Saudi Arabia’s Ithra launches international COVID-19 Exhibit open for submissions

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Ithra started accepting visitors again since the end of the nationwide lockdown. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 30 June 2020
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Saudi Arabia’s Ithra launches international COVID-19 Exhibit open for submissions

  • The event will offer a collection of memories and reflections on people’s experience of pandemic through art

RIYADH: The King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has launched its international COVID-19 Exhibit, a collection of thoughts, memories and reflections on people’s pandemic experience that can be expressed through art.

Ithra started accepting visitors again since the end of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, but the effects of the pandemic remain on people’s minds and in their everyday lives.
Launched on June 28, the exhibit’s first phase consists of a virtual show highlighting objects that were particularly significant to members of the public during the pandemic.
Ithra is currently inviting submissions at https://www.ithra.com/en/covid-19-exhibit, and the gallery will go live to the public in July.
Examples of objects being sought by Ithra include newly made works of art or images of objects of particular importance: A pen, a photo of loved ones or relatives, a diary, a musical instrument, a book or a note from a family member.
In 2021, the second phase of the project will include objects selected by the curators from the online submissions, which will be on display at the Ithra building in Dhahran.
Ithra’s head of museums, Laila Faddagh, said that the exhibit was the perfect opportunity for the global community to tell their stories during a difficult and complicated time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Launched on June 28, the exhibit’s first phase consists of a virtual show highlighting objects that were particularly significant to members of the public during the pandemic.

• Ithra is currently inviting submissions, and the gallery will go live to the public in July.

• Examples of objects being sought by Ithra include newly made works of art or images of objects of particular importance.

• In 2021, the second phase of the project will include objects selected by the curators from the online submissions, which will be on display at the Ithra building in Dhahran.

“While this is an unprecedented time, it is also an unprecedented moment of global solidarity,” she said. “Art is about connecting people through culture — and culture is based on the exchange of ideas and identities — but we connect maybe even more easily through common objects.”
She added that the exhibit was intended to be a forum for creativity and self-expression for everyone. “Ithra is in Saudi Arabia, but, as a leading center for global culture, we want to include people from around the world. In the spirit of welcome, warmth and empathy — especially now during the pandemic — it is an opportunity to connect with everyone, from anywhere.”
The exhibit aims to offer a platform to share objects that are meaningful to people and their stories, provide perspective on the effects of COVID-19 on people and their relationships with objects, connect cultures and create dialogue through international participation, encourage self-expression and creativity, and foster empathy and unity among people around the world.
Ithra, Saudi Aramco’s flagship initiative and the first institute of its kind in the Kingdom, is considered one of the country’s most culturally significant establishments.
During the pandemic, the center’s Ithra Connect initiative produced more than 50 ongoing programs for people nationwide to benefit from during lockdown.
Ithra Connect featured talks by prominent speakers such as British actor Idris Elba and US astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, full online access to Ithra’s library, and the “COVID-19 Journal,” an online collective diary where people from around the world shared their thoughts about the pandemic in Arabic and English.


Saudi Red Sea Authority issues first license for tourist cruise agent to Cruise Saudi company

Updated 28 May 2024
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Saudi Red Sea Authority issues first license for tourist cruise agent to Cruise Saudi company

JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Sea Authority issued on Tuesday the first tourist cruise agent license for Cruise Saudi, owned by the Public Investment Fund.

Mohamed Bokhari, VP for Coastal Tourism Operations in the Saudi Red Sea Authority, handed over the tourist navigation agent license to Barbara Bozic, CEO of Destination Experiences at Cruise Saudi, at the company’s headquarters in Jeddah.

This comes as part of the authority’s efforts to build a thriving coastal tourism sector, which includes issuing licenses and permits to organize coastal tourism activities, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The tourist cruise agent provides services to yachts and cruise ships, in addition to facilitating and supporting the vessels’ movements within the Kingdom.


KSrelief, WHO sign program to improve water, sanitation services at Yemeni health facilities

Agreement is signed by KSrelief General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah and WHO director-general.
Updated 28 May 2024
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KSrelief, WHO sign program to improve water, sanitation services at Yemeni health facilities

  • Under the agreement, solar-powered wells complete with pumps, water tanks, and connection pipes will be drilled in 10 health care facilities
  • Potable water supplies will be provided at 60 health care facilities where water quality monitoring and treatment will be carried out

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center signed a joint executive program with the World Health Organization worth $3,750,000 on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the 77th WHO Health Assembly in Geneva, aims to improve water and sanitation services at health care facilities and provide sustainable water supplies to the most needy in Yemen.

Under the agreement, solar-powered wells complete with pumps, water tanks, and connection pipes will be drilled in 10 health care facilities.

Potable water supplies will be provided at 60 health care facilities where water quality monitoring and treatment will be carried out.

Training for the operation and maintenance of water supplies will also be carried out and a tower tank in Al-Khawkhah district in Hodeidah will be constructed.

Steps will also be taken to improve water, sanitation and hygiene services in Ma’rib Governorate Hospital and Matnah Hospital in Sanaa.

The agreement was signed by KSrelief General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.


First group of Syrian pilgrims arrives in Makkah

The first group of Syrian pilgrims arrives in Makkah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported. (SPA)
Updated 28 May 2024
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First group of Syrian pilgrims arrives in Makkah

RIYADH: The first group of Syrian pilgrims, consisting of around 200 people, arrived in Makkah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Rawaf Mina for Pilgrims Services, a company that provides services to Hajj pilgrims and is licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is working to provide the Syrians with the best services from the moment they arrive until they complete their pilgrimage.

A total of 532,958 pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj as of Sunday, the General Directorate of Passports has reported.


Saudi Red Crescent Authority deploys more than 2,500 staff ahead of Hajj

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has deployed 2,540 staff across nearly 100 ambulance centers ahead of Hajj 2024. (@mediasrcaen)
Updated 28 May 2024
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Saudi Red Crescent Authority deploys more than 2,500 staff ahead of Hajj

  • The staff will be strategically positioned across 98 ambulance centers, covering entry points, pilgrim routes, and holy sites

RIYADH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has deployed 2,540 medical professionals, ambulance technicians, and administrative staff across nearly 100 ambulance centers ahead of Hajj 2024.

The move will ensure the well-being of pilgrims and deliver high-quality medical care during the upcoming pilgrimage, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The staff will be strategically positioned across 98 ambulance centers, covering entry points, pilgrim routes, and holy sites.

SRCA has dedicated a significant portion of its ambulance fleet to the Hajj mission to strengthen its frontline response.

This includes 320 ambulances,13 advanced response vehicles, a dedicated air wing with seven air ambulances, and two medical evacuation helicopters.It will also provide a support fleet of 15 motorcycles, 150 golf carts, 150 electric scooters, 27 electric bicycles, ten ambulance buses, and additional service vehicles.

Translators will be available to support ambulance calls, ensuring seamless communication for various medical situations encountered during Hajj.

More than 595 volunteers will assist the SRCA with ambulance services at various locations while educating pilgrims about essential preventive measures that should be taken to safeguard their health during Hajj.


US and Australia envoys laud Saudi women for social, economic achievements

Updated 28 May 2024
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US and Australia envoys laud Saudi women for social, economic achievements

  • Success in tech, finance, diplomacy, says American diplomat
  • Key work with Australia to ‘promote trade and remove barriers’

RIYADH: The envoys of Australia and the US have praised women in Saudi Arabia for their work and achievements across all sectors of the country’s economy.

In a recent interview with Arab News, the US’ Deputy Chief of Mission Alison Dilworth and Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission Kim Ralston reflected on their experiences working alongside Saudi Arabia’s women and witnessing firsthand their perseverance.

“I have been incredibly impressed with the Saudi women I have met here in the Kingdom. From tech and finance to the arts, to diplomacy, Saudi women are achieving new heights, and I am proud to work with them,” Dilworth said.

Each month, in partnership with other embassies, the US Embassy hosts a Women’s Majlis  to celebrate women’s accomplishments, experiences and share expertise in a private and intimate setting.

“Through the Women’s Majlis, a series of monthly events co-hosted with the Australian, New Zealand, German, and British embassies, and with HRH Ambassador Reema bint Bandar, we have explored the themes of ‘Women in Defense,’ ‘Women in Tech,’ ‘Women in the Visual Arts,’ ‘Women in Poetry’ and ‘Women in Shariah Law,’” Dilworth said.

The idea of the majlis was created in 2019 in a collaboration between the American, Australian, British and Canadian embassies in Abu Dhabi.

“We work with Saudi women across all aspects of our work. As an example, Australia and Saudi Arabia enjoy close relations in agriculture and food security, with embassy staff working closely with female counterparts to promote trade and remove barriers,” Ralston said.

Since her arrival in the Kingdom in 2023, Ralston has worked with Saudi Arabia women in the public and private sectors, sports, and the arts.

Ralston said “Saudi women are intelligent and driven. They are open, warm, and passionate about their work. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their goals and objectives, which are not unlike my own.”

“I have particularly enjoyed sharing experiences with women on social policy matters. The talented women at the Quality of Life Program have inspired me as they encourage culture, entertainment, sports, and tourism to flourish in Saudi Arabia,” Ralston added.

She explained how impressed she was by the Kingdom’s focus on ensuring women are represented in areas where they have not traditionally worked, including the military.

When asked how she would characterize the ambitions of the Kingdom’s females, Dilworth said: “Saudi women never stop reaching for the next level.”

“I admire them (they are) fearless,” she added.

She said that when she asks Saudi Arabia women about what they will do next, they immediately say: “I want to run the business, become the next minister, or set the next record.”

The most recent majlis took place in Riyadh on May 21 at the German Embassy and focused on women in the technology sector.

One of the previous events was co-hosted by the US and Australia embassies and titled “Women in Poetry.”

Dilworth said: “We had five outstanding female poets present their original works, which were creative and inspiring. Then, to our surprise, five other women stood up and presented their poems.”

“I was so happy to see women sharing this Saudi pastime and such a key aspect of Saudi culture,” she added.

Dilworth said these events build cooperation between women from Saudi Arabia and the US. “I have witnessed the achievements of US women working in diplomacy over my 27-year career, and I am proud to be a female diplomat.

“Through sharing our stories, and hearing from others, we all add to the journey of women throughout the world who want to achieve and to make the world a better place for all.”

She added that outside the Kingdom and among those who have never visited the country, there are still many misconceptions surrounding Saudi Arabia’s women. People who have not interacted with them are not aware of their successes, drive and ambition.

When asked about her expectations before coming to the Kingdom, Dilworth said: “I did not expect Saudi women to be so prepared, so ready for the next opportunity. I wrongly assumed Saudi women would need to learn various tradecrafts, how to drive, how to run a business.

“What I found was an extremely educated, motivated, and talented workforce of women who had gained experience and knowledge either outside the country or behind closed doors, and when opportunities opened up, they were not only ready but they were also driven to prove what they can do and achieve.”

The US deputy chief of mission said that she encourages those who question the talents and motivations of Saudi Arabia’s women to “come and see for themselves.”

“Come to the Kingdom and meet the women living and working here and advancing Saudi society. Just like there are many misconceptions about the United States that we can correct when visitors come and see our beautiful country, having visitors meet women and interact here in Saudi Arabia is vitally important,” she said.

Ralston said that before arriving in the Kingdom from Australia she knew very little about Saudi Arabia, adding that “it was difficult to find information.

“I arrived with a strong sense of curiosity and was keen to hear about the strides made by women here. I was impressed to hear that Saudi Arabia was recently ranked 15th in the world on wage equality in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2023.”

When asked what her views on the misconceptions, Ralston said: “Misconceptions don’t concern me — they exist in every country.

“Over time, people’s perspectives of Saudi Arabia will be shaped by their own experiences, particularly as more people visit the country. Around the world, Saudi Arabia also has many female ambassadors making a positive impression.”

This includes those working in the private sector, studying abroad and even serving at the Saudi Embassy, Ralston added.