海角直播

Saudi artist spotlights Asir鈥檚 rich cultural landscape in her artwork

Artist Arafat Alasmi said that she feels most at home with nature and traditional landscape drawings. (Supplied)
Artist Arafat Alasmi said that she feels most at home with nature and traditional landscape drawings. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 July 2025

Saudi artist spotlights Asir鈥檚 rich cultural landscape in her artwork

Artist Arafat Alasmi said that she feels most at home with nature and traditional landscape drawings. (Supplied)
  • Arafat Alasmi overcame challenges to prove herself as a female artist

MAKKAH: 海角直播鈥檚 lush Asir mountains inspired the artistic vision of Arafat Alasmi.听

Highlighting her early artistic endeavors, Alasmi said that she enjoys using pastel colors to paint natural and heritage landscapes. The mountains, valleys, the color gradations of the forests and the region鈥檚 unique climate shaped her artistic imagination.听




Arafat Alasmi uses pastel colors to paint landscapes inspired by her native Asir. (Supplied)

Alasmi said that she feels most at home with nature and traditional landscape drawings, particularly those inspired by Asir, as they convey her deep sense of belonging and offer her psychological comfort and balance.听

She also shared her passion for incorporating Arabic calligraphy into her work, describing how it beautifully merges visual aesthetics with cultural identity.听

HIGHLIGHTS

鈥 Arafat Alasmi's听artwork is inspired by Asir region鈥檚 environment.

鈥 She developed her artistic talent through practice and experimenting with different materials.

鈥 She said that family support in the early stages has had a significant impact on boosting her self-confidence.

With a background in geography, Alasmi said that her passion for art extended far beyond her studies.听




Artist Arafat Alasmi said that she feels most at home with nature and traditional landscape drawings. (Supplied)

She continued to develop her talent through self-practice, experimenting with different materials, engaging in artistic community activities, and attending exhibitions that contributed in developing her talent and shaping her artistic identity from an early age.听

The absence of an art major at her university was not an obstacle, but rather the engine for self-development, allowing her to cultivate a distinctive artistic style despite the lack of formal academic training in the field.




Arafat Alasmi uses pastel colors to paint landscapes inspired by her native Asir. (Supplied)

Speaking on challenges she faced at the beginning of her artistic career, Alasmi told Arab News that the most prominent of these were the lack of art specialization in university education, the lack of community and artistic support in the early stages of her career, and the difficulty of obtaining appropriate materials and tools.听

She also highlighted the challenge of proving herself as a female artist in a conservative environment, a struggle that required her to double her efforts to prove herself. However, she was able to overcome these challenges through persistence and continuous practice.听




Artist Arafat Alasmi said that she feels most at home with nature and traditional landscape drawings. (Supplied)

Alasmi highlighted her participation in numerous exhibitions both within the Kingdom and internationally, describing these experiences as enriching.听

The events not only expanded her artistic vision, but also provided valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, enriching her portfolio with new horizons.

She said that family support in the early stages has had a significant impact on boosting her self-confidence. Community encouragement, even through simple attendance or interaction, is an important motivator for an artist to continue, she added.听

Societal awareness of the value of fine art has been growing in recent years, providing Saudi female artists with broader opportunities to express themselves and demonstrate their abilities, she said.听

Expressing her ambitions, Alasmi said that she seeks to expand her presence in 海角直播 and Gulf art scene, and take part in major upcoming exhibitions locally and internationally to showcase her experience, inspired by the Asir environment.听

She also hopes to hold a solo exhibition documenting her artistic development and conduct art workshops for young girls to support local talent.听


Saudi endurance runner finds strength in mountains

Saudi endurance runner finds strength in mountains
Updated 13 September 2025

Saudi endurance runner finds strength in mountains

Saudi endurance runner finds strength in mountains
  • Nasser Hakami showcases Saudi spirit at one of the world鈥檚 toughest ultramarathons

JEDDAH: Saudi runner Nasser Hakami is making waves in the world of mountain running, carrying the Kingdom鈥檚 name from Tuwaiq Mountain to international arenas.

The 40-year-old told Arab News his long-standing passion for mountains has fueled his commitment to training and competition. 

鈥淧assion and ambition drove me to this sport, as I have loved mountains since I was young and I love the mountainous nature,鈥 Hakami said. 鈥淚 found myself in it 鈥 my passion for nature, and it鈥檚 my way to escape from the pressures of life.鈥

I love representing the Kingdom and the Arabs, and I embody that through the Saudi outfit that I wear with great pride.

Nasser Hakami, Saudi endurance runner

Hakami, who lives in Riyadh, has competed in more than a dozen mountain races in the Kingdom and beyond, including AlUla Trail Race, the Ultra-Trail Chiangmai in Thailand, and the Black River Peak ultra-trail in Mauritius. 

He claims to be the first Arab runner to have completed the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, one of the world鈥檚 toughest trail ultramarathons 鈥 171 kilometers long with elevation gain of 10,000 meters, which took place this year on Aug. 29.

鈥淚 was able to run for 44 hours to complete this challenge which goes through the stunning trails of France, Italy, and Switzerland 鈥 (and I am) the first Arab to achieve this unique accomplishment,鈥 he said.

He described the greatest challenges of the race as the extreme cold, heavy rain, and the fight against fatigue. 鈥淭he tough training was the secret to my readiness,鈥 he added.

At the finish line, Hakami celebrated by wearing traditional Saudi attire 鈥 iqal and bisht 鈥 to highlight the Kingdom鈥檚 culture. 

鈥淚 love representing the Kingdom and the Arabs, and I embody that through the Saudi outfit that I wear with great pride. The audience鈥檚 interaction was very touching,鈥 he said.

Despite facing rugged terrain, harsh conditions, and a lack of sponsorship, Hakami has continued to excel.

鈥淢y passion for what I do made me overcome (these challenges). When you enjoy what you love, nothing can stop you from being creative,鈥 he said.

Hakami added that mountain running has shaped his character and developed him personally and professionally. 鈥淚t has given me foresight, taught me to think outside the box and find solutions to every problem,鈥 he explained.

His preparation includes mental conditioning as well as physical training: 鈥淚 prepare myself by watching motivational videos and reading development books, in addition to training with a group of friends to break the routine and pressure of training.鈥

Speaking of his deep connection to the Saudi landscape, he said: 鈥淭uwaiq Mountain is a source of inspiration for me, and many of my long training sessions are held there. I draw my strength from this mountain.鈥

Looking ahead, Hakami hopes to push himself even further. 鈥淚 dream of representing the Kingdom in the world鈥檚 longest race in the US,鈥 he said. 鈥淚f (I can find) sponsors who support this dream.鈥

 


Saudi foreign minister arrives in Doha for Arab-Islamic summit on Israeli attack

Saudi foreign minister arrives in Doha for Arab-Islamic summit on Israeli attack
Updated 13 September 2025

Saudi foreign minister arrives in Doha for Arab-Islamic summit on Israeli attack

Saudi foreign minister arrives in Doha for Arab-Islamic summit on Israeli attack
  • The strike, which left several dead and wounded, was widely condemned across the Arab and Islamic world

RIYADH: 海角直播鈥檚 Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Doha on Saturday to attend the preparatory meeting of foreign ministers for an emergency joint Arab-Islamic summit, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The summit will focus on the Israeli attack in the Qatari capital earlier this week that targeted Hamas officials.

The strike, which left several dead and wounded, was widely condemned across the Arab and Islamic world as a violation of Qatar鈥檚 sovereignty and international law.

海角直播鈥檚 Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attack as an 鈥渁ggressive act鈥 and reiterated the Kingdom鈥檚 solidarity with Doha, stressing the need for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions.


Bedouin tents stand as symbols of heritage, hospitality听

Bedouin tents stand as symbols of heritage, hospitality听
Updated 13 September 2025

Bedouin tents stand as symbols of heritage, hospitality听

Bedouin tents stand as symbols of heritage, hospitality听

RIYADH: The Bedouin tent has long been a defining feature of life in the Arabian Peninsula, serving not only as shelter but also as cultural hub where traditions of hospitality, poetry and community thrive.

Jouf craftswoman Lufwa Al-Fuhaiqi inherited the art of tent-making from her mother and grandmother, and continues the tradition today.

She works with goat hair and Najdi sheep wool to preserve this historic craft, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

The process begins with shearing the wool, then washing, drying and spinning it into strands before weaving these into large panels that form the tent. 

Al-Fuhaiqi explained to SPA that tent-making is a collaborative effort, with more hands easing and speeding the work.

Seasonal needs determine the type of tent. Black goat hair is favored in winter for its warmth, while white wool is used in summer for its cooling qualities.

Using simple tools such as a spindle, tightening rods, nails and sewing thread, Al-Fuqaihi creates tents that embody Bedouin heritage. 

By passing down these skills through generations, she and other craftswomen ensure the enduring legacy of the Bedouin tent as a symbol of identity and hospitality.


Forum highlights law as pillar of state stability

Forum highlights law as pillar of state stability
Updated 13 September 2025

Forum highlights law as pillar of state stability

Forum highlights law as pillar of state stability
  • Legal diplomacy key to resolving disputes, vice foreign minister tells Riyadh event

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji inaugurated the ministry鈥檚 first forum on World Law Day in Riyadh on Saturday.

The event was held at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies in partnership with the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Participants in the opening ceremony included Walid Abanmi, chairman of the center鈥檚 board; Hamed Merah, CEO of the center; Mansour Al-Yami, deputy minister of support services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mohammed Al-Nasser, director-general of the General Administration of Legal Affairs at the ministry.

In his speech, Elkhereiji said the forum embodies a core value and a fundamental pillar of state stability and the protection of individual and community rights.

He emphasized that law is more than written texts, saying that it is an 鈥渋ntegrated system of values and principles that guarantees justice and equality, preserves rights, and builds trust between the state and its citizens, and among states.鈥

Elkhereiji added that in today鈥檚 complex world, with increasing challenges and intersecting interests, international law and legal diplomacy are essential tools for resolving disputes, fostering cooperation, and achieving sustainable development.

He said that the ministry鈥檚 General Administration of Legal Affairs plays a pivotal role in representing the Kingdom internationally, safeguarding its interests, and upholding legal standards and international agreements.

Elkhereiji added that this work reflects positively on 海角直播 and enhances its standing among nations.


Kingdom arrests 21,339 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 21,339 illegals in one week
Updated 13 September 2025

Kingdom arrests 21,339 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 21,339 illegals in one week
  • Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free numbers

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 21,339 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,955 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,198 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 4,186 for labor-related issues.

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.