Noor Riyadh Returns with Art, Workshops at Key Riyadh Venues in November

Noor Riyadh Returns with Art, Workshops at Key Riyadh Venues in November
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Noor Riyadh Returns with Art, Workshops at Key Riyadh Venues in November

Noor Riyadh Returns with Art, Workshops at Key Riyadh Venues in November

Noor Riyadh, part of the Riyadh Art Program, is back for its fourth edition with the theme "Light Years Apart," according to a press release from Riyadh Art.

The festival will take place at three main venues: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and JAX District.

It will showcase over 60 works by Saudi and international artists. The festival will also feature workshops, art discussions, and community engagement programs alongside the light art displays, SPA reported.
This year's Noor Riyadh will run for 17 days, from November 28 to December 14, 2024, offering visitors a diverse lineup of cultural events and guided tours for an engaging experience. Additionally, the release emphasized that these venues were chosen for their historical and cultural importance to the capital.
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center, a key cultural landmark in Riyadh, hosts exhibitions and museums highlighting the Kingdom's rich history and heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in this venue's distinctive blend of the past and present, making it a standout destination for all.
Similarly, Wadi Hanifa, representing Riyadh's natural landscape, provides an ideal backdrop for open-air light and art installations. These installations are designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to engage with the artworks in a natural setting that enhances the aesthetic experience.
Moreover, the JAX District, renowned for its exhibitions, art studios, and cultural initiatives, serves as a hub for contemporary arts, offering a variety of modern artistic expressions for visitors to explore.



UNCCD Executive Secretary Praises Saudi Efforts to Combat Desertification

The current conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges - SPA
The current conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges - SPA
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UNCCD Executive Secretary Praises Saudi Efforts to Combat Desertification

The current conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges - SPA
The current conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges - SPA

The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Ibrahim Thiaw, highlighted that the world is currently facing a critical situation. The increasing frequency and unpredictability of droughts present significant challenges to agricultural and food systems in affected countries. He emphasized that land restoration is one of the most effective tools for tackling these global challenges.
During his speech at the opening plenary session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) Monday in Riyadh, he praised Saudi Arabia for its commitment to combating drought and promoting land restoration through the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI).
The ongoing conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges.

On its first day, three major international initiatives were announced, including the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Initiative.

This initiative aims to mobilize international action to improve preparedness for drought, transitioning the global response from emergency crisis management and post-crisis relief to a proactive approach centered on early prevention and preparedness before disasters occur.
Additionally, the International Drought Observatory and the Global Drought Atlas were launched, both designed to enhance monitoring and tracking efforts, implement preventive measures, and raise awareness among various stakeholders about drought issues worldwide.
On the eve of the multi-stakeholder talks in Riyadh, the UNCCD released a new report that underscores the escalating global emergency caused by land degradation.

The report highlights the damage caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, which are responsible for 80% of deforestation and account for 70% of freshwater consumption. Furthermore, 23% of greenhouse gas emissions stem from agriculture, forestry, and land use.
According to the latest UNCCD report, 46% of the world's land area is classified as arid. COP16 in Riyadh, taking place from December 2 to 13, is the largest session of the Conference of the Parties to date.

It marks the introduction of a green zone, an innovative concept introduced by the Kingdom to mobilize multilateral action and provide necessary funding for initiatives aimed at rehabilitating degraded lands.