WASHINGTON: Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman was due in Washington Monday for talks with US President Donald Trump that are likely to be dominated by concern over Iran’s spreading regional influence and its ongoing nuclear program.
A host of other policy issues are expected to be on the agenda, including the Saudi and UAE-led boycott of Qatar, Saudi Arabia’s plans for nuclear energy and the Trump administration’s faltering efforts to forge an Israeli-Palestinian peace.
The crown prince is scheduled to meet Trump on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen ties between the two countries, according to the White House.
The visit is being seen as a chance for the relatively new administration in Washington and the crown prince, who has been heir to the throne for less than a year, to get to know each other better. Trump, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, forged close personal relationships with the crown prince when the US president visited Saudi Arabia in May. That helped cement a close alliance between the two countries.
Nonetheless, American officials are keen to learn more about the crown prince’s inner circle, and to meet the advisers and aides who they believe will play a critical role in the implementation of social and economic reforms in Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom’s more muscular foreign policy.
“Mohammad bin Salman has started a hugely positive cultural reform program in Saudi Arabia, particularly the theological struggle to return the Kingdom to its roots in moderate Islam,” said Jim Smith, who served as the US ambassador to Saudi Arabia between 2009 and 2013. 
“Winning that war of ideas, and succeeding in the other major policy challenges, depends not only on the crown prince’s leadership but also on how good the team he has assembled around him is, and how strong the institutions they build together are.
“That is something of an unknown at the moment and the US government will be keen to sound that out,” Smith said.
There is a groundswell of optimism in Washington around the crown prince’s rising power, and much of the domestic and foreign policy agenda he has staked out. The US is keen to see cultural liberalization and market-orientated economic reforms in Saudi Arabia and, under Trump, shares Riyadh’s deep concern over Iran.
But the US foreign policy establishment also wants to find out more about the crown prince’s anti-corruption campaign and has some concerns about some of Riyadh’s external policies, including the war in Yemen and the dispute with Qatar, something that Washington wants to see quickly resolved.
The crown prince’s arrival comes at a time of deep political uncertainty in the US, with a recent election defeat for the Republicans in Pennsylvania, a series of sackings and resignations of senior officials and persistent rumors that more are in the offing. In addition, a probe into Russian meddling in the US presidential election rumbles on, and appears to be circling ever closer to the White House.
Trump has proven to be an unpredictable and impulsive president, particularly on foreign policy issues. He angered Arab allies in December when he announced the relocation of the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, giving up a key regional bargaining chip without winning any concessions from the Israelis in return.
Kushner, the foreign policy adviser who is a bridge between the US and Saudi administrations, recently had his security clearance at the White House downgraded, raising questions about how much of a role he will be able to play in the upcoming talks.
While the White House is chaotic, the US State Department, which traditionally manages US-Saudi ties, is in complete disarray. Trump recently sacked his Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, after a 13-month stint which left the US foreign service at a historically low ebb, understaffed and suffering low morale.
The Saudi delegation will not miss Tillerson, who’s unpopularity within the US foreign service was matched only by his unpopularity in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, where he was seen as soft in Iran and unsupportive of their boycott of Qatar over Doha’s links to extremist groups.
Former CIA director Mike Pompeo has been named as Tillerson’s likely successor, but he has to go through a system of congressional approval that means he will not take up his post during the Saudi visit. Pompeo shares the crown prince’s attitude that Iran must be confronted with a more aggressive strategy.
In the meantime, Trump seems likely to continue his management of foreign affairs through Kushner rather than the machinery of the State Department.
More than a year after taking over the White House, he has yet to appoint a US ambassador to Saudi Arabia or to name an assistant secretary for the Middle East, traditionally key figures involved in maintaining US-Saudi ties.
Those vacancies remain a concern to foreign policy experts in Washington, who fear that Trump and Kushner, both New York City real estate traders, lack the experience and knowledge to manage complex foreign policy issues.
“It is frankly irresponsible not to have those key positions filled. The US-Saudi relationship is much too important to neglect in that way,” Smith, the former US ambassador to Riyadh, said.
Dangers from Iran will dominate Saudi crown prince’s talks with Trump
Dangers from Iran will dominate Saudi crown prince’s talks with Trump
Art is ‘translating feelings,’ says 16-year-old Saudi artist
- Jawad Al-Omair has established himself as a painter, drawing inspiration from the beauty and pain surrounding him
RIYADH: While his classmates took part in sports activities, Saudi teenage artist Jawad Al-Omair daydreamed about the next time he would pick up a paintbrush or pencil to draw again.
At only 16 years of age, Al-Omair has established himself as an artist, drawing inspiration from the beauty and pain surrounding him.
He told Arab News that his breakthrough moment came when he discovered his artistic abilities in the third grade.
“All the kids used to go to play. I always found myself opening my notebook and just drawing. I remember one day, I drew something at school, and when I got home, I showed it to everyone. I told myself, ‘I should do this more often.’”
HIGHLIGHT
Jawad Al-Omair views color as an arsenal to communicate emotion in his artworks.
He uses acrylic paint to portray his vivid ideas on canvas.
“With every painting I do, I usually have a vision of what the color palette is going to be and the composition, and most importantly what message and feeling I am trying to deliver through the painting.”
The young artist views color as an arsenal to communicate emotion in his artworks. “If I wanted to paint something that conveys the feeling of being lost, I would usually use cool toned colors like greys and blues.”
Al-Omair said that he noticed a dramatic change in his artistic abilities after being introduced to a group of local artists who taught him painting techniques to implement in his artworks.
“Dana Almasoud is one of my best friends who has helped me so much. Three years ago, I used to be a completely different artist. I used to be unable to draw small portraits, but she taught me how to. I can’t picture how my life would be if I had not met them,” he said.
In a recent artwork, Al-Omair painted a large-scale self-portrait inspired by the style of John Singer Sargent, an American artist renowned for his portrait paintings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
He described Sargent as one of his favorite artists. “If you see his self-portrait, It is similar to mine. I was looking at his artwork while I was painting so I could capture that same vibe.”
It took Al-Omair about 12 hours to complete the self-portrait, which emphasizes his prominent features.
“I get commented on my nose a lot, so I painted it in the center. I wanted to immortalize my 16-year-old self, because who knows what I will look like five years from now?”
The young artist aims to turn all sorts of experiences — even those of friends or family members — into art.
“How would life be if we did not have music or anything beautiful to look at? When you think of an artist, people usually imagine someone with a brush, but it is much bigger than that.
“Art is translating feelings with a certain skill. Movies taught humanity so much because you get to learn about people. Writing, songs and music are emotional things that we share. Art is one of the most important parts of life. Everyone has an artistic side to them that they may have not found yet,” he said.
Saudi development fund agrees $50m loan deal with St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Funding will help rebuild and repair facilities damaged by natural disasters in the Caribbean island nation
RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development signed a $50 million loan agreement with St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday to assist communities affected by natural disasters, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The deal was signed by SFD CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and Camillo Gonsalves, finance minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, during the 2024 spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington.
According to the World Bank, the southern Caribbean nation faces a host of natural threats, including floods, hurricanes, droughts, landslides, and volcanic eruptions.
The agreement will fund a project to rebuild and repair buildings and facilities damaged by natural disasters in the island nation.
This initiative includes the restoration and construction of essential infrastructure, such as housing, healthcare, educational, and sports facilities, aimed at boosting their durability and resilience against future disasters and climate change impacts.
The project will also include establishing four healthcare centers, building primary and secondary schools, renovating government buildings, and restoring homes damaged by volcanic activity.
The loan is in line with the SFD’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities around the globe.
Since its inception in 1975, the Saudi fund has financed over 800 development projects and programs worldwide, with total funding exceeding $20 billion.
Art Jameel announces open call for Hayy Jameel Facade Commission
- Antonia Carver, director of Art Jameel, said: “At Art Jameel, we are committed to fostering the role of the arts in public life
JEDDAH: The Hayy Jameel Facade Commission is inviting new and established artists in Saudi Arabia to reimagine the facade of the Hayy Jameel art building in Jeddah.
In its fourth year and third open call process, the commission will select a winning artwork that serves as conversation starter between the complex, the community it serves and the broader public.
Antonia Carver, director of Art Jameel, said: “At Art Jameel, we are committed to fostering the role of the arts in public life.
“Through this annual commission which positions the facade as the first point of contact with the Hayy Jameel community, we are providing a platform that propels mid-career artists forward and challenges them to produce a large-scale, highly imaginative work that remains in-situ, front and center in Jeddah, for around 10 months.”
The commission encourages artists to consider the site-specific nature of the project and the technical requirements of a public work.
Sustainability considerations are also appreciated in managing the carbon footprint of the artwork and its installation.
Eligibility is open to all Saudi and Saudi-based artists and collectives, with at least one member required to be a Saudi citizen or resident if applying as a collective.
The commissioned artists will receive a work fee and a production budget managed by Art Jameel.
The jury, consisting of local and international art professionals, curators, artists and museum directors, will select a single work for production.
Applicants are required to submit a concept statement (200-500 words), up to four sketches and diagrams, and an estimated production schedule through the application portal.
The deadline for the facade submission has been extended to May 1, with the launch scheduled for October. Following the unveiling, there will be a public viewing period from October 2024 to September 2025.
Previous works displayed on the building have showcased the talent of artists such as Nasser Al-Mulhim, Tamara Kalo, Mohammad Al-Faraj and Dr. Zahrah Al-Ghamdi.
Saudi universities participate in Geneva’s International Exhibition of Inventions
- More than 1,000 inventions from over 40 countries showcased at event
RIYADH: Mohammed Al-Sudairi, the Saudi deputy minister of education for universities, research and innovation, opened the Kingdom’s pavilion at the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
Some 26 Saudi Arabian universities are taking part at the event — including 19 government universities, two independents and five private bodies — and a total of 113 inventions have been produced, in scientific, theoretical, medical, and biological specializations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among the universities taking part is Qassim University, which is showcasing a display that highlights innovations and several inventions.
Abdulaziz bin Bani Alharbi, a faculty member at Qassim’s College of Agriculture and Food, said that the college was showcasing a patent registered with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property: a method for desalinating salt water using a halophyte plant.
He said the invention involved introducing water and placing the plant in a closed system that allowed the collection of water from the plant after the transpiration process.
Alharbi added that gas exchange followed and then desalination to obtain salt-free water.
Fahad Alminderej, a faculty member at the College of Science, said his group had obtained a patent for extracting materials from date waste, and was then using them in pharmaceutical manufacturing in an innovative manner. This patent had also been registered with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.
Abdullah Almohaimeed, the head of the Innovation Center and Intellectual Property at the university, said that Qassim was participating in the exhibition as part of the Ministry of Education’s initiative to enhance the international presence of Saudi universities, in line with national objectives.
He added that the university’s participation aimed to highlight its role in supporting the innovation system and entrepreneurship, as well as showcase many inventions.
The exhibition, which is taking place until April 21, is displaying more than 1,000 inventions from over 40 countries. Some 800 exhibitors are featured at the event and 30,000 visitors are expected to attend, in addition to 650 journalists.
It is the world’s largest annual event devoted exclusively to invention.
Al-Baha’s monuments: A pivotal testament to civilizational advancement
- Characterized by intricate designs, the residential buildings, castles, and forts embody a harmonious fusion of environmental adaptability and cultural resonance
RIYADH: Nestled in Al-Baha region in southwestern Saudi Arabia lies a treasure trove of ancient architecture in the quaint villages that dot its landscape.
Characterized by intricate designs, the residential buildings, castles, and forts embody a harmonious fusion of environmental adaptability and cultural resonance.
Crafted with precision, these structures seamlessly integrate with the rugged terrain and fluctuating climate, while also paying homage to the long-standing customs and traditions of ancient Arab society.
Seventy-three-year-old Mohammed bin Salem Al-Ghamdi told Saudi Press Agency: “For decades, I have dedicated myself to the craft of stone house construction.”
Currently, he and his companions are diligently crafting a stone room, employing stones as their primary building material. Together, as a cohesive team of builders, craftsmen, and eager participants, they collaborate harmoniously to bring their vision to life. He described it as both a hobby and inheritance passed down through generations.
“In every construction endeavor, we rely on what’s known as the cornerstone, strategically positioned at the room’s corners. Additionally, a lengthy stone, referred to as the ‘link,’ is essential for connecting each stone within the structure. We also use sturdy stones known as ‘Al-Mateen’ or ‘Al-Daher’ to fortify the room’s foundation.
“Moreover, we meticulously place ‘Al-Lazza’ stones, tiny yet significant, within the larger stones, ensuring a seamless fit without any gaps or openings in the room’s structure,” he added.
“Once the corners are meticulously stacked and leveled, I proceed to roof the room with wood. This involves utilizing a series of wooden beams cut to specific lengths to interconnect all corners of the room. Next, I scatter small plants across the wooden framework to fully cover the ceiling, upon which clay is applied to secure the structure. This method ensures durability against erosion and rainfall, further reinforced by specific paving techniques.”
Al-Ghamdi emphasized the importance of post-construction plastering with clay, which not only gives the interior an earthy tone but also regulates the temperature — ensuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
He mentioned the practical use of juniper trees for doors and windows, facilitating easy replacement and serving a dual purpose in construction.
Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Hanash, professor of urban design at Al-Baha University, highlighted the profound significance of human construction in Al-Baha region, portraying it as a living chronicle of urban civilization’s evolution over time.
He underscored the traditional architecture and urban legacy of Al-Baha as foundational elements, inherently distinguishing the region. With its wealth of historical landmarks spanning the Sarat and Tihamah regions, the area has gained the attention of state authorities, who aim to nurture its potential as both a summer and winter tourism hotspot through strategic development initiatives.
