Saudi culture, ‘generous’ people major attraction for Polish family

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Paweł Juchniewicz has developed an affinity for Saudi Arabian culture. (Supplied)
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Paweł Juchniewicz and his family have developed an affinity for Saudi Arabian culture. (Supplied)
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Paweł Juchniewicz and his family have developed an affinity for Saudi Arabian culture. (Supplied)
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Paweł Juchniewicz and his family have developed an affinity for Saudi Arabian culture. (Supplied)
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Paweł Juchniewicz and his family have developed an affinity for Saudi Arabian culture. (Supplied)
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Paweł Juchniewicz has developed an affinity for Saudi Arabian culture. (Supplied)
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Paweł Juchniewicz has developed an affinity for Saudi Arabian culture. (Supplied)
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Paweł Juchniewicz has developed an affinity for Saudi Arabian culture. (Supplied)
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Updated 04 December 2022
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Saudi culture, ‘generous’ people major attraction for Polish family

  • Paweł Juchniewicz has 2 locals as best friends
  • Enjoys wearing national dress, visiting old sites

RIYADH: A Polish man and his family have developed a considerable affinity to Saudi Arabian culture, particularly the country’s language and historical sites.

Polish national Paweł Juchniewicz, who recently attended a camel show with his family, said that he enjoys visiting two of his best friends who are Saudis.

Juchniewicz was invited to the festival by Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, a young Saudi whom he befriended in 2018. “Several weeks ago, he invited me to visit the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. I welcomed the idea because I love getting to know new places related to traditions, in addition to establishing business contacts,” Juchniewicz told Arab News.

“At the festival I saw, for the first time, many wonderful camels that are not popular in Europe. They are very beautiful animals and I learned a lot of interesting facts about the Hagen camels racing business.

“Arabs have used camels for different purposes such as riding, during combat, movement, as well as for transporting water and in farming. My family and I are pleased with the visit where we learned about the ancient culture,” he said.

Juchniewicz said he was “amazed” by the organization of the event in a desert area where there are paved roads, markets and uninterrupted internet access.

This was his fourth visit to the Kingdom since 2018, but he has hosted many Saudis in Poland from 2012. “For 10 years I have been helping Saudis who come to Poland for treatment, work or tourism purposes. I can say that two of my best friends are from Saudi Arabia,” he said.

One of Juchniewicz’s best friends is Abdullah Al-Ghosson whom he met in 2012, when the latter was just 17 years old and in Poland for rehabilitation. “I helped him … showed him Poland, taught him about life and Europe and he taught me Arabic words and (the) language.”

Together, the duo visited Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE. “He is a very strong Saudi man as he wasn’t able to walk since birth, but he has (shown) other people with disabilities how to live a normal live in a wheelchair. He is also a businessman as he sells the best honey in Saudi Arabia produced by his family.”

In the Kingdom, Juchniewicz and his family have visited many sites and institutions including the historic Masmak Fortress, the Riyadh Center for Cultural Heritage, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, in Dhahran, the Buraidah Winter Festival, and the Al-Musawkaf Market in Unaizah.

“During my recent stay in Saudi Arabia during the month of Ramadan in May 2022, I wore traditional clothes on a daily basis. I attended feasts and visited a mosque. I really like wearing Saudi clothes.”

Juchniewicz said his wife and children are similarly in awe of the Kingdom’s culture. “I love the Arabic language very much. I love greetings such as ‘asalamu aleikum,’ ‘sabah alkhayr,’ and marhaba.’ I also like vocabulary of a religious nature such as ‘insha’Allah’ or ‘alhamdulilah.’ I love people’s respect for each other and I love hearty food and great Saudi cuisine.”

“Saudi people are open minded, friendly, love to help people, and have a desire to learn about other cultures around the world, they are very generous. Here, I met many learned people, but even the simple ones were kind, I like people who stick to tradition a lot,” he said.

Juchniewicz feels “comfortable and safe” in Saudi Arabia where he has “lots of friends.”

“I was (at) the Saudi-Polish match in Qatar and despite the loss, the Saudis were very polite to my family. I have met people I didn’t know on the border with Qatar, they invited me to visit Alkhobar (in eastern Saudi Arabia) for dinner,” he said.


Beast House sets off on a unique music mission in Saudi Arabia

Updated 03 May 2024
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Beast House sets off on a unique music mission in Saudi Arabia

  • Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene”
  • The multitiered members-only space provides an immersive experience for music producers, industry experts, creatives, and enthusiasts to connect and learn through its facilities

RIYADH: Only a few months after its recent launch, Beast House has become one of the Saudi music scene’s biggest assets, using MDLBEAST’s comprehensive strategy to enrich the Saudi music industry with solid infrastructure.
Driven by a vision to provide fertile ground in which to cultivate the region’s music culture, Beast House marks MDLBEAST’s debut investment in the music facilities sector in Saudi Arabia with an innovative tripod model that combines music, architecture, and technology to achieve its unique mission in the country.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene, a place where creativity is nurtured and talents from the local and international scenes can grow. Our vision is to revolutionize the way music is experienced in the region by fostering connections in the creative community through the power of music.”
The multitiered members-only space provides an immersive experience for music producers, industry experts, creatives, and enthusiasts to connect and learn through its facilities, which provide live music events, workshops, studio spaces, and shared dining spaces.
“Beast House creates a platform for local artists to both showcase and hone their talents. In this space, members can collaborate with other artists through our diverse programming designed to elevate the experience of artists. It’s a welcoming space for anyone still finding their creative path,” Alharatani said.
The studio has two music production rooms with recording booths, a mix room with a Solid State Logic Origin mixing console, and a Neve recording room with a contemporary feel.
Alharatani said: “Beast House studio caters to artists of all levels, with a blend of traditional analog and modern digital equipment. We offer hands-on experience covering the entire production process, from recording to mixing and mastering.
“Our backline includes Fender guitars, Yamaha drums, and world-class microphones like Neumann, Royer, and AKG, alongside high-end outboard gear such as Neve, Bricasti, and UA 1176 compressors. We also provide a comprehensive selection of synths and drum machines from renowned brands like Roland, Moog, and Sequential, along with top-tier software and plugins including Pro Tools, Ableton, and Waves, offering artists endless sonic possibilities.”
The CEO said that these spaces are crucial for a developing music scene and nurturing the industry, and that Beast House is all about engaging the senses in a welcoming environment through its design, curated playlists, refreshments, and dynamic live shows.
He said: “By offering insight into songwriting, production, and the music business, we’re enabling the growth of local talent and opportunities. This fosters job creation, draws in tourism, and stimulates local businesses, which are key components in building a robust music infrastructure.”
But building more venues in the Kingdom is only a part of the MDLBEAST plan.
“Our strategy is built on three pillars — music and artists, live events, and venues — and through these three pillars, we can create a vivid music scene and opportunities for local and global artists to constantly engage with their audience,” Alharatani said. “All this leads to two main goals: support the innovative economy and entertainment tourism in the Kingdom, and guarantee the sustainability of our events.”
Alharatani believes that because this is the first private members’ club of this nature in Saudi Arabia, which may be foreign to some in the region, awareness will be key in getting the public to commit to memberships.
He said: “We’ve been spreading the word, giving people the lowdown on what members’ clubs are really all about. We’ve rolled out a few sneak-peek events to hook them on the experience, and we’re connecting with creative trailblazers to grow the right community. Here, membership is more than a pass — it’s the gateway to a hub where creativity grows and thrives.”
By combining technology, architecture, and music under one roof, Beast House studio’s specialized professional team hopes to use its technical excellence to elevate regional music to new levels.
The recording studio is expecting to become a destination for musicians who want to create memorable music that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impact on listeners, Alharatani said.


Housing minister meets with Chinese officials to boost Sino-Saudi cooperation, achieve Vision 2030 targets

Updated 03 May 2024
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Housing minister meets with Chinese officials to boost Sino-Saudi cooperation, achieve Vision 2030 targets

  • Al-Hogail’s visit also explored the possibility of attracting Chinese companies to the Saudi market

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s housing minister has returned from a trip to Beijing where he met with Chinese sector officials to “solidify the partnership between the two nations in construction and real estate development,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

Majed Al-Hogail held a meeting with China’s Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong and Fang Qiuchen, the president of the China International Contractors Association.

Their discussions focused on developing joint housing policies and programs, exchanging expertise in city planning and sustainable urban development, and exploring investments in construction technology, SPA added.

Al-Hogail’s visit also explored the possibility of attracting Chinese companies specializing in building, construction, maintenance, and cleaning services to the Saudi Arabian market.

During his trip, Al-Hogail signed agreements and memoranda of understanding with major Chinese construction companies.

The Kingdom’s partnership with China to develop its housing sector is part of Saudi Vision 2030’s target of increasing home ownership in Saudi Arabia to 70 percent by improving housing affordability by the end of the decade.


Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty

Updated 03 May 2024
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Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty

  • Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests
  • The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates

RIYADH: For centuries, the juniper tree has proudly stood as a symbol of picturesque beauty in Al-Baha region, adorning its slopes and mountain peaks with vibrant green hues.
Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests that eagerly await the arrival of summer, and the embrace of nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and solace.
Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qudwa, a representative of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification in the Al-Baha region, told the Saudi Press Agency that juniper trees make up 30 percent of wild plants in Al-Baha.
The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates.
Al-Qudwa said that the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, through its forest department in the region, is dedicated to year-round efforts aimed at preserving forests, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the juniper, Al-Atm, and talh populations.
These endeavors align closely with the strategic objectives outlined in the national action plan for forests in the Kingdom, a crucial component of Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Qudwa said that security and protection patrols stationed at forest sites throughout the region swiftly intervene to address violations such as unauthorized tree felling or logging.
Patrols can impose penalties in accordance with legal provisions and regulations, ensuring accountability through investigations carried out by inspectors and observers.
Heavy rainfall this year has been beneficial for juniper trees, which have responded with alluring fragrance, interwoven branches, and evergreen foliage.
Junipers are a central feature of the natural forests in the Al-Baha region. Their verdant presence not only enhances the allure of the landscape, but also serves as vital vegetation, safeguarding waterfalls, regulating rainwater runoff, and protecting against erosion.
The majestic trees are also a major attraction for tourists.
More than 30 forests in the Al-Baha region welcomed visitors earlier than usual this year, coinciding with a surge in weekend visitors from within and outside the Kingdom.
Authorities in the region are working tirelessly to prepare the forests, which are complemented by numerous parks, gardens, and traditional villages, for the large number of visitors.
This effort aims to uphold the region’s tourist status by also offering a wide range of activities and services.


Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season

Updated 03 May 2024
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Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season

  • General Directorate of Passports also said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security said on Friday that it would issue instructions for residents wishing to obtain permission to enter Makkah ahead of Hajj season on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also said any Saudi residents wishing to obtain a permit must do so from the relevant authorities and that those who fail to get the necessary permits will be prevented from entering the holy city.

Also on Friday, in an attempt to streamline entry procedures for residents during the Hajj season, the General Directorate of Passports said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah.

The digital service, facilitated through the Ministry of Interior’s online platform Absher and the Muqeem portal, will remove the need for in-person visits to passport offices and will allow those seeking entry permits to submit documents online.


Joint Saudi-US ‘Protection Shield IV’ drill begins

Updated 03 May 2024
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Joint Saudi-US ‘Protection Shield IV’ drill begins

  • The drill sought to heighten awareness of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks

DHAHRAN: In a display of strategic cooperation, the Eastern Region Command in Dhahran orchestrated the latest iteration of the joint Saudi-US exercise, “Protection Shield 4.”

Bringing together branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and a consortium of civilian and military government entities—including the Ministry of Defense’s health services, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority—the drill aimed to bolster preparedness against potential threats of mass destruction.

Colonel Turki bin Salem Al-Sumairi, overseeing the participating mixed battalion, underscored the drill’s dual purpose: to enhance the operational capabilities of all involved and to foster seamless collaboration between Saudi and US forces. Furthermore, the drill sought to heighten awareness of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks.

Field exercises formed the crux of the event, testing the efficacy of national response plans in confronting scenarios involving weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, coordination and information exchange mechanisms were scrutinized to ensure swift and effective joint responses.

Simulated ammunition was employed during the drills to simulate crisis scenarios arising from the deployment of weapons of mass destruction. Meanwhile, health services units from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, the Civil Defense, and the Saudi Red Crescent engaged in drills aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts and refining responses to chemical and biological incidents.