JEDDAH: Ivory Coast Minister of Interior and Security Sidiki Diakite has praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve pilgrims during a visit to Makkah.
Diakite was part of an Ivory Coast delegation welcomed by Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Mohammed Saleh bin Taher Bentin.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed relations between the two countries, and discussed issues relating to pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors.
The Saudi minister stressed King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s willingness to offer the best services to allow pilgrims to perform their rituals.
Ivory Coast praises Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve pilgrims
Ivory Coast praises Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve pilgrims
- The Saudi minister stressed King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s willingness to offer the best services to pilgrims
Red Sea International Airport announces first overseas flights
- New twice-weekly service operated by flydubai commences April 18
- “Situated within three hours flying time of 250 million people, RSI will serve 1 million guests a year at full capacity,” said John Pagano, group CEO at Red Sea Global
TABUK: Red Sea International Airport has announced the commencement of its inaugural international flights.
A regular schedule of domestic flights operated by Saudia has been servicing RSI since September 2023.
The first international arrival — operated by flydubai — will land April 18, marking the start of a new twice-weekly flight from Dubai to RSI.
The addition of flydubai services means RSI will now facilitate eight regular flights per week, further enhancing connectivity for residents of the Red Sea regions along the western coast of Saudi Arabia.
“Situated within three hours flying time of 250 million people, RSI will serve 1 million guests a year at full capacity. Our inaugural flight just six months ago was the start of our journey toward reaching that goal, and this first international flight is a further step in making Saudi Arabia one of the top tourism destinations globally,” said John Pagano, group CEO at Red Sea Global.
“We are looking forward to truly opening up to the world and welcoming visitors from the UAE, the wider Middle East region, and beyond,” he added. “RSI is also essential for providing connectivity for our employees, partners, and the wider local community.”
Michael White, RSI’s chief commercial officer, said: “The arrival of international travelers represents an exciting next phase in RSI’s development, following our first domestic flights touching down in September last year.
“We are committed to providing exceptional services to passengers and airlines alike and we look forward to further expanding our network to serve the Red Sea and travelers from around the world.”
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.
Aspiring Saudi chefs following dreams at Paris’ Le Cordon Bleu
- MISK Foundation’s Generation 2030 program helps Saudi students find places at schools in France
DUBAI: Two students from Saudi Arabia are following their dreams to become chefs at Le Cordon Bleu, the renowned French culinary and hospitality institution in Paris.
In an interview with Arab News en Francais recently, Ghadeer Ibn Khamis and Khulood Almukrain said they were grateful to the government for providing them the opportunity to study at the prestigious institution.
“I relocated with my husband to France and decided to take my passion for cooking to the next level,” said Ibn Khamis.
Once in the city of art, culture and gastronomy, Ibn Khamis opted for the Cordon Bleu diploma which provides specialization 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 Ibn Khamis.
The two were provided full-time scholarships by Generation 2030, backed by MISK. Generation 2030’s objective is to empower young people in various fields, enhance Franco-Saudi relations in arts, culture and fashion, as well as ensure an exchange of knowledge and talented students.
Known for its vibrant hospitality scene, Saudi Arabia has been attracting fine dining restaurants over the past decade. This is a part of the Vision 2030 plan to grow the tourism industry. Culinary schools are a part of the conversation, and Le Cordon Bleu is expected to open in Riyadh in 2024/2025.
Almukrain said: “I used to work at a bank and I was happy in my role. I applied to Le Cordon Bleu program after watching (the movie) ‘Julie & Julia.’ In a couple of days, I made the decision to enroll. It was nerve-wracking, but I feel I made the right decision.”
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. It has 20,000 students of over 100 nationalities graduating every year with certificates, diplomas, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Almukrain added: “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 dessert.”
The two students highlight that French cuisine is about technique and relies on seasonality, good quality products, and a balance of flavors. Blending Saudi Arabia’s flavors with French technique is an attempt to combine innovation and heritage, bridging cultures and reconciling tastes and preferences.
Ibn Khamis said: “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.”
For her “make your own tart” exam, Almukrain brought Arabic flavors to the production.
“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 creme patissiere, pistachio praline and tahini,” said Almukrain.
Ibn Khamis said Le Cordon Bleu is a place for learning, commitment and discipline.
“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.”
For Almukrain, Le Cordon Bleu allowed her to meet people from different cultures and learn about their dishes.
“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 Almukrain.
“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.
Students receive the Grand Diplome upon completion of the culinary program, followed by a second diploma in restaurant management. The objective is to help students develop their business idea, and learn about budgeting, marketing, financing and designing menus.
“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 Ibn Khamis.
Wearing the Le Cordon Bleu chef’s hat is the upcoming milestone before carrying the French experience back to Riyadh, where the two are looking to head into 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.