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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
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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.

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Culture

Louvre Museum’s Director Resigns in Wake of Jewels Heist in Paris

Laurence des Cars, director of Le Louvre museum, poses before a hearing at the Culture commission of the Senate, three days after historic jewels were stolen in a daring daylight heist, Oct. 22, 2025 in Paris. (AP)
Laurence des Cars, director of Le Louvre museum, poses before a hearing at the Culture commission of the Senate, three days after historic jewels were stolen in a daring daylight heist, Oct. 22, 2025 in Paris. (AP)
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Louvre Museum’s Director Resigns in Wake of Jewels Heist in Paris

Laurence des Cars, director of Le Louvre museum, poses before a hearing at the Culture commission of the Senate, three days after historic jewels were stolen in a daring daylight heist, Oct. 22, 2025 in Paris. (AP)
Laurence des Cars, director of Le Louvre museum, poses before a hearing at the Culture commission of the Senate, three days after historic jewels were stolen in a daring daylight heist, Oct. 22, 2025 in Paris. (AP)

The director of the Louvre Museum who had been under fire since the stunning and embarrassing heist of the French Crown jewels in October has stepped down from the position, French President Emmanuel Macron ’s office said Tuesday.

The office said in a statement that Macron accepted the resignation of Laurence des Cars, and that he praised the move as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs calm and a strong new impetus to carry out major projects involving security upgrades, modernization” and other initiatives.

Thieves took less than eight minutes in October to steal 88 million euros ($102 million) worth of crown jewels in a weekend heist at the world’s most visited museum, shocking the world.

Des Cars was named director of the Louvre, one of the museum world's most prestigious posts, in 2021.

She had offered to resign on the day of the robbery but was refused by the culture minister.

“I saw a tragic, brutal, violent reality for the Louvre, and as the person in charge, after all the hard work done by the teams that day — it felt right to offer my resignation,” she said in November.

Macron thanked des Cars for “her work and commitment” and said he wanted to give her a new mission focused on cooperation among major museums, the statement said.

It didn't say if she accepted.

Culture

Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity - SPA
The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity - SPA
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Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity - SPA
The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity - SPA

The Riyadh Cultural House celebrated the Kingdom’s Founding Day with a range of cultural programs that highlighted national values and showcased the nation’s heritage in a modern, creative spirit.

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops, all emphasizing the history and principles on which the Saudi state was founded, SPA reported.

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity, fostering pride in the Kingdom’s history, and preserving its cultural legacy for future generations.

Culture

Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
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Riyadh Cultural House Marks Founding Day with Creative Heritage Programs

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA
The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. SPA

The Riyadh Cultural House celebrated the Kingdom’s Founding Day with a range of cultural programs that highlighted national values and showcased the nation’s heritage in a modern, creative spirit.

The events included poetry evenings, dialogue sessions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops, all emphasizing the history and principles on which the Saudi state was founded.

The celebration underscored the role of cultural houses in strengthening national identity, fostering pride in the Kingdom’s history, and preserving its cultural legacy for future generations.