Louvre Denies Tapping Israeli Firm in Theft Probe

The Louvre pyramid courtyard is seen almost completely empty following the announcement that the museum will remain closed for a second day after thieves stole priceless jewels from the museum in Paris a day earlier, in Paris on October 20, 2025. (AFP)
The Louvre pyramid courtyard is seen almost completely empty following the announcement that the museum will remain closed for a second day after thieves stole priceless jewels from the museum in Paris a day earlier, in Paris on October 20, 2025. (AFP)
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Louvre Denies Tapping Israeli Firm in Theft Probe

The Louvre pyramid courtyard is seen almost completely empty following the announcement that the museum will remain closed for a second day after thieves stole priceless jewels from the museum in Paris a day earlier, in Paris on October 20, 2025. (AFP)
The Louvre pyramid courtyard is seen almost completely empty following the announcement that the museum will remain closed for a second day after thieves stole priceless jewels from the museum in Paris a day earlier, in Paris on October 20, 2025. (AFP)

The management of the Louvre museum denied on Monday having contacted a private Israeli intel firm to investigate the weekend's audacious jewel heist at the iconic French institution.

The Israeli CGI Group, based in Tel Aviv, told AFP earlier the world-famous museum had asked for its help for the investigation due to its past success recovering stolen artefacts from a German museum in 2019.

"The Louvre exceptionally asked us to uncover the identity of people involved in the theft and to retrieve the stolen artefacts," CGI Group CEO Zvika Naveh told AFP.

But a museum representative, when asked by AFP, denied this.

"The Louvre management denies it," they said, without further comment.

Asked for clarification, Naveh said the request had come "via an intermediary acting on behalf of the Louvre and other entities, including insurance companies".

The Louvre's management reiterated that it had not "contacted anyone".

The 2019 robbery at Dresden's Green Vault museum saw the theft of 18th-century jewels worth 113 million euros ($132 million).

French police are on the hunt for thieves who made off with nine pieces of priceless jewellery after breaking into the Louvre on Sunday, one of which -- a crown covered in more than 1,000 diamonds -- they dropped as they fled.



Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture
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Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

The Saudi pavilion at Global Village in Makkah, part of the Makkah winter season, reflects the richness and uniqueness of the Kingdom's culture and heritage.

It features interactive and engaging sections that introduce visitors to the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, including live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and artwork inspired by the local environment, SPA reported.

The pavilion’s presence at Global Village reflects ongoing efforts to highlight the nation’s cultural heritage, promote its civilizational legacy, and strengthen its cultural presence at major events.


Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner
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Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

The Culinary Arts Commission is participating as a strategic partner in the 17th Klija Festival, held in the city of Buraidah and running until January 17, under the patronage of Qassim Region Governor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal.

The commission’s involvement comes as part of its strategy to support events and festivals specializing in Saudi culinary arts by highlighting national and regional dishes and showcasing the Kingdom’s culinary and cultural diversity, SPA reported.

The festival features several zones and interactive activities aimed at supporting families working in the cottage industry and local artisans who produce Klija, while introducing visitors to its history and authenticity as a regional dish of Qassim, in addition to offering live demonstrations and unique interactive experiences.

During the festival, the commission is also presenting a selection of books available for viewing and purchase.


Jeddah’s Red Sea Museum Announces January Cultural Program

The program's themes span traditional architecture, historical photography, music, travel literature, and the history of navigation and public health in the Red Sea. (SPA)
The program's themes span traditional architecture, historical photography, music, travel literature, and the history of navigation and public health in the Red Sea. (SPA)
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Jeddah’s Red Sea Museum Announces January Cultural Program

The program's themes span traditional architecture, historical photography, music, travel literature, and the history of navigation and public health in the Red Sea. (SPA)
The program's themes span traditional architecture, historical photography, music, travel literature, and the history of navigation and public health in the Red Sea. (SPA)

Jeddah's Red Sea Museum announced the launch of its public program for January 2026, featuring a series of artistic workshops, cultural talks, live performances, and family activities. The program aims to connect the Red Sea's cultural heritage with contemporary creative practices, catering to various segments of society.

The program's themes span traditional architecture, historical photography, music, travel literature, and the history of navigation and public health in the Red Sea. These activities are presented through a cultural and educational agenda held across the museum's facilities and venues in Historic Jeddah.

The program begins on Tuesday, with a workshop titled "Junior Cartographers" in the Discovery Room, where children aged 6 to 12 will explore the art of mapmaking and the fundamentals of navigation through an engaging, interactive approach. On January 15, the "Alchemy of Light: Albumen Prints" workshop will be held at the auditorium, highlighting the historical albumen printing technique using egg whites and silver salts, and exploring 19th-century photography aesthetics through a contemporary perspective.

On January 17, a talk about Historic Jeddah will discuss traditional architecture and its relationship to heritage and modernity. This will be followed on January 18, by the "Navigation from Past to Present" workshop at the auditorium, offering an interactive experience that explores the evolution of navigation methods through hands-on artistic and practical activities.

On January 22, the program includes the screening of the animated film "The Menace from Above" at the auditorium. Later that evening, Bab Al-Bunt Courtyard will host the Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra, the world's only musical ensemble composed entirely of blind female musicians who perform using Braille musical notation, in a performance celebrating art, resilience, and diversity.

On January 23, an artist talk titled "The Gate of Gates" will be held in Historic Jeddah, documenting the transformations of the Bab Al-Bunt building and the human stories connected to this historic space. On January 28, the auditorium will host a talk titled "Encounters: Travel Literature," exploring journeys to Andalusia and Sicily and how Islamic heritage continues to live on through people and places.

The program concludes on January 31, with a lecture examining the development of quarantine systems and public health monitoring in the Red Sea, highlighting the historical role of Bab Al-Bunt as a quarantine center for pilgrims.

The Red Sea Museum's activities serve as a cultural and knowledge platform dedicated to documenting the Red Sea's tangible, intangible, and natural heritage, and presenting it through educational and interactive programs that foster dialogue between the past and the present, linking heritage with contemporary creative contexts from its headquarters in Historic Jeddah.