RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated on Wednesday in a meeting of the Ministerial Working Group on supporting Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting was chaired by Somalia’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Mohamed Omar.
Prince Faisal also recently participated in the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee concerned with monitoring Turkish interventions in the internal affairs of Arab countries.
The meeting was chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and held on the sidelines of the 161st session of the Arab League Council in Cairo.
Both meetings underscored the necessity of enhancing Arab collaboration on mutual concerns and upholding the sovereignty of member states, in line with international laws and conventions.
They also tackled the latest regional and international developments and the efforts made in this regard.
Saudi FM attends ministerial meetings on Somalia, Turkiye
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Saudi FM attends ministerial meetings on Somalia, Turkiye
- Meetings underscored the necessity of upholding the sovereignty of member states
Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif
- Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlights commitment to quality service, unforgettable visitor experiences
RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program.
The program, launched in May with the slogan “Color Your Summer,” runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea’s coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities.
Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality.
He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif’s natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA.
Al-Khateeb said at the program’s launch in May: “This year we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.”
The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures.
Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather.
Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer.
Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903.
Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures.
Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards.
The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region’s rich heritage.
Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.
OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank
Jeddah: The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, met Palestine’s permanent representative to the OIC, ambassador Hadi Shibli, at its headquarters in Jeddah.
The envoy updated Taha on the escalating situation in Palestine, detailing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing violations and crimes by Israeli forces in the West Bank, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The two sides also discussed the provocative rhetoric and incitement by Israeli ministers and officials, plans for annexing the West Bank and claims of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
Taha reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to advocating for an immediate, lasting ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensuring international protection for Palestinians and supporting a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions.
Saudi royal institute opens registration for traditional arts programs in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, or Wrth, has opened registration for six specialized academic programs in collaboration with leading international universities and academies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The programs aim to preserve Saudi traditional arts, promote their global presence and support the Year of Handicrafts 2025, in line with the Kingdom’s cultural development goals.
Offerings include master’s degrees in traditional furniture design, costume design for performances, museum and exhibition curation, and digital heritage, as well as a higher diploma in traditional product development and an intermediate diploma in choreography.
Programs last one to two academic years and are held in person at Wrth’s Riyadh headquarters. There are no tuition fees, the SPA reported.
The programs combine theory and practice to prepare specialists to transform the traditional arts sector into a sustainable cultural and economic resource.
Wrth invites interested applicants to register and review program details at wrth.edu.sa/programs/construction-diploma-program, with studies beginning at the start of the academic year.
The institute works to promote national identity, enrich Saudi traditional arts, recognize talent in the field, and encourage the mastery and development of these crafts.
Meanwhile, Wrth is taking part in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, which runs until July 15. The initiative aims to promote Saudi traditional arts internationally, support entrepreneurs and offer interactive experiences to the public, in line with the Year of Handicrafts.
The event also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, reflecting the strong cultural ties between the two countries, and fostering new opportunities for collaboration and creativity.
Wrth’s program features activities blending Saudi and Japanese cultures in a contemporary style while preserving the authenticity of each tradition, the SPA reported.
A live demonstration by Saudi artisan Salman Al-Hamad and Japanese artisan Yuho Ohkota showcases Al-Ahsa Bisht embroidery applied to a Japanese kimono in a modern artistic form.
The participation also includes a workshop where visitors can craft a Japanese fan decorated with Saudi-inspired patterns using innovative stamps designed by Fidaa Al-Amri, a Wrth graduate with an advanced diploma in traditional product development.
Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days
- Saudi Arabia leaders wish 2 nations’ people good health, progress and prosperity
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince on Sunday congratulated President Jakov Milatovic of Montenegro on his country’s National Day celebrations.
In a cable, King Salman wished Milatovic “continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Montenegro steady progress and prosperity,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar message in a separate cable, according to the SPA.
On Saturday, the king and crown prince congratulated Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau on his country’s Independence Day, wishing him and his constituents steady progress and prosperity.
Montenegro, located in southeast Europe, became a part of Yugoslavia in 1918 during the realignment of nations after the First World War.
After Yugoslavia broke up in 1992, Montenegro formed a federation with Serbia, but opted to become an independent republic in 2006.
Kiribati, an island republic in the central Pacific, gained its independence from the UK in 1979.
Both Montenegro and Kiribati are members of the UN.
Saudi artist rolls forward with bamboo paper
- Jumanah Telity’s eco-conscious art form is as durable as it is creative
JEDDAH: Saudi artist Jumanah Telity has found an unusual medium for her creativity: bamboo paper.
Through a labor-intensive process she transforms it into sturdy objects, from baskets and storage boxes to small-scale furniture and figurines.
“This art, like any other art, requires specific techniques, sense, and artistic thought to produce creativity,” she told Arab News. “It differs from other arts in that it is a very strong and practical product that is used daily and also decoratively.”
Originally an educator, Telity spent 19 years in schools, eventually serving as a principal.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to explore her long-time fascination with natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and rattan.
That is when she discovered bamboo paper weaving online and something clicked.
HIGHLIGHTS
• In 2020, Saudi artist Jumanah Telity decided to explore her long-time fascination with natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and rattan.
• She recently displayed her work at Balad Al-Fann in Jeddah’s historic district.
“It strangely attracted me. I felt like I found my passion here because it really appealed to me,” she said.
Telity says the method involves tightly rolling paper into sticks using a special needle. It is then woven into shape.
“It begins with choosing the type of paper, its size, and the way it is cut,” she said. “After trying this art, you’ll be amazed at the strength of these products and how they can be washed with soap and water without being affected.”
She describes the art as eco-conscious because of the recycling involved in the process.
To hone her craft, Telity enrolled in intensive online courses specializing in the technique.
“I found what I was looking for,” she said. “The study was online, intensive, daily, and very precise in how to teach and train step by step.”
Now among the first Saudi artists to specialize in this form of bamboo art, she credits the Kingdom’s growing cultural landscape for supporting artists exploring niche and rare forms of expression.
“This type of art is considered one of the rarest arts in the world,” she added. “It requires precise skills and a deep understanding of transforming paper into a wood-like material.”
Telity recently displayed her work at Balad Al-Fann in Jeddah’s historic district. She was struck by how strongly the art resonated with visitors. “I noticed people’s amazement and admiration for this art and how they were attracted by the type of art, method of weaving and the strength and ability to withstand external factors,” she said.
She now plans to hold workshops to pass on her skills, with the goal of eventually becoming a certified trainer.
With growing interest from aspiring crafters and a renewed push for cultural innovation across Saudi Arabia, Telity believes the future of this art form is bright.
