Louvre Staff Vote for Strike Again

This photograph shows a general view of the Louvre Museum, with the Louvre pyramid (L) designed by Chinese-US architect Ieoh Ming Pei, after the first snowfall of the year in Paris on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Blanca CRUZ / AFP)
This photograph shows a general view of the Louvre Museum, with the Louvre pyramid (L) designed by Chinese-US architect Ieoh Ming Pei, after the first snowfall of the year in Paris on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Blanca CRUZ / AFP)
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Louvre Staff Vote for Strike Again

This photograph shows a general view of the Louvre Museum, with the Louvre pyramid (L) designed by Chinese-US architect Ieoh Ming Pei, after the first snowfall of the year in Paris on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Blanca CRUZ / AFP)
This photograph shows a general view of the Louvre Museum, with the Louvre pyramid (L) designed by Chinese-US architect Ieoh Ming Pei, after the first snowfall of the year in Paris on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Blanca CRUZ / AFP)

Staff at the Louvre voted for another day of strike action on Monday, union representatives told AFP in Paris, threatening fresh disruption at the world's most-visited museum.

Disgruntled staff stopped work for three days last month, causing a complete shutdown on one day and partial closures on two others.

More than two months after an embarrassing daylight heist at the museum, which has heaped pressure on management, staff are calling for more recruitment and better maintenance of the vast complex of buildings.

"Around 350 people from various professions -- operations, conservation, support staff -- voted unanimously" to resume strike action, Valerie Baud from the CFDT union told AFP.

The CGT union confirmed the vote on its Instagram account.

It was unclear whether the strikers would force management to close or limit access to visitors on Monday.

The Louvre workforce totals over 2,000 people.

Questions continue to swirl since the October 19 break-in at the Louvre over whether it was avoidable and why thieves were able to steal crown jewels worth more than $100 million.

Two intruders used a truck-mounted extendable platform to access a gallery containing the jewels, slicing through a glass door with disk-cutters in front of startled visitors before stealing eight priceless items.

As well as the robbery, two other recent incidents have highlighted maintenance problems inside the building which chief architect Francois Chatillon has described as "not in a good state.”

A water leak in November damaged hundreds of books and manuscripts in the Egyptian department, while management had to shut a gallery housing ancient Greek ceramics in October because ceiling beams above it risk giving way.



Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

A royal order has been issued approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts, an independent educational institution headquartered in Riyadh under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

With legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy, the university is dedicated to specialized education in culture and the arts, aiming to cultivate national talent across creative disciplines through advanced academic programs aligned with global best practices and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The royal order authorizes the Minister of Culture to exercise the powers of the Board of Trustees until it is formally established, ensuring the swift completion of organizational procedures to begin operations.

To enhance its academic mission, the university will seek partnerships with prestigious international institutions to exchange expertise and develop high-level educational programs.

This initiative underscores the leadership's commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s position as a regional cultural hub and fostering the growth of its creative industries.


Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
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Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA

In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr, Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity as men follow the Prophetic tradition of adorning themselves for the holiday, creating high demand for new thobes, bishts, and high-quality perfumes such as oud oil and incense, while tailoring shops and specialty retailers work at peak capacity to meet the community’s needs before the Eid morning celebrations, SPA reported.

The classic white thobe remains the most popular choice for Eid morning, often paired with a shemagh and a white bisht to symbolize cultural identity and elegance.

Beyond appearance, these preparations reflect deep-rooted social and religious values, emphasizing gratitude, family visits, and the strengthening of communal ties.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA

As part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka, originally built in 1380 AH (1960) and commissioned by Shaman Al-Fuwaihi, has undergone a comprehensive restoration to preserve its architectural and cultural identity while serving as a vital link to the urban and social history of Al-Jouf Region, SPA reported.

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters, yet maintained its original capacity of 28 worshippers.

Supervised by Saudi engineers and executed by specialized heritage firms, the project successfully balanced traditional standards with modern technology.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 by rehabilitating historic sites for prayer, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these religious landmarks.