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JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has signed an executive program with the Cite de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris to enhance cooperation in the fields of museums and music.
The agreement, which align with the Kingdom’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030, aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster joint initiatives between the two countries.
It was signed by Museums Commission acting CEO Ibrahim Alsanousi and Philharmonie de Paris CEO Olivier Mantei.
Key areas of cooperation are artifact loans, shared collections, and the exchange of historical musical instruments with the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum in Jeddah.
The program also covers collaborative traveling exhibitions and cultural events.
Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, told Arab News: “This partnership is the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cultural collaboration and enriching our national institutions through global expertise.
“It directly supports the objectives of Vision 2030 by enhancing the cultural ecosystem, promoting artistic education, and ensuring that our museums become vibrant centers of learning and creativity.
Khazindar added: “The Museums Commission’s strategy emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and the preservation of our cultural heritage, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in realizing that vision — especially through initiatives that engage youth and families in meaningful cultural experiences.”
The program includes the development of training and educational initiatives for children and families, such as workshops and interactive installations adapted from the Philharmonie’s programs for young audiences.
It also facilitates the exchange of expertise through researcher visits, seminars, and collaborative academic publications related to both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Alsanousi emphasized the importance of the agreement, calling it a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and France.
He said: “Music plays a vital role in cultural identity, and this partnership will support the transformation of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum into an interactive and inspiring hub for musical education and engagement.”
Mantei praised Saudi Arabia’s cultural vision and affirmed that the partnership reflects a spirit of constructive cultural exchange.
He also highlighted the agreement as a foundation for future projects that promote artistic and societal dialogue between the two countries.
Tayeb Altayeb, acting director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, said: “This is a transformative step in the development of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum. It allows us to bring world-class musical artifacts and educational experiences to our audiences while honoring the legacy of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic musical pioneers.
“Through this, the museum will evolve into an interactive cultural hub that not only preserves Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage but also inspires future generations to explore and engage with music as a vital part of our national identity.”
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has signed a $5 million agreement with the UN Development Programme to rehabilitate damaged bakeries in the Syrian Arab Republic.
The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the fourth European Humanitarian Forum held in Brussels on May 19 and 20, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It was signed by KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and the UNDP’s Administrator Achim Steiner.
Under the project, 33 damaged bakeries across various Syrian governorates will be rehabilitated, the SPA reported.
This includes basic restoration, installation of new production lines, maintenance of existing ones, and the rehabilitation of two mobile bread production units.
The project aims to bolster food security in regions with large numbers of returnees, displaced persons, and host communities by restoring the operations of government-run bakeries.
Through rehabilitation and increased production capacity, it will help meet the essential needs of the population, according to the SPA.
Additionally, the project is expected to create 500 jobs in the bakery sector, supporting local economic recovery.
This initiative is a part of the Kingdom’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, led by KSrelief, to enhance food security and alleviate hardships faced by people worldwide, in cooperation with UN humanitarian agencies.
KSrelief’s participation in the forum reflected its commitment to strengthening global humanitarian efforts in the medium and long term.
The forum’s participants included humanitarian leaders from various countries and organizations. It featured discussion sessions and interactive workshops focused on humanitarian priorities and geopolitical challenges.
It also served as a platform to reinforce respect for international humanitarian law, ensure access to aid, and enable the protection of humanitarian workers.
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Education and Training Evaluation Commission participated in the 18th International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education from May 13 to 16 in Tokyo.
The conference was titled “The Big Bang Theory: The Quality Assurance Paradigm Shift.”
Hosted by the Japan University Accreditation Association, the event facilitated collaboration between institutions on quality practices amid rapid technological advancements and evolving societal needs.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ETEC’s participation forms part of its ongoing efforts to engage with international counterparts and explore leading global practices in education and training.
TOKYO: In an interview with Arab News Japan, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud has lauded the strong ties between Japan and the Kingdom, and said he was deeply honored to have received a top honor from the Asia nation.
The former governor of the Saudi General Investment Authority received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun last month.
“Receiving the Imperial Award is indeed a great honor. Like many in the Kingdom, including officials and former officials, I hold the Japanese emperor, government and people in the highest regard,” Prince Abdullah said in the recent interview with Arab News Japan.
Reflecting on his tenure at SAGIA, now the Ministry of Investment, Prince Abdullah highlighted the collective nature of the recognition.
“The award reflects the work carried out during my tenure at SAGIA … This recognition is not solely mine, it is a shared achievement with my colleagues.
“More importantly, it reflects the leadership’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relations with Japan,” he said.
He emphasized the Kingdom’s investment in international cooperation, noting the evolution of SAGIA into a full ministry under the Council of Ministers.
“The elevation of SAGIA to a full ministry … highlights the strategic importance the Saudi leadership places on investment and international cooperation,” he added.
During his recent visit to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Prince Abdullah shared his impressions of the Saudi Pavilion, which he described as a powerful representation of the Kingdom’s transformation and culture.
“The Saudi Pavilion was excellent,” he said of the expo which opened on April 13 and ends Oct. 13.
“I was particularly interested in the design elements of the Saudi Pavilion, how it captured the essence and transformation of our land, and how quickly and effectively the structure was developed.”
He praised the role of the Ministry of Culture and the young Saudis staffing the pavilion.
“The presence of talented young Saudi men and women at the pavilion was especially noteworthy.
“The structure itself, using stones especially brought from the Kingdom, was impressive, with features such as embedded loudspeakers, combining aesthetics and functionality,” he told Arab News Japan.
Prince Abdullah, who previously served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, also lauded the Japanese Pavilion, saying it was “outstanding. Their designers, architects, and scientists demonstrated exceptional innovation.”
“I even recommended our ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, who began his academic career in physics, to revisit the pavilion, as the advanced technologies on display merit deeper understanding,” he said.
Turning to the broader significance of Saudi Arabia-Japan relations, Prince Abdullah emphasized the need for robust media and cultural exchange, pointing to Arab News Japan’s role as a valuable bridge between the two nations.
“First, I would like to commend the efforts behind Arab News Japan. It is an important initiative, both in its content and in the way it delivers information.
“It serves a valuable audience and contributes meaningfully to deepening understanding between our two countries.”
He added: “There is deep mutual respect between our peoples. There is great potential for cooperation, especially among small- and medium-sized enterprises on both sides,” he said.
Praising Japan’s technological innovation and the Kingdom’s transformative development, he said: “What we can realize by our partnership is amazing.”
Prince Abdullah added that Japan and Saudi Arabia will benefit from increased cooperation, as well as the global economy.
RIYADH: Under the chandelier-lit halls of Riyadh’s Mandarin Oriental Al-Faisaliah Hotel, the Jewels of the World exhibition gathered more than 60 brands for an eager crowd of jewelry and watch enthusiasts.
The exhibition, which ended on Monday, featured notable global names including Bil Arabi, Yoko London, Scavia and FerriFirenze.
Local talent was also spotlighted, notably Renad Al-Amoudi’s striking Marque Legacy collection, which draws inspiration from the flora of the Saudi deserts, including Ruby Lily and Petit Iris.
Nader Freiha, director and organizer of Jewels of the World, said that the exhibition this year is “the culmination of a journey that began in 2016.”
He added that hosting the event in Riyadh reflects “the remarkable growth of the jewelry market in the Kingdom, which has become a destination for global brands thanks to its discerning clientele.”
The exhibition offers the opportunity to explore new collections debuting in Saudi Arabia, from everyday jewelry to ornate bridal sets, many of which are inspired by global artistic and cultural heritage, Freiha said.
“The exhibition is a benchmark for ensuring both quality and luxury simultaneously,” he added.
Ahmed Al-Shirazi, director of SJC Saudi Arabia, a destination for luxury jewelry, said that the exhibition is an opportunity to strengthen brands and attract new customers through showcasing designs and engaging directly.
The Bahraini jeweler observed a rising inclination among clients to use luxury jewelry as a form of self-expression and personal style, highlighting a heightened appreciation for the finer details in their overall look.
Nezar Mukhtar, a member of the Precious Metals and Gemstones National Committee at the Saudi Chambers Federation, observed visitors’ keen interest in renowned brand names.
“Hosting exhibitions locally spares enthusiasts and designers the hassle of traveling and saves them valuable time,” he said.
Mukhtar added that events like Jewels of the World support the national economy and spotlight the sophisticated taste of Saudi consumers.
“Such an exhibition addresses the expectations of many discerning clients seeking specific quality standards in jewelry,” he said.
Level Up is a social hub in Riyadh for those seeking entertainment and connection. For just SR60 ($16), visitors gain access to activities ranging from board games and video games to virtual reality experiences.
This multifaceted venue stands out as a gathering place for individuals with shared interests, making it easy to forge new friendships.
One of the highlights at Level Up is its open mic nights, where local bands showcase their talents. This not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community among those attending.
The friendly vibe welcomes both extroverts and introverts, making it a space where people can comfortably engage in conversation or simply enjoy the performances.
The hub also sells PlayStation 5 consoles and accessories, catering to gaming enthusiasts, as well as a range of anime and video game action figures for those into pop culture.
One of the items on the menu I enjoyed was the iced matcha, which is popular among patrons.
While visiting with a friend, I was captivated by the talented musicians at the open mic event, followed by an engaging session of board games.
Level Up hosts discussions every Tuesday, featuring industry leaders such as marketing heads, board members, talent acquisition directors, CEOs, and founders.
These events provide opportunities to learn from and engage with influential figures, helping to enrich the community experience.
Whether you are looking to socialize, enjoy live music, or dive into gaming, Level Up is well worth a visit.