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JEDDAH: The President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani left Jeddah on Saturday.
He was seen off at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials, according to a report by Saudi Press Agency.
Ghazouani arrived in the Kingdom recently with an accompanying delegation to perform Umrah. He also visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and performed prayers there.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday reiterated its categorical rejection of statements particularly that of Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land.
“Such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza, including the ethnic cleansing they are subjected to,” the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
The ministry likewise expressed its appreciation of the ‘condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries’ regarding the Israeli leader’s comments.
Egypt condemned as “irresponsible” statements by Israeli officials suggesting establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, with its foreign ministry emphasizing the suggestion a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty”, adding that the Kingdom’s security was a “red line for Egypt.”
The Jordanian ministry also described the Israeli remarks as “inflammatory and a clear violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions, and state sovereignty.”
Foreign ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah criticized what he described as Israel’s continued provocative policies and rhetoric, stressing that such statements reflect an exclusionary and hostile approach that undermines regional stability, Petra reported.
Jordan, he added, stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these statements, urging international actors to take a firm stance against irresponsible rhetoric that threatens peace efforts.
#Statement | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appreciates the condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries towards what Benjamin Netanyahu stated regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land and the Kingdom values the… pic.twitter.com/ebj2sVHx4w
— Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) February 9, 2025
“The Kingdom also points out that this extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means to the brotherly people of Palestine and their emotional, historical and legal connection to this land, and it does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place, as it has completely destroyed the Gaza Strip, killed and injured more than 160.000, most of them children and women, without the slightest human feeling or moral responsibility,” the Saudi foreign ministry statement said.
“The Kingdom affirms that the Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled whenever the brutal Israeli occupation wishes.
“The Kingdom notes that the proponents of these extremist ideas are the ones who prevented Israel from accepting peace by refusing peaceful coexistence, rejecting the peace initiatives adopted by the Arab countries, and systematically practicing injustice towards the Palestinian people for more than 75 years, with disregard to the truth, justice, law and the values established in the United Nations Charter, including the human's right to live in dignity on his land,” the statement added.
The Saudi foreign ministry also reiterated that the right of the Palestinian people “will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them no matter how long it takes.”
It added lasting peace would only be achieved by “returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence through the two-state solution.”
JAZAN: In the heart of Jazan, where nature displays its beauty, the Indian almond stands out as a distinctive seasonal agricultural product for which the region in southwestern Saudi Arabia is well known.
The almond tree is characterized by its dense foliage, abundant shade, delectable fruits, and rich flavor.
Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity, thriving in the region’s warm environment and tropical climate, which foster their growth and bloom. The fruits are highly sought after, enjoyed as a snack, or valued for their natural oils.
The almond season in Jazan begins in February, marked by the blooming of white and yellow flowers that attract bees, which, along with the wind, aid in pollination.
Between May and July, the fruits gradually ripen, transitioning from green to yellow or red, signaling their full maturity.
Peak production occurs in June and July, when the fruits are harvested and sold in local markets in substantial quantities and varying sizes, with each fruit weighing between 15 and 30 grams.
Ripe almonds are prized for their soft texture and the ease with which the edible core can be extracted, reaching their peak sweetness and exhibiting a more pronounced almond flavor.
Indian almonds are available in well-known markets, including the central Jazan market, as well as in the governorates of Sabia, Bish, Abu Arish, Samtah, and others throughout the region.
In Jazan, the combination of heavy rains and relatively high temperatures enhances production quality, increasing investment opportunities for cultivating this product.
This includes the development of packaging and marketing operations both locally and internationally, the establishment of factories for extracting Indian almond oil, and the expansion of organic agriculture to meet the rising demand for natural and healthy products. These initiatives contribute significantly to the region’s agricultural and economic development.
RIYADH: Sneaker Con in Riyadh has opened its doors to enthusiasts and collectors, offering a platform to buy, sell, and trade rare and limited-edition items as part of Riyadh Season.
Billed as “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth,” Sneaker Con is one of the world’s largest sneaker conventions, which has previously been held in cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its Riyadh edition — the first in Saudi Arabia — runs until Feb. 19 at ANB Arena.
The event provides visitors with the opportunity to engage with industry experts and meet influencers in the sneaker community.
One visitor, Fares Indejani, highlighted the growing sneaker culture in Riyadh, pointing out that sneakers have become an integral part of personal style and expression. He told Arab News about the impact of the event on the local sneaker community.
These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space. But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.
Fares Indejani, Sneaker enthusiast
“These sneaker communities are micro-communities that are often isolated and don’t really have a dedicated space,” he said. “But this event changes that … you can just walk in and meet others like you.
“You get an idea of what direction we’re heading toward, and that’s valuable knowledge for investors and business owners,” he added. “Really knowing what kind of communities are popping up, seeing how loud and real they are, and recognizing that they exist, have a voice, and are moving, is crucial.”
Abdulmohsen Al-Ahmari, another visitor, said the event provides an opportunity to see sneakers that are not typically available.
“Making connections at Sneaker Con and getting to know people helps me later,” he said.
Chase Young, a sneaker trader and founder of Culture Kicks, said: “There are people with crazy pairs of shoes and a lot of different collectors’ items here, and very high-end shoes, so (the market) is definitely big here.”
Sneaker Con features more than 150 brands showcasing curated collections of rare sneakers, fashion items, and accessories.
DHAHRAN: Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days concluded on Saturday after a dynamic 17-day run, offering visitors a deep and immersive experience into Japanese arts, traditions and contemporary culture.
The event, which began on Jan. 23, attracted more than 200,000 visitors in its first 10 days.
Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Morino Yasunari toured the exhibitions, engaged with artists and cultural representatives, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
His visit underscored the significance of the festival in fostering dialogue and mutual appreciation.
The program featured a wide range of activities for both children and adults, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. Families took part in hands-on craft workshops, traditional calligraphy, origami and manga drawing sessions, while younger visitors enjoyed storytelling sessions featuring Japanese folktales and legends.
One of the most anticipated performances came from Drum Tao, the globally renowned Japanese drumming ensemble known for its powerful stage presence and theatrical performances.
The group combined traditional taiko drumming with modern choreography and lighting effects, delivering a high-energy spectacle that captivated audiences.
A metaverse experience in Ithra’s plaza allowed visitors to explore virtual Japanese markets and cultural celebrations.
The festival also explored Japanese storytelling through literature and anime. Several sessions on Japanese literature highlighted its unique introspective nature, referencing authors like Haruki Murakami.
Music played a central role in the festival, with performances ranging from the meditative tones of the shakuhachi flute to high-energy drum ensembles. Visitors also explored Japanese culinary traditions, gaining insights into the precision and artistry behind dishes such as sushi and wagashi.
One of the most celebrated workshops covered kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Attendees were invited to transform shattered ceramics into decorative pieces, embracing the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection.
Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days featured many other activities, ensuring that visitors could engage with Japan’s cultural heritage through a variety of creative, educational and interactive experiences.
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a second executive master’s program, offering four educational packages and teaming up with three prestigious European hospitality institutions — Les Roches in Spain and EHL and Glion in Switzerland, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program aims to train 300 Saudi professionals in international tourism and hospitality management, advancing expertise in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Under the ministry’s “Ahluha” initiative, which has already trained more than 100,000 Saudi citizens, domestically and internationally, in 2024. The program focuses on equipping participants with modern management techniques and high-quality resource management skills for the tourism industry.
Candidates must meet rigorous eligibility criteria, including an honors bachelor’s degree in tourism-related fields, minimum five years of professional experience, proven English language proficiency, willingness to travel for training requirements, and successful completion of a personal interview.
According to SPA, the program builds on the success of its first edition, in which 198 graduates completed managerial training at leading Spanish and Swiss institutions.
Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Rasasimah said that, through the executive master’s program, the ministry works to provide key opportunities for Saudi tourism professionals to receive advanced education and training.
He said the program represents a strategic investment in developing Saudi tourism leadership.
“This initiative is crucial for preparing the next generation of Saudi leaders who will drive our growing tourism sector,” he said.
“We are focused on enhancing our national workforce’s capabilities, expanding their horizons and exposing them to global best practices in tourism management,” he added.
