JEDDAH: Seventy male and female craftsmen from all over the Kingdom are taking part in the craft contest at the Souq Okaz in its 12th edition.
Dr. Faisal Al-Khamis, general supervisor of the National Program of Crafts and Handicrafts (Bari’) said the “Okaz prize for innovation and creativity in handcrafts” is worth SR300,000 ($80,000) and includes eight categories.
The contest aims to encourage men and women artisans to introduce their works and take them to new horizons, renewing the innovation in the field that Saudi Arabia is proud of.
Al-Khamis indicated that the arbitration criteria this year reflect the artisans’ distinction.
Eight associations and centers are participating in the Bari’ show for artisans.
The criteria this year focuses on four elements: Authenticity, innovation, distinction and the product’s economy and advertising. The arbitration committee is formed of five of the best local and international judges in different fields. The contest is divided into eight categories: Manufacturing of palm products, sadu (spinning and weaving of goat and sheep wool), manual carpeting, crochet and embroidery, manufacturing and carving of wood products, drawing or carving or hand-decorating any natural material, manufacturing of innovative handcrafts and heritage traditional works.
70 artisans feature handicrafts at Saudi Arabia’s Souq Okaz fest
70 artisans feature handicrafts at Saudi Arabia’s Souq Okaz fest
- The contest aims to encourage men and women artisans to introduce their works and take them to new horizons
- The criteria this year focuses on four elements: Authenticity, innovation, distinction and the product’s economy and advertising
Saudi Arabia to host ‘dialogue’ between southern Yemeni factions
- The conference hopes to ‘develop a comprehensive vision’ to fulfill the aspirations of Yemenis
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has invited factions in south Yemen to hold a dialogue in Riyadh to “discuss just solutions to the southern cause.”
The ministry statement said the conference in the Saudi capital had been requested by Rashad Al-Alimi, President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and the Kingdom urged all factions to participate “to develop a comprehensive vision” that would fulfill the aspirations of the southern people.
The separatist Southern Transitional Council has recently seized territory in the governorates of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra.
Saudi Arabia said the STC action poses a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security, and regional stability.
Earlier this week, the military coalition supporting Yemen’s government carried out airstrikes targeting a shipment of weapons and vehicles destined for southern separatist forces. The shipment arrived in the port of Al-Mukalla on two vessels.
Saudi Arabia has reiterated the only way to bring the southern cause to a resolution is through dialogue.
Gulf and Arab countries on Tuesday offered their support for the internationally recognized government in Yemen.
