Al-Ghamdi Brothers Restore Old Archaeological Building in Al-Dhafir Village, Al-Baha

Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism, says Al-Ghamdi, SPA
Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism, says Al-Ghamdi, SPA
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Al-Ghamdi Brothers Restore Old Archaeological Building in Al-Dhafir Village, Al-Baha

Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism, says Al-Ghamdi, SPA
Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism, says Al-Ghamdi, SPA

Yanallah Al-Ghamdi and his brothers undertook a remarkable initiative to restore and rehabilitate an old archaeological building in Al-Dhafir village, Al-Baha city.

Al-Ghamdi said that the building was restored through their own efforts, and that they aspire to revive the entire village, which holds historical importance as a regional hub that has witnessed significant events over time, SPA reported.

It is also home to various historical and archaeological mosques, including the King Abdulaziz Mosque, which was part of the Crown Prince's project for the renovation of historical mosques.
According to Al-Ghamdi, Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism. It features several buildings that used to be headquarters for different ministries, as well as the region's first school, established in 1353 AH. They highlight the village's historical significance as a hub connecting neighboring areas to Al-Baha.
Al-Ghamdi said the village is considered a significant archaeological site in the region, and expressed hope that the Ministry of Culture will undertake restoration efforts and document its historical events, given the existence of reliable references and testimonies from the elderly. He also commended Al-Baha governor's office for its dedication to preserving and reviving the region's heritage.
The village is currently holding several engaging programs and activities organized by the residents, which have had a positive influence on the younger generation.
Al-Ghamdi said that the restored building houses several exhibits related to his family's experience in traditional medicine, a profession they have practiced for over 130 years.



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.