Syrian artist exhibits 51 works in ‘Stations and Rhythms’ show

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Syrian artist Ahmed Elias’s artworks depict what’s happening in Syria using an abstract style. (AN photos by Sulafa Alkhunaizi)
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Updated 25 November 2023
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Syrian artist exhibits 51 works in ‘Stations and Rhythms’ show

  • Ahmed Elias’ abstract art captures the pain and beauty of his homeland

RIYADH: Syrian artist Ahmed Elias is showcasing a collection of 51 soulful masterpieces in Riyadh that represent his feelings about the beauty and suffering of his home country.

The exhibition, “Stations and Rhythms,” is Elias’ first solo show since 2005. It runs at Mahed Alfonon Gallery at Almousa Center until Nov. 30.




Syrian artist Ahmed Elias’s artworks depict what’s happening in Syria using an abstract style. (AN photos by Sulafa Alkhunaizi)

Elias, born in 1954, told Arab News: “Syria is my beloved, and her joy is my joy. Anything that hurts her brings a sword into my heart and into my liver. She is certainly my inspiration, and the artist is a creature sensitive to feelings and sentiments.

“It is natural that Syria (evokes) strong feelings with the grave and painful events that happen there,” he continued. “I have summarized what is happening in Syria in an abstract, expressive way.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• The exhibition, ‘Stations and Rhythms,’ is Ahmed Elias’ first solo show since 2005.

• It runs at Mahed Alfonon Gallery at Almousa Center until Nov. 30.

One of his paintings — “Anemones will bloom from the blood of innocents and martyrs with the dawning of a new day” — depicts bright mosaics, skulls, and a flower blooming in the center, signifying hope in a time of despair.




The artist uses colors to convey powerful emotions. (Supplied)

“I choose colors according to the composition and expression of the painting, but I prefer combinations that call for and reflect hope, optimism, and visual comfort — such as blue and its derivatives — and what reflects fertility, growth, and psychological comfort, such as green and its derivatives,” Elias said, adding that he believes art serves a purpose beyond aesthetics.

Syria is my beloved, and her joy is my joy. Anything that hurts her brings a sword into my heart and into my liver. She is certainly my inspiration, and the artist is a creature sensitive to feelings and sentiments.

Ahmed Elias, Syrian artist

“Art is a visual food that conveys beauty and creates psychological comfort through visuals,” he explained. “It reflects the stage in which that society lives, and we have not learned about ancient civilizations except through their art.”

Elias first discovered his talent when he was four years old, when his mother brought him his first set of art supplies. In 1981, he graduated from the College of Fine Arts in Damascus, specializing in interior design. But despite having more than 40 years of experience, he said he continues to learn about art through artists and art lovers.




Syrian artist Ahmed Elias’s artworks depict what’s happening in Syria using an abstract style. (AN photos by Sulafa Alkhunaizi)

“I develop this experience from one exhibition to another because contact with exhibition-goers enhances the experience and benefits the artist,” he said. “Everyone, whatever their specialty, benefits from experiences and develops their expertise, and a person continues to learn and obtain experience and knowledge as long as they are alive.”

More information on Ahmed Elias can be found at ahmad.elias.artist on Instagram.

 


King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

Updated 24 January 2025
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King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

  • Stephen Groff looks at achieving aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University hosted Stephen Groff, the National Development Fund’s governor, in a panel discussion at the Academic Dialogue Table organized by the Faculty of Economics and Administration.

Groff discussed the role of the NDF and the broader development ecosystem in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, in an event also attended by Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, the university’s president.

King Abdulaziz University hosts NDF Governor at “Academic Dialogue Table”. (Supplied)

Groff said that the fund aimed to enhance developmental impact and improve productivity, highlighting the key strategic priorities and ongoing initiatives being provided to entities under the fund’s umbrella, such as economic diversification and growth stimulation.

He added that the NDF contributed to creating sustainable job opportunities as well as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship.

FASTFACT

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale project.

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale projects in sectors such as transportation, housing, and public utilities through its affiliated entities, including the recently established National Infrastructure Fund.

He explained that the primary mission of the fund, as a development finance institution, was to empower development funds and banks to achieve their sector-specific objectives, beneficiary goals, and activity targets, while focusing on specific areas and ensuring the financial sustainability of development finance entities in the future.

He concluded by stressing the critical role of the fund in reviewing and evaluating the impact of every program, project, or initiative aimed at addressing developmental needs, economic priorities, challenges, and available opportunities.

 


GCC secretary general meets Lebanese president

Joseph Aoun (R) receives Jasem Albudaiwi at the Presidential Palace in Beirut. (Supplied)
Updated 24 January 2025
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GCC secretary general meets Lebanese president

  • Albudaiwi wished the president success in his efforts to uplift the Lebanese people and fulfill their aspirations

BEIRUT: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi met with President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Beirut on Friday.

Albudaiwi wished the president success in his efforts to uplift the Lebanese people and fulfill their aspirations, the General Secretariat wrote in a report.

He added that the meeting reaffirmed the GCC’s unwavering support for Lebanon, stressing its commitment to bolstering Lebanon’s security and stability and contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the Lebanese people.

 

 


‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards

Updated 24 January 2025
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‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards

  • Launched in 2003 and with more than 186 countries participating, the prestigious WSAs are held biennially and recognize impactful digital initiatives

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is the sole Saudi participant to win a 2024 World Summit Award in the Culture and Heritage category, thanks to its “Nusuk” platform.

The project competed against over 900 technical submissions from 160 countries.

Launched in 2003 and with more than 186 countries participating, the prestigious WSAs are held biennially and recognize impactful digital initiatives. They seek to bridge the global digital divide by honoring smart applications and creative online content. The WSAs are a key UN initiative, supported by the International Telecommunication Union.

The award reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering strategy in developing innovative technological solutions aimed at enhancing pilgrims’ experiences and highlighting cultural and heritage values.

FASTFACT

‘Nusuk’ is a suite of innovative technological solutions which facilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

It underlines the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s efforts to drive comprehensive digital transformation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

“Nusuk” is a suite of innovative technological solutions which facilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

It has already advanced significantly with the development of pioneering systems such as the Nusuk Card, Nusuk Masar and crowd management systems.

It also focuses on highlighting the Prophet’s biography and cultural landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, featuring more than 150 museums, monuments, restaurants, cafes and tourist destinations, among other notable sites that enrich the user’s experience.

Over 400 licensed guides are affiliated with the platform, offering customized excursions throughout the Kingdom to pilgrims.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has said it is very proud of its achievement and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to developing technological solutions that ensured the sustainability of the Hajj and Umrah sectors, facilitating easy access to smart services and ensuring a smooth and tranquil performance of the rituals.

 


Iftar portal opens in Grand Mosque

Updated 24 January 2025
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Iftar portal opens in Grand Mosque

  • The service allows individuals to select one meal site and charitable organizations to apply for up to 10

MAKKAH: A dedicated portal to receive applications to provide iftar meal services inside the Grand Mosque during Ramadan has been launched by The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

The service allows individuals to select one meal site and charitable organizations to apply for up to 10. It also requires the contracting of an authority-approved catering company and adherence to specified terms and conditions.

The authority has emphasized the need to provide low-calorie meals for individuals with chronic diseases and diabetes, making up 20 percent of individual meals and 30 percent of meals provided by charitable organizations.

Applications can be submitted through the authority’s website by visiting https://iam.alharamain.gov.sa/sso and selecting “iftar meal reservation system.”

Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of either Feb.28 or March 1, depending on moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

 


10 Saudi ministries, entities exhibiting at Cairo book fair

Updated 24 January 2025
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10 Saudi ministries, entities exhibiting at Cairo book fair

  • Universities, libraries and several publishing bodies also represented
  • Delegation led by Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission

RIYADH: Ten Saudi Arabia government ministries, universities and other bodies are participating in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair 2025 to promote the nation’s culture and forge ties with Egypt and other countries.

Organized by the General Egyptian Book Organization, the exhibition that began on Thursday will conclude on Feb. 5.

The participants include the lead Kingdom exhibitor, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, and the Saudi cultural attache in Egypt are also represented.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed, state minister and cabinet member for Shoura Council affairs, accompanied by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Hosseini, and other officials. (SPA)

The other participants include the King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahd National Library, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Prince Sattam University, University of Tabuk, University of Hafr Al-Batin, and the Publishing Association.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed, state minister and cabinet member for Shoura Council affairs, accompanied by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Hosseini, and other officials.

During the event, Bin Saeed toured the booths of the nation’s participating entities to review their contributions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The participation of the commission aligns with the country's ongoing efforts to boost the Kingdom’s publishing houses and literary agencies.