A creative Ramadan for the artistic soul

When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces like Hayy Jameel, Axes Café and Lift Studio among others offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)
When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces like Hayy Jameel, Axes Café and Lift Studio among others offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 April 2024
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A creative Ramadan for the artistic soul

A creative Ramadan for the artistic soul
  • Retreat to these art studios and cafes to nurture the creativity and inspiration that strikes during the month of reflection

JEDDAH: Ramadan is the month when some people are not only spiritually and religiously invigorated, but also find renewed creative energy.

Arab News prepared a list of art cafes and studios around the Kingdom that offer the space and tools to aspiring artists and creative minds to practice different art media.

Arty Cafe

Whether you want to paint, draw, sculpt, or do pottery, Arty Cafe has got you covered. The cafe provides guests with the tools, space, and hot beverages to unleash their creativity.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

The cafe is located at Ahmed Alattas Street, Al-Zahra district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @arty.cafe

The Art Cafe

Enjoy your cup of coffee surrounded by art pieces while making your own at this cafe. With its black and white modern interior which looks like a new canvas waiting for colors, the cafe also offers paper cups for those who love a challenge for drawing and painting.

It is located at Jeddah Park by Cenomi, Aziziyah district, in Jeddah, Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road in Riyadh, and at Cenomi Nakheel Mall in Dammam.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

Instagram: @artcafe_ksa

Cafe Ceramique

Cafe Ceramique is the perfect place for children to practice their creativity and engage with peers while parents can sit back with a cup of a coffee. The cafe also offers birthday party services.

It is located at Al-Makan Mall, Al-Malqa district in Riyadh.

Instagram: @cafeceramiquesa

Beehive Art

This artist hub cafe is one big umbrella for many things including a cafe, artists’ creative space, meeting center, and training hall. Beehive Art also provides workshops for painting, sculpting, mosaic, and pottery.

It is located in Al-Masiaf neighborhood in Riyadh.

Instagram: @beehive_arts

Axes Coffee

A special coffee is made for artists at Axes Coffee. With its modern-classic interior and eye-catching masterpieces displayed on the walls, the cafe serves as an inspiration itself.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

It is located at Al-Qadisiyah Street in Al-Yasmin district in Riyadh.

Instagram: @axes_coffee

Fun & Art Culture Cafe

As the name promises, Fun & Art Culture Cafe gives visitors the chance have a good time whether alone or with friends and family. It offers a wide variety of games, like darts, pool, video games, and board games. It also includes a corner for fine arts that allows creative minds to color the world and a small stage for musicians to enchant visitors with their melodies.

It is located in Auto Moto Complex in Alkhobar.

Instagram: @fun_and_art_culture_cafe

Art Studios:

Hayy Jameel

For culture lovers, foodies, art and film enthusiasts, and the curious at heart, Hayy Jameel offers entertaining artistic, film, and food activities. Equipped with an art space, a cinema hall, food stalls, and more, Hayy promises visitors a good time in the creativity-boosting neighborhood.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

It is located on Arwa bint Abdulmuttalib Street, Al-Mohammadiyah district, Jeddah.

Instagram: @hayyjameel

Saudi Center for Fine Arts

The first fine arts center founded in the Kingdom, this center trains aspiring artists of all ages to master the painting style they are interested in.

It is located on Rahmat Al-Islam Street in Al-Andalus district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @saudiartscenter

Art Edge Center

Art Edge Center is a multi-media art center that provides any type of craft that comes to mind, including carving on glass, crocheting, marbling, dada art, manga, pottery, portrait, embroidery, resin, dotting sculpting, and more. The center welcomes people of all ages to the art sessions provided.

It is located on Prince Naif Road, Al-Firdous district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @artedgecenter

Global Art

This is a school where children can establish themselves as young artists and sharpen their skills. The school is part of a chain of international art centers for children to practice their creativity.

It is located in Al-Mohammadiyah District in Jeddah.

Instagram: @globalart_moh 

Art Vision

Portraits, animation, painting on various surfaces, and jewelry workshops are all provided by this art studio for adults and youngsters. The center includes a gallery for artists to display their masterpieces to visitors.

It is located on Abdullah Al-Anqari Road, Al-Zahra district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @art_vision11

Modern Art Center

New experiences are waiting for individuals and groups to try at Modern Art Center. People can attend art sessions individually or make a reservation for a creative party with friends and family. The art sessions available are perfume and candle making, painting on canvas, bags, cups, or mirrors, and carving on clay.

It is located on Prince Saud Al-Faisal Street, Al-Rawdah district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @modernartcenter

Art Space Center

Every week, this art center offers a new painting workshop for enthusiasts, and each workshop introduces participants to a new art school and style. The center also offers workshops for children aged from 5 to 13.

It is located on Alqamah Ibn Al-Ghafwa Street, Al-Zahra district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @artspacecenter

Artistic Touch

Specializing in pottery and clay works, this studio helps people take the first step into the world of pottery and become professional potters. The studio also conducts workshops for aspiring potters, along with painting sessions on canvas and ceramics.

It is located in Alyusr Center in Al-Nahda district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @artistic.touch.jed

Cube Art

Enjoy a party in a new style filled with creativity at Cube Art. Choose the activity of your liking, whether it is painting, candle making, decorating mirrors, sculpting, pottery, farming, or tie-dye, and have a great time with your friends.




When contemplation has inspired creativity or you want a good time with loved ones, cafes and spaces offer artistic workshops and retreats for various ages. (Supplied)

The art studio is located on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street, Al-Rawdah district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @cubeart.sa

Elements Studio

From cutting, kneading, shaping, sanding, coloring, and glazing the clay, Elements Studio’s instructors will make sure you thoroughly follow the tips and tricks to each step. There are other art media available at the studio, such as painting and candle making.

The studio is located on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street, Al-Khalidiya district in Jeddah.

Instagram: @elements.ceramic

Lift Studio & Space

A gallery, studio, and an art space all in one place serving as a hub for traditional artists of all media, digital artists, fashion designers, and modern sculptors. With its white interior, this studio encourages artists to add lively colors to its space.

It is located in Al-Mathar Ash Shamali district in Riyadh.

Instagram: @lift.ksa

 

 


Saudi ambassador to US represents Kingdom at Trump inauguration ceremony

Saudi ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar and US President Donald Trump pose for a picture at inauguration ceremony.
Saudi ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar and US President Donald Trump pose for a picture at inauguration ceremony.
Updated 20 January 2025
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Saudi ambassador to US represents Kingdom at Trump inauguration ceremony

Saudi ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar and US President Donald Trump pose for a picture at inauguration ceremony.
  • Princess Reema bint Bandar passes on congratulations of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Trump as he begins second term as US president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, represented the Kingdom at US President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday.

The princess passed on the congratulations of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Trump on the day of his second inauguration as US president. She also conveyed the hopes of the Saudi leadership that he will enjoy success in his duties, the Saudi Press Agency reported

“As our two nations celebrate 80 years of friendship, it was my honor to convey our leadership’s heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to President Donald Trump and the American people on his inauguration,” Princess Reema wrote in a message posted on social media platform X.

“The relationship between our two countries is historic and we look forward to continuing our work together for the benefit of both our peoples, our region and the world.”

As he was sworn in as 47th president of the US, Trump promised a “revolution of common sense.” He takes charge as Republicans also assume unified control of the Capitol and set out to reshape the country’s institutions.


Jeddah’s oldest school to begin new chapter as museum

Jeddah’s oldest school to begin new chapter as museum
Updated 20 January 2025
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Jeddah’s oldest school to begin new chapter as museum

Jeddah’s oldest school to begin new chapter as museum
  • We still visit to remember the good old days, says 82-year-old alum

JEDDAH: The first school formally established in the Arabian Peninsula is poised for a new chapter as a museum, according to Ali Al-Sulimani, the managing director.

The historical section of Al-Falah School building will be handed over to the Ministry of Culture for its transformation into a cultural landmark.

It was built in 1905 by Saudi businessman Sheikh Mohammed Ali Zainal Alireza as the first boys’ school in Jeddah at a time when the Hijaz, the western part of modern Saudi Arabia, was partially under Ottoman Turkish rule and both poverty and illiteracy were common.

An archival image of students in class. (Supplied)

Although Zainal went through major financial crises, he continued funding the school with help from other business families. Eventually, the Kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz visited it and appreciated its great educational and social role, and arranged for government support.

The school marks the onset of modern education in Saudi Arabia and has been the alma mater of numerous national figures, including former Minister of Information Mohammed Abdu Yamani, former Minister of Commerce Abdullah Zail, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ahmed Zaki Yamani, and former Minister of Hajj Hamid Harasani among others.

Al-Falah School, is located in the heart of the historical area in Jeddah, has continued to the present day, and includes two buildings, the older of them dating back more than 120 years.

The school offers three levels of education — elementary, intermediate and high school — with each having its own playground. (AN photo by Ghazi Mahdi)

According to Al-Sulimani the older building will be a fully integrated museum, including a cultural space, a cafe with a heritage theme and seating areas where visitors can learn about the historical area and the history of the school.

“The old part was handed over to the Ministry of Culture to be prepared to comply with the development plans for the old buildings in the historic area,” he said.

One former pupil, 82-year-old Hamza Awfi, told Arab News: “The school was based on a solid foundation. It is the place I considered as our second home. Here I have met many students who graduated and later held important leadership positions and I still remember them, young and old.

It was a place of knowledge and it provided me a wonderful environment and opportunity to learn and grow myself in every field.

Ahmed Abdulgader Al-Noaman, 72-year-old alum

“We really hold great memories, and by the way, I and other friends who graduated from this school, still go and visit it from time to time to remember our old good days.”

Awfi added that keeping the modern building for education as a symbol of resilience and enlightenment while at the same time transforming the old building into a museum is a great idea.

Another former pupil, 72-year-old Ahmed Abdulgader Al-Noaman, told Arab News: “My four years at Al-Falah have been an excellent memory to cherish for a lifetime. The time spent has been full of learning opportunities. It was a place of knowledge and it provided me a wonderful environment and opportunity to learn and grow myself in every field.”

The school offers three levels of education — elementary, intermediate and high school — with each having its own playground. Today, the old U-shaped building stands in the center of the complex and is used by elementary students. The classrooms remain their original size, which is considered small by current standards.

The floors, ceilings, and doors of the school’s original building are made from wood they were restored, with their traditional character retained in order to preserve the school’s history and heritage. The original green dome still rests on top of the old building.

 


Turki Alalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities

Turki Alalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities
Updated 20 January 2025
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Turki Alalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities

Turki Alalshikh launches City Hub entertainment project in 7 Saudi cities
  • Project works exclusively with Saudi companies
  • Jazan, Alkhobar, Buraidah, Hail, Al-Baha, Taif, and Tabuk to host City Hub

RIYADH: A new project bringing a range of entertainment offerings to seven Saudi cities has been announced by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.

The City Hub project will begin its journey in Jazan on Jan. 23, followed by stops in Alkhobar, Buraidah, Hail, Al-Baha, Taif, and concluding in Tabuk in August after spending 14 days in each city.

The project exclusively works with Saudi companies, creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities in the Kingdom’s entertainment industry, according to organizers.

Covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters in each city, City Hub will provide a diverse range of entertainment including video games, circus acts, and a “Horror Zone.”

One of the main attractions is the “Play and Learn Festival,” which offers children a hands-on experience in various professional fields, including innovation, banking, and medicine.

This initiative was designed to allow young visitors to explore future career paths through interactive activities, organizers said in a statement.

An electronic games zone will feature esports tournaments with titles such as EAFC24 and TEKKEN 8, presenting prizes to winners.

For thrill-seekers, the “Horror Zone” promises an immersive experience, complete with lifelike challenges.

Meanwhile, the circus tent will host a variety of performances, including dancing fountains, trapeze acts, and the adrenaline-filled 360-degree motorcycle cage performance.

A pet bird zone allows guests to engage with rare birds in a natural setting.

Visitors can also enjoy a diverse marketplace and a curated selection of local and international restaurants, ensuring a rich culinary experience.

Each city will host City Hub for 14 days, underscoring GEA’s commitment to promoting local content.


Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR

Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR
Updated 20 January 2025
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Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR

Saudi fund chief receives GCC representative to UNHCR
  • They discussed ways to enhance development cooperation between the Saudi fund and UNHCR

RIYADH: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad received the senior adviser and GCC Representative to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Khaled Khalifa, and an accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance development cooperation between the Saudi fund and UNHCR, the former’s official account wrote on X.

Al-Marshad also received Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom Anatolii Petreno and discussed bilateral cooperation during a recent meeting in Riyadh.

 


KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso

KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso
Updated 20 January 2025
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KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso

KSrelief, Saudi Esports Federation donate $1.7m to UNICEF to boost children’s education in Burkina Faso
  • John Agbor: Thanks to the generous contribution of KSrelief and SEF, thousands of children will benefit from formal and non-formal education, vocational training and radio-based learning
  • Funds will support preschool education for 4,500 children, formal and non-formal education for 16,700 children, and technical innovations for 6,600 children

RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation, through the Gamers Without Borders tournament — the largest virtual charity event for gaming and esports — in collaboration with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, donated over $1.7 million to UNICEF’s office in Burkina Faso.

The grant aims to provide formal and non-formal education to more than 27,800 children, 50 percent of whom are girls, in areas affected by insecurity.

John Agbor, UNICEF representative in Burkina Faso, said: “Thanks to the generous contribution of KSrelief and Saudi Esports Federation, thousands of children will benefit from formal and non-formal education, vocational training and radio-based learning.”

The funds will support preschool education for 4,500 children, formal and non-formal education for 16,700 children, and technical innovations for 6,600 children in the Central-North, North, East, Sahel, and Boucle du Mouhoun regions.

As of December 2024, the humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso remains difficult, with over 2 million displaced due to conflict.

Despite the government’s efforts to reopen more than 1,500 schools, over 5,000 remain closed, affecting 20 percent of the country’s educational institutions.

In one year, primary school enrollment rates in Burkina Faso dropped from 85.8 percent in 2022 to 77.4 percent in 2023.

With KSrelief and the Saudi Esports Federation’s support, UNICEF has launched several initiatives, including building and equipping 27 classrooms, creating more than 100 accelerated learning centers for out-of-school children, and planning vocational training for 500 boys and girls.

Other initiatives aim to reach 6,000 children through emergency classrooms and 600 children via remote learning with tablets, as well as increase radio-based learning and provide school supplies for vulnerable children.