French-Iraqi artist’s calligraphic showcase enchants Riyadh

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French-Iraqi artist Hassan Massoudy. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 March 2024
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French-Iraqi artist’s calligraphic showcase enchants Riyadh

  • Hassan Massoudy’s Calligraphies de Lumiere is a fusion of east and west

RIYADH: A captivating calligraphy exhibition by renowned French-Iraqi artist Hassan Massoudy is being hosted by the Hewar Art Gallery in Riyadh.

“Calligraphies de Lumiere” displays Massoudy’s unique fusion of cultures and expression on both canvas and paper.

The 80-year-old artist, whose journey from the streets of Baghdad to the studios of Paris has woven a tapestry of inspiration, told Arab News: “When I was a child, I loved to draw. On the other hand, my mother often took me to (visit) my theologian and calligrapher uncle. I watched him trace the letters with slowness and diligence.”

Driven by a dream to pursue art, Massoudy embarked on a transformative journey to France in 1969. Training at the School of Fine Arts in Paris, he immersed himself in the techniques of painting, drawing, mosaic, fresco, art history and figurative painting.

He said: “At the same time, to pay for my studies, I worked as a calligrapher as well as at an Algerian magazine. Little by little, I began to introduce letters into the colorful characters that I painted.”

He added: “During 1975 to 1980, I integrated more and more calligraphy, until the figurative painting totally disappeared, being replaced only by letters, first compositions then the key word of the sentence expanded to become the main ‘character’.”

Massoudy was influenced by painters like Matisse, Picasso and Soulage but, he said, “another civilization also brought me a lot, the Far East with Chinese and Japanese calligraphies. It allowed me to free up space, to make free and wide gestures, by enlarging my words to the size of the sheet of paper or the canvas.”

This added to the foundations of his original culture and Massoudy’s calligraphic compositions transcended linguistic boundaries, embodying a timeless essence of humanism and poetry.

The message his creations convey is very important to him. He said: “These texts come from both Eastern and Western cultures, as well as from the past and the present. By these poetic or humanist sentences, we realize that men can join altogether with their ideas and their sensitivity.”

Each canvas in the exhibition is an imprint of Massoudy’s soul, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of introspection and enlightenment.

He said: “The canvas whose calligraphic phrase is from the Indian poet Kabir, ‘O friend, don’t go to the flower garden, the flower garden is within you,’ has a composition similar to a large seed encompassing an interior garden, the promise of rebirth. As for Ta Kuan’s quote, ‘this day will never be repeated again, each moment is a priceless jewel,’ it reassures me and makes me aware of the beauty of life. Ibn Qalakis urges us to evolve and not remain in a static state, ‘travel if you like for certain value. By traveling the skies, the crescent becomes a full moon’.”

He added that visitors to the exhibition would “come into contact with the colors of the canvas, the geometry hidden behind the shape of the words, and the meaning of the text.”

During his apprenticeship with various calligraphers in Baghdad he learnt their favorite styles or little tricks specific to each one when creating a particular letter. In learning fine arts, he said he was privileged to have rubbed shoulders with both calligraphy and painting.

He said: “I have tried to merge them, to mix Baghdad with Paris or vice versa. This has given new impetus to my calligraphy. I have knowledge of classic styles of Arabic calligraphy with its strict codes, but what I learned at the School of Fine Arts of Paris I tried to apply to the letters, giving them all their freedom and not imprisoning them in rules.”

Wandering through the exhibition, one quickly becomes conversant with the rhythm of Massoudy’s brushstrokes, each one bearing emotion and grace. He says dance has influenced him a great deal.

“I had the pleasure of working live at shows with dancers, especially with Carolyn Carlson,” he said. “When I worked in collaboration with dancers, I had the impression of being the choreographer of my letters. This brought a lot to free my gesture, lengthen it, bend it, raise it, then make it dance on the sheet with energy.”

One of the key visitors to the exhibition has been Ludovic Pouille, the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

He told Arab News: “The minute I heard that French-Iraqi artist Hassan Massoudy was displaying his work at the Hewar Gallery, I knew I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The ‘Calligraphies de Lumiere’ is truly an ode to Arabic poetry and colors. Not to mention that I am a huge fan of art in general. Art is a universal language that brings cultures and people together and opens our minds to differences and new perspectives.”

Pouille says the exhibition serves as a catalyst for cultural exchange and understanding between France and Saudi Arabia, inviting visitors from both nations to explore and connect with unfamiliar cultural landscapes, fostering mutual respect and curiosity.

He said: “Saudis have been exposed to French art for a long time and they certainly express their appreciation and love of my country and its culture. Today, with the great transformation Saudi Arabia is witnessing, the French are eager to discover it themselves. That is what we have seen with the increasing number of French tourists.”

The French Embassy in Riyadh actively engages with local communities to promote cross-cultural dialogue. Initiatives include the ongoing Month of the Francophonie, where collaborative events across Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar and AlUla with Francophone embassies, schools, associations and Saudi partners are taking place.

Pouille told Arab News: “The superb exhibition at L’Art Pur Gallery ‘Woven Portraits,’ by French-Swiss artist Catherine Gfeller and Saudi artist Daniah Al-Saleh, is a great example of artistic cooperation. It is an exhibition dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience and creativity of women in Riyadh, set against the backdrop of the city’s dynamic social and cultural landscape.”

He added: “The French Embassy intends to present an exhibition of digital art by French artists Jeanne Morel and Paul Marlier in April at the Hayy Jameel Cultural Center. We also plan to strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries by organizing a new artistic residency next autumn. I believe these programs are a great way for artists to create a long-term bond.”

Future initiatives will also promote artistic collaboration and cultural exchange between France and the Kingdom.

The ambassador said: “Our plans are continuous. The first official visit of the Minister of Culture Rachida Dati to Saudi Arabia (in March), at the invitation of her counterpart Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, is tangible proof of the constant French-Saudi cooperation at high levels.”

‘Calligraphies de Lumiere’ runs until April 18.


Saudi minister inspects Hajj readiness in Jeddah

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser reviewed the transport and logistics sector’s readiness for the Hajj
Updated 28 sec ago
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Saudi minister inspects Hajj readiness in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser reviewed the transport and logistics sector’s readiness for the Hajj season in Jeddah, following earlier inspections in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he inspected the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex and Saudia airline operations, assessing preparations to handle more than 7,000 pilgrim flights and ensure smooth passenger flow.

He also visited the complex’s media center, which supports local and international press coverage by providing a coordinated workspace with essential resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Al-Jasser evaluated the center’s technical and staffing readiness and emphasized full media preparedness for the event.

He then toured Jeddah Islamic Port to inspect Saudi Ports Authority operations supporting pilgrims arriving by sea, the SPA reported.

He reviewed arrival and departure halls equipped with 100 passport counters, 300 luggage carts, a health center offering vaccinations and medical services, and specialized equipment for the elderly and those with medical needs.


Airbnb sued by parents of murdered Saudi student

Updated 7 min 43 sec ago
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Airbnb sued by parents of murdered Saudi student

  • Al-Waleed Al-Gheraibi was stabbed to death in 2023 by a fellow tenant at Philadelphia property
  • Parents accuse booking platform of failing to properly screen killer

LONDON: The parents of a Saudi student stabbed to death at an Airbnb property in the US are suing the rental company over allegations it failed to properly screen his killer.

Al-Waleed Al-Gheraibi, 25, was killed in Pennsylvania in January 2023 by fellow guest Nicole Marie Rodgers, aged 19 at the time of the crime, reported The Independent.

She pleaded guilty in December to third-degree murder, burglary, theft and a weapons charge, and is now serving a prison sentence of 15 to 40 years at SCI Muncy in Pennsylvania.

Al-Gheraibi, describe as a “sweet and lovely young man” was studying computer science at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia and was renting a room in the city’s Germantown neighborhood for six months.

The room was part of a five-bed investment property operated by Gardith Edouard, a Cornell graduate. At the time she lived down the street and looked after the building for its tenants, many of whom were students.

Edouard screened Al-Gheraibi thoroughly before accepting his tenancy agreement. Vetting involved a phone interview, background check, educational status report, passport copies and emergency contact details.

Al-Gheraibi was a “model tenant” who “paid his rent on time and was pleasant to be around,” the suit filed by the deceased’s parents, Abdullah and Eiman, said.

In December 2022, Al-Gheraibi told Edouard he was extending his stay after requiring an additional course to graduate from college. He was said to be disappointed, the lawsuit said, because he had been excited to return to his family and fiancee in Saudi Arabia.

During that period, Rodgers, a resident of Georgia, applied for a short-term booking at Edouard’s home through Airbnb. The 19-year-old’s profile on the platform was marked “identity verified.”

Edouard, however, was reluctant to rent a room to someone of Rodgers’ age after a previous tenant aged 18 had caused extensive damage to the property.

In response to Rodgers’ booking request, the Airbnb host contacted the platform and said she did not want to rent to anyone younger than 21, the suit said.

But Airbnb told Edouard she could be flagged for discrimination and removed from the platform if she refused tenants based on their age.

As a result, the host agreed to rent a room to Rodgers from Jan. 5-23 in 2023.

On the final day of her stay, Rodgers encountered Al-Gheraibi in the building’s hallway and “induced him to enter her room.”

Subsequent news reports have suggested Rodgers requested the Saudi student’s help to move heavy furniture.

After Al-Gheraibi entered the room, Rodgers stabbed him “multiple times,” piercing his neck and puncturing his lungs, the lawsuit said.

“He was stabbed multiple times in the neck and lungs, was dragged into a shower, and was left to die alone,” it added.

Edouard was alerted after another tenant complained of strange noises in the property. She described the scene upon entering the room as “the most horrific sight” and said the walls were covered in blood.

“My whole body just shook,” Edouard told The Independent. “I tried to resuscitate him, but by the time 911 got there, I knew he was dead … I’m still not well, it’s just been horrible.” 

Rodgers had tried to use bleach to cover up the killing, causing an “overpowering” smell, Edouard said.

Al-Gheraibi was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rodgers fled the property and logged back into Airbnb to change her name to “Nicole Jenkins.” The motive for the killing remains “unclear,” said the attorney representing Al-Gheraibi’s parents.

Philadelphia police arrested Rodgers a week later.

The lawsuit filed by Al-Gheraibi’s parents said the Saudi student suffered an “obviously painful and terrifying” death. It accused Airbnb of negligence “in numerous ways, including not limiting the ability of persons under age 21 from renting a property through Airbnb” and “not conducting sufficient screening of potential guests to make it safer for other people staying in an Airbnb property to be free from violent crimes committed by Airbnb renters.”

The platform was aware that “younger renters such as Rodgers have less self-control and are more prone to commit criminal and other destructive acts, including physical harm to other persons who are staying or residing in Airbnb properties,” the suit said.

Attorney for the Al-Gheraibi family, Steven Harvey, described the grief of parents Abdullah and Eiman as “extreme” and said they hoped their son’s death would cause Airbnb to change its business practices.

Harvey said: “His parents do want justice, though what does justice mean? What does justice look like? Nothing is going to bring their son back.

“They would like to see Airbnb take some responsibility for its policy that led to this horrific situation.”


Saudi authorities crack down on unauthorized Hajj attempts

The ministry called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those at
Updated 21 min 32 sec ago
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Saudi authorities crack down on unauthorized Hajj attempts

  • Security forces arrest 13 for transporting 57 pilgrims to Makkah

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized. 

The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested five residents and seven citizens for transporting 35 individuals without permits to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The ministry issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, accomplices, and those transported. 

Penalties include imprisonment, fines up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia after their sentences. 

The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

In a separate incident, an Indian resident was arrested for transporting 22 visa-holding expatriates without Hajj permits, the SPA reported on Wednesday. 

The residents were referred to the authorities and are likely to be charged and penalized.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety of pilgrims. It warned that performing or attempting Hajj without a permit from April 29 to June 10 is prohibited. 

The ministry has encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

Earlier this week, the Hajj Security Forces arrested 20 residents and 17 citizens for transporting 121 individuals without permits to perform Hajj.


Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has launched its first vocational empowerment training in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj governorate.

The program aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It provides rural women with practical skills in leather manufacturing to help develop their small businesses and improve the marketing of their products.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said 15 rural women are participating in the training, which covers value-added leather production, design, product diversification, quality control, and business management.

The program includes training in business planning, cost management, marketing, and branding to help participants establish viable ventures, according to SPA.

Recently, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Reef’s role in supporting sustainable development through its link with rural tourism.

Basmah Al-Mayman, UNWTO Middle East director, in a letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri commended the program for organizing rural tourism events in various regions of the Kingdom.

UNWTO expressed interest in collaborating with Saudi Reef on initiatives focused on sustainable community development and rural tourism.


Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced the establishment of seven queen bee breeding and nucleus colony production stations in regions selected for their suitability: Jazan, Asir, Madinah, Makkah, Hail, Tabuk, and Najran.

Construction is expected to be completed this year, with operations beginning in 2026. The facilities will add to the four existing stations in Abha, Baha, Qassim, and Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The ministry said the projects will aim to preserve and strengthen the local bee strain and reduce reliance on imported colonies, as the Kingdom currently imports about 1.3 million nucleus colonies annually.

The stations will implement programs, including training in queen rearing and artificial insemination, along with promoting practical breeding techniques.

The initiative also includes guidance on advanced beekeeping methods and measures to limit the spread of diseases and pests associated with imported bees. Research will be conducted to support the maintenance and development of local strains.

The ministry said that the projects involve selective breeding based on research and may be offered for investment through beekeepers’ cooperatives or the private sector. Efforts will also be made to support and market the stations’ output.

In line with World Bee Day on May 20, the ministry has called for improving the knowledge and practices of beekeepers to help protect bee populations from disease, pests, pesticides, and environmental stressors.

It also referred to the launch of initiatives to encourage modern beekeeping, increase production efficiency, and support those working in the sector.

There are 25,644 licensed beekeepers in Saudi Arabia, producing 5,832 tonnes of honey from 1 million beehives. The Kingdom’s varied vegetation supports the production of about 20 types of honey, including sidr, talh, and samar.