Art Jameel’s ‘At the Edge of Land’ explores connections between landscapes and trade

Curated by Lucas Morin, the exhibition at Hayy Jameel brings together works from the Art Jameel Collection, as well as loans and new commissions by international artists, many of whom are showcasing their work in Saudi Arabia for the first time. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 November 2023
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Art Jameel’s ‘At the Edge of Land’ explores connections between landscapes and trade

  • Curator describes the event as a journey that traces the trade route on which Jeddah sits

JEDDAH: “At the Edge of Land,” a group exhibition by Art Jameel, explores the intricate relationships between landscapes and trade.

Curated by Lucas Morin, the exhibition at Hayy Jameel brings together works from the Art Jameel Collection, as well as loans and new commissions by international artists, many of whom are showcasing their work in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

The exhibition challenges predetermined ideas of emptiness and development, shedding light on the regions and people on the margins of trade routes. It explores the unexpectedly interconnected geographies, resources and commodities that traverse between land and sea, telling stories of erosion and extraction.




Curated by Lucas Morin, the exhibition at Hayy Jameel brings together works from the Art Jameel Collection, as well as loans and new commissions by international artists, many of whom are showcasing their work in Saudi Arabia for the first time. (Supplied)

Morin, the curator, describes the exhibition as a journey that traces the trade route on which Jeddah sits, connecting East Asia and Europe via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. “I think everyone can relate to landscapes, and I am inspired by the way artists help us find new meanings and connections that we don’t see at first,” he said.

The selection of artists and artworks featured in the exhibition reflects the artists’ experiences of crossing lands, canals and rivers. They document disappearing landscapes and give a voice to their communities, challenging the inevitability of loss.

The artworks depict houses clinging to eroded coastlines, sand extracted to create distant artificial islands, and seafarers stranded in the desert. They also explore ports, containers and the sounds of immense ships waiting to be dismantled, revealing the interconnectedness of economies and drawing parallels between the movement of goods and the movement of people.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Curated by Lucas Morin, the exhibition at Hayy Jameel brings together works from the Art Jameel Collection, as well as loans and new commissions by international artists.

• The exhibition challenges predetermined ideas of emptiness and development, shedding light on the regions and people on the margins of trade routes.

• It explores the unexpectedly interconnected geographies, resources and commodities that traverse between land and sea, telling stories of erosion and extraction.

Among the exhibited artists are Jananne Al-Ani, Iosu Aramburu, Au Sow Yee, Daniele Genadry, Ho Rui An, Ranjit Kandalgaonkar, Lala Rukh and Hira Nabi.

Morin emphasizes the importance of bringing together modern and contemporary artists from different artistic and cultural backgrounds, ensuring a dynamic and engaging exhibition.

Some of the artworks showcased in the exhibition have been created for this occasion.

“For instance, Filipino artist Joar Songcuya’s work, titled ‘Passage to Suez,’ consists of drawings based on his recollections as a marine engineer. Songcuya vividly remembers his time working on oil tankers and visiting Saudi ports on the Red Sea,” Morin said.

Daniele Genadry, whose work is included in the exhibition, explained her artistic process and the motivations behind her participation: “My work mainly reflects on how persistent and unstable conditions, particularly those present in postwar Lebanon, can generate a specific form of perception. The aim is to create a heightened and intense visual experience that speaks to our current global crises.”

Genadry added: “Participating at Hayy Jameel was a great opportunity to showcase my work within the context of the Jameel Art Collection. I believe that conscious and embodied vision can resist dominant modes of perception perpetuated by our screens and media, and it was an honor to be showing with such a group of wonderful artists and to work with Lucas again.”

“At the Edge of Land” invites visitors to discover new artistic practices and artists, and to be inspired to find meaning in the intricate relationships between landscapes and trade. The exhibition aims to prompt reflection on the interconnectedness of our world, both environmentally and economically.

It is open to the public and will run until April 13 next year. For more details, visit hayyjameel.org.

 


Saudi Arabia retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025

Updated 07 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025

  • National digital transformation strategy helps propel Kingdom to forefront of international standards, officials say
  • Saudi Arabia cited as Tier 1 ‘role-modeling’ nation by UN specialist agency, further underlining its world standing

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook.

The cybersecurity indicator ranking reflects what officials describe as continued support from the country’s leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Officials added the leadership’s national digital transformation strategy has helped propel the Kingdom to the forefront of international benchmarks.

They also said the Kingdom’s achievements in cybersecurity stem from a comprehensive, long-term strategy that balances national security with economic and technological development.

Saudi Arabia was also designated a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, further underlining its international standing.

Central to this model is the National Cybersecurity Authority, the country’s primary body for overseeing cybersecurity affairs, and the Saudi Information Technology Company, which serves as its technical and strategic partner.

Together, these institutions have helped strengthen national cyber defenses, localize key technologies, and expand collaboration both domestically and internationally.

The NCA, which acts as the national reference point for all matters relating to cybersecurity, is tasked with enhancing the Kingdom’s digital resilience by safeguarding critical infrastructure, key sectors, and government services.

It is also responsible for setting policies, frameworks, and standards while encouraging innovation, investment, and growth within the Kingdom’s cybersecurity sector.

These initiatives form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to build a secure and trusted digital environment that supports economic growth and global cooperation.


Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro

Updated 07 July 2025
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Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro

  • Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar

RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city’s new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar.

Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting.

For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“The most challenging aspect has been getting to the station and back home in a way that made sense. I’d say parking is an issue if you don’t go early,” he said.

“I go before it gets too hot to walk from the parking to the station … The stations are well AC’d … but it does get hot, so you just have to bear it.”

He recommends that passengers take a seat during the transit, whenever they are available, to minimize the burden of the trip.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Riyadh Metro features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

• The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution.

• Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

“Getting first class is worth it, and avoiding the rush and the sun. If you’re walking from the car to the station, I see a lot of people taking umbrellas, so that helps.”

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads.

The system includes several sustainable features, such as energy-efficient trains and stations, and regenerative braking technology that helps cut energy use.

To boost accessibility, rideshare platforms such as Uber are offering free connections through the RPT Link service, which transports passengers to metro stations within a 3 km radius.

Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah) 

Nouf Al-Dossari, a content creator, said she relies on the metro for attending events and work-related outings. “It has been cost-friendly to me and saves me lots of time,” she said.

“Usually I’d leave my house an hour before to just reach in time because of the traffic, but now I leave 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time. It’s been wonderful.”

She encourages others to use the metro during the hot months, but also advises staying hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.

Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah) 

“I believe the most challenging part is trying to find an available seat when coming back home, and even in the morning because everyone is heading to work,” she said.

While she is used to the Riyadh heat, she still uses Uber to reach the stations for safety reasons.

“Some are located near highways or busy roads which makes it a bit difficult to safely walk to and from,” she explained.

People purchase tickets at the King Abdullah Finance District "KAFD" metro station in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 1, 2024. (AFP)

Noura Al-Dakhil has been using the metro for her daily commute for over a month and says that the transition has been relatively smooth.

“The stations I use have a big sidewalk next to it, safety measures, and comfortable access. Although the parking situation isn’t ideal — or, let’s say, nonexistent,” she said.

While she used to walk to a nearby station in cooler months, the summer heat has forced her to adapt.

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. (Supplied)

“In the summer, I use my car and park next to the station,” she said. For those without that option, she recommends preparing for the weather, such as using an umbrella.

“It’s a game changer. And wear airy fabrics. I switched to cold caffeinated beverages, which helped too.”

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. It features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution. Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

 


Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback

For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
Updated 07 July 2025
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Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback

  • Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling

RIYADH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region.

For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)

Now the traditional items are being celebrated as a lasting emblem of Bedouin heritage, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling.

FASTFACT

At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

More than just functional, Al-Samil reflects a self-sufficient way of life and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Today, interest in Al-Samil is being reived at heritage festivals and handicraft exhibitions held across cities and governorates in the region.

The container is still valued for storing wild ghee and fermented yogurt, with the leather adding a distinct flavor. Many rural homes and farms still use it.

At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

The market has become a key attraction for both residents and tourists looking to experience the region’s cultural heritage firsthand, the SPA reported.

 


Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied/Project Masam)
Updated 07 July 2025
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Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen

  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,559 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,513 unexploded ordnances, 45 anti-tank mines and one anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 504,295 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 07 July 2025
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Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador

  • They reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, ambassador of Djibouti and dean of the diplomatic corps, in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed economic matters of mutual interest.