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AlUla's Majestic Gateway: Almazham Passage Blends Nature and History

AlUla's Almazham passage serves as a natural gateway welcoming travelers arriving from the north. (SPA)
AlUla's Almazham passage serves as a natural gateway welcoming travelers arriving from the north. (SPA)
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AlUla's Majestic Gateway: Almazham Passage Blends Nature and History

AlUla's Almazham passage serves as a natural gateway welcoming travelers arriving from the north. (SPA)
AlUla's Almazham passage serves as a natural gateway welcoming travelers arriving from the north. (SPA)

AlUla's Almazham passage serves as a natural gateway, welcoming travelers arriving from the north. This dramatic geological wonder consists of two towering, rocky mountains flanking a modern roadway. The mountains stretch roughly 300 meters in length and 50 meters in width, the Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday.
Almazham boasts a rich history as a passage for camel caravans and a crucial route for Hajj pilgrims from the Levant region.
Before the development of modern roads, this passage posed a significant challenge for travelers, particularly those with heavily laden camels, due to its steep inclines and dense sands.
Beyond its geographical significance, Almazham is a treasure trove of history. The passage walls are adorned with ancient inscriptions, drawings, and formations dating back thousands of years.
These markings left by passing travelers serve as testament to cultural exchange, shared prayers, and advice exchanged along the route.
Almazham passage offers breathtaking views of the nearby Hegra archaeological site. Lush farms surround the area from various directions, creating a captivating blend of historical significance and natural beauty.

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Pharrell Advocates for Reviving Arts Competitions for 2028 Olympics at Louis Vuitton Event 

Pharrell Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)
Pharrell Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)
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Pharrell Advocates for Reviving Arts Competitions for 2028 Olympics at Louis Vuitton Event 

Pharrell Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)
Pharrell Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)

If given the chance, Pharrell Williams would reintroduce arts competition into the Olympics, reviving a tradition that's been missing for nearly 80 years.

Williams is aiming to reinstate arts competitions back on the world's biggest sports stage, starting with raising awareness through his star-studded Louis Vuitton event Thursday in Paris. He passionately shared his goal to see the tradition revived by the Olympics in 2028 the night before the Games’ opening ceremony.

“We get to remind people that at one point, the Olympics actually had the arts as a section that ran all these competitions,” Williams before the event. “Sculpture, architecture, visual arts. The idea we get to put the arts back in. ... Why not take this moment to bring awareness?”

Art competitions first came into fruition at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm with medals awarded in five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture. However, the International Olympic Committee ended the competitions in the 1948 games. An attempt to bring it back was denied four years later.

Williams, the musician-turned-designer, hosted the ritzy A-list event at the Louis Vuitton Foundation building. Attendees included popular figures such as LeBron James, Steven Spielberg, Mick Jagger, Zendaya, Anna Wintour, Charlize Theron, Serena Williams, Rosalía, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah and Zac Efron.

Williams called the inside of the event like an “indoor carnival.” He curated a select group of world-renowned artists including KAWS, Daniel Arsham and Derek Fordjour to design interactive art installations.

Some of the sports represented at the event included archery, tennis, basketball and equestrianism along with carnival games. “The game will begin on the inside tonight,” he said.

Through donations, Williams said he wanted the event to support Olympic hopefuls as well as 36 athletes across 11 different countries who are competing on the Refugee Olympic Team this year.

“We get to raise money for the other athletes who don't have the means to get the gear or proper training equipment,” said Williams, who added that he spoke about creating music for the games with Thomas Bach, the president of the IOC.

The famed producer said he recorded a track called “Triumph is Cosmos.”

“This is like the victory lap around the solar system,” he said.