Search form

You are here

  • Home
  • Year in Review: New horizons open for Saudis


Year in Review: New horizons open for Saudis

Saudi Arabia’s changing cultural landscape brought leading figures from the worlds of fashion, music and sport to the Kingdom, including France’s footballing great Thierry Henry (bottom right).
Updated 21 December 2018
Rawan Radwan
Follow

Year in Review: New horizons open for Saudis

  • Saudi Arabia can look back on a year that opened new horizons for its people — and changed the way it is seen by the world
Updated 21 December 2018
Rawan Radwan

JEDDAH: If there was a coming-of-age moment for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, it was probably this. As six of the world’s top performers took to the stage in Riyadh for the Ad Diriyah E-Prix post-race concert at the weekend, thousands of Saudis swayed and danced to the music, enjoying themselves late into the night.

With 2018 drawing to a close, the world is seeing Saudi Arabia in a new light. It has been a year of change that many skeptics believed would never happen.

Life is changing for the people of the Kingdom in ways both big and small. The infamous ban on women driving has been lifted to wide acclaim. Mixed-gender events? Men and women can now attend music performances, professional wrestling bouts and football matches under the same roof.  Public entertainment? The Kingdom has more options than could be imagined even two years ago.

Notable both for their symbolism and substance, the moves transforming the lives of Saudi citizens are drastically changing the way the world views everyday life in the Kingdom. Women are driving, entertainment venues are popping up nationwide, gender segregation in public places is fading away, and people’s social lives have widened.

One of Vision 2030’s objectives is to increase and diversify entertainment to meet the needs of the population. Of equal importance is the promotion of Saudi contributions in art and culture. Since the unveiling of Vision 2030 two years ago, the number of social and cultural events staged in the Kingdom has risen steadily — but 2018 turned out to be a bonanza.

“This year has seen one unexpected joyful event after another,” Abdullah Salem, an investment banker based in Riyadh, told Arab News during a visit to the E-Prix venue. “I was never exposed to this much entertainment as a child. Now my children can see things I only got to see abroad on family vacations. They get the best of both worlds.”

Many Saudis will remember 2018 as the year cinemas reopened after a 35-year gap. “Black Panther” became the first blockbuster film to be screened in the Kingdom in recent memory. For many, it was a time to reminisce about their childhood movie experiences. For the first-timers, it was exciting just to bear witness to a historic moment.

However, according to Faisal Bafarat, senior adviser to the chairperson of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), changes in the Kingdom “are just the beginning of  our journey.”

 GEA events covered about 45 cities this year, with 3,200 days of activities. “This is still less than what we hope to deliver,” he said. “It is just the start. There is a long way to go.”

In 2019, the GEA aims to make an even bigger impact by expanding its reach in the Kingdom, he said. 

Although many believed reforms in Saudi Arabia would happen gradually, the changes kept coming. If this shows anything, it is that the populace has embraced change wholeheartedly.

Retired psychologist Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sobihi explains that people can find change difficult, since it comes with fear of the unknown that can cause anxiety.

Dr. Al-Sobihi believes that the Kingdom’s difficult “awakening” period after the 1979 attack on the Grand Mosque in Makkah pressured society on a both a social and psychological level. “People accepted these changes quickly not because they adapt to change in that manner, but because the ‘awakening’ period delayed many natural changes. So when change came, most were welcoming.”

Venues and institutions across Saudi Arabia have played their part as catalysts for the Kingdom’s vast talent pool. King Abdulaziz Cultural Center, Ithra’s Tanween, the Saudi Art Council, Souk Okaz, Al-Janadriyah Festival and others have helped build cultural bridges by merging traditional and global perspectives to create new experiences not only for the residents of the Kingdom, but also for visitors. 

Meanwhile, advances in the Kingdom’s national heritage sector have come with UNESCO recognition of sites overseen by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage. Almost 20 new sites were registered this year, with plans to prepare more next year.

Travel and tourism made up 9.4 percent of Saudi GDP in 2017. With new e-visa systems allowing visitors easier entry to the Kingdom, that figure was expected to rise by almost 5 percent this year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.  

“No longer will we be known by ‘the only nation in the world’ nonsense — we are opening up to the world more than ever,” said college student Sufana A.J., a staff organizer at the at-Turaif historical site in Ad Diriyah. “We’re welcoming our first wave of international visitors and we expect more.”

Saudi Arabia has never been short of artists, but the recent transformation has brought on a new generation eager to reach their goals. Misk Art, a symbol of the Kingdom’s grassroots art scene, has been the subject of media interest since its world tour earlier this year. 

“Art is a mirror to understand ourselves, and also a window through which outsiders can have a clearer view into our world,” said contemporary artist Ahmed Mater. “Saudi culture and society is in flux. During such change, it’s even more important to find a way to process, assess and document.”

In its first curated event, the Saudi Film Council launched a pavilion at the Cannes Marche du Film, with Saudi filmmakers outlining the Kingdom’s industry ambitions. 

Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said he was “thrilled that Saudi Arabia has ... a clear focus on nurturing its filmmaking talent and sharing its stories with the world.”

The Kingdom’s participation at Cannes was “a great way of opening up global opportunities for its creative talent,” he said.

As the year nears its end, reforms  on a social scale have been intense and focused. It is clear these changes are here to stay and are welcomed by Saudis. What’s next? We’ve yet to see.

 

Topics: Saudi Arabia Culture and Entertainment Editor’s Choice End of 2018

Related

Saudi Arabia
Motorsport, rock bands, tourists … welcome to the new Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia lifts ban on women driving

New initiative to train young innovators in nanotechnology

Updated 7 sec ago
Hebshi Alshammari
Follow

New initiative to train young innovators in nanotechnology

  • Program structured in 3 phases for Saudi graduates and entrepreneurs 
Updated 7 sec ago
Hebshi Alshammari

RIYADH: The Nanotechnology Association, supported by the Misk Foundation, is set to launch the Nanohub Program, aimed at inspiring and equipping the next generation for careers in the sector to help support a brighter future and a thriving economy.

Nanohub, a nonprofit initiative, is structured in three phases to train Saudi graduates and entrepreneurs aged between 20 and 26. It provides workshops and sessions to develop personal skills, gain hands-on experience with nanotechnology, and receive guidance from industry experts.

The program partners with leading local and international organizations to ensure participants are prepared for the workforce.

Nanotechnology is expected to transform business and innovation in various sectors. Understanding its economic impact and the potential benefits of partnerships are of crucial importance for young entrepreneurs.

The program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in nanotechnology and inspire them to drive innovation in their industries.

The first phase of the program will focus on soft skills and leadership development. It is scheduled for three days, starting on April 28.

The second phase, which starts on May 5, explores applications of nanotechnology. It runs for five days, covering topics like the fundamentals of nanotechnology, its use in medicine, energy, and renewable energy, as well as sustainability.

The third phase, beginning on May 12 and ending on May 16, provides hands-on laboratory experience through a series of sessions called “Shadowing and Lab Tours.” This phase has two key tracks: the Shadowing Track and the Lab Tours Track.

The Lab Tours Track will give participants an in-depth look at cutting-edge nanotechnology research. They will visit world-class laboratories where nanotechnology innovations are being developed.

Participants will observe advanced equipment and complex techniques central to nanotechnology research. They will see live experiments and dynamic processes that reveal the workings of nanotechnology. This track is more than just a tour as it enhances understanding by connecting academic concepts to real-world applications, giving participants a closer look at the research and development process.

The Nanohub Program is “a transformative initiative designed to elevate the skills and competencies of graduates and new hires with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) backgrounds,” said Dr. Turki Almugaiteeb, chairman of the board of the Nanotechnology Association.

“This unique initiative aims to enrich participants’ soft skills and technical expertise through curated activities.”

Almugaiteeb added that participants would “have the opportunity to delve into the intriguing realms of medicine and energy, witnessing firsthand how nanotechnology is revolutionizing these industries.”

He added: “By immersing themselves in this dynamic program, individuals will not only broaden their knowledge but also cultivate the multidisciplinary skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving STEM landscape.”

Topics: Saudi Arabia nanotechnology

Related

Sport
Ronnie O’Sullivan fully committed to growth of snooker in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Sport
Saudi Yoga Committee speaks to Arab representatives to discuss establishment of federation

An enduring bond: A Jordanian photographer has turned his focus on two of the Arab world’s most beloved creatures

Updated 8 min 32 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
Follow

An enduring bond: A Jordanian photographer has turned his focus on two of the Arab world’s most beloved creatures

  • Tariq Dajani’s first photographic exhibition of the horse and falcon series is on display at Ahlam Gallery in Al-Olaya, Riyadh
  • Arabian horses have been the subject of songs and poetry praising their individual and physical qualities down through the ages
Updated 8 min 32 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi

RIYADH: The Arabian horse and hunting falcon are important historical and cultural symbols for the Arab world, both ancient and modern.

Now a Riyadh gallery is highlighting this enduring bond with a series of portrait studies of both creatures by Tariq Dajani, a Jordanian photographer and printmaker.

Arabian horses have been the subject of songs and poetry praising their individual and physical qualities down through the ages.

However, Dajani, an owner of Arabians, chose to reflect his love of these creatures through photography and artworks.

Arabian horses have been the subject of songs and poetry praising their individual and physical qualities down through the ages. (Supplied)

Over the years he spent many sessions photographing horses in his native Jordan, as well as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Later, toward the end of the project, he added the hunting falcon, another symbol of cultural heritage and pride among Arabs.

Dajani’s first photographic exhibition of the horse and falcon series is on display at Ahlam Gallery in Al-Olaya, Riyadh. 

Entitled “Drinkers of the Wind,” the exhibition is the result of 16 years’ work creating portraits of these magnificent creatures.

Tariq Dajani's exhibition at Ahlam Gallery, entitled “Drinkers of the Wind,” is the result of 16 years’ work. (Supplied)

Dajani told Arab News that he is delighted to be able to display his work in Saudi Arabia, “a country that is deeply connected to the horse and the falcon.”

Ahlam Gallery is the perfect place to showcase these artworks, he added.

Dajani’s treatment of his subjects is not in the usual natural or romantic manner. Instead, and this is partly what sets his art apart, he uses a studio portrait approach, where he takes his studio to the stables or falcon sheds, and spends time carefully working on portrait studies of the creatures.

“My aim is to find a connection of sorts with the horse or the birds,” he said. “I am not interested in documenting the creature; I try to go deeper, to express something emotionally if I can.

“I was living in Sweden when I decided to photograph the Arabian horse. So I had to return to the Middle East, and I started with Jordan, my home country.

“The way I approach the work is to present the horse on a backdrop where all my focus — and thus the viewers of the final picture — will be on the animal itself and not on the environment that it is in.”

Tariq Dajani's exhibition at Ahlam Gallery, entitled “Drinkers of the Wind,” is the result of 16 years’ work. (Supplied)

While photographing in Jordan, Dajani met Princess Alia Al-Hussein, eldest daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan. He presented some of his work to her, and received her enthusiastic approval. 

Princess Alia gave him permission to photograph the horses of the Royal Jordanian Stud, and has continued to support his work over the years, opening his first two exhibitions in Jordan.

“I had access to some of the most beautiful horses in Jordan when I first started my project. My first exhibition solely of Jordanian Arabians was a great success,” Dajani said.

“Encouraged by the reception, and by now totally absorbed in this project, I went to Dubai, then Abu Dhabi, then Saudi Arabia, where I was presented with some of the most magnificent Arabian horses to photograph. Along the way, I introduced portrait studies of the hunting falcon. They, too, are strikingly beautiful and have a special place in Arab culture and heritage.

“I will always remain very grateful to Princess Alia for her initial support, and to many others for encouraging the work and opening doors for me along the way.”

Arabian horses have been the subject of songs and poetry praising their individual and physical qualities down through the ages. (Supplied)

One of his most striking photographs shows two mares bringing their heads together in a gentle greeting.

“This incredible and totally unanticipated greeting happened while I was photographing at the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center in Dirab, south of Riyadh. The two mares were led out onto my backdrop studio space from opposite sides, and when they approached each other, they gently and courteously touched their heads as if to say hello,” he said.

“It was so special. No one had ever witnessed this before. We all held our breath as we watched in amazement. I frequently think that it would be nice if these sensitive, clever creatures could teach us humans a little bit of gentleness and respect.”

Dajani’s exhibition features high-quality photographic color prints, and a smaller collection of photogravure prints, produced by manually pulling an inked metal plate, engraved with the photographic image, through a traditional printing press — a slow and difficult process that produces prints with a special feel and texture.
 

Topics: Arabian horses Tariq Dajani Ahlam Gallery King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center Princess Alia Al-Hussein

Related

photos
Saudi Arabia
Blind Saudi photographer credits ‘artistic sense’ for her creative images
photos
Saudi Arabia
Saudi photographer’s winning shot and the stories behind it

Focus on emerging filmmakers at 11th Showreel Effat International Student Film Festival

Updated 41 min 12 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
Follow

Focus on emerging filmmakers at 11th Showreel Effat International Student Film Festival

  • The event included films by young Saudis and their peers from around the world, plus seminars and workshops presented by industry insiders
Updated 41 min 12 sec ago
Afshan Aziz

JEDDAH: Effat University’s School of Cinematic Arts in Jeddah welcomed aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles to the 11th Showreel Effat International Student Film Festival this week.

The theme for the three-day event, which concluded on Thursday, was “Behind the Seen,” reflecting the aim of organizers to shed light on the creative process and less-visible aspects of filmmaking. The program included a diverse range of cinematic offerings celebrating the work and talent of student filmmakers, not only those studying at the school but also their peers around the globe.

Mohammed Ghazala, head of the School of Cinema Arts, set the scene with an overview of the works featured during the festival, at the heart of which were films created by students and graduates of the school, which has been a pioneer in film and animation education in the Kingdom.

Alongside the home-grown talent, the festival provided a showcase for an impressive selection of international student films. These were carefully curated from a pool of 2,150 submissions from more than 115 countries, which were whittled down to a final selection of 57 exceptional works from 27 nations: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Yemen, Morocco, Turkey, France, Belgium, Japan, Italy, Estonia, the Czech Republic, the US, China, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Taiwan, Russia, Greece, Spain, Poland, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan.

The chosen films competed for awards in seven categories, including Best Saudi Feature Film, Best International Animated Film, and the prestigious Audience Award.

In addition to providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity, organizers said the festival also aims to foster cultural exchanges and celebrate the art of cinema on a global scale.

Integral to this is a commitment to nurturing talent and encouraging dialogue within the industry, which was reflected in a series of seminars and workshops led by industry professionals. Effat University lecturer and festival coordinator Marina Ivanseva gave an overview of the sessions, which offered insights into a wide spectrum of topics key to the craft.

They included sessions on a creative cinematic post-production workshop supported by video-streaming service Netflix, cinematography workshops conducted by film camera manufacturer ARRI, and a visual effects workshop backed by specialist studio VFX Mojo.

They were presented by renowned figures and industry insiders such as Saudi artist Sarah Taibah, Oscar-winning German director Thomas Stelmach, British professor Rut Luxemburg, American visual effects artist Matt Beck, and cinematographer James Niehaus.

There were also lectures on animation and experimental film presented by the Royal College of Arts in London, while Stellmach offered insights into his professional journey that led to the Oscars. Saudi producer Nadia Malaika shared valuable career insights, Egyptian lawyer Khaled Al-Arabi discussed legal rights in filmmaking, and Mohammed Sobeih looked at the creation of animated films using Toon Boom software. The festival concluded with a session focusing on animated cinema presented by Synergy University.

“We were thrilled to welcome numerous local and international guests who shared their cinematic experiences with us … during the 11th Showreel Effat International Student Film Festival,” said Asmaa Ibrahim, the dean of Effat College of Architecture and Design.

“Students from Dar Alhekma, King Abdulaziz, and Princess Noura (universities) in Riyadh joined us in celebration. It was a delight to host guests from prestigious institutions such as the Royal College of Art, Netflix, Maflam, Film Association and VFX Mojo, who conducted exceptional workshops. The interactive discussions were engaging and we appreciate the participation of everyone.”

Karim Sahai, a visual effects professional from France, said: “I’m proud to have been a part of this incredible festival, with such a fantastic audience and remarkable guests from all over.

“The quality of their engagement and the depth of their questions during my workshop surpassed my expectations. I truly believe I’ll return to bask in this energy once more; it’s truly inspiring.”

Beyond artistic appreciation, organizers said another aim of the festival is to help forge academic and strategic partnerships, and Effat University has built alliances with institutions such as the University of Southern California and the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation with the goal of fostering collaboration and exchange of knowledge on a global scale.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Films Effat International Student Film Festival

Related

Lifestyle
Saudi film ‘Norah’ selected for Cannes, first from Kingdom in festival’s 77-year history

Investigation clears coalition on claims of rights violations at Yemen sites

Updated 25 April 2024
Rahaf Jambi
Follow

Investigation clears coalition on claims of rights violations at Yemen sites

  • Report details three incidents, including claims that coalition forces targeted two houses in the Sha’aban area, a civilian house in Al-Hudaydah governorate, and Al-Ghail Health Center
  • Investigation concluded that the coalition carried out an air mission on a military target, 4.5 km away from the coordinates of the claimed two houses, using one guided bomb that hit its target
Updated 25 April 2024
Rahaf Jambi

RIYADH: The Joint Incident Assessment Team held a conference in Riyadh on Wednesday to announce the results of investigations into allegations against coalition forces in Yemen. 

The report details three incidents, including claims that coalition forces targeted two houses in the Sha’aban area, a civilian house in Al-Hudaydah governorate, and Al-Ghail Health Center in Al-Ghail. 

Team spokesman Mansour Al-Mansour said that “with regards to what was stated in the ninth periodic report on the works of the National Commission to Investigate Alleged violations to Human Rights in Yemen (NCIAVHR) on Dec 11, 2017, the Coalition Forces targeted G.J house and M.J. house in Sha’aban area in Razih directorate of Sa’ada governorate, the targeting resulted in the destruction of the two houses, killing and injuring number of people, and the destruction of two cars.” 

Al-Mansour, said that the investigation had concluded that the coalition forces carried out an air mission on a military target, 4.5 km away from the coordinates of the claimed two houses, using one guided bomb that hit its target. 

Regarding the allegation that the coalition targeted a civilian house in Al-Jirahi directorate of Al-Hudaydah governorate on Dec. 1, 2021, and that one man and two children were injured in the strike, JIAT found that the coalition did not carry out any air missions in the whole of the governorate. 

JIAT also exonerated the coalition over a report issued by Physicians for Human Rights which stated that on Feb. 24, 2016, coalition forces aircraft dropped three munitions on Al-Ghail Health Center in Al-Ghail directorate of Al-Jawf governorate.

At the time, Houthi militia were occupying the site and using it as a military center. The building was partially destroyed in the attack. 

In response to the allegation, JIAT found that coalition forces carried out an air mission on a military target, consisting of a gathering of fighter elements belonging to the Houthi militia, in a vacant area, 2.9 km away from Al-Ghail Health Center, using one guided bomb that hit its target.

Topics: Yemen Joint Incident Assessment Team (JIAT) Mansour Al-Mansour

Related

Middle-East
JIAT investigation clears coalition forces of aerial targeting in Yemen
photos
Saudi Arabia
Coalition not responsible for alleged Yemen airstrike violations: JIAT

Foreign minister of Yemen’s internationally recognized government received by Saudi counterpart

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Yemeni counterpart Shaya Mohsin Al-Zindani in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
Updated 25 April 2024
Arab News
Follow

Foreign minister of Yemen’s internationally recognized government received by Saudi counterpart

  • Yemen’s internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council appointed Al-Zindani as foreign minister in late March
Updated 25 April 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Yemeni counterpart Shaya Mohsin Al-Zindani in Riyadh on Thursday.

Prince Faisal congratulated Al-Zindani on his recent appointment as foreign minister by Yemen’s internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council at the end of March, and wished him success in the role. 

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed aspects of bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields. They also discussed topics of common interest.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Yemen

Related

Special video
Middle-East
‘Let’s help Yemen regain ability to chart its own future,’ US envoy Tim Lenderking tells Arab News
Middle-East
Yemen’s Houthis say they targeted American and Israeli ships

Latest updates

Spinners help IPL’s lowest ranked Bengaluru defeat Hyderabad
Hamas official says Israel ‘will not achieve’ goals in Rafah
An enduring bond: A Jordanian photographer has turned his focus on two of the Arab world’s most beloved creatures
New Zealand outclass Pakistan to win 4th T20I
‘Uncommitted’ organizers will join campus protesters in Michigan over Gaza

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.