RIYADH: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to choose the Kingdom for his first foreign trip was hailed by various sections of the Saudi and Pakistani communities on Tuesday, with a majority saying that the move speaks volumes about the camaraderie enjoyed by the two states.
Khan assumed office on August 18 and talks of his impending visit to Saudi had been doing the rounds ever since. He arrived in the Kingdom on Tuesday on the invitation of King Salman for a two-day visit, following which he will head to the UAE.
Speaking on behalf of the community and welcoming the premier to the Kingdom, Pakistani Ambassador in Riyadh, Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, told Arab News that PM Khan’s acceptance of the invitation “speaks volumes not only about the bilateral relations but also about the great importance he attaches to it”.
“The entire Pakistani community is eagerly looking forward to the visit, which I am sure will usher in a new era of cultural and economic ties,” he said.
Terming the Pakistan-Saudi bond as historic and time-tested, Saddique added that the two countries “have always stood by each other in the time of need.” “The people of Pakistan hold Saudi Arabia and its visionary leaders, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in the highest esteem,” he said.
Detailing the schedule for the two-day visit, Saddique said the two sides are set to discuss several bilateral, regional and international issues, specifically matters related to the welfare of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and ways to enhance cultural ties.
Speaking to Arab News about the timing and significance of the visit, Mohammed Al-Khunaizi, a senior member of the Shoura Council said: “The visit assumes greater significance as the two countries share a historical friendship…which progressed into deeper relations as a result of visits by top officials from both sides.”
He added that the Kingdom was a host to more two million Pakistanis and the only way to value those relations and take them forward was by “working together in areas of defense, oil cooperation and economy” to further enhance trade and investment ties.
“The Pakistani government is also fighting terrorism like us…the two countries can cooperate with each to fight it,” he said, adding that Riyadh is also helping Islamabad improve and stabilize its relations with neighboring Afghanistan.
Acknowledging the political impact of PM Khan’s visit, Dr. Majed Abdullah Al Hedayan, a FDI expert, analyst and former head of legal affairs, at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, told Arab News that the move reinstates the fact that “the two countries are united on issues of political and strategic importance in the Middle East” – something which acts as evidence of the growing cooperation between the Islamic countries in dealing with issues of mutual concern.
Expressing hope that as a representative of the Pakistani community in Saudi PM Khan would take measures for them, Ghaffar Ahmed Khan, a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and a short-filmmaker in Riyadh told Arab News: “We want him to take measures for Pakistani expats living in Saudi Arabia and are extremely hopeful that the agenda of his meetings will include the welfare of the Pakistani workers. We want him to boost bilateral ties, especially in the art and entertainment sector.”
The Kingdom lifted a decades-long ban by opening its first cinema on April 18, a move which Khan says could work in favor of Pakistan’s entertainment industry as more films can now be screened in the country.
Zakariya Ahmed, an overseas Pakistani residing in the capital, says he’s admired PM Khan since his cricketing days and that his visit was a proud moment for the diaspora because “he was no longer visiting the country as a celebrity but as the prime minister of Pakistan”.
Following a congratulatory call from King Salman on his election win, PM Khan – in a statement released by the PTI -- had said at the time that “Pakistan considers Saudi Arabia’s security to be of crucial importance and safety of the holy sites in the Kingdom was part of their faith”.
Saudi’s relations with Pakistan date back to 1947 when the country was first formed. A friendship treaty was signed by the two in 1951, laying the basis for cooperation. Bilateral relations improved over the years due to strong financial and strategic assistance which both Riyadh and Islamabad extended to each other in times of need. Saudi Arabia continues to be home to the largest number of Pakistani expatriates and has provided employment opportunities to both high-skilled urban professionals and unskilled laborers from the remotest parts of Pakistan.
A number of monuments in Pakistan bear testimony to the allegiance that the country has for the Kingdom. Prime among them is The International Islamic University in Islamabad which was established with a grant of $10 million from Saudi Arabia and is a world-renowned varsity. Additionally, the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, a key landmark building in the capital, is named after King Faisal, while the third largest city in Pakistan was renamed Faisalabad as a tribute to the ruler.
PM Khan bats his way back into the hearts of diaspora
PM Khan bats his way back into the hearts of diaspora
- Expatriates in Saudi say proud to welcome favorite cricketer back as PM
- First foreign visit illustrates depth of relations with Kingdom, envoy says
Metal bands battle it out in Jeddah
- Saudi band Wasted Land emerged as champions of the 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Middle East
JEDDAH: Wacken Metal Battle Middle East arrived in Jeddah’s Makan Music Center on Friday night, providing a platform for local metal bands to showcase their musical prowess.
The battle of the bands event featured Jaheem, Volfram, Kaizer, and Wasted Land aiming for top spot, creating a memorable experience for regional metal fans.
Wacken Metal Battle Middle East — supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi, and a competition connected with Germany famous Wacken music festival — featured a jury of music experts and international guests, including judges from Germany, who evaluated the bands based on technical ability, song composition, and musical interpretation. They also took into account the band’s uniqueness, stage presence, audience interaction, execution of sound checks, communication, punctuality, and overall attitude.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Wacken Metal Battle Middle East was supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi Arabia, and a competition connected with Germany’s famous Wacken music festival.
• Saudi band Volfram described the night as a ‘unique and unforgettable experience.’
The jury selected Wasted Land as the champions of the competition, meaning they now have the chance to perform at the Wacken festival, which takes place annually in Hamburg. Adding to the excitement, the winners of the 2023 event, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind also took to the stage as guest performers.
Promoter Monika Bremer said, “Since its inception 10 years ago, Metal Battle Middle East has provided numerous emerging bands with the opportunity to showcase their talent and advance their careers. This anniversary edition is an important milestone for the regional metal scene.
“Thanks to the support of our partners, emerging metal bands have the opportunity to participate in this competition and gain valuable experience,” she added.
Emad Ashor, guitarist and vocalist of Jeddah-based death metal outfit Immortal Pain and one of the judges at the event, said, “Talent, passion, and professionalism are key. This platform allows all bands to explore new experiences and pursue their dream of victory.”
Karim Mounir, composer and bassist of Erasing Mankind, who was also a judge at the event, said: “Wacken is all about embracing the present moment and fostering camaraderie between bands and the audience. Live performances truly distinguish bands, and the Saudi metal scene’s exceptional talent and musicianship have demonstrated their worthiness for such a significant event.
“The band that can most effectively captivate Wacken’s lively and inclusive crowd would be a perfect representative from the Middle East.”
Saudi band Volfram described the night as a “unique and unforgettable experience.”
Reflecting on the band’s journey to the final of the Wacken Metal Battle, a member of Kaizer said, “Being part of this competition is an honor in itself, and sharing the stage with incredible bands is an experience we will always treasure.
“Kaizer is just beginning and has so much more to offer. Our goal is to represent the Saudi metal scene in the most intense and impactful way possible. Earning the title of Jeddah’s Heaviest Music from the crowd is a recognition we deeply appreciate.”
Meet the Russian stylist living ‘blissfully’ in Saudi Arabia
- “True to our expectations, we’ve found immense satisfaction living in Saudi Arabia. We consider it the best decision we’ve made for our family, and have no regrets.” Marsden, a professional stylist, told Arab News
RIYADH: Margo Marsden relocated to Saudi Arabia two years ago when her husband — a British oil and gas engineer — accepted a job in the Kingdom. Since her arrival, she has been documenting her experience of life in Saudi Arabia on social media. Her TikTok profile states she is a “Russian mother married to British father … living blissfully in Saudi Arabia.”
“True to our expectations, we’ve found immense satisfaction living in Saudi Arabia. We consider it the best decision we’ve made for our family, and have no regrets.” Marsden, a professional stylist, told Arab News. “Living here is incredibly invigorating; one can palpably sense the positive transformations taking place in the country, aligned with the ambitious Vision 2030 plan. In my view, Saudi Arabia stands as the premier destination for living in 2024.”
Marsden was born and raised in Kazakhstan before moving to Russia with her parents when she was 14 years old. She lived in several countries before relocating to Saudi Arabia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, Turkiye, Lebanon, Thailand, the UK, and Norway.
Living here is incredibly invigorating; one can palpably sense the positive transformations taking place in the country, aligned with the ambitious Vision 2030 plan.
Margo Marsden, Russian stylist in KSA
Marsden had worked in Riyadh for a month in 2019 with fashion retailer Zara during Ramadan, and when her husband told her about his job offer, she was thrilled at the prospect of visiting the Kingdom again.
“I love it here, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with local and expat women, to elevate their confidence and refine their fashion identity,” she said.
Marsden now has more than two decades of experience in the fashion industry. It’s a passion that began in her childhood, when she would meticulously craft outfits for her Barbie dolls with her mother’s guidance.
Marsden said she worked as a model — treading catwalks in Russia, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, and Thailand — before moving into the business side of the industry, studying fashion design at Accademia Italiana in Bangkok and personal styling at the London College of Style. She has worked as a buyer, content creator and stylist.
“My artistic pursuits also extend behind the camera; I coordinated photoshoots for both personal and corporate clients,” she added.
As a stylist, she said, her main objective is “to enhance my client’s natural beauty and instill confidence in each customer I work with.” While Marsden doesn’t currently have any clients in the Kingdom, she is hoping to establish her own business eventually.
“I’m eager to offer my expertise to individuals keen on enhancing their appearance. Helping others look and feel their best is immensely fulfilling to me,” she added.
To follow Marsden’s journey in Saudi Arabia, visit her Instagram @margo.marsden.
Riyadh forum to explore role of translation in promoting Saudi identity
- The conference aims to contribute to a key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in promoting Islamic values and national identity, by encouraging Saudis to translate these concepts into other languages and cultures
RIYADH: The College of Languages at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh will host a conference titled “Translating the Saudi identity through other languages and cultures” on May 15.
The event, carrying the slogan “We translate our identity,” will take place at the Department of Conferences and Seminars, and is sponsored by Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
It will focus on sharing the Kingdom’s cultural, historical, literary and intellectual heritage with a global audience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
HIGHLIGHT
The conference will attract researchers and enthusiasts interested in Saudi identity and its translation for foreign cultures. Students specializing in national identity and translation will take part, alongside representatives from sectors focused on translating Saudi identity, including ministries, agencies and companies.
The role of translation in promoting a positive image of the Kingdom will also be discussed, as well as fostering international recognition and underscoring the Kingdom’s cultural impact.
The conference aims to contribute to a key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in promoting Islamic values and national identity, by encouraging Saudis to translate these concepts into other languages and cultures.
A competitive environment will be established among university students to introduce them to their identity through other languages and cultures.
The conference will attract researchers and enthusiasts interested in Saudi identity and its translation for foreign cultures. Students specializing in national identity and translation will take part, alongside representatives from sectors focused on translating Saudi identity, including ministries, agencies and companies.
Six scientific sessions and workshops will be hosted at the conference, as well as topic-related exhibitions and cultural events. Sessions will cover themes including “Saudi family identity,” “National identity,” “Linguistic communication,” “The role of translation and publishing in sharing the Saudi identity with the world,” “Translating national heritage into global languages” and “National identity in film translation.”
The conference’s workshops will focus on topics including translating the Saudi identity within the tourism sector.
The College of Languages organized the event as part of its commitment to the 2025 strategic goals of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
King Salman issues royal decree to appoint investigative lieutenants at Public Prosecution
RIYADH: King Salman issued a royal decree on Saturday to appoint 261 investigative lieutenants at the Ministry of Justice’s Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib thanked the king for the royal decree and said it reflected the support provided by the King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the ministry and its departments, SPA added.
Al-Mujib praised the commitment to advancing the development and prosperity of the justice ministry in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Tripartite committee discusses enhancing defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan
- The Saudi-Turkish bilateral defense cooperation committee also met in Istanbul
ISTANBUL: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan’s tripartite committee held its third meeting recently in Istanbul to discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation.
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defense Bilal Durdali, and Lt. Gen Mohammed Owais from Pakistan were among the officials present at the meeting, the Defense Ministry said in a report on Saturday.
The meeting focused on joint cooperation in defense, the transfer and localization of technology, and the development of scientific research in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030, the ministry stated.
The Saudi-Turkish bilateral defense cooperation committee also met in Istanbul recently.
