spiritual connection, and cultural enrichment. They provide a safe and accepting space where participants are respected on their unique paths to healing.
Madinah, which is the spiritual capital of Islam, is popularly known as the Illuminated City. It offers an atmosphere of peace and rejuvenation, and its diverse topography and climate make it ideal for nature-based healing.
“Madinah is widely recognized as a destination where the heart feels at peace, the body feels rejuvenated, the mind feels clarity and the soul feels enriched,” said Al-Bitar. “The city’s rapid development and recognition as a top global tourism destination further enhance its appeal.”
The Madinah Retreats experience is usually hosted in a traditional farm resort surrounded by nature. Participants visit cultural and historic sites, explore the city’s vibrant social scene, and experience local cuisine, contemporary art, and community traditions.
“During the retreat we offer meditation, breathwork, self-reflection, yoga, tai chi, and other somatic therapies, creative expression as a healing tool, as well as locally sourced, nourishing meals,” Al-Bitar added.
The somatic practices guided by expert facilitators enhance body awareness and overall well-being.
Al-Bitar said: “Connecting with nature and animals has proven therapeutic benefits. Madinah Retreats incorporates nature-based and equine therapy to help participants reconnect with their original disposition, providing an irreplaceable form of healing.”
Cultural storytelling is also an essential component, allowing participants to explore the hidden wisdom of each landmark and understand local traditions and historic practices.
No prior experience in meditation or wellness practices is required, making the retreats accessible to all.
Honoring his Egyptian roots, Al-Bitar is expanding the retreats to Siwa, Egypt.
Siwa Oasis, nestled within a breathtaking desert landscape, is characterized by vast dunes, striking limestone outcrops, and distinctive geomorphological features that enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
“The expansion to Siwa, Egypt, was inspired by the oasis’ 160-year-old tradition of reconciliation — Eid El-Solh, a celebration of harmony,” Al-Bitar said.
“Siwa’s natural healing elements, such as salt lakes, hot springs, and lush landscapes, mirror many of Madinah’s restorative qualities.”
Al-Bitar said that Madinah Retreats will also explore the Kingdom’s hidden gems by hosting retreats in Abha, Aseer, Al-Ahsa, and other locations rich in healing nature and cultural heritage.
Retreat prices range from SR5,000 ($1,333) to SR10,000, depending on the location, program, facilitators, transportation, and accommodation.
Madinah Retreats follows a collaborative model, partnering with local service providers, facilitators, and experts to provide an experience that remains true to the cultural essence of each destination.
Al-Bitar said: “Our content caters to people from different backgrounds, both English and Arabic speakers. Our agenda is characterized by being spacious and offers ample time for self-guided practices. Our way of delivery is strictly non-intrusive.”
Participants leave Madinah Retreats feeling “transformed, enriched, and connected to their most authentic selves.”
Al-Bitar said that the experience embodied the profound wisdom: “You presume you are a small entity, but within you is enfolded the entire universe.”
Madinah Retreats also provides a customized retreat model that caters to corporations and teams, as well as add-on visits such as expeditions in AlUla.
Albanian prime minister receives MWL chief in Tirana
Rama expressed his appreciation for Al-Issa’s visit to Albania and for delivering the blessed Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Grand Mosque of Tirana
Updated 01 April 2025
Arab News
TIRANA: Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa was recently received by Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama at his office in the capital city of Tirana.
Rama expressed his appreciation for Al-Issa’s visit to Albania and for delivering the blessed Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Grand Mosque of Tirana, the league’s official account wrote in a post on X on Tuesday.
During his visit to Albania, Al-Issa also visited the Islamic Community of Albania and met with its president and scholars to extend his congratulations on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.
