JEDDAH: The auspicious festival of Eid Al-Fitr, one of the most joyous days in the Islamic calendar that marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramadan, is being celebrated with full religious fervor and gaiety all across the Kingdom.
Millions of Muslims attended the congregational Eid prayer in various mosques and special prayer grounds for the blessed occasion (Eidgah) on Friday morning after the Shawwal moon was sighted on Thursday evening.
In Makkah, the Eid prayer was performed at the Grand Mosque and led by Imam Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid.
King Salman performed Eid Al-Fitr prayer at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. More than a million worshipers performed Eid Al-Fitr prayer at the Prophet’s Holy Mosque in Madinah, where the prayer was attended by Prince Faisal bin Salman, Governor of Madinah region.
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar attended the prayer at Prince Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and congratulated the people on the auspicious occasion.
In the prayer performed in various regions and attended by respective governors of the regions with senior officials, the preachers in their sermon congratulated Muslims on the blessed occasion of the Eid Al-Fitr, praying to Allah Almighty to accept their fasting, prayers, charity and good deeds, wishing them many happy returns with the good outcomes and blessings.
After the prayer in designated mosques and at special grounds, people met with each other with a great zeal greeting them a happy and very blessed Eid.
In Riyadh, besides the designated mosques, special arrangements were made to conduct prayers in dozens of open spaces in Suleimaniyah, Deerah and Manfouha districts with separate arrangements for women by placing improvised partitions for their privacy.
The week-long festivity, with the culmination of the fasting month of Ramadan and the beginning of the Eid holidays, has ushered in the most festive celebration in the Islamic calendar as families organizw get together meetings and feasts, and offer presents and delicacies.
A comprehensive civil and security arrangements are in place for the annual festival to be enjoyed amid colorful celebrations with utmost public safety.
The Riyadh Governorate, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawah and Guidance and the Riyadh municipality have made elaborate arrangements for the occasion, including entertainment and fun programs for children and families to enjoy the holiday.
The capital have been decked by the municipal staffs with special decorative arrangements, including flags and banners bearing “Eid Saeed” on main roads in the city greeting passers by.
Riyadh municipality, in collaboration with a number of official and non-official bodies, has made an elaborate decorative arrangement offering colorful celebrations that include miscellaneous folklore performances and a variety of activities for children.
Asides from the banners and flags, many roads have also been decorated with special colorful lighting arrangements to celebrate the annual festivity.
The municipality has selected three locations, which is distributed geographically across the capital for fireworks programs, which will start daily at 9:15 p.m. local time throughout the Eid holiday.
One of these sites that has unfailingly attracted a huge number of residents and visitors over the years is the sprawling King Abdullah Park in the Malaz District, where dazzling and colorful fireworks are displayed before midnight during Eid, in addition to light and dancing fountain shows holding hundreds of spectators spellbound.
Al-Jazera district in the capital has set up an events site, which is a heritage village that will show the manifestations of Eid in the past and some activities in cooperation with the coin museum and 60 heritage booths for families to explore. The event runs from 7:15 pm to 12:00 midnight local time.
Moreover, Riyadh municipality made elaborate arrangement for street art activities at the King Fahd Library square with a variety of activities for families, light and sound programs in the garden area, as well as a number of activities for youth,including shows at Dirab park.
Furthermore, there will be a carnival march at the Prince Turki Alawwal after evening prayer and will include a march of solidarity with soldiers, folklore bands and classic cars.
King Abdullah Park in Malaz district will also host a range of folklore activities on the big stage in the park starting from 7:15 pm, whereas King Abdulaziz Historical Center Theater will host a variety of programs, shows and plays for the family.
These special arrangements have been made as a goodwill gesture to share joy with the residents and visitors, on this very blessed and pious occasion.
These celebrations will also include activities for people with special needs. To enjoy the holiday, residents have several plans, including watching the FIFA 2018 World Cup, which started Thursday with the opening match played between the Kingdom and Russia.
Some families went to Makkah and Madinah to spend their holiday in the two holy cities.
Speaking to Arab News, Mohammed Faizi, who works with a hospitality group said: “We are heading to the holy cities of Madinah, Makkah, and the resort city of Taif to spend some time with my family as my office is closed, so we will enjoy this leisure period.”
Eid Al-Fitr marked with religious fervor as Riyadh dresses up for celebrations
Eid Al-Fitr marked with religious fervor as Riyadh dresses up for celebrations
- Millions of Muslims attended the congregational Eid prayer in various mosques and special prayer grounds for the blessed occasion
- The week-long festivity has ushered in the most festive celebration in the Islamic calendar
French-Iraqi artist’s calligraphic showcase enchants Riyadh
- Hassan Massoudy’s Calligraphies de Lumiere is a fusion of east and west
RIYADH: A captivating calligraphy exhibition by renowned French-Iraqi artist Hassan Massoudy is being hosted by the Hewar Art Gallery in Riyadh.
“Calligraphies de Lumiere” displays Massoudy’s unique fusion of cultures and expression on both canvas and paper.
The 80-year-old artist, whose journey from the streets of Baghdad to the studios of Paris has woven a tapestry of inspiration, told Arab News: “When I was a child, I loved to draw. On the other hand, my mother often took me to (visit) my theologian and calligrapher uncle. I watched him trace the letters with slowness and diligence.”
Driven by a dream to pursue art, Massoudy embarked on a transformative journey to France in 1969. Training at the School of Fine Arts in Paris, he immersed himself in the techniques of painting, drawing, mosaic, fresco, art history and figurative painting.
He said: “At the same time, to pay for my studies, I worked as a calligrapher as well as at an Algerian magazine. Little by little, I began to introduce letters into the colorful characters that I painted.”
He added: “During 1975 to 1980, I integrated more and more calligraphy, until the figurative painting totally disappeared, being replaced only by letters, first compositions then the key word of the sentence expanded to become the main ‘character’.”
Massoudy was influenced by painters like Matisse, Picasso and Soulage but, he said, “another civilization also brought me a lot, the Far East with Chinese and Japanese calligraphies. It allowed me to free up space, to make free and wide gestures, by enlarging my words to the size of the sheet of paper or the canvas.”
This added to the foundations of his original culture and Massoudy’s calligraphic compositions transcended linguistic boundaries, embodying a timeless essence of humanism and poetry.
The message his creations convey is very important to him. He said: “These texts come from both Eastern and Western cultures, as well as from the past and the present. By these poetic or humanist sentences, we realize that men can join altogether with their ideas and their sensitivity.”
Each canvas in the exhibition is an imprint of Massoudy’s soul, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of introspection and enlightenment.
He said: “The canvas whose calligraphic phrase is from the Indian poet Kabir, ‘O friend, don’t go to the flower garden, the flower garden is within you,’ has a composition similar to a large seed encompassing an interior garden, the promise of rebirth. As for Ta Kuan’s quote, ‘this day will never be repeated again, each moment is a priceless jewel,’ it reassures me and makes me aware of the beauty of life. Ibn Qalakis urges us to evolve and not remain in a static state, ‘travel if you like for certain value. By traveling the skies, the crescent becomes a full moon’.”
He added that visitors to the exhibition would “come into contact with the colors of the canvas, the geometry hidden behind the shape of the words, and the meaning of the text.”
During his apprenticeship with various calligraphers in Baghdad he learnt their favorite styles or little tricks specific to each one when creating a particular letter. In learning fine arts, he said he was privileged to have rubbed shoulders with both calligraphy and painting.
He said: “I have tried to merge them, to mix Baghdad with Paris or vice versa. This has given new impetus to my calligraphy. I have knowledge of classic styles of Arabic calligraphy with its strict codes, but what I learned at the School of Fine Arts of Paris I tried to apply to the letters, giving them all their freedom and not imprisoning them in rules.”
Wandering through the exhibition, one quickly becomes conversant with the rhythm of Massoudy’s brushstrokes, each one bearing emotion and grace. He says dance has influenced him a great deal.
“I had the pleasure of working live at shows with dancers, especially with Carolyn Carlson,” he said. “When I worked in collaboration with dancers, I had the impression of being the choreographer of my letters. This brought a lot to free my gesture, lengthen it, bend it, raise it, then make it dance on the sheet with energy.”
One of the key visitors to the exhibition has been Ludovic Pouille, the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
He told Arab News: “The minute I heard that French-Iraqi artist Hassan Massoudy was displaying his work at the Hewar Gallery, I knew I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The ‘Calligraphies de Lumiere’ is truly an ode to Arabic poetry and colors. Not to mention that I am a huge fan of art in general. Art is a universal language that brings cultures and people together and opens our minds to differences and new perspectives.”
Pouille says the exhibition serves as a catalyst for cultural exchange and understanding between France and Saudi Arabia, inviting visitors from both nations to explore and connect with unfamiliar cultural landscapes, fostering mutual respect and curiosity.
He said: “Saudis have been exposed to French art for a long time and they certainly express their appreciation and love of my country and its culture. Today, with the great transformation Saudi Arabia is witnessing, the French are eager to discover it themselves. That is what we have seen with the increasing number of French tourists.”
The French Embassy in Riyadh actively engages with local communities to promote cross-cultural dialogue. Initiatives include the ongoing Month of the Francophonie, where collaborative events across Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar and AlUla with Francophone embassies, schools, associations and Saudi partners are taking place.
Pouille told Arab News: “The superb exhibition at L’Art Pur Gallery ‘Woven Portraits,’ by French-Swiss artist Catherine Gfeller and Saudi artist Daniah Al-Saleh, is a great example of artistic cooperation. It is an exhibition dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience and creativity of women in Riyadh, set against the backdrop of the city’s dynamic social and cultural landscape.”
He added: “The French Embassy intends to present an exhibition of digital art by French artists Jeanne Morel and Paul Marlier in April at the Hayy Jameel Cultural Center. We also plan to strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries by organizing a new artistic residency next autumn. I believe these programs are a great way for artists to create a long-term bond.”
Future initiatives will also promote artistic collaboration and cultural exchange between France and the Kingdom.
The ambassador said: “Our plans are continuous. The first official visit of the Minister of Culture Rachida Dati to Saudi Arabia (in March), at the invitation of her counterpart Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, is tangible proof of the constant French-Saudi cooperation at high levels.”
‘Calligraphies de Lumiere’ runs until April 18.
From the corporate world to ‘Le Cordon Bleu’: the story of two aspiring Saudi chefs
- Generation 2030 facilitates Saudi students’ transition from Riyadh to French schools
DUBAI: “Le Cordon Bleu”, renowned French culinary and hospitality institution, is home to two aspiring Saudi chefs. Having moved from Riyadh to Paris to follow their passion for cuisine and patisserie, Ghadeer Ibn Khamis and Khulood Almukrain share their experience with Arab News en franҫais.
“I relocated with my husband to France and decided to take my passion for cooking to the next level,” said Ghadeer, a student at Le Cordon Bleu.
Once in the city of art, culture, and gastronomy, Ghadeer opted for the Cordon Bleu diploma, a one-year program to specialize in cuisine and pastry.
“I wanted to shift away from the fast-paced environment of doing business in Riyadh, to focus on a field I love,” added Ghadeer.
The full-time program is a scholarship through Generation 2030, backed by MISK. Generation 2030’s objective empowering youth in various fields, and enhance Franco-Saudi relations in arts, culture, fashion, as well as knowledge and talent exchange.
Generation 2030 facilitates students’ transition from Riyadh to French schools, namely “Le Cordon Bleu,” while bringing French students to Saudi Arabia.
Known for its vibrant hospitality scene, Saudi Arabia has been attracting fine dining restaurants over the past decade, mirroring a booming touristic activity, in line with Vision 2030’s ambitions for the sector. Culinary schools are part of the conversation, and Le Cordon Blue is expected to open in Riyadh in 2024-2025.
“I used to work at a bank, and I was happy in my role. I applied to Le Cordon Bleu program after watching Julie and Julia. In a couple of days, I made the decision to enrol. It was nerve wrecking, but I feel I made the right decision,” said Khulood.
Founded in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu is a large network of culinary and hospitality schools with more than 35 institutes in 20 countries and 20,000 students of over 100 nationalities trained per year through its certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
“In pastry, there are many things I never imagined I would be able to do, I never attempted to make croissants. At Le Cordon Bleu, they put you under pressure, a challenge, where you have to do something, you initially feel you won’t be able to do. Now I feel more confident and capable of doing anything, any dish, any desert,” confirmed Khulood.
French cuisine is about technique, and relies on seasonality, good quality products, and a balance of flavours. Blending Saudi flavours with French technique is an attempt to combine innovation and heritage, bridging cultures and reconciling tastes and preferences.
“French cuisine relies on veal meat, like “Blanquette de veau,” which is also the case in Saudi Arabia. (…) In adapting French cuisine to the Saudi taste, I don’t change the dish itself, I incorporate indirect changes. It is not easy, but it is doable,” said Ghadeer.
For her “make your own tart” exam, Khulood brought Arabic flavours to the making of a tart with an Arabic twist.
“The tart was inspired by the simsimiya. Applying the techniques of cream and dough making, coulis, and crust preparation, my idea was to deliver a tart with pistachio, simsimiya and rose water, surrounded by choux pastry, filled with crème pâtissière, pistachio praline and tahini,” said Khulood.
The centennial institution is a place for learning, for commitment and discipline down to the minute.
“I used to be late, and not finish my plates on time… Then I started delivering my plates among the first in my class. The best part about my experience is seeing progress over time, till I reached a point where the chef does not comment on the plating and the presentation of my dish,” shared Ghadeer.
For Khulood, Le Cordon Bleu’s experience culminates in meeting people from different cultures and witnessing their take on food.
“It is my first time travelling and living on my own, which is an experience by itself. The exposure, the amount of information I received, I am happy to learn and implement. You exceed your own expectations and your self-confidence increases,” said Khulood.
“French cuisine is the most technical cuisine. When you go to any other cuisine, having a French cuisine and techniques background will help you a lot,” she added Khulood.
Students receive the Grand Diplôme upon completion of the culinary program, followed by a second diploma in restaurant management. The objective, is to help students develop their business idea, understand the operational cost, designing menus, as well as marketing, finance.
“There is a lot more to learn, an infinite room for creativity, and a sense of achievement with the positive feedback and support of family and friends,” added Ghadeer.
Wearing the Cordon Bleu chef’s hat is the upcoming milestone before carrying the French experience back to Riyadh, with the aspiring chefs looking at heading towards food consultancy and restaurant management.
Project to save Historic Jeddah buildings completed thanks to SR50m from Saudi crown prince
- The work on the ‘architecturally important’ structures was carried out as part of the Ministry of Culture’s Historic Jeddah restoration program
- Many buildings and sites in the district are being restored to help preserve and illustrate the history of the Hajj since the dawn of Islam
RIYADH: Several historic buildings in Jeddah that were on the verge of collapse have been saved thanks to a Ministry of Culture project personally funded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The ministry said the work on the “architecturally important” structures was carried out as part of its Historic Jeddah restoration program. The funding for the project included a personal donation of SR50 million ($13.3 million) from the crown prince, officials said.
The Historic Jeddah district contains more than 600 buildings, including 36 mosques, as well as five marketplace sites, ancient squares, and other locations of historical importance, such as the Waterfront, that were vital stopping-off points for Muslim pilgrims in days gone by. Many are being restored and renovated to help preserve and illustrate the history of the Hajj since the dawn of Islam.
Based on directives from the crown prince, the restoration work was carried out by five specialist companies based in Saudi Arabia, officials said, under the supervision of technicians experienced in the preservation of historic buildings. Special care was taken to maintain the unique design and distinctive urban characteristics of the district, they added.
Some of the buildings that were saved, which belong to Jeddah families, have archaeological features dating back as far as 500 years.
Saudi Arabia to be guest of honor at Beijing Book Fair
BEIJING: The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission and the China National Publications Import and Export Group Corporation have signed a contract to host Saudi Arabia as the guest of honor at the Beijing International Book Fair, to be held this year between June 19 and 23 in the Chinese capital.
The signing ceremony was attended by Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission CEO Dr. Mohammed Hasan Alwan, and officials from the Chinese side.
Saudi participation in the fair is astep toward strengthening cultural exchange, boosting cooperation in literature, culture, and the arts, and promoting dialogue and boosting friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Several other Saudi entities will participate in the fair to highlight the heritage, knowledge, and cultural diversity of the Kingdom through a diverse cultural program, including seminars, dialogue sessions, workshops, and artistic performances.
The Kingdom was the guest of honor at the New Delhi International Book Fair, held between Feb. 10 and 18; and will be the guest of honor, after Beijing, at the Seoul International Book Fair, from June 26 to 30, 2024.
Saudi Green Initiative in Makkah aims to promote sustainable development, afforestation
RIYADH: The State Properties General Authority has provided the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Alahyaa Centers Association with seedlings produced at its agricultural nursery in Makkah.
The contribution is part of the authority’s efforts to support sustainable development and afforestation while upgrading the vegetation cover, and took place on Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27.
Schemes include building and operating an agricultural nursery and equipping it with the newest systems to enhance production capacity and create an enabling environment for plant growth.
The project has led to the creation of 110,000 square meters of green spaces within the authority’s government compounds in Makkah, in addition to the distribution of plants, large trees and shrubs to more than 40 government entities.
The authority said that the nursery’s annual production includes 1.2 million plants that bloom in winter and in summer; 200,000 perennials and vines; 20,000 outdoor trees; 30,000 shrubs; and 5,000 indoor plants.