RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has reduced the wage protection file upload period on the Mudad platform from 60 to 30 days, effective March 1.
Previously, establishments could upload files in a two month period, but they must now submit them within one month to ensure accuracy and compliance with wage agreements and payment timelines, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The ministry made this change after a study found that 91 percent of establishments already upload wage files within 30 days.
The goal is to enhance compliance, ensure timely wage payments, and strengthen trust in the work environment, the SPA reported.
Establishments are urged to upload wage files on time and review Payroll Management System details to meet program requirements, support labor market stability, and protect workers’ rights.
JEDDAH: Jeddah will host the inaugural “Made in Pakistan” Exhibition and Business Forum from Feb. 5-7 at the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Events, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Organized by the Jeddah Chamber in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s ministries of commerce and investment, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, the event will feature more than 130 exhibitors from key sectors.
It will showcase specialized Pakistani products, as well as promote investment opportunities and expanded market reach in Saudi Arabia and the region.
The exhibition highlights the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and their shared commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, the SPA reported.
Textiles, agricultural and food products, and leather goods will be on display, showcasing Pakistan’s rich natural resources.
Additionally, the exhibition will feature Pakistan’s renowned handicrafts, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage and centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship and industrial innovation.
The event is for trade professionals on Feb. 5-6 and open to the public on Feb. 7.
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: Syrian Arab Republic President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Monday arrived in Jeddah before heading to Makkah to perform Umrah.
The Saudi Press Agency shared photos of Al-Sharaa wearing the Ihram clothing, garments worn by Muslim people before performing pilgrimage.
Al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday and discussed ways to support the security and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic.
The visit is Al-Sharaa’s first foreign trip since taking office.
Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh
Brendan Murphy’s ‘Frozen with Desire’ takes center stage at exhibition
Part of ‘Boonji Spaceman’ series, symbolizes courage to face ‘unknown’
Updated 03 February 2025
Waad Hussain
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.”
“Frozen with Desire: 42 spaceman” - 6,200 diamonds and 517 carats set in platinum (Supplied)
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.
A striking pink and gold Spaceman sculpture embodying Murphy’s belief in the power of positivity and human connection. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
“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.
