Makkah museum displays massive ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô mosaic
Makkah museum displays massive ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô mosaic/node/2610489/saudi-arabia
Makkah museum displays massive ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô mosaic
A mosaic panel of Surah Al-Fatiha and the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah is made up of over a million porcelain pieces. (SPA)
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Updated 16 sec ago
Arab News
Makkah museum displays massive ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô mosaic
Artwork is based on an original ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô manuscript written by calligrapher Mustafa Dhul-Fiqar in 1656
Updated 16 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: The Holy ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô Museum in the Hira Cultural District in Makkah features a mosaic panel of Surah Al-Fatiha and the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah, spanning 76.67 sq. meters and composed of over a million porcelain mosaic pieces.
This artwork is based on an original ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô manuscript written by calligrapher Mustafa Dhul-Fiqar in 1656, preserved at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries in Madinah.
As the first museum in Makkah dedicated solely to the Holy ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô and located near the historic Mount Hira, it serves as a cultural and civilizational beacon for the holy city, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The museum houses a rich collection of rare artifacts and ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô manuscripts from various Islamic eras, showcasing diverse calligraphic styles throughout history.
It also features educational exhibits tracing the evolution of ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ôic writing, along with modern interactive technologies that highlight the ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô’s profound significance.
Visual displays further illuminate the history of ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ôic documentation through the ages. The museum also holds Guinness World Records for the largest ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô and the largest ²Ï³Ü°ù’a²Ô stand.
Initiative aims to create innovation-friendly environment and accelerate adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
Updated 20 sec ago
Arab News
Saudi tech initiative to accelerate AI adoption in industrial, logistics sectors
The initiative aims to create an innovation-friendly environment and accelerate the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies
Also seeks to strengthen public-private partnerships in developing and deploying digital solutions
Updated 20 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched the third phase of its Technology Adoption initiative, known as AdopTech, supporting 15 projects that showcase artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in key industrial and logistics facilities.
The initiative aims to create an innovation-friendly environment and accelerate the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
This phase focuses on enabling technology companies and entrepreneurs to deliver innovative solutions for real-world operational challenges in targeted sectors.
Proof-of-concept projects will be carried out in collaboration with selected industrial and logistics facilities to enhance efficiency and boost sector competitiveness.
The initiative seeks to strengthen public-private partnerships in developing and deploying digital solutions, according to the SPA.
It provides a dynamic environment for participants to test and refine their technologies in real-world settings, improving readiness for wider deployment and market growth.
The ministry has invited interested tech companies and entrepreneurs with relevant solutions to register via mcit.gov.sa/ar/eti.
º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns Ben-Gvir’s ‘provocative practices’ at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Jordan also strongly condemns extremist minister’s storming of Al-Aqsa mosque compound
Updated 03 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced on Sunday the “provocative practices†by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, saying such practices fuel conflict in the region.
“º£½ÇÖ±²¥ condemns in the strongest terms the repeated provocative practices by Israeli occupation government officials against Al-Aqsa Mosque and emphasizes that these practices fuel the conflict in the region,†the foreign ministry said.
Ben-Gvir visited the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Sunday and said he prayed there, challenging rules covering one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East. Under a delicate decades-old “status quo†arrangement with Muslim authorities, the Al-Aqsa compound is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation and Jews can visit but may not pray there.
“The Kingdom emphasizes its continued demand to the international community to stop the practices of Israeli occupation officials that violate international laws and norms and undermine peace efforts in the region,†the statement added.
º£½ÇÖ±²¥ had consistently voiced its condemnation of what it described as the continued blatant Israeli attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Jordan also strongly condemned Ben-Gvir’s storming of Al-Aqsa, and a foreign ministry statement has described the act as “a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, an unacceptable provocation and a condemned escalation.â€
“Israel holds no sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif,†the statement said.
Ministry spokesperson ambassador Sufian Qudah reiterated Jordan’s “absolute rejection and firm condemnation of the continued, provocative incursions by the extremist minister, as well as the facilitation of repeated settler entries into Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli police.â€
Such actions constitute a clear breach of the historical and legal status quo of the mosque and represent an attempt to divide it temporally and spatially, and a desecration of its sanctity, Qudah said.
Qudah warned of consequences of the provocations and violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which, he said, aimed at “further dangerous escalation and unilateral measures in the occupied West Bank.â€
º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Pavilion highlights esports, gaming at Expo 2025
Event welcomes 8,500 visitors in Osaka
Updated 03 August 2025
Arab News Japan
OSAKA: The º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka hosted the “Esports: Game On†event in July, highlighting the Kingdom's growing influence in digital entertainment and esports.
Taking place at the Festival Station, the two-day event welcomed 8,500 visitors and various organizations such as the Saudi Esports Federation, Qiddiya, Savvy Games Group, the Esports World Cup Foundation, and The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts to showcase º£½ÇÖ±²¥'s growth in the industry.
The event featured panel discussions related to esports, gaming, and anime, as well as Saudi heritage. Visitors also had the chance to experience an interactive gaming arena and a photo wall.
Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, the ambassador of the Kingdom of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to Japan and commissioner general of the º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Pavilion, said: “By bringing together industry leaders and visionaries from both º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Japan, this event highlighted the Kingdom’s growing role in shaping the global gaming and esports landscape.
“It was inspiring to witness so many visitors engaging with the future of digital entertainment. Through this platform º£½ÇÖ±²¥ reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to driving innovation, attracting investment, and nurturing talent in the gaming and esports sectors.â€
The event was one of 700 taking place at the º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Pavilion, which is second only to the host country’s in size at Osaka. The pavilion offers a wide variety of experiences related to culture, heritage, and art.
KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in crisis-hit nations
Updated 03 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s aid agency King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its humanitarian activities in crisis-hit countries, particularly targeting vulnerable families and communities.
In Syria, it distributed 393 food parcels to displaced families from As-Suwayda Governorate to Daraa Governorate, benefiting a total of 393 families.
In Sudan’s Sennar State, it distributed 1,440 food parcels to displaced families in East Sennar, with 9,974 individuals benefiting from it as part of the 2025 Food Security Support Project in Sudan.
In Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, 135 food packages were given to Afghan returnees from Pakistan. The returnees are now at Omari Camp of the Torkham border crossing.
In Wadi Khaled, Lebanon, more than 3,700 displaced Syrians and vulnerable families in the host community benefited from the 752 food packages given under the KSrelief initiative
Meanwhile in Yemen, 1,350 cartons of dates were distributed in Salh District of Taiz Governorate as part of the 2025–2026 date distribution project.
KSrelief also implemented a technical training program on air conditioning system maintenance in Aden with 20 beneficiaries taking part in specialized workshops.
The program aims to empower underprivileged communities by equipping them with technical skills that improve their economic prospects and facilitate their integration into the labor market.
Aside from trainings, KSrelief also provided psychological support to 333 individuals in Aden through counseling sessions and specialized training courses. The activities were aimed at promoting mental health and alleviating the psychological impact of crises in affected communities.
Founder of Surrah Sara Alsaeed creates designs inspired by Al-Balad’s district. (Instagram/surrah.store)
Updated 02 August 2025
Rahaf Jambi
Saudi designers stitch heritage into handbags
Tradition meets innovation in the hands of creatives driven by cultural pride
Updated 02 August 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: A new generation of Saudi designers is redefining what fashion means by looking to the past. From traditional architectural motifs to sustainable materials, young creatives are crafting handbags that celebrate Saudi identity and craftsmanship.
In the heart of Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Al-Balad, a brand was born — not just a result of leather and stitching, but of memory, home, and identity.
For Sara Alsaeed, the founder of Surrah, it all began while walking through the district’s narrow streets.
Qormuz, founded by Abdulrahman Al-Abed, emphasizes sustainability through meaningful production. (Instagram/qormuz)
She told Arab News: “I was surrounded by stories — textures on old walls, the colors of roshan windows, traditional architectural features used for balconies or windows in historic Jeddah, and the weight of history. That’s when I began sketching.â€
Inspired by heritage and driven by elegance, she imagined a modern handbag that paid tribute to Saudi culture.
From the curves of ancient architecture to the palette of historic homes, every detail was carefully considered.
HIGHLIGHT
Through their work, Saudi designers ensure that their heritage does not just live on but thrives.
Even the name Surrah holds meaning. In classical Arabic it refers to a pouch or bundle — something personal and protective. It is a word still used in the Najd region, and for Alsaeed it captured the soul of her brand: deeply Saudi, beautifully intentional.
Handbags by Remah are crafted using vegan leather made from apples. (Instagram/remah.su)
Surrah began in late 2021 as a small stationery line during the pandemic.
She said: “In my third year of university I had time to reflect. I noticed a lack of Saudi representation in local products. I wanted to create something that felt authentic, that honored our identity.â€
As tote bags became popular, the brand naturally evolved and shifted toward handbags with the Ashiq Collection, inspired by Jeddah’s architecture.
Sara Alsaeed, founder of Surrah, draws inspiration from Saudi heritage to create timeless handbags that celebrate the stories of Saudi women across generations. (Supplied)
“Each bag became a canvas, carrying pieces of our history in its design,†she said.
Surrah’s mission goes beyond fashion, and Alsaeed added: “We want to bring back the stories of Saudi women from the 1950s to the 1970s. To help young girls see where they come from — and to carry that heritage proudly into the future.â€
While Surrah is proudly Saudi, its ambitions are global, and Alsaeed said: “As the Kingdom supports local talent more than ever, we have a chance to share our culture with the world.
Hatem Abdullah, the designer behind Remah blends luxury, sustainability, and meaning—crafting vegan leather bags that embody strength, elegance, and purpose. (Supplied)
“We want people from different places to feel connected to our designs, to be curious about the stories they carry.â€
On the other side of the design world, another brand is making waves — not just for its style, but for its philosophy.
Remah, founded by Saudi designer Hatem Abdullah, brings a fresh take on handbags that is both ethical and deeply personal.
Abdulrahman Al-Abed of Qurmoz finds inspiration in forgotten corners of Saudi history, designing clothing that speaks through silence, heritage, and enduring materials.
“I was searching for something that reflected my identity — simple, luxurious, and meaningful,†he said.
That search led him to vegan leather made from apples.
He explained: “It’s not just an alternative to animal leather. It’s smart, luxurious, and environmentally conscious. Why create beauty at the cost of another living being?â€
For Abdullah, handbags are not limited by gender.
“They are expressions of art, taste, and culture … I design for people who appreciate stories and craftsmanship,†he said.
The name Remah, meaning strength, precision, and determination, was chosen intentionally. “We design for women who know what they want — calm, confident, and graceful,†he added. “Every piece embodies that spirit.â€
Similarly rooted in cultural pride, another Saudi creative reshaping fashion is Abdulrahman Al-Abed, founder of Qormuz.
For him, inspiration comes from the forgotten, from “old walls, street conversations, and unfinished stories.â€
He added: “I find beauty in things that still smell like history. I don’t chase trends; I chase truth.â€
Qormuz emphasizes sustainability through meaningful production. He chooses fabrics like camel leather, natural cottons, and camel hair — materials that are both durable and native to the region.
From Surrah’s heritage-rich designs to Remah’s sustainable elegance and Qormuz’s soulful silhouettes, Saudi designers are weaving history into every stitch.
Through their work these designers ensure that Saudi heritage does not just live on but thrives.
