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Douglas Gauthier appointed CEO of the Royal Arts Complex at King Salman Park

The Ministry of Culture announced the appointment of Douglas Gauthier as CEO of the Royal Arts Complex in King Salman Park, Riyadh

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The Ministry of Culture announced the appointment of Douglas Gauthier as CEO of the Royal Arts Complex in King Salman Park in Riyadh. He will be responsible for managing and operating the complex and developing its cultural programs, drawing on his extensive experience in managing cultural assets worldwide.

This appointment coincides with the continued progress in implementing the Royal Arts Complex located in King Salman Park in the heart of Riyadh, which spans an area of ​​more than 500,000 square meters; to be a vibrant cultural landmark that embraces creativity, brings together different artistic voices, promotes cultural dialogue, and offers exceptional experiences within a dynamic environment that reflects the aspirations of the cultural sector for various forms of art, and attracts audiences from within the Kingdom and abroad.

Douglas Gauthier will lead the next phase of the complex's development, which includes finalizing its operational plans, as well as overseeing its programs and cultural content.

Gauthier has over four decades of experience in managing cultural institutions, during which he led projects that contributed to the development of the art scene globally, throughout his career in Asia and Australia.

He played a prominent role in enhancing the international presence of cultural institutions, launching innovative initiatives that supported communication between different cultures, and contributing to expanding the scope of artistic exchange.

Gauthier is the CEO and Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival Centre in Australia, where he founded the Oz Asia Festival, which has become a leading platform for cultural exchange between Australia and Asia.

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He is known for his passion for expanding the scope of the arts to reach a wider audience through innovative cultural programs based on diversity and creativity, in addition to his efforts to promote international partnerships to support the global cultural movement. He has also served as President of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centers (AAPPAC) since 2013.

Douglas Gauthier expressed his pride in assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Arts Complex, saying: “I am honored to join the Royal Arts Complex at this important stage of cultural development in the Kingdom. This project represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a global cultural dialogue that celebrates Saudi heritage and international artistic achievements, and I look forward to working with an elite group of artists, curators, and cultural leaders from the Kingdom and the world to achieve this ambitious vision.”.

The Royal Arts Complex is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, as it will play a pivotal role in developing the art scene, supporting the creative economy, creating new opportunities for artists and those interested in culture, and will contribute to building an integrated and globally connected cultural system.

It will also represent a milestone in the Saudi cultural scene, by consolidating Riyadh’s position as a global cultural destination, attracting international attention, and supporting creativity in the Kingdom and beyond.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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