عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Culture

Saudi Arabia’s CDF Brings Together Cultural Leaders, Influencers at ‘Storytellers’ Suhoor

This marks the third consecutive year the CDF has hosted the "Storytellers" event. SPA
This marks the third consecutive year the CDF has hosted the "Storytellers" event. SPA
TT
20
TT

Saudi Arabia’s CDF Brings Together Cultural Leaders, Influencers at ‘Storytellers’ Suhoor

This marks the third consecutive year the CDF has hosted the "Storytellers" event. SPA
This marks the third consecutive year the CDF has hosted the "Storytellers" event. SPA

The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted the 2025 "Storytellers" Suhoor, bringing together high-ranking officials, cultural and development sector leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators across various cultural fields.

The gathering is part of the fund’s ongoing efforts to strengthen connections within the cultural sector, explore new opportunities, and support the sector’s exceptional momentum. As a key financial enabler, the CDF continues to play a vital role in nurturing Saudi culture and inspiring creativity.
The evening featured a keynote speech by CDF Chief Executive Majed Al-Hogail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, the team behind the "CHEFPreneur" program—one of the initiatives supported by the fund. The event also celebrated 42 graduates of the program, recognizing their successful completion of the training journey.
The CHEFPreneur program is a specialized training initiative designed to equip aspiring chefs with both culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to launch their own projects and establish competitive businesses in the field.
In line with its commitment to supporting projects it has enabled, the CDF showcased several beneficiary projects during the event, allowing guests to experience their creative offerings firsthand.
Held in a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere, the gathering included cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests engaged in traditional craft experiences such as prayer bead-making and henna art, while a special art exhibition featured works by visual artist and craftswoman Naifah Alshahrani. Inspired by the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the exhibition paid tribute to the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia. The interplay of colors and intricate details added a unique artistic touch to the evening.
This marks the third consecutive year the CDF has hosted the "Storytellers" event. The 2025 edition was held at AlMashtal Creative Incubator—one of the fund’s beneficiaries—reinforcing its ongoing support for cultural entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the cultural landscape. The event also aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to drive the sustainable growth of the cultural sector, ultimately contributing to economic development and enhancing quality of life.

Most Viewed

 
Culture

A Rare Peek at the Hidden Waterworks behind Rome’s Trevi Fountain

A view of Rome's Trevi fountain is seen through a window of its old water flow control room, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP)
A view of Rome's Trevi fountain is seen through a window of its old water flow control room, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP)
TT
20
TT

A Rare Peek at the Hidden Waterworks behind Rome’s Trevi Fountain

A view of Rome's Trevi fountain is seen through a window of its old water flow control room, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP)
A view of Rome's Trevi fountain is seen through a window of its old water flow control room, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP)

The Trevi Fountain, arguably the world’s most famous, has graced screens for decades, from Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” to Netflix’s “Emily in Paris.” Each year, millions of visitors push through Rome's narrow streets to gaze at the towering Titan god flanked by falls cascading into a turquoise pool.

Yet, they never get to venture behind Oceanus’ back to see what produces the sublime play of water in the baroque masterpiece.

Wooden doors on an adjacent street lead to the maneuvering chambers that control the fountain's water supply, coming from the Aqua Virgo — an ancient Roman aqueduct 16 kilometers (10 miles) away. Two electric pumps recycle 126 liters (33 gallons) of water per second while Rome’s water management company, ACEA, carefully monitors the flow around the clock.

This precise amount is crucial for the movement of water through the statues; a little more or less, and it wouldn’t work, said Davide D’Alonzo, ACEA’s manager for the area.

The modern maneuvering chamber features metal tanks and lighted panels. In the original, arched chamber, water audibly rushes through a thick pipe and there is a functional, 18th-century hydrometer to gauge the fountain’s water level.

A large, rudimentary spreadsheet on the wall displays the names of rich Roman families whose homes received water from the chamber long ago; when they fell behind on their payments, their supply was cut off.

The chamber's grated windows grant views out over the fountain and its many visitors — all of whom are oblivious to its hidden waterworks. They toss coins over their shoulders into the water, a hopeful gesture based on a legend that it guarantees their return to the eternal city.