20 artists to take part in sculpture symposium in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah

Professional sculptors wishing to take part in the symposium. (SPA)
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Updated 03 April 2021
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20 artists to take part in sculpture symposium in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah

  • The Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium is the second initiative of Riyadh Art, which previously launched the Noor Riyadh initiative

JEDDAH: The Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium, launched by Riyadh Art, will run for 22 days, from Nov. 10 to Dec. 6, with the participation of 20 professional sculptors from inside and outside the Kingdom, in Jax district, Diriyah.
Held under the theme “The Poetics of Space,” this year’s symposium seeks to find a motivating platform for sculptors to explore the bonds between matter, emptiness, light and shadow, inspired by the surrounding environment.
The symposium will show various sculptures in an environment open to the public. The artworks will be exhibited from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6, before being moved to various outdoor locations across the city.
It will also include 12 panel discussions that will bring together renowned artists and sculptors to share their experiences with visitors, and introduce them to different sculpture trends and schools.

HIGHLIGHT

Held under the theme ‘The Poetics of Space,’ this year’s symposium seeks to find a motivating platform for sculptors to explore the bonds between matter, emptiness, light and shadow, inspired by the surrounding environment.

Other events and educational programs will also be offered to university and school students to learn more about sculpting materials, tools and techniques.
Professional sculptors wishing to take part in the symposium can submit their applications on https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/tuwaiq-international/ by May 7.
Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of experience and had their work displayed at exhibitions and galleries.
An independent panel of experts will review the applications, under the supervision of Riyadh Art, and will choose the final list of artists to participate in the symposium, after the evaluation of the symposium’s curator, Ali Jabbar.
The Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium is the second initiative of Riyadh Art, which previously launched the Noor Riyadh initiative.
The initiative aims to improve the quality of life in Riyadh, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.


Pakistan confers second-highest civilian award on Saudi commerce minister for strengthening ties

Updated 12 January 2026
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Pakistan confers second-highest civilian award on Saudi commerce minister for strengthening ties

  • Ambassador Ahmad Farooq confers Hilal-e-Pakistan on Majid Al-Kassabi in Riyadh
  • Award reflects the depth of the longstanding partnership and strong trade relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan

RIYADH: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmad Farooq has conferred the country’s second-highest civilian award on Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi for his role in strengthening ties between Islamabad and Riyadh, Pakistan’s Embassy in Saudi Arabia said.

Farooq presented the Hilal-e-Pakistan to Al-Kassabi during a meeting in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The parties also discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade relations.

“On behalf of the president of Pakistan, Ambassador Ahmad Farooq conferred the Hilal-e-Pakistan on Majid Al-Kassabi, minister of commerce of Saudi Arabia, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations,” the embassy wrote on X.

The award reflects the depth of the longstanding partnership and strong trade relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan and serves as an impetus to further strengthen joint cooperation for the benefit of both countries and their peoples, the SPA reported.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial ties that date back decades and include cooperation in several sectors such as defense, trade, economy, agriculture, livestock and minerals.

Saudi Arabia is the largest source of foreign remittances to Pakistan, with over 2 million Pakistani expats residing in the Kingdom. Riyadh has also helped Pakistan during several economic crises over the years, providing oil on deferred payments and loans in critical times.

The two countries signed a landmark strategic partnership agreement in September 2025, according to which an act of aggression against one country will be seen as an attack on both.