Artist’s paralyzing illness inspires Saudi Film Festival VR ode to nature

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Naima Karim’s artworks are inspired by nature. (Instagram/ naimakarim_)
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Updated 08 May 2023
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Artist’s paralyzing illness inspires Saudi Film Festival VR ode to nature

  • Naima Karim’s multi-sensory VR experience ‘The Anticipation of Rain’ has captivated Saudi Film Festival visitors at Ithra

DHAHRAN: A Bangladeshi Dutch artist struck down by a neurological disorder has harnessed her love of nature to wow Saudi Film Festival audiences.

Naima Karim’s “The Anticipation of Rain” is a virtual reality experience that has captivated viewers with its ode to nature’s beauty and strength.

Karim was in the final year of studies when her life took an unexpected turn.




A sequence of stills from ‘the Anticipation of Rain.’ (Supplied)

She said: “I was completely paralyzed because of a neurological disorder in 1999. It took a long time to recover. I spent most of my time in bed. During those days, I observed how beautiful nature was around me and was motivated to get better and to walk again.

“I dreamt every day of running across a grass field, and the beautiful sky above me was limitless. That was the most inspiring thing for me when I started to paint again in 2015, after a long break.”

In 2013, Karim and her family moved to Saudi Arabia where she began showcasing her artworks.




A sequence of stills from ‘the Anticipation of Rain.’ (Supplied)

“I had my first solo exhibition at Dhahran Art Gallery in 2016. Since then, I have tried different mediums like watercolor, acrylic, oil, and more.

“The VR experience came to mind only when I wanted to create something beyond my canvases. I wanted my audience to immerse fully in monsoon rain,” she added.

“The Anticipation of Rain” is Karim’s first multi-sensory VR project, and despite having no prior technical background, after pitching her idea to the Creative Solutions program, she was enrolled onto master classes.

HIGHLIGHT

‘The Anticipation of Rain’ is Naima Karim’s first multi- sensory VR project. It has been nominated for the VR social impact award by AIXR, and the Crystal Owl Awards by Stereopsia Europe. It was also presented at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, the world’s largest of its kind.

She said: “I created the 3-D environment using Open Brush, a VR tool, and painted it in the same style that I paint on canvas. I wanted to keep my same artistic style even in the 3-D world, which is long brushstrokes. These long brushstrokes are also a celebration of a movement that I used to miss because of my paralysis.”

Growing up in Bangladesh, she has childhood memories of monsoons that she described as theatrical and exciting.

“My VR experience is about three things: The monsoon rain that inspires me a lot, my personal story of recovering from paralysis that made me a positive person, and to inspire my viewers to see the beauty around us and take care of our one world,” Karim added.




Mohammad Almadani manages the VR experience at Ithra. (AN photo)

During the film festival VR experience at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), viewers are given two pieces of scented paper to replicate the smell of rain — a special touch to fully immerse the senses.

She said: “I wanted my viewers to experience a storm that was scary but exciting and beautiful to me. It also gets very humid before it starts to rain, and when it rains, the smell changes, mixing the rainwater and the soil.

“That’s why I created the scents of humidity and rain with a perfumer, which will immerse my audience even more in the monsoon rain.”

‘The Anticipation of Rain’ is to inspire my audience to be hopeful. When we really want something that we love, I believe hope is something that takes us forward and makes us stronger.

Naima Karim, Artist

Her “The Anticipation of Rain” experience has been nominated for the VR social impact award by AIXR, and the Crystal Owl Awards by Stereopsia Europe. It was also presented at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, the world’s largest of its kind.

“‘The Anticipation of Rain’ was born at Ithra and was first demoed at the plaza in Ithra. After that, it was showcased at several festivals worldwide.

“It is now part of the Saudi Film Festival as Creative Solutions program submitted it and it was selected to be a part of the VR experiences at the festival,” Karim added.




Naima Karim’s virtual reality art experience is being showcased at the Saudi Film Festival in Dhahran. (Supplied)

She is currently working on her second VR project.

Manager of the VR experience at Ithra, Mohammed Almadani, said: “It feels like I’m on an isolated island, surrounded by nature, enjoying myself and absorbing the beauty. With the scents it feels so real, if there was just actual rain, you would feel like it’s real life.

“I really recommend everyone to try it, because its different than other VRs. It’s interactive and it takes you to a different level.”

Karim said: “‘The Anticipation of Rain’ is to inspire my audience to be hopeful. When we really want something that we love, I believe hope is something that takes us forward and makes us stronger.”

 


Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday an attack that targeted the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A roadside bomb exploded near the presidential residence on Tuesday shortly after Mohamud’s convoy left the palace grounds, but the head of state was unharmed, according to officials.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said: “The Kingdom reaffirms its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and its people against all threats to its security and stability, reiterating its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism.”

Reports said that up to four people had been killed, including a journalist who was in a nearby building that collapsed after the explosion.

Somali militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The president’s entourage was traveling to the airport to head to the frontlines in Middle Shabelle, where Mahamud is expected to oversee the military campaign against the militant group.

The Somali government has increased its effort to crush Al-Shabab in recent months in Middle Shabelle as well as other regions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack and reaffirmed the global body’s commitment to Somalia’s people and government.

The British embassy in Mogadishu denounced the attack and offered condolences to the victims.

“The UK remains a steadfast partner to the Somali Government as they fight the violent extremists behind this despicable attack,” the embassy said in a statement.

Mohamud was in the Kingdom in November to attend the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh, where he reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the Palestinian people and urged for there to be a ceasefire in Gaza.


Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Why expats love to celebrate in the ‘homeland of Islam’

Updated 18 March 2025
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Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Why expats love to celebrate in the ‘homeland of Islam’

  • Muslim expatriates blend Saudi customs with home traditions
  • Spiritual practices and social gatherings enjoyed by people of all nationalities

RIYADH: Many Muslim expatriates in Saudi Arabia, despite being away from their families and home countries during Ramadan, cherish the time spent in the “homeland of Islam” during the holy month.

“The expats spending the holy month in the homeland of Islam are fortunate, both in terms of spiritual satisfaction and piousness as well as personal experiences, and for those who are new to the Kingdom, there is a lot to look forward to for a whole new experience,” said Nafisa Usmani, an Indian homemaker who has lived in Riyadh for more than two decades.

“You can sense the Ramadan vibes here everywhere you go. The streets at night during Ramadan are packed and everything that is dull during the day comes to life in the night,” she added.

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia has become a model of brotherhood that transcends borders and nationalities, with increased gatherings among families and friends in homes. (SPA/Supplied)

“I can say from my decades of experience here that there is no other place better than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its spirit including the opportunity to go to the mosque and do group Taraweeh prayers,” Usmani said.

“Ramadan is a time of great significance for Muslims and it is observed with great importance in Saudi Arabia. You also have the opportunity to go to the two holy cities — Makkah and Madinah — and perform Umrah and Ziyarah during the holy month while staying here,” she added.

Echoing the sentiments, Lebanese expat Farah Fouad said that she is very excited to celebrate yet another Ramadan in Saudi Arabia due to the special significance of the holy month in the Kingdom.

I can say from my decades of experience here that there is no other place better than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its spirit.

Nafisa Usmani, Indian homemaker

“Being in the heartland of Islam you can sense the Ramadan spirit here everywhere you go,” she added.

Iffat Aabroo, another Indian homemaker in Riyadh, said: “It’s very nice to spend Ramadan here. Markets are open until suhoor, there is the crowd bustling in the streets keeping the night alive and those that are shopping to prepare themselves for the Eid Al-Fitr festival.

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia has become a model of brotherhood that transcends borders and nationalities, with increased gatherings among families and friends in homes. (SPA/Supplied)

“Hotels make elaborate Ramadan tent arrangements, both delicacies as well as decorations.”

She added that Ramadan is not just a religious observance, but also a cultural phenomenon, reflected by acts of spirituality and social bonding.

Sharing her experience, Ambreen Faiz, a Pakistani writer living in Yanbu, told Arab News: “I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 27 years.

An Indian community iftar party in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“When I first arrived in Riyadh in 1998, I was sort of mesmerized witnessing the festivities of the holy month of Ramadan in the Kingdom. Every Muslim anxiously waits for the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.”

She added: “Many women that I know of from Pakistan become as excited as I do when the holy month arrives. We do not want to go for vacation during Ramadan and in fact want to stay in the Kingdom to welcome Ramadan and enjoy the festivities that it brings along.

“We women friends chalk out our programs of iftar parties. And we prepare Pakistani delicacies of Ramadan — chole, pakore, samose, dahi barey, fruit chaat and whatnot. Such delicacies are liked and enjoyed by all ages,” she said.

Delicacies from Iftar table of a Sri Lankan expat in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“Ramadan is very much enjoyed by the kids especially when we go to Haramain to perform Umrah,” Faiz said, adding: “I am thankful to Allah that he has blessed us with the opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia and enjoy the festivities of Ramadan.

“Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is way better than it is in the sub-continent or any other country,” said Mohammed Naeem, a Pakistani expatriate.

“I always prefer spending Ramadan here because everything is so smooth and there is so much dedication to the almighty Allah during Ramadan. People actually know the true value of the holy month and they act accordingly here.”

Delicacies from the Iftar table of a Pakistani expat. (Supplied)

Ramadan for many expatriates is often marked by a mix of traditions from home and the Kingdom.

Ifthikar Ansari, a Sri Lankan working in the Eastern Province, told Arab News: “We love staying here during Ramadan and enjoy a mix of Sri Lankan and Saudi delicacies.

“In Sri Lanka, where a significant percentage of the population observes fasting during the sacred month of Ramadan, their iftar meals are characterized by a special blend of flavors and traditions.

“A customary dish on their iftar table is a porridge made with rice and coconut, often complemented by the addition of beef or chicken, along with a spicy chili chutney.

“Bringing it to our iftar table here with dates, an essential component of an iftar meal, and some Saudi delicacies are a routine thing, and the iftar spread is further enriched with other delicacies such as cutlets, and patties,” he added.

“To quench the thirst, tropical fruit juices featuring wood apple, pineapple and king coconut are favored choices, ensuring a healthy and refreshing conclusion to the day of fasting,” Ansari said.

 


Grand Mosque in Makkah furnished with 33,000 Saudi-made luxury carpets for Ramadan

Updated 18 March 2025
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Grand Mosque in Makkah furnished with 33,000 Saudi-made luxury carpets for Ramadan

  • High-quality carpets are known for their durability and designed to handle heavy foot traffic 
  • Carpets are used on Fridays and during the month of Ramadan

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Grand Mosque in Makkah with thousands of luxury carpets during the holy month of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said that the 33,000 luxury carpets were made in Saudi Arabia, and known for their high quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and durability.

The carpets, each measuring 1.2 meters by 4 meters or 1.2 meters by 3 meters, are used on Fridays, during the month of Ramadan, and in other peak seasons, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Carpets are 1.6 cm thick and able to cope with heavy foot traffic, the SPA added.

One of the authority’s missions is to provide services and attend to the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

The authority announced this week that it provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah during the first half of Ramadan, a time of worship for Muslims who fast from sunrise to sunset.


Saudi regional emirs' annual meeting reviews security and sustainable development

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi regional emirs' annual meeting reviews security and sustainable development

  • A number of topics were reviewed including enhancing security and stability, achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, and serving the nation

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif chaired the 32nd annual meeting of the emirs of the Kingdom’s regions at the ministry’s headquarters in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and emphasized the directives to maintain security and facilitate all matters for citizens, residents, and visitors around the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, a number of topics were reviewed including enhancing security and stability, achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, and serving the nation.

 


Riyadh Municipality to host cultural tent event

Riyadh Municipality will host a cultural tent event with family-friendly activities on Tuesday and Wednesday in Tahlia Oasis.
Updated 18 March 2025
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Riyadh Municipality to host cultural tent event

  • Cultural tent celebrates the diversity of the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom, allowing visitors to interact with literature, arts and heritage

RIYADH: Riyadh Municipality will host a cultural tent event with family-friendly activities on Tuesday and Wednesday in Tahlia Oasis, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will include activities for families, including a children’s face-painting corner, and attendees will be able to join PlayStation League competitions that offer challenges suitable for different age groups.

Live cooking shows will allow visitors to learn about the diversity of Saudi cuisine, and local entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to display their products in local stores.

Additionally, the cultural tent will exhibit books, pictures and manuscripts about Riyadh’s heritage.

The cultural tent celebrates the diversity of the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom, allowing visitors to interact with literature, arts and heritage.

The event is part of efforts by Riyadh Municipality to improve quality of life for residents in the Saudi capital, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Everyone is welcome to attend the events, which run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.