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AlUla is furthering its position as a global place for culture and heritage this week with its invite-only AlUla World Archaeological Summit.
The three-day summit’s program of panels, discussions and excursions commenced yesterday at Maraya Concert Hall, the ancient region’s giant mirror-cladded multipurpose venue located amid a wealth of archaeological treasures stemming from the Neolithic era to the early 20th century.
Staged by the Royal Commission for AlUla and taking place through Sept. 15, the three-day summit brings together global art, culture and heritage experts from around the world who are among more than 80 speakers.
The first panel, titled “The Shape of Us: Archaeology, Identity,” asked the question of how, in the modern world, in which many conventional definitions are obsolete, can archaeology challenge and expand identities of self, family, communities and nations? How can archaeology collaborate with other disciplines to do so? The session also explored the various ways in which archaeology can be instrumental in shaping identities.
The exclusive event is part of RCU’s regeneration of AlUla as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage, of which archaeological research and conservation are key aspects of the project to attract 2 million visitors per year by 2035.
Luminaries scheduled to appear at the summit include Bettany Hughes, the British historian and presenter of numerous documentaries on ancient history, and Levison Wood, a world- renowned explorer, writer and photographer who has authored 11 bestselling books and produced several critically acclaimed documentaries.
As Alessandro Sebastiani, associate professor of Roman archaeology and director of Graduate Studies, Department of Classics, University of Buffalo, said: “We want archaeology to remain accessible to everyone. Identity is about moving cultures. You create your identity.”
The exclusive event is part of RCU’s regeneration of AlUla as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage, of which archaeological research and conservation are key aspects of the project to attract 2 million visitors per year by 2035.
“The AlUla World Archaeology Summit is drawing great interest worldwide, with speakers spanning the globe from America and Australia to Jordan and Japan,” said Abdulrahman Al-Suhaibani, executive director of archaeology, conservation and collections at RCU, adding that they will be sharing knowledge on the summit’s four themes: Identity, Ruinscapes, Resilience and Accessibility. Their presence aligns with AlUla’s legacy as a crossroads of civilizations, “where people have exchanged ideas from far and wide.”
Rebecca Foote, director of archaeology and cultural heritage research at RCU, told Arab News: “We wanted the summit to be interdisciplinary and intersectorial.
“Rather than being about the specific data that everyone is finding to report, the summit concerns more the issues, challenges and opportunities that are faced by archaeologists worldwide and how other sectors can help to enhance our field or and transform it towards creating a better world.”
The summit includes archaeologists, artists and cultural practitioners from around the world, including the Kingdom, with visual artist Manal Al-Dowayan; Jasir Al-Herbish, CEO of the Heritage Commission; Daif Allah Al-Talhi, professor emeritus of archaeology, University of Hail; and Suleiman Al-Theeb, professor emeritus of ancient Arabian scripts and languages at King Saud University, in attendance.
Other luminaries scheduled to appear at the summit include Bettany Hughes, the British historian and presenter of numerous documentaries on ancient history, and Levison Wood, a world-renowned explorer, writer and photographer who has authored 11 bestselling books and produced several critically acclaimed documentaries.
Panel discussions range from those which focus on ancient heritage and discoveries to the use of technology and AI, such as “Archaeology Weaves an Interconnected World” and “Saving Archaeology One TikTok at a Time.”
Delegates will be able to take part in excursions throughout AlUla’s key heritage sites, many of which are also undergoing active archaeological excavation. These include the Nabataean tombs of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
“We want the summit to address how archaeology can become more relevant to society,” added Foote. “How can it work for the global good across a variety of sectors by addressing key themes of identity, resilience, ruinscapes and accessibility.”
“There are people coming from around the world, Australia, Africa, Australia, Europe and from around the Middle East and Saudi Arabia,” said Foote.
The summit is about marrying the past with the present and using AlUla once again as an international cultural crossroads for intellectual discourse.
Enter
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Sabah Al-Dhafiri has managed a surprisingly compelling alchemy in his work of the seemingly distant realms of art and science.
Born in the Eastern Province city of Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Dhafiri’s journey into art began at a young age. Unlike many artists who undergo formal training, his talent blossomed naturally, nurtured by his dedication to continuous practice and experimentation.
What sets Al-Dhafiri apart is his unique approach of applying physics and chemistry to his hyper-realistic creations.
One of Al-Dhafiri’s most intriguing methods is the incorporation of temperature dynamics into his oil paintings. As the temperature shifts, his artwork responds with subtle changes in tone and color, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving visual experience.
• Sabah Al-Dhafiri was born in the Eastern Province city of Hafr Al-Batin.
• As the temperature shifts, his artwork responds with subtle changes in tone and color.
• To view Al-Dhafiri’s artworks, visit his Instagram @ce999.
Reflecting on his experimental artwork, he told Arab News: “The idea existed beforehand, and it seemed nearly impossible.” He said he did extensive research until he found a method that worked for him.
While the process might be difficult to explain, the result is a stunning display of scientific artistry. “As temperatures increase, various camouflages manifest, only to vanish as temperatures decrease.”
Unlocking the secret behind his seemingly magical formula was not a straightforward endeavor.
Al-Dhafiri endured months of setbacks, moments of despair, and renewed hope before finally achieving success on a preliminary level. “There is a simple equation, but finding it was extremely challenging.”
Al-Dhafiri initially applied his method to a portrait of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and subsequently two depictions of the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al-Saud — with remarkable results.
Beyond the complexities of the technique, Al-Dhafiri embeds his personal philosophy in the work, which he says is not solely about aesthetics. “It is a means of conveying subtle messages indirectly. My ultimate goal is to enjoy the act of painting while also provoking thoughtful contemplation among viewers.”
He feels that his process is all about providing a range of perspectives.
My ultimate goal is to enjoy the act of painting while also provoking thoughtful contemplation among viewers.
Sabah Al-Dhafiri, Saudi artist
“The concept of perspective visual arts operates by depicting the light that moves from a scene through an imaginary rectangle to the observer’s eye. This simulates the experience of someone gazing through a window and directly portraying the visible elements onto the surface of the windowpane.”
Al-Dhafiri’s focus on portraiture is purposeful because he has always been fascinated with the human face and emotional expressions.
“Though my art I make sure to transcend the mere visual and make it delve into the emotional and psychological realms … to communicate moral and psychological messages to the local art society.”
In terms of the art world, Al-Dhafiri hopes that exhibitions could become more inclusive rather than being tailored for certain audiences. He feels this is “discouraging for the younger generation of artists who might feel constrained by these predefined roles.”
He is certainly determined to continue expressing himself with his fusion of the staid world of chemistry and highly subjective visual art.
DUBAI: A masterpiece by Pablo Picasso is heading to the UAE for its first exhibition outside the US in 50 years, marking the highest value painting to ever be brought to the Middle East by an auction house.
Picasso’s 1932 portrait of Marie-Thérèse Walter called “Femme á la montre” holds an estimate in excess of $120 million.
The painting will be on show at Sotheby’s Dubai in DIFC on Sept. 25 and 26.
“It is a true privilege to have a masterpiece of this significance, by one of the world’s most well-known and well-loved artists, unveiled in the UAE as the first stop on its world tour. One of the greatest works of modern art, we have ever brought to auction, it is the perfect artwork to showcase and continue our commitment to bringing the best of art and culture to the region,” Katia Nounou Boueiz, head of Sotheby’s UAE, said in a released statement.
“In 2020, we exhibited a painting by Botticelli, which was estimated in excess of $80 million, and at the time made headlines as the highest value painting ever to be brought to the Middle East by an auction house. Since then, we have exhibited some wonderful works by the likes of Boetti, Kandinsky, Warhol and more. The appearance of this Picasso on our walls in Dubai will now overtake the record set by the Botticelli, and also marks the first time a painting of this calibre by the artist has ever been exhibited anywhere in the UAE.”
JEDDAH: AlUla World Archaeology Summit in Saudi Arabia concluded on Friday with the launch of a global prize that will recognize and reward excellence in the field.
The aim of “AlUla World Archaeology Summit Award” is to encourage development and innovation in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, the state-run Saudi Press Association reported.
More than 300 archaeology experts and specialists from 39 countries participated in the three-day summit, officials said, which was organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla and took place at the Maraya Concert Hall in the governorate.
The program for the event included 11 extensive panel discussions that tackled a variety of topics, including technologies for the preservation of archaeological sites, and support for new archaeological discoveries and young archaeologists.
Organizers hope the summit will become a leading global platform in the cultural heritage and archaeology sectors, reflecting the rich history of AlUla and recognizing its status as the cradle of ancient civilizations dating back more than 2,000 years.
The ancient city served as a key destination for travelers and explorers of the era, and is now considered one of the most important sites for historical exploration due to its archaeological wonders.
DUBAI: Grammy Award-winning singer Bruno Mars is set to perform in Saudi Arabia on Sept. 29 as part of AlUla Moments, the highly anticipated concert series that takes place in the ancient oasis city.
Mars will headline the opening concert of a series of live music events that will feature both international and regional superstars yet to be announced.
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His performance will be held at the same site that hosted the contemporary outdoor art exhibition of Desert X AlUla 2022, where the flagship music and entertainment festival Azimuth takes place the week prior.
“We are thrilled to announce that Bruno Mars is coming to AlUla to perform,” said Rami Al-Moallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla.
“Diverse and exciting musical experiences are synonymous with AlUla Moments and welcoming a record-breaking, globally renowned artist like Bruno Mars is just the start of what promises to be an unforgettable series. Our visitors cannot expect less than an epic night where Bruno launches our concert series in sensational fashion.”
DUBAI: Yemen has selected director Amr Gamal’s “The Burdened” as its entry for the Oscars’ international feature film award, while Tunisia is competing with Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters.”
This means the “The Burden” and “Four Daughters” are considered for the shortlist. If the Arab movies get shortlisted, they could then get nominated for an Academy Award.
This is Gamal’s second film to be submitted to the Oscars. His romantic comedy “10 Days Before the Wedding” was Yemen’s candidate in 2018.
Gamal’s 2023 movie had its world premiere at this year’s Berlin Film Festival where it won several awards including the Amnesty International Award and Panorama Audience Award.
Gamal’s film is based on a true story that took place in Aden in 2019. It revolves around a couple, Isra’a and Ahmed, who struggle to live a normal life and educate their three young children. When Isra’a becomes pregnant, they have to make difficult decisions about the family’s future.
Tunisian director Ben Hania’s semi-documentary “Four Daughters” captures the story of Olfa Hamrouni, whose two daughters left to fight for Daesh.
The film was Ben Hania’s first entry — and the only Arab one — for the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize this year.
The movie follows Hamrouni, who drew international attention in 2016 after accusing Tunisian authorities of failing to stop one of her daughters from traveling to Libya to fight for the militant group. Hamrouni’s other daughter had already joined the group.
The film was supported by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation.