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AlUla Summit to Discuss Future of Global Culture Next Week

“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27. (SPA)
“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27. (SPA)
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AlUla Summit to Discuss Future of Global Culture Next Week

“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27. (SPA)
“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27. (SPA)

“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27, SPA said on Sunday.
The FCS aims to address key issues in the cultural sector and explore ways to strengthen it as a catalyst for social progress and positive transformation in the future.
The FCS, organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, comprises a range of discussions, workshops, and interactive presentations. Its objective is to explore innovative approaches to fostering widespread involvement and making a significant impact through art, culture, and related industries.
The FCS program comprises three primary sessions. The initial session, referred to as "The Rich Foundation," is designed to promote innovation and rejuvenation in culture. Its goal is to delve into the essence and requirements of culture, establishing a harmonious connection with the environment.
The second session, titled "The Creative Land," aims to facilitate the shift towards global creativity and cross-cultural dialogue. This session will explore cultural economic development policies, and provide support for creative entrepreneurship. The last session, named "Harvest of Impact," will focus on fostering comprehensive culture and community empowerment, examining global cultural production and its influence on local cultures.
In addition to exploring the natural and cultural beauty of AlUla, participants in this cultural event will also have the opportunity to enjoy various artistic performances. The lineup includes renowned Saudi artist Balqees Alrashed, the Spanish theater group La Fura dels Baus, and the talented Nigerian-British poet and writer Inua Ellams.

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Viking Ship Navigating Seafarers’ Ancient Routes Berths in Adriatic 

A full-size archaeological reconstruction of a 10th-century Viking knarr "Saga Farmann" on its years-long expedition through European rivers, channels and seas, is berthed in Port of Bar, Montenegro, July 20, 2024. (Reuters)
A full-size archaeological reconstruction of a 10th-century Viking knarr "Saga Farmann" on its years-long expedition through European rivers, channels and seas, is berthed in Port of Bar, Montenegro, July 20, 2024. (Reuters)
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Viking Ship Navigating Seafarers’ Ancient Routes Berths in Adriatic 

A full-size archaeological reconstruction of a 10th-century Viking knarr "Saga Farmann" on its years-long expedition through European rivers, channels and seas, is berthed in Port of Bar, Montenegro, July 20, 2024. (Reuters)
A full-size archaeological reconstruction of a 10th-century Viking knarr "Saga Farmann" on its years-long expedition through European rivers, channels and seas, is berthed in Port of Bar, Montenegro, July 20, 2024. (Reuters)

A replica Viking ship has berthed in Montenegro's Adriatic port of Bar on a years-long trip through European waters inspired by the Norse seafarers who set out from Scandinavia to explore, trade and conquer a millennium ago.

The ship, Saga Farmann, is a full-size archaeological reconstruction of a 10th-century Viking cargo vessel, or knarr, made from oak and pine, which was found in Norway as early as 1893 but only excavated in the 1970s.

"This is the type of ship that would travel to Iceland, or Greenland, even North America," said Linda Sten Vagnes, one of the journey's leaders.

The trip, set to end in 2026, was originally planned to follow the Norwegian coast into the White Sea off northern Russia and the Volga River, but it was rerouted to follow the rivers of Europe from West to East.

"We had to the change the route because of the war (in Ukraine)," Sten Vagnes said.

The Viking age, spanning the 8th to 11th centuries AD, saw Norsemen journey from Scandinavia aboard timber longships to stage raids, trade and settle across a wide region, including North America, using their mastery of maritime technology.

The Saga Farman's journey, which started in 2023, was inspired by the sagas about Vikings who travelled to Constantinople, capital of the-then Byzantine empire.

It took years of hard work by enthusiasts, with the support of the governments of Denmark and Norway, to make an exact copy of a knarr. The vessel was launched in 2018, said Axel Hubert Persvik, a ship builder.

"It takes a long time because most of craft we do is by hand, ... it takes many hours to build it."

At the latest leg of the trip, the 21 meters (69 ft)-long and five meters (16 ft)-wide ship sailed from the Aegean Sea into the Adriatic, said Zander Simpson, the ship's captain.

"The next stage of the trip is around Italy, Sicily ... to stay in Rome this winter, before next year's stage which will take her up the Italian coast, the French Riviera ... to Paris."

In addition to sails and oars, the Saga Farmann has four electric motors to propel it upwind and upstream. More than three tons of batteries are stored onboard where they serve for propulsion and as ballast.