Trio Night Kicks off the New Year in Riyadh

Fireworks lit up the sky above Riyadh for New Year's Eve. (Reuters)
Fireworks lit up the sky above Riyadh for New Year's Eve. (Reuters)
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Trio Night Kicks off the New Year in Riyadh

Fireworks lit up the sky above Riyadh for New Year's Eve. (Reuters)
Fireworks lit up the sky above Riyadh for New Year's Eve. (Reuters)

The Saudi capital saw a legendary evening to bid farewell to the year 2021. The concert was held on the Boulevard Theater in Riyadh, in the presence of a large audience.

A total of 14 singers from the Arab world participated in the Riyadh Trio Night.

The celebration, which is the first of its kind in the Arab world, saw the appearance of Mohammed Abdo, Abdullah al-Rowaished, Angham, Fahad al-Kubaisi, Assala, Majid al-Muhandis, Ahlam, Nawal El Kuwaitia, Rashid al-Majid, Nabil Shuail, Ali Ben Mohammed, Walid Chami, Aseel Abu Baker, Asma Lamnawar.

The Egyptian orchestra led by maestro Walid Fayed added its innovative touch to the celebration as well.

Abdulmajid Abdullah made an unexpected appearance that turned the stadiums into a festival with all attendees clapping.

Governor of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh described the night as “historical” and extended his thanks to all the participants.

The fireworks lit up the sky of Riyadh in celebration of the new year.

Saudi musician Diya Azzony told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Saudi Arabia is witnessing an annual development, namely during the entertainment seasons and public events. This supports artists of all fields and musical talents.

Taking good care of talents is a key part of the development of the artistic sector, especially the musical sector, said Azzony.

He added to the newspaper that there has been an increase in the number of artists and musical instruments' players, and development in the event organizing companies in a way that creates job opportunities, increases productivity in this field, and enriches the artistic movement.

General manager at Music Home KSA Prof. Ayman Tayseer told Asharq Al-Awsat that the future of arts is promising in the Kingdom, adding that this sector is witnessing significant changes.

Tayseer noted that the musical and artistic talents will find the opportunities awaiting them upon completing their training.



Bird Flu Virus Shows Mutations in First Severe Human Case in US, CDC Says

Fest tube is seen labelled "Bird Flu" in front of US flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Fest tube is seen labelled "Bird Flu" in front of US flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Bird Flu Virus Shows Mutations in First Severe Human Case in US, CDC Says

Fest tube is seen labelled "Bird Flu" in front of US flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Fest tube is seen labelled "Bird Flu" in front of US flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday its analysis of samples from the first severe case of bird flu in the country last week showed mutations not seen in samples from an infected backyard flock on the patient's property.

The CDC said the patient's sample showed mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, the part of the virus that plays a key role in it attaching to host cells.

The health body said the risk to the general public from the outbreak has not changed and remains low, according to Reuters.

Last week, the United States reported its first severe case of the virus, in a Louisiana resident above the age of 65, who was suffering from severe respiratory illness.

The patient was infected with the D1.1 genotype of the virus that was recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States, and not the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, human cases and some poultry in multiple states.

The mutations seen in the patient are rare but have been reported in some cases in other countries and most often during severe infections. One of the mutations was also seen in another severe case from British Columbia, Canada.

No transmission from the patient in Louisiana to other persons has been identified, said the CDC.