Reef Saudi program aims to boost rainfed crop yields in Jazan
The program includes training sessions for ministry employees on conducting research on rainfed crops and equipping agricultural advisers with the skills they need to provide high quality support
Updated 19 October 2024
SPA
JAZAN: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, also known as Reef Saudi, has launched an initiative at the Jazan Agricultural Research Center to enhance rainfed crop productivity, bringing together experts, specialists and employees from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
The initiative will help to increase the yield of crops like corn, millet and sesame by implementing effective agricultural practices and modern technologies. It also aims to educate farmers about the benefits of genetically improved varieties in boosting crop production.
The program includes training sessions for ministry employees on conducting research on rainfed crops and equipping agricultural advisers with the skills they need to provide high quality support.
Saudi royal institute opens registration for traditional arts programs in Riyadh
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News
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
Updated 14 July 2025
Arab News
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.
Jumanah Telity’s eco-conscious art form is as durable as it is creative
Updated 13 July 2025
SALEH FAREED
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.”
Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)
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.
Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)
“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.
Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)
“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.
Once a symbol of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen fades from view
Today, Saudis continue to express hospitality in new ways — hosting events in gardens, villas, or special venues, while maintaining the warmth and generosity that have always defined social gatherings
Updated 13 July 2025
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia rapidly modernizes, some elements of its traditional architecture are becoming rarer, but not forgotten.
Once a hallmark of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen remains a cherished symbol of Saudi hospitality and social values, even as lifestyles and housing designs evolve.
“Al-Roshen is a room for special guests,” said Mohammad Alhouti, a resident of Riyadh’s Aldeerah neighborhood.
Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains. (Supplied)
“As soon as a person enters the house through the door, there is a ground-floor sitting room and a staircase. This staircase leads to Al-Roshen, separate so that the guest can go up as soon as they enter the house.”
Unlike the more common majlis, Al-Roshen offered a secluded space for important visitors.
According to Abdulrahman Alhouti, some people would add plaster to the walls of Al-Roshen, creating shapes and decorations that would make it stand out from the main majlis in the house.
FASTFACTS
• Once a hallmark of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen remains a cherished symbol of Saudi hospitality and social values, even as lifestyles and housing designs evolve.
• Unlike the more common majlis, Al-Roshen offered a secluded space for important visitors.
Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains.
Mohammad and Abdulrahman are a part of Thuluthiyyat Almasmak, a weekly cultural gathering held in front of Riyadh’s Al-Masmak Palace.
(From L to R) Abdulrahman Al-Houti, Fahad Al-Hidyyan and Mohammad Al-Houti, members of Thuluthiyyat Almasmak. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)
Their group includes Fahad Alhidyyan, helping document and share Riyadh’s history through stories of its neighborhoods, streets, schools and everyday life.
Their weekly gathering has reached its seventh year and the group has welcomed all types of visitors, from locals to international tourists coming to Riyadh, to discuss the past and present of the Kingdom’s capital.
“(The gathering) tells the story of the history of Riyadh, its old alleys, streets, schools, farms and everything old, from the time of King Abdulaziz until the beginning of the development,” Abdulrahman said.
Al-Roshan was similar to Almajlis, but with a separate seating area and cushions. It was a room on the second floor in the house where special guests are hosted. (Supplied)
Today, Saudis continue to express hospitality in new ways — hosting events in gardens, villas, or special venues, while maintaining the warmth and generosity that have always defined social gatherings.
“In the past, receiving guests was of great importance. The host would take great care in welcoming his guests, making every effort to provide them with the best he could,” Alhidyyan said.
“People now meet during Eid, weddings, or planned gatherings, though often outside the home. There is a difference, but the intention remains.”
Rather than fading away entirely, Al-Roshen now lives on through cultural forums and conversations that highlight the evolution of tradition in a rapidly changing society.
For those preserving these stories, the goal is not to resist change but to carry forward the values and meaning behind these cultural symbols.
Deputy minister receives Ukraine’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Ambassador to Greece Ali Al-Yousef recently presented his credentials to the country’s president, Constantine Tassoulas
Updated 13 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the Saudi deputy minister for international multilateral affairs, received Anatolii Petrenko, Ukriane’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the foreign ministry wrote in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Greece Ali Al-Yousef recently presented his credentials to the country’s president, Constantine Tassoulas.
