Connect with us

Culture and Art

Al-Ghamdi: There are 263 theaters in Saudi Arabia... and the sector needs "governance"

Dr. Nouf Al-Ghamdi, a member of the International Federation for Theatre Research at Cambridge University, revealed that 263 theatres have been built and renovated in various locations

Published

on

Dr. Nouf Al-Ghamdi, a member of the International Federation for Theatre Research at Cambridge University, revealed that 263 theaters were built and modernized in various cities of the Kingdom up to 2023, including theaters for major performances.

During the launch of the “Theater Economy” forum in Jeddah yesterday, she said that the theatrical movement taking place in the Kingdom is a strong supporter of artistic events and logistical services, and enhances the attractiveness of Saudi cities as cultural centers.

Al-Ghamdi added that the Ministry of Culture, represented by the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, is working hard to support theatrical creativity and develop its capabilities.

In her speech during the launch, Al-Ghamdi pointed to the governance of the theater, the paths of scientific research in the fields of theater, and the study of reference creative experiences, as they represent one of the values ​​that can be relied upon to develop the Saudi theatrical scene.

She explained that the forum produced a set of recommendations, including working on solutions to organizational and administrative challenges, in addition to the importance of governance for non-profit organizations that are still in their early stages, working on preparing an encyclopedic guide that includes universities, institutes and research centers within the Kingdom that are interested in theater and performance arts, with a focus on strengthening partnerships with international universities specializing in theater, strengthening partnerships with the private sector and launching initiatives for social investment in the performing arts, and supporting non-profit organizations in adopting effective digital marketing strategies to reach a wider audience.

Al-Ghamdi stressed the importance of continuing to build new theaters and modernize existing theaters in different cities to enable theatrical organizations to present high-quality performances, and to encourage critical studies of digital theater by supporting research that analyzes the impact of digital technology on Saudi theater, in addition to stimulating investment in Saudi theater and attracting investments from the private and public sectors to support theatrical projects, establishing specialized funding funds, and encouraging audio-visual documentation by creating a national archive that documents Saudi theatrical performances, which will facilitate the study of the development of Saudi theater by future generations.

For her part, journalist Dr. Zainab Al-Khudairi spoke during the forum about the challenges facing the theater, such as the lack of a national strategy to revitalize theaters, in addition to the fact that the infrastructure is still not compatible with the name of a theater, and that the technical services, in terms of personnel and equipment, need more professional artistic production companies, in addition to the weakness of the scripts and the lack of a sufficient number of specialized theater directors. Meanwhile, in the field of the novel and its transformation into a theatrical work, we are in dire need of developing the role of the novel in cultural affairs in a way that allows it to be transformed into artistic works, due to the novel’s connection to reality, contemporary issues, and the philosophical depth in dissecting society.

For his part, Jihad Al-Huwaik spoke about the importance of empowering and enhancing the skills of theatrical leaders, and the need to establish specialized institutes that begin by discovering theatrical talent at a young age, developing their skills over extended periods, and guiding them toward the most suitable specialization within the framework of the theater economy. He also noted the potential for benefiting from international expertise in this field. He emphasized the importance of organizing international theater festivals in the Kingdom and facilitating the participation of Saudi theater internationally, which would allow Saudi talent to develop by increasing its competitiveness. He further stressed the importance of marketing and building personal brands for some theater professionals, which would contribute to attracting audiences.

The Saudi News Network first launched on Twitter via its official account, @SaudiNews50, and quickly became one of the Kingdom's leading independent news sources, thanks to its fast and reliable coverage of major local and international events. Due to the growing trust of its followers, the network expanded by launching its website, a comprehensive news platform offering regularly updated content in the fields of politics, economics, health, education, and national events, presented in a professional style that meets the public's expectations. The network strives to enhance public awareness and provide accurate information in a timely manner through on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis, and a specialized editorial team, making it a trusted source for anyone seeking up-to-the-minute Saudi news.

Continue Reading

Culture and Art

Updates on Hani Shaker's health condition after he was admitted to intensive care

Details of artist Hani Shaker's health condition after undergoing emergency surgery and being transferred to intensive care. His manager reveals to Okaz the cause of the bleeding and the latest updates on his medical condition.

Published

on

Updates on Hani Shaker's health condition after he was admitted to intensive care

Recent news regarding the health condition of the great Egyptian artist Hani Shaker, nicknamed “Prince of Arab Singing”, has sparked widespread concern in artistic and public circles, after the announcement that he was urgently transferred to intensive care following a sudden health crisis that required immediate surgical intervention.

Details of the health crisis and surgical intervention

In an exclusive statement to Okaz newspaper, the manager of artist Hani Shaker revealed the precise details of the crisis, confirming that the artist suffered a sudden and severe hemorrhage in his colon, which necessitated his immediate transfer to the hospital and an emergency surgery to stabilize the situation. He explained that Shaker is currently in the intensive care unit, where he is under close and continuous medical supervision by a team of senior doctors to ensure the stability of his vital signs.

Relative stability and precautionary monitoring

Regarding the developments in his condition, the business manager indicated that there is a noticeable gradual improvement in the health condition of the Prince of Arab Singing, but the medical team preferred not to rush his exit from intensive care, preferring to keep him under observation for an additional period as a precautionary measure to ensure that no complications occur and to make sure that the wound heals and the bleeding stops completely before transferring him to a regular room.

Union support and a prolific artistic career

In a related development, the Egyptian Musicians Syndicate has been closely monitoring the condition of its former head. Nadia Mustafa, a board member and the syndicate's official spokesperson, called on fans and the Arab public to pray for the renowned artist's speedy recovery, emphasizing that the syndicate is following all details concerning his health condition closely and wishing him a swift recovery and return to entertaining his audience.

Hani Shaker is considered one of the most prominent figures in classical and contemporary Arabic music, boasting a decades-long artistic career during which he presented hundreds of works that have shaped the consciousness of the Arab public. This crisis serves to highlight his immense popularity among his fans, as his name trended on search engines and social media platforms immediately after the news broke.

Previous health challenges and artistic determination

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Hani Shaker has faced health challenges recently. He previously performed a huge concert in the United Arab Emirates, his first public appearance after undergoing delicate spinal surgery. He appeared seated while singing, a scene that reflected his strong determination to fulfill his artistic commitments and his respect for his audience despite the pain. He also delivered a moving message to the audience, expressing his gratitude for their support, which he considers an essential part of his recovery journey.

Continue Reading

Culture and Art

Diab refuses to work with Ghada Abdel Razek and chooses Mona Zaki to star in his film

Diab sparks controversy in Ramadan 2026 with his statements about Ghada Abdel Razek, and reveals his ideal partner and details of his new series, "Kimia" with Mustafa Gharib.

Published

on

Diab refuses to work with Ghada Abdel Razek and chooses Mona Zaki to star in his film

Egyptian artist Diab widespread controversy in artistic circles and on social media platforms following his recent bold statements, in which he revealed his firm decision not to collaborate artistically again with star Ghada Abdel Razek . This came during his appearance on the prank and talk show "Ramez Level the Monster," which aired during Ramadan 2026, where Diab opened up to the public, speaking candidly about his career choices and relationships within the artistic community.

Past conflicts and their impact on the future

Diab explained that his decision not to work with Ghada Abdel Razek again stemmed from a previous experience they shared, which he described as unsatisfactory both professionally and personally. These statements highlight the importance of chemistry and compatibility between actors in dramatic works, as harmony behind the scenes is a crucial factor in the success of any artistic endeavor. Disagreements or discomfort on set often negatively impact the quality of the final product, prompting artists to make crucial decisions about their future partners to ensure a healthy and creative working environment.

Mona Zaki... the dream partner

In another context, when asked which leading actress he would most like to co-star with in a film, Diab didn't hesitate to choose the renowned actress Mona Zaki , preferring her to other options such as Mai Ezz El-Din, Mai Omar, and Mai Kassab. This choice reflects Diab's appreciation for Mona Zaki's considerable talent, a true icon of Egyptian cinema. He sees her as the ideal partner for delivering a work of art with significant dramatic weight, highlighting Diab's ambition to create films that rely on powerful acting and a well-crafted plot.

Comedy and competition in Ramadan 2026

With great candor, Diab praised the talent of the young artist Mustafa Gharib , emphasizing that he possesses a remarkable ability to make audiences laugh, surpassing even his own personal capacity. He expressed his profound admiration for Gharib's spontaneous comedic style. This praise comes at a time when the artistic community is witnessing the rise of a new generation of comedians who are making a significant impact on both television drama and film.

The series "She Kimia" and skin transformation

In the current Ramadan 2026 season, Diab presents a completely new face to his audience through the series "Heya Kimya" (She's Kimya) . In this work, Diab decides to break away from the villainous roles he excelled in for years, presenting a comedic character that showcases hidden facets of his talent. The series stars a distinguished cast, most notably Mustafa Gharib, Mariam El Gendy, the veteran actor Sayed Ragab, Mohamed Abdel Azim, and Michel Milad. Written by the talented writer Mohab Tarek and directed by the creative Islam Khairy, the series is expected to achieve great popular success due to its exceptional artistic ensemble.

Continue Reading

Culture and Art

The truth about Yara El Sokary's injury on Ramez Level the Beast and her fiery response

Yara El Sokary denied being injured on Ramez Level El Wahsh, confirming that she enjoyed the episode. Read the details of her response to the rumors, behind-the-scenes details of her participation with Ramez Galal, and her philosophy on remaining silent.

Published

on

The truth about Yara El Sokary's injury on Ramez Level the Beast and her fiery response

Young Egyptian actress Yara El Sokary has put an end to the recent controversy circulating on social media, categorically denying that she suffered any physical injuries while filming her episode on the popular prank show "Ramez Level the Monster." El Sokary confirmed that the reports about her physical harm were completely false, noting that everything went smoothly despite the prank's difficulty.

Behind the scenes of the episode: "I was humiliated and I enjoyed myself."

In response to the rumors, Yara El Sokary clarified that the episode ended on a very positive note, saying, "There were no injuries. On the contrary, the episode finished and we were all sitting around laughing and making fun of things that happened." Describing her experience on the show, whose episode aired yesterday, she added, "I was a bit rough around the edges, but I enjoyed it. There were no injuries, contrary to what was reported in the news. Nothing happened." This statement reflects the artist's good sportsmanship and her acceptance of the show's nature, which relies on excitement and big surprises.

Prank shows: Wide popularity and ongoing controversy

Yara El Sokary's participation in "Ramez Level the Monster" comes within the context of Ramadan programs that enjoy record viewership in the Arab world. Ramez Galal's programs are a fixed annual phenomenon that generates as much controversy as it attracts viewers. These types of programs are usually characterized by physical and psychological challenges for the guests, making rumors of injury a recurring theme that plagues many celebrities after their episodes air. Despite the criticism that sometimes arises regarding the severity of the pranks, the appearance of artists on these shows is an indicator of their strong presence in the art scene, guaranteeing them a place on trending topics and search engines, thus enhancing their local and regional fame and popularity.

The philosophy of silence in the face of rumors

On another note, Yara El Sokary discussed her approach to dealing with the rumors that periodically circulate about her. During her appearance on the program "Secrets of the Stars" with journalist Inji Ali, she explained that the rumors no longer bother her; rather, she views them as evidence of her success and influential presence.

Al-Sukkari, expressing her maturity in dealing with social media, said, "I wasn't bothered by the rumors that circulated, and I said things were going well." She continued, explaining her philosophy: "I don't get upset by these things. I'm a patient person, and I always say, 'Give me some time, and everything will become clear.'" She emphasized that silence is her strongest weapon, adding, "I've always been calm, and I've never responded, but as I've grown older, I've learned more, and silence has never let me down. I deal with the noise with complete silence; there's strength in silence in some matters." This approach reflects an awareness of the importance of focusing on artistic work rather than getting caught up in digital squabbles.

Continue Reading

Trending News