DUBAI: Saudi conceptual artist Obaid Alsafi was born in 1991 in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, which he describes as an intersection of the vast desert and green farms. “There was a contradiction, and through that contradiction it was as if I was seeing day and night,” Alsafi, who is now based in Riyadh, tells Arab News. “I … Read more
RIYADH: Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer and reflection, and all over the world Muslims welcome it with enthusiasm and joy. In Saudi Arabia, locals welcome Ramadan by decorating their homes and work spaces with festive ornaments that over time have achieved iconic status. Shahad Al-Ghamdi has a smart habit of visiting wholesale stores … Read more
LONDON: A pro-Palestinian activist slashed a painting of the early 20th-century British foreign minister Arthur Balfour at Cambridge University on Friday, saying his 1917 declaration was the reason the Palestinians had lost their homeland to Israel. A video posted on social media by the Palestine Action protest group showed a woman spraying red paint over … Read more
JEDDAH: The more things change in Formula One, the more they stay the same. That is, on the track. Off it, it is no exaggeration to say that recent weeks have been some of the most turbulent in the sport’s history. When the fourth edition of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place at the … Read more
CHICAGO: Leaders of the #AbandonBiden movement said Thursday they are planning their own convention — in August or September — to find candidates who would run against Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 presidential election. Launched on Oct. 31, 2023, the #AbandonBiden campaign has grown and partnered with coalitions in several states including “Listen to … Read more
YEMEN: The UK Maritime Trade Operations authority on Wednesday reported “irregular activity” in the Red Sea near Yemen, and urged vessels to exercise “caution” when passing through the area. The UKMTO, which is part of the British Royal Navy, stated on its website that a merchant vessel was hailed on maritime VHF radio for about … Read more
Bangkok’s Little Arab Town: A cultural hub but an intellectual property minefield BANGKOK: In the bustling streets of Bangkok lies a vibrant enclave known as Little Arab Town, where the sights, sounds and flavors of the Arab world converge. Nestled within this cultural hub are a plethora of restaurants offering authentic Arab cuisine, drawing in … Read more
JEDDAH: In a remarkable fusion of tradition and modernity, Banat Al-Balad, a fashion collection by Saudi designer Makram Marzuki showcased at Zainal House in Jeddah’s historic district Al-Balad on Saturday, pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Jeddah. Marzuki, originating from Jeddah, selected his hometown as the muse for this unique collection, aiming to … Read more
Diaz makes up for Bellingham’s absence, leads Real Madrid to win over Leipzig in Champions League LEIPZIG, Germany: After scoring Real Madrid’s winner with a mazy solo run, Brahim Díaz jogged to the sideline and spread his arms wide open to celebrate. He was imitating the trademark goal celebration of Jude Bellingham, the injured teammate … Read more
Cenomi Centers secures $1.39bn Shariah-compliant, sustainability-linked financing RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s lifestyle and leisure sectors have been infused with SR5.25 billion ($1.39 billion) after mall operator Cenomi Centers secured financing for the “next generation” of retail experiences. The firm’s Shariah-compliant, sustainability-linked funding agreement with a syndicate of top-tier banks is set to deliver a new take on retail within the … Read more