RIYADH: The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Summit and Expo is set to return to Riyadh from May 7 to 9 with exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest advances in the sector.
Organized by dmg events, SEA 2024 will run alongside the Saudi Light and Sound Expo and will be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center.
The event will showcase innovation and industry trends, bringing together global experts and sector leaders.
At a recent advisory board meeting in Riyadh, members identified key trends for 2024 that would be used to shape the agenda of the SEA Expo. These included exploring global investment strategies, understanding the next-generation market, empowering the Saudi workforce, embracing green entertainment, and examining crypto tech.
Developing next-generation talent emerged as a priority, recognizing the sector’s potential to contribute more than $23 billion (3 percent) toward the Kingdom’s gross domestic product by 2030 while creating at least 100,000 jobs.
Advisory board member and executive director of attractions at Saudi Entertainment Ventures, Doug Stagner, said: “What’s happening in Saudi Arabia has never been done before in the attractions industry.
“There are ground-breaking attractions and rides that have never been built before, and there are new concepts and ideas that will come out of Saudi Arabia, including discussions at this year’s Expo which will end up in other parts of the world, so what’s happening here has a much larger impact that extends beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia.”
This year’s SEA Expo aims to highlight the Kingdom’s entertainment and leisure plans and create opportunities in the industry to drive the country toward achieving its goals under Vision 2030.
With hundreds of international and local brands from more than 40 countries, SEA Expo will act as a platform to showcase new and innovative products from its 350 exhibitors.
Advisory board officials noted that the SLS Expo 2024 would focus on tourism, curating events that capture Gen Zs, and deep diving into the potential of technology.
The SLS Summit, a focal point of the Expo, will delve into the impact of tourism on the entertainment and events realm, looking at how the influx of global visitors was reshaping the industry and inspiring innovation.
Sarkis Kahwajian, portfolio director at dmg events, said: “We are witnessing exponential growth in the entertainment and live events’ space industry in the Kingdom, and it’s driving a demand for the latest technology coupled with a hunger to understand changing market dynamics in the pro light and sound landscape across the country.
“This year, the SLS Expo will set the stage for innovators, manufacturers, and lighting and sound professionals as they generate leads, forge connections, and usher in a new era in our industry.”
Global industry leaders to descend on Riyadh for entertainment, amusement summit, expo
https://arab.news/ycuh7
Global industry leaders to descend on Riyadh for entertainment, amusement summit, expo
- The event will showcase innovation and industry trends, bringing together global experts and sector leaders
- This year’s SEA Expo aims to highlight the Kingdom’s entertainment and leisure plans
MWL chief discusses fatwa unity, youth guidance in London
- Al-Issa highlighted the need for unified religious authority in issuing fatwas and public religious guidance
- He announced that the MWL-affiliated Islamic Fiqh Council would soon hold a forum at the center to discuss the jurisprudence of Muslim communities
RIYADH: The Islamic Center in London hosted a meeting between Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Islamic leaders from across the UK this week.
The discussion focused on the need for wisdom in guiding Muslim communities, especially in the face of provocation by extremists. Speakers stressed the importance of responding with calm and restraint, following the Prophet’s example of mercy and patience.
Al-Issa highlighted the need for unified religious authority in issuing fatwas and public religious guidance. He announced that the MWL-affiliated Islamic Fiqh Council — a leading body in Islamic jurisprudence — would soon hold a forum at the center to discuss the jurisprudence of Muslim communities.
The forum will also explore the creation of a reference framework for this jurisprudence, to be updated as needed. It will review training programs and initiatives in the UK aligned with the Charter of Makkah and propose its inclusion in Islamic education curricula.
Al-Issa emphasized protecting Muslim youth from extremist ideologies, noting the family’s role, the importance of balanced religious education, qualified teachers, and effective use of platforms such as sermons and lectures.
He praised the British Muslim community’s awareness and commitment, describing it as a positive example of Islamic values in a diverse society.
The meeting included questions and feedback, with attendees expressing support for the MWL’s global work. They welcomed Al-Issa’s visit, especially given the current context, and appreciated his approach to addressing Islamophobia.
Participants also backed the league’s efforts to unify local religious authority, citing its success in other minority communities.
They viewed this as a long-awaited step, and said that Al-Issa’s message strengthened trust in the MWL’s mission of promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, values rooted in Islamic teachings.
Hira district offers insightful Islamic journey
MAKKAH: The Hira Cultural District is a must-visit for the millions of people who come to Makkah each year, offering an experience that engages both heart and mind by bringing history to life, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
At its center is the Holy Qur’an Museum, which features rare manuscripts and historical copies of the Qur’an alongside modern visual displays.
Visitors can explore the Qur’an’s compilation and the meticulous preservation it has undergone through the ages, the SPA reported.
The museum reflects the deep reverence for the Qur’an, using innovative presentation methods to enrich the visitor experience.
A standout feature is the Revelation Exhibition, closely linked to the Cave of Hira — where Prophet Muhammad first received the revelation.
The exhibition includes a dedicated pavilion that tells the story of the Qur’an’s revelation, offering profound insight into this pivotal moment in Islamic history.
Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District draws visitors from around the world and all walks of life, according to the report.
Beyond its cultural and educational appeal, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of traditional and modern cafes, restaurants, and diverse shopping options for individuals and families alike.
Art in Madinah through the eyes of a local artist
- Spiritual nature of the city inspires Meshal Al-Hujaili to seek simplicity through his work
- Madinah Art Center a ‘turning point’ for local art scene
Riyadh: Madinah’s art scene is expanding, featuring a rich blend of traditional and contemporary influences rooted in the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage, cultural identity and historical lineage.
“The art scene in Madinah is constantly evolving, leading artists in the city to keep pace with this development and enter the artistic landscape,” artist and Madinah native Meshal Al-Hujaili told Arab News.
Al-Hujaili described how the art scene in his home town influences his work: “Madinah, with its spiritual nature and simplicity, always leads me to pursue simplicity in my work, despite its artistic depth.”
Born and raised in Madinah, Al-Hujaili contributes to the growth of the local art scene through his solo art exhibitions and collaborations with the Madinah Art Center.
The center “has been a turning point for the art scene in Madinah,” he said.
“Due to its ongoing art sessions, exhibitions and meetings, it has increased my exposure to artists who preceded me in the field,” Al-Hujaili said.
“The center provides a stimulating environment for dialogue and exchange of experiences among artists, which has opened new horizons for me in my expression and in my understanding of the role of art in society,” he said.
Al-Hujaili’s artwork, currently on display in the main gallery of the Madinah Art Center, is a result of the Madinah International Symposium 2023.
“The painting, titled ‘Flow,’ reflects my experience at the symposium, my presence among more than 200 artists from around the world, and the artistic flow that prevailed at the center,” he said.
Al-Hujaili’s latest exhibition, titled “Path,” in collaboration with curator Nouf Al-Balawi explored “reflections, each representing a pivotal stage in the artist’s life as he searches for self.”
The art exhibition shed light on the Madinah native’s life, “documenting the events around him, about the various paths of life, in an individual experience that begins with the embryo and continues through to the impact he creates,” Al-Hujaili said.
When asked where he draws his inspiration from, the artist said his natural curiosity and love for asking questions.
Al-Hujaili’s latest exhibition is inspired by five themes, the first being “From Embryo to Embryo,” a series of four works that explore the circle of life, starting from the moment the fetus is formed in the womb and continuing through parenthood, “where the first fetus never ends, but rather transforms and begins anew as the father of a fetus,” as Al-Hujaili described it.
The second theme is titled “The Child I Was Not.”
“After highlighting the fetal stage, the exhibition moves to the next stage: childhood,” he said.
This is a single work in which the artist tries to reflect on children’s perspectives on art, because “art was not part of their experience as a child,” he said.
One part of the exhibition, titled “Morning Exercises,” shifts from childhood to decision-making and commitment. It features 30 artworks documenting the artist’s dedication to a daily morning art practice, lasting up to five hours of creating new pieces.
Another section titled “What to Do?” looks at the artist questioning the definition of the artwork and discovering where the value in the artwork lies.
In the concluding “Effort and Impact” section, two works represent the artist’s journey in producing art, his commitment to daily work, and his constant questioning and research.
Closing the interview, the artist emphasized how the Madinah Art Center supports his work and the work of other artists across the Kingdom: “The gallery encourages artists to explore new experiences and view the work of other artists,” he said.
“The center also offers numerous training courses and dialogue sessions that help artists become part of the artistic movement taking place in Madinah across various artistic fields,” he said.
When asked what he hopes to accomplish in the Madinah art scene, he said: “I have always dreamed of making a real impact on how people view art and representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Al-Hujaili said he hopes his work will be immortalized in history.
Experts discuss innovations in clinical pharmacy
- Two-day event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality and align with global advancements
RIYADH: The International Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Conference, organized by the Hail Health Cluster, brought together more than 700 healthcare professionals and leading international experts in health and pharmaceutical sciences.
The two-day event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality and align with global advancements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. It provided a key platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Discussions covered the latest in virtual health, strategies to enhance the patient experience along the medication journey, and future models for expanding pharmacy services.
Conference highlights included research poster presentations featuring innovations and evidence-based practices in clinical pharmacy, the SPA added.
An accompanying exhibition featured cutting-edge technologies and solutions from participating organizations, reinforcing the role of pharmacy in driving primary care innovation.
Najdi doors reflect Kingdom’s craft legacy
Riyadh: The year 2025 has been designated the “Year of Handicrafts” in the Kingdom to reinforce traditional arts and crafts as authentic cultural heritage.
The initiative aims to promote the practice, preservation, documentation and integration of handicrafts into modern life, celebrating a cultural legacy central to national identity, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
It seeks to support artisans, enhance their skills and prevent traditional crafts from disappearing. It emphasizes manual crafts made using simple tools, without modern technology.
Prominent crafts include Sadu weaving, mud building, wood carving, pottery, hand embroidery, and palm frond products such as baskets and mats.
Engraving on doors with Najdi motifs is another traditional art for which the Najd region is renowned, the SPA reported.
Artisan Ali Al-Jasser, known for Najdi door engraving, shared his journey from basic wooden installations to intricate three-dimensional pieces blending tradition with contemporary art.
He noted regional variations — at Najdi in the center, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri in the south, Rawashin in the west, Bab Al-Bahr in the east, and Sadu in the north.
Another artisan, Nouf Al-Suwailim, highlighted that Najdi door engravings were key elements of traditional Najdi architecture, reflecting its cultural and urban identity.
She described the doors’ elegant designs, featuring geometric and floral patterns enhanced by decorative iron nails.
