JEDDAH: More than 60 artists from across the world captivated audiences at UNESCO World Heritage site Al-Balad, as it was transformed into a vibrant musical haven for the Balad Beast music festival on Jan. 18 and 19.
The festival, curated by Saudi-based music and media platform MDLBEAST, featured four stages showcasing laser shows and state-of-the-art sound systems. From local acts to international sensations, the diverse lineup treated music lovers to an unforgettable experience.
Ahmad Alammary, who goes by the artist name DJ Baloo and is chief creative at MDLBEAST, told Arab News: “Everything we do is about upgrading. Last year was our first edition and we had a lot of fun with it, but, as with everything, the first time was full of lessons. So, we took those lessons and refined the overall experience, whether through connecting with local talent in terms of music or even the graphic arts displayed this year, which were very inclusive.
“We had art pieces by Saad, Golden Ratio, and Edge of Arabia displayed throughout the stages. And, in the same way, we looked at curating our music lineup much better.”
Highlighting the significance of Al-Balad, Alammary said: “It is so full of detailed history, rich culture, motifs, patterns, and textures. Every time we come here, we notice something new and transform it into something (that hasn’t ever been seen before).”
Hosting a festival in Al-Balad poses challenges due to the fragile nature of the buildings and surroundings. Alammary explained that an extensive study was conducted to ensure that the noise of the festival did not have a negative impact on the area’s architectural heritage.
This year’s Balad Beast roster included US hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan, Emmy-winning singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha, Egyptian alternative rockers Cairokee, French DJ and producer DJ Snake, UK rapper Russ, and US singer-songwriter Ty Dolla Sign.
The latter expressed his excitement at being part of the festival, telling Arab News: “I enjoyed performing to the crowd in this amazing place. This is unique, and we look forward to coming back again.”
Local house music DJ Azm said: “Performing at Balad Beast for the second time was an incredible experience. The festival’s commitment to showcasing local talent and creating a platform for DJs like myself is inspiring. I encourage aspiring artists to seize the opportunities that events like these offer, as they’re an incredible way to connect with audiences and make a mark in the industry.”
Jumana Abdullah, who attended both days of the festival, told Arab News: “It was truly the highlight of my year. There was such a diverse range of genres that appealed to everyone’s tastes, and the sound quality was absolutely impeccable. The festival grounds were incredibly well-organized, the crowd was so friendly, and the overall vibe was simply amazing. It was a weekend filled with non-stop dancing and pure joy. I’m already eagerly counting down the days until the next one.”
Historic Jeddah transformed into musical wonderland
https://arab.news/6j5gq
Historic Jeddah transformed into musical wonderland
- From local acts to international sensations, Balad Beast offered a musical feast for all
- Hosting a festival in Al-Balad poses challenges due to the fragile nature of the buildings and surroundings
Saudi Armed Forces participate in military exercise in Turkiye
- The field exercise phase of EFES 2024, which begins on Friday and continues until May 30, follows a command center phase that began on April 25 and ended on Wednesday
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Armed Forces are taking part in a multinational military exercise in the Turkish city of Izmir, the Kingdom’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
Upon arrival in Turkiye ahead of the field-exercise phase of EFES 2024, the Saudi units were greeted by the military attache at the Saudi embassy in Ankara, Commodore Adel Al-Kalthami, the director of the exercise from the Kingdom, Brig. Gen. Nasser Al-Suhaimi, and officers from branches of the Armed Forces.
The exercise involves two main phases, the first of which was a command-center exercise at the Multinational War Center in Istanbul and the Joint Command Training Center in Izmir, which began on April 25 and concluded on Wednesday. The second phase, involving live-firing field exercises at Izmir’s Doganbey Firing and Exercise Area, begins on Friday and continues until May 30.
The head of the Saudi Armed Forces Education and Training Authority, Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, said participation of the nation’s forces in the exercise reflects the care and support of the Saudi leadership for the development of their capabilities and the enhancement their organizational, training and armaments skills.
The exercise provides an opportunity for forces from participating nations to exchange skills, train together in the planning and coordination of joint operations in various environments, raise their combat efficiency, and enhance military cooperation, he added.
During the exercise the Saudi units and their counterparts from other countries will carry out many field maneuvers on land and sea, including sea-landing operations, search and rescue missions, and responses to threats posed by drones, using light arms loaded with live ammunition and other weaponry, Al-Balawi said.
Saudi king, crown prince offer condolences to Brazilian president over flood victims
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a message of condolences and sympathy to Brazilain President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following the floods that swept the state of Rio Grande do Sul that killed and injured several people and left a number missing, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
“We learned of the news of the floods that swept through the state of Rio Grande do Sul, south of the Federal Republic of Brazil, and the resulting deaths, injuries, and missing persons,” the king said.
He added: “We share Your Excellency’s pain of this tragedy, and we send to you, to the families of the deceased, and to your friendly people, our warmest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing that the missing will return safely and the injured a speedy recovery.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable to the Brazilian president.
Heavy rains and flooding in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul since last week also have left 128 people missing, authorities said. More than 230,000 have been displaced, and much of the region has been isolated by the floodwaters.
(With AP)
Saudi crown prince, Ukrainian president discuss Russia-Ukraine conflict during call
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday received a phone call from Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed several issues of common interest.
They also discussed developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts to resolve the conflict.
Ithra Film Production announces new projects at film festival
- The IFP seeks to highlight Saudi stories and discover new voices
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz World Cultural Center, or Ithra, announced 15 new film projects this week at the 10th Saudi Film Festival, which concludes on May 9.
The Saudi film funding program selected four features and 11 short films from 170 submissions over the past year.
The entries were submitted by emerging Saudi filmmakers vying to take their concepts from the drawing board to silver screens across the globe.
Since its inception six years ago, the IFP has played a vital role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing film industry, by nurturing home-grown talent and fostering cinematic content through commissioning and co-funding opportunities.
The IFP seeks to highlight Saudi stories and discover new voices and creative storytellers with the ultimate goal of having their films showcased on national and international platforms.
After reviewing an unprecedented number of high-quality submissions, the jury ultimately settled on the 15 films that together comprise an array of unique untold stories presented by talented storytellers who tapped into Saudi Arabia’s rich culture for ideas.
IFP also introduced a range of initiatives aimed at providing platforms for film producers, advancing standards of excellence in filmmaking and empowering new talent in the region.
Additionally, they host numerous workshops and seminars in the field of representation and production, writing and directing, among others.
Since its first film in 2018, IFP has funded 20 titles and produced four which have been showcased at 95 film festivals across the globe, winning 34 awards.
This includes “Hajjan” which most recently won three awards at the Gulf Film Festival including best feature, best actor and best cinematography.
Saudi deputy minister receives Swiss envoy
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Dr. Saud Al-Sati received the Swiss envoy to the Kingdom, Yasmine Chatila, on Wednesday in Riyadh.
During the meeting, the two reviewed Saudi-Swiss bilateral relations, in addition to discussing regional and international developments of common concern.
Meanwhile, Hassan Al-Attas, assistant general supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, met with Charles Harper, development director and deputy ambassador of the UK to Yemen, at the SDRPY headquarters in Riyadh.
They reviewed development efforts through the Saudi program in various Yemeni governorates, and ways to enhance cooperation and partnerships to serve development goals in Yemen.
