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RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has delivered 195 winter kits for vulnerable people in Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
This initiative is a part of an ongoing emergency shelter project in Yemen. The kits benefited 1,170 people from 195 families.
KSrelief provides food, medical and other aid to needy communities across the globe.
RIYADH: The inaugural Joy Awards honored Arab talent with musical performances that serenaded a star-studded guest list at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.
The award show opened with a concert by Christina Aguilera, who performed “The Voice Within” and her hit song “Genie in a Bottle.”
Musical icons Mohammed Abdo and Andrea Bocelli performed together, blending Gulf and Italian sounds.
Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic.
Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey were among the international and local celebrities who showcased their dazzling ensembles on the ceremony’s iconic lavender carpet on Saturday.
As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia.
“I picked it because I wanted to represent Ƶn designers and fashion, especially here in Riyadh, which is such an upcoming hot spot for Ƶn fashion,” she said.
Lebanese actress Nawal Kamel arrived in a black and silver studded gown designed by her go-to Lebanese fashion designer, Joelle Nemnum.
“I can’t believe I’m here. I’m very excited to meet the (Saudi) people up close. I know many people from Lebanon but being here and seeing the locals, who are so different and incredible, is amazing. They (Saudis) are so kind and welcoming — they truly lift you up and take care of you. I’m so grateful to be here and to witness the Joy Awards,” she said.
Held at the Kingdom Arena, the Joy Awards are Ƶ’s largest event recognizing and honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements. The event is part of Riyadh Season and is co-organized by MBC Group.
The winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority. The list included candidates across various categories. The nominees were carefully chosen by specialized committees based on their efforts and achievements over the past year.
RIYADH: The Fashion Commission and luxury group Kering have launched the selection process for the winners of the Kering Generation Award X Ƶ.
The initiative aims to support innovative startups making a significant impact on the fashion industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The application process began in November 2024, inviting startups to submit applications and promote sustainability. More than 100 startups applied, with 20 selected to participate in a three-day training camp in Riyadh.
The program featured workshops focused on key performance indicators, goal setting and pitching skills, SPA reported.
On Jan. 14, the shortlist of 20 startups gathered in Riyadh for the final presentation, where each applicant was evaluated on customer engagement, circular economy and water protection.
Following the presentations, the evaluation process began to select the top 10 proposals, which will be assessed by the jury based on innovation, relevance, fashion connection, and potential impact on nature and society.
The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 27 in Riyadh, where the top three winning startups will be announced.
Winners will have the opportunity to travel to Paris for exclusive mentoring with Kering’s sustainability teams and present their innovations at the ChangeNOW 2025 summit.
Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry.
He added that the award aimed to showcase and support startups driving innovation in circular fashion and environmental stewardship.
Cakmak emphasized the commission’s commitment to advancing solutions that address current challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future in fashion.
RIYADH: The Jazan Winter Festival has attracted a large number of visitors with a variety of heritage events, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The festival plays a key role in boosting regional tourism, drawing guests from within the Kingdom and beyond.
Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing, the SPA reported.
Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery.
The scheme stimulates the local economy and highlights the region’s culture through captivating performances and folk dances, the SPA added.
Local perfumes and herbs are on display, highlighting the area’s rich heritage. Food enthusiasts can try traditional dishes that showcase local ingredients and culinary traditions.
Spanning three months, the event features 300 activities across 42 sites in Jazan and its governorates. The festival’s activities also include art exhibitions, plays and poetry gatherings.
PORT LOUIS: Saudi Ambassador to Mauritius Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat recently met Mauritian Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem, the Saudi Embassy wrote on X on Saturday.
During the meeting, they discussed way to enhance bilateral relations as well as other topics of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, officials at the Digital Cooperation Organization received Austrian Ambassador to the Kingdom Oskar Wustinger and a delegation from Austria’s Ministry of Finance, the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, and other institutions, the organization wrote on X on Saturday.
RIYADH: Customs officials at land, air, and sea ports across the Kingdom were involved in 2,124 seizures of prohibited items in a single week, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority reported.
The figure reflected the authority’s commitment to protecting society from smuggling and illegal activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The crackdown included more than 350 cases linked to prohibited substances, of which 98 involved narcotics such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, shabu and captagon pills.
The authorities also thwarted more than 1,745 attempts to smuggle tobacco and its derivatives, 22 cases involving money and three cases involving weapons and related accessories.
The authority urged the public to report any information regarding smuggling by calling 1910, the international number 009661910 or by emailing [email protected]. Financial rewards are offered for accurate information.
