Grand Mosque imam visits Saudi universities in South Africa
Grand Mosque imam visits Saudi universities in South Africa/node/2571495/saudi-arabia
Grand Mosque imam visits Saudi universities in South Africa
Yasser Al-Dosari, the imam of the Grand Mosque of Makkah, convened with a group of preachers and graduates from Saudi universities in South Africa during his visit to Pretoria. (SPA)
Grand Mosque imam visits Saudi universities in South Africa
Updated 15 September 2024
Arab News
LONDON: Yasser Al-Dosari, the imam of the Grand Mosque of Makkah, convened with a group of preachers and graduates from Saudi universities in South Africa during his visit to Pretoria.
The visit, coordinated by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, was designed to strengthen connections with the Muslim community in South Africa.
During the meeting, Al-Dosari underscored Saudi Arabia’s dedication to supporting Islamic affairs and Muslims worldwide, including in South Africa, through a range of programs and initiatives.
These initiatives are aimed at advocating for the principles of moderate Islam and highlighting the faith’s inherent tolerance.
He commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its commitment to realizing the ambitions of the Kingdom’s leadership in serving Islam on a global scale.
Attendees expressed their appreciation to the Saudi government for its ongoing backing of Islamic education and the scholarship programs that have enabled numerous preachers and scholars to study at Saudi universities.
Many of these graduates have since returned to their home countries, including South Africa, to champion the principles of moderate Islam.
14 sculptures go on display at public spaces in Riyadh
The works were chosen by Riyadh Art from its international Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium to reflect its ‘vision of weaving beauty and intellect into the city’s fabric’
Initiative aligns with efforts to make art a key part of city’s identity that improves quality of life and promotes the cultural economy, says Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s Khalid Al-Hazani
Updated 11 December 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Fourteen sculptures selected from the annual international Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium, a Riyadh Art program, went on display on Wednesday at three prominent public spaces across the Saudi capital: ROSHN Front, the SEDRA residential community, and Sports Boulevard.
The project is part of Riyad Art’s efforts to showcase artworks in public spaces, and the addition of more works in other places is expected later.
Khalid Al-Hazani, the executive vice president of the lifestyle sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said: “This step reflects (Riyadh Art’s) vision of weaving beauty and intellect into the city’s fabric, and creating vibrant and culturally rich public spaces, allowing art to become an integral part of people’s daily lives.”
It is also in line with Riyadh Art’s broader strategy for transforming the city into an open-air art gallery, he added, thereby “turning art into a central element of the city’s identity and a key contributor to improving quality of life and promoting the cultural economy.”
The Riyadh Art Program installed on Wednesday 14 sculptures selected from the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium at prominent locations in Riyadh, including the ROSHN Front, SEDRA Residential Community, and Sports Boulevard. (Supplied)
The three chosen locations were considered perfect places to host the artworks because of their vibrancy, strong community connections and accessibility, Al-Hazani noted.
“This provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to engage with the sculptures in their everyday lives,” he said.
Seven of the sculptures have been installed at ROSHN Front, considered a key urban hub. The artworks on display there form a thought-provoking artistic landscape that encourages interaction, organizers said, and explores a number of themes including the values of urban transformation, community spirit, and creative curiosity.
Three sculptures are on display at the SEDRA residential community. Chosen to complement its serene character and nature-integrated urban planning, they blend in with their surroundings to reflect the values of environmental harmony, contemplation and renewal, organizers explained.
The remaining four sculptures are at Sports Boulevard, known for its open, green spaces. These works reflect several concepts, in particular ideas of nature, balance and public health.
All of the sculptures are part of Riyadh Art’s permanent collection, which includes works created by local and international artists during the Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium.
