Latest news with #Rawi
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
RFC – Jordan extends submission deadline for 20th Rawi Screenwriters Lab
Rawi works with a diverse group of Creative Advisors and selection committee members from the Arab region and beyond. The Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) has extended the submission deadline for the 20th edition of its Rawi Screenwriters Lab. Arab screenwriters now have until midnight on Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Jordan Time) to submit their entries for this milestone edition of the Lab, which will be held from November 20 to 26, 2025, in Wadi Feynan, Jordan. Launched in 2005 in collaboration with the Sundance Institute, the Rawi Screenwriters Lab has evolved into one of the Arab world's most respected script development programmes. The name 'Rawi,' meaning both 'storyteller' and 'water bearer' in Arabic, encapsulates the Lab's mission to cultivate and nourish Arab voices in cinema. Over the past two decades, the Lab has supported more than 150 emerging screenwriters, many of whom have become influential voices in contemporary Arab film. Held annually in a retreat-style setting, the Lab provides eight selected Fellows with an immersive creative environment. Each participant is paired with four acclaimed Creative Advisors—renowned Arab or international screenwriters and editors—for intensive one-on-one sessions. The experience also includes informal discussions and group exchanges, fostering a strong sense of community and artistic collaboration. For the 20th edition, the Lab draws inspiration from Daucus Carota, a resilient wild Jordanian plant, symbolising strength and creative growth. In this spirit, Rawi continues to provide space, guidance and mentorship to screenwriters who are ready to evolve their craft and share their stories with the world. The programme is open to Arab screenwriters working on their first or second feature-length narrative screenplay. Eligible applicants may apply as independent screenwriters, writer-directors, or co-writers. Submissions must include a completed screenplay (minimum 60 pages), a logline, a synopsis, a filmmaker's statement, a biography, and links to previous work. While screenplays may initially be submitted in Arabic, selected projects must later provide an English translation. All other application materials must be submitted in English to ensure equal evaluation by an international committee. Applications must be submitted through the official online form. Results will be announced by August 1, 2025.
Mid East Info
04-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Discover AlUla's Unique Summer Adventures and Cultural Experiences - Middle East Business News and Information
Escape the ordinary this summer and discover AlUla, a luxury boutique heritage destination in northwest Saudi Arabia. Offering breathtaking adventure, rich cultural experiences, opulent hospitality, and revitalising well-being retreats, all set against a serene desert landscape, AlUla provides a unique and refreshing summer getaway within easy reach. With a climate that defies expectations, AlUla presents a compelling alternative to traditional summer destinations. Its cooler temperatures, coupled with a diverse range of activities, make it an ideal vacation spot just a short flight from many GCC cities. AlUla's Summer Highlights: 1- Oasis Summer Farm Discoveries Explore date palm groves, water canals, the remains of mudbrick homes, and communal spaces, all shaped by stories of resilience and community recounted by a local Rawi. A journey that offers a look into everyday routines, seasonal harvests, family gatherings, and traditional foods that once shaped summer life in the oasis. 2- Hegra Vintage Land Rover Tour Journey through the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra in style, exploring magnificent tombs and gathering places carved into the rocks – all from the comfort of a private vintage Land Rover with seating for up to 7 guests. 3- Hiking at Sunset Experience the calm and beauty of nature with a sunset Ridge Walk hike, which offers a majestic reward – panoramic views of the AlUla Oasis that once sustained ancient caravan routes. After a 30-minute drive to the trailhead, the 6km hike starts with a steep uphill to the top of the ridge. From there, guests can enjoy an easy-going walk along the ridge with spectacular views over lush greenery and the desert below. 4- Stargazing at Gharameel Embark on a journey that blends the magic of nature with the wonders of the cosmos through an epic stargazing evening at Gharameel, a certified Dark Sky Park—an unforgettable way to experience the breathtaking beauty of AlUla's clear night skies. 5- The Summer Icebath Set at Our Habitas AlUla to a backdrop of striking sandstone formations, this guided ice bath experience offers a bold dive that blends mindfulness with resilience. Every element—from detox water and dates to yoga mats and expert guidance—is designed to awaken your senses and recharge your mind, body and spirit. 6- Poolside by Azimuth Plunge into the essence of AlUla's summer scene at Poolside by AZIMUTH, where music meets luxury under the desert sky. Running every weekend from 4 July to 16 August 2025, this exclusive series unfolds across four of AlUla's premier resorts: Shaden, Our Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree, and Dar Tantora The House Hotel. Expect DJ sets, cool cocktails, immersive entertainment, and access to premium poolside facilities. With limited daily capacities and access by advance booking only, each night promises unforgettable vibes and poolside glamour. Getting to AlUla is easy this summer with frequent flights domestically and across the region. Saudia and flynas offer multiple weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Regionally, flydubai connects from Dubai and Qatar Airways operates from Doha.
Mid East Info
29-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
AlUla Showcases Authentic Handicrafts at Arabian Travel Market with Spotlight on Madrasat Addeera - Middle East Business News and Information
The luxury heritage destination of AlUla is hosting a special pop-up from Madrasat Addeera, the city's first arts and design centre, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) until 1 May. Located at stand at ME #1720, Dubai World Trade Centre, the pop-up features a curated collection of handcrafted pieces, such as stone carved decorations, ceramics, traditionally weaved Sadu fabric, embroidered purses and more, celebrating the artistry of local artisans and the living heritage of AlUla. This year's showcase gains special significance as 2025 has been declared The Year of Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia, an initiative that recognises the importance of preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship as a vital part of the Kingdom's cultural identity. In this context, Madrasat Addeera stands as a powerful driver of cultural continuity and innovation. Located at the heart of AlUla's AlJadidah Arts District, Madrasat Addeera champions traditional crafts and contemporary design through community-driven creativity. Each creation displayed at ATM, many of which have been made by women artisans trained through Madrasat Addeera's Vocational Training Programme, tells a story. Madrasat Addeera is one of many ways AlUla is reviving ancient arts, crafts and culture, and also empowering the local community through skills development and economic opportunity. Visitors to the AlUla stand at ATM can also engage with the stories behind the pieces, gaining insight into how the destination is redefining authentic tourism through immersive cultural experiences. AlUla invites visitors to experience its stand at ME #1720, Sheikh Saeed Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, during the Arabian Travel Market. A range of engaging activities will offer guests an immersive glimpse into the wonders of AlUla – right in the heart of Dubai. Another available experience at the stand is the 'Echoes of AlUla', where visitors can have their names transliterated into ancient Dadanitic script, once used by the Lihyanite and Dadanite kingdoms that thrived in AlUla – offering a unique way to connect with the city's rich heritage and take home a symbolic piece of its history. Adding a personal touch, two Rawi, AlUla's traditional storytellers and tour guides, will be on hand to engage with visitors, sharing authentic stories, insights, and perspectives from the destination they call home. Additionally, at the Arabian Leopard section, guests can discover AlUla's sustainability efforts, including the reintroduction of the Critically Endangered Arabian Leopard into the wild. Visitors will also have the chance to vote on a name for a future leopard cub and enter a draw to win a two-night trip to AlUla, including flights and accommodation. About AlUla: Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman's conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE. In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages, which has been recently listed on the UNESCO's memory of the World Register. Also AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, which has been selected as one of the World's Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by the UNWTO.
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
AlUla showcases authentic handicrafts at ATM
AlUla, a luxury heritage destination, is showcasing its first arts and design center, Madrasat Addeera, at Arabian Travel Market until May 1. The pop-up showcases a curated collection of handcrafted items, including stone-carved decorations, ceramics, and Sadu fabric, celebrating local artisans and AlUla's living heritage. This year's showcase gains special significance as 2025 has been declared The Year of Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia, an initiative that recognises the importance of preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship as a vital part of the Kingdom's cultural identity. In this context, Madrasat Addeera stands as a powerful driver of cultural continuity and innovation. Located at the heart of AlUla's AlJadidah Arts District, Madrasat Addeera champions traditional crafts and contemporary design through community-driven creativity. Each creation displayed at ATM, many of which have been made by women artisans trained through Madrasat Addeera's Vocational Training Programme, tells a story. Madrasat Addeera is one of many ways AlUla is reviving ancient arts, crafts and culture, and also empowering the local community through skills development and economic opportunity. Visitors to the AlUla stand at ATM can also engage with the stories behind the pieces, gaining insight into how the destination is redefining authentic tourism through immersive cultural experiences. AlUla invites visitors to experience its stand at ME #1720, Sheikh Saeed Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, during the Arabian Travel Market. A range of engaging activities will offer guests an immersive glimpse into the wonders of AlUla - right in the heart of Dubai. Another available experience at the stand is the 'Echoes of AlUla', where visitors can have their names transliterated into ancient Dadanitic script, once used by the Lihyanite and Dadanite kingdoms that thrived in AlUla - offering a unique way to connect with the city's rich heritage and take home a symbolic piece of its history. Adding a personal touch, two Rawi, AlUla's traditional storytellers and tour guides, will be on hand to engage with visitors, sharing authentic stories, insights, and perspectives from the destination they call home.
CairoScene
21-03-2025
- CairoScene
AlUla Old Town to Host ‘Memories of Ramadan' Night Tour
A local Rawi will guide you through its alleyways and narrate the rich traditions and customs associated with Ramadan. Soak in the historical significance of AlUla's Old Town this holy month as part of the 'Memories of Ramadan' night tour. A local Rawi will guide you through its alleyways and narrate the rich traditions and customs associated with Ramadan. Guests will not only explore AlUla Old Town but also gain insight into its settlers and pilgrims, their way of life, and their contributions to the city's construction. The site was once home to nearly 900 houses, 500 shops, and five town squares, all built entirely from mudbrick and stone, with much of the architecture still preserved today. Awarded 'Best Tourism Village' by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Old Town also features AlUla Fort, which dates back to the 10th century. The tour meeting point is at the Old Town Visitors Center, with a booking fee of SAR 70 per person for guests of all ages. You can secure your spot by visiting Experience AlUla's official website.
