Hajj pilgrims begin final rituals before returning home

JEDDAH: The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification organized mangrove cultivation campaigns across the Kingdom on Feb. 2-3, coinciding with World Wetlands Day.

The campaigns took place in various regions, including Jazan, the Eastern Province, Madinah, Makkah, and Asir, where more than 10,000 saplings were planted, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The initiative was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and other environmental organizations.

In the Makkah region, the center planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings on Jeddah’s beaches to support biodiversity and sustainable natural resource management, the SPA added.

The initiative saw strong participation from volunteers of all ages, following the center’s launch of several volunteer opportunities to engage local communities in environmental efforts.

The campaign highlighted the vital role of wetlands as unique ecosystems that provide natural climate solutions, enhance environmental sustainability, and restore ecological balance, the SPA reported.

The center is dedicated to developing, protecting, and monitoring vegetation cover sites across the Kingdom while restoring degraded areas.

It also works to detect violations, combat illegal logging, and oversee the management and investment of natural rangelands, forests, and national parks.

Riyadh: Renowned American contemporary artist Brendan Murphy unveiled his masterpiece “Frozen with Desire” — a sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds set in platinum — at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh on Sunday.

Several of his sculptures will be on display at the hotel’s Cafe Boulud for one month. It is his second show in the Kingdom after an exhibition in November at Ahlam Gallery. 

Murphy describes “Frozen with Desire” as an extension of his “Boonji Spaceman” series, symbolizing the courage to embrace the unknown rather than merely representing space travel.

“Who is inside the astronaut suit? What are they thinking? That’s what fascinates me,” Murphy told Arab News. “It’s about stepping into the unknown, just like an artist does with every new creation.”

The sculpture is a feat of artistic and technical precision. “Artists always try to do things that seem impossible. That’s part of the creative process,” Murphy explained.

Murphy’s exhibition was accompanied by a cheese-tasting session led by Philippe Caillouet, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France-award recipient, and director of cheese marketing at the high-end hotel.

Caillouet captivated attendees with fascinating stories about cheese-making traditions, adding cultural and culinary dimensions to the evening.

The unveiling of “Frozen with Desire,” was followed by a sumptuous dinner, making the night an unforgettable fusion of art, fine dining, and storytelling.

Beyond the exhibition, Murphy sees Saudi Arabia as a vital part of his artistic journey. He said the Kingdom was experiencing a cultural renaissance but challenges remain.

“There’s a real hunger for creativity here,” Murphy said. “But many young artists lack access to the best materials and formal education. My goal is to help bridge that gap.”

He highlighted the need for a balanced artistic approach and the use of a wide range of mediums and genres. “Digital art is great, but what about painting and sculpture? Those require more time, resources, and mastery,” he said.

Murphy is committed to long-term collaborations in the Kingdom, revealing plans for public art installations at the new Riyadh airport and Expo 2030. His most ambitious project is the launch of a 1,000 sq. meter immersive art space in Riyadh later this year.

“I’m not just here for one exhibition — I want to create a permanent experience, a space where people can engage with my art every day, whether I’m here or not,” he said.