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RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, known as Wrth, in collaboration with Soudah Development Co., has opened registration for a specialized training program on Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art.

This centuries-old art form, traditionally painted by women on the walls of homes in the Asir region, features murals with straight lines, triangles, circles, and squares.

Al-Qatt Al-Asiri gained international recognition in 2017 when it was added to UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Scheduled for July 27-31 in Asir, the program lets participants explore the history and aesthetics of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, learning the traditional methods with geometric patterns and engravings inspired by the local environment.

It also offers hands-on training in creating natural colors and mastering traditional techniques, the SPA added.

The Arabic term “qatt” means lines, carvings, or cuttings, and represents the detailed interior work done by women. Colors flow gracefully from their hands in a style known as qattatah, forming patterns based on the nature of the surface.

Drawing inspiration from local culture, it showcases intricate geometric patterns reflecting the landscape and the vibrant colors of nature.

Artisans use colors derived from limestone, clays, plants, or powders, prepared with stabilizers and gloss agents. Primary red, yellow, and blue are complemented by green, orange, white, and black.

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 23,167 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 14,525 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,511 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,131 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,593 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 69 percent were Ethiopian, 30 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 41 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.