Latest news with #AlBalad
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Businesses report strong sales ahead of Eid Al Adha
AMMAN — As Eid Al Adha approaches, economic activity across various sectors in Jordan is witnessing a notable surge, driven by heightened consumer demand and traditional holiday preparations. From livestock markets and clothing stores to bakeries and beauty salons, businesses are reporting a seasonal uptick that provides a welcome boost amid persistent economic pressures. The garment and fashion sector, which has faced a challenging year due to inflation and shifting consumer habits, is showing signs of recovery as families shop for new clothes ahead of the holiday. 'In the last ten days to two weeks, our sales have nearly doubled compared with a normal month,' said Hala Abdulla, manager and founder of a women's clothing boutique in Amman. 'Customers are looking for elegant but affordable outfits. Eid is still a time to dress up and feel joy, especially for children.' Bakeries and sweets shops are also ramping up production to meet increased demand for traditional treats such as ma'amoul, a beloved sweet served during holiday gatherings and visits. 'We increased production by 40 to 50 per cent this week,' said Mahmoud Issawi, an employee at a well-known bakery in Amman. 'It's a hectic period, but it's rewarding. Our ma'amoul trays are being pre-ordered days in advance.' In downtown Amman's Al Balad area, Salma Hussein, a mother of three, said she's doing her best to preserve the spirit of Eid despite financial constraints. 'We've had to cut back on many things, but we always try to make Eid feel special. The children look forward to new clothes, sweets, family visits; they need to experience the joy, even in a modest way.' Despite ongoing economic challenges, Eid Al Adha continues to invigorate a wide spectrum of Jordan's economy, offering a brief yet meaningful season of revival, community, and celebration. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( maria weldali
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Red Sea Souk opens industry program applications
RIYADH: The Red Sea Souk has opened submissions for its Project Market and Work-in-Progress screenings, both set to run during the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival, taking place in Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district from Dec. 4-13 this year. Held annually, the Red Sea International Film Festival amplifies the Kingdom's creative and cultural diversity through programs designed to engage both public audiences and industry professionals. The festival's industry market, running from Dec. 6-10, brings together filmmakers, producers, investors, and cinema professionals from around the globe to support emerging talent and international co-productions. • The Project Market is accepting submissions until June 20 for narrative, animated, and documentary projects currently in development or production. • The Work-in-Progress program is open until July 29 to feature films in post-production. The Project Market is accepting submissions until June 20 for narrative, animated, and documentary projects currently in development or production. Projects must be helmed by directors from Arab, African, or Asian countries, or by filmmakers of Arab origin. Selected entries will receive tailored industry guidance and opportunities to pitch to distributors, festival programmers, and production partners. The Work-in-Progress program is open until July 29 to feature films in post-production. It offers private industry screenings, mentorship, and networking with potential distributors, financiers, and festival representatives. Both programs will strengthen film talent from Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab, African, and Asian regions, encouraging co-productions and international exposure. The festival continues to serve as a key platform for cross-cultural collaboration and creative opportunities in the global film community and Saudi Arabia's burgeoning creative sector.
Arab News
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Jeddah's Balad Al-Fan Festival is haven for creative souls
JEDDAH: Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district has once again transformed into a vibrant hub of art for the second Balad Al-Fan Festival, which runs until June 13. The festival, which began on April 5, and is organized by Zawiya 97 in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, features more than 90 events, including artistic competitions, creative workshops, cultural talks, school workshops, live shows, and weekend markets. Abdulrahman Al-Aseri, managing director of Zawiya 97, told Arab News: 'Building on our mission at Zawiya 97 to enhance the cultural and artisanal presence in Historic Jeddah, we place creativity at the heart of our vision by bridging living heritage with the spirit of contemporary innovation. Through our participation in Balad Al-Fann 2, we present more than 90 artistic and craft events aimed at reviving Historic Jeddah with a crafting energy.' The festival includes four themed weekends: handmade crafts; nature and sustainability; youth weekend; and 'A Sweet-Scented Farewell,' which focuses on Al-Balad apothecaries. The festival includes four themed weekends: handmade crafts; nature and sustainability; youth weekend; and 'A Sweet-Scented Farewell,' which focuses on Al-Balad apothecaries. 'This season, we have designed a vibrant platform that celebrates traditional crafts, reimagining them through sustainability, cultural storytelling, and youth empowerment,' said Al-Aseri. 'We believe that creativity is not merely about having an idea, but about breathing new life into the timeless alleys of Al-Balad. 'With a new group of distinguished artisans joining our Artisans Incubator Program, we continue to build a community that preserves heritage and innovates for the future. We welcome everyone who shares this passion to be part of reviving Historic Jeddah.' Visual artist Khloud Nass will be running one of the workshops. She said: 'I have been working with Zawiya 97 for a year to train those who want to learn through workshops such as pottery.' Azzam Al- Ghamdi from Dar Azzam will be working with fragrances including musk, oud, and rose, to showcase the art of perfumery using native plants of Saudi Arabia. He told Arab News: 'Traditional know-how and the perfect soil for growing aromatic plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have given perfume a central role in our lifestyle. (It is) deeply entrenched in Saudi culture. The use of perfumes for cultural and religious purposes dates back many centuries in this country.' Beside showcasing his creativity, Al -Ghamdi is also training visitors in his workshops. Hashem Al-Shawi is offering soap-making workshops at the festival. 'Organic skincare methods have always proven reliable and I am so glad to be part of this festival and to share the different types of soap and the process of soap making,' he said. The festival also offers visitors the chance to take part in various competitions, including 'Your Creativity Revives Al Balad' and 'Handcraft & Calligraphy,' which allows them to redesign Al-Balad's pavements and public spaces into works of art, with the chance of winning cash prizes.
