Latest news with #culturalheritage
Times of Oman
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Ayn platform showcases media, public awareness services during Khareef Dhofar 2025
Salalah: Ayn platform, an active arm of the Ministry of Information, boasts strong presence at the 2025 Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season's festival now underway in the Governorate of Dhofar. Ayn platform is introducing visitors to media services that shed light on Dhofar Governorate's tourism landmarks and cultural and humanitarian assets. Through its digital presence, Ayn platform is enhancing the community's interaction in different ways, including a 'Child Interface', an Interactive Digital Competition and on-the-spot radio and TV transmission. The Child Interface presents a visual programme featuring environmental adventures and field explorations in Dhofar Governorate. It develops learning skills, fosters cultural belonging and highlights entertainment content that responds to families' educational and innovative aspirations. The Child Interface also showcases electronic services that target children, including audiobooks and animated cartoons. It programmes, which run until 3 August, focus on entertainment and educational content that expands young people's awareness and intellectual potential. Ayn Platform's Interactive Digital Competition includes a set of cultural and tourism questions aimed at consolidating the Omani identity. It engages participants to local heritage in a simplified and attractive manner. The platform also offers online broadcasts of all radio and television programmes related to the Khareef season, with a dedicated category titled "Khareef Dhofar". This reflects the platform's vital role in highlighting the Sultanate of Oman's presence on the regional and global arenas. To support the season's digital coverage, short video segments were produced. They highlight the beauty of nature through aerial photography techniques (using drones). In this context, interviews are made with visitors from people from different nationalities, in different languages, thus ensuring access for local and international audiences. Ayn platform serves as one of the Ministry of Information's initiatives that embody Oman Vision 2040. It keeps pace with the Sultanate of Oman's digital transition. It dedicates digital space to Khareef Dhofar festival in eight languages, along with translated captions of images and articles highlighting the governorate's events and tourist attractions.
Forbes
8 hours ago
- Forbes
Hotels With Stories: Three Openings With Main Character Energy
These three new hotels and retreats give guests more than just a place to stay for the night. Immersing you in the heritage and culture of the destination, you'll leave with wonder for the world around you. Imperial Hotel, Kyoto and the restoration of Yasaka Kaikan. (Credit: Yasaka Nyokoba Gakuen) Opening in Spring 2026, Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, is the fourth property from Japan's esteemed hospitality brand, which is renowned for its hotels found in cultural landmarks. The first new Imperial Hotel to debut in three decades, it adds to the brand's portfolio of properties in Tokyo, Osaka and Kamikochi. The new hotel has been carved out of the historic Yasaka Kaikan, a 90-year-old former theater and community center, with architectural ties to Frank Lloyd Wright. A sensitive restoration has seen the heritage building reimagined for a modern day traveler with sustainable luxury at its heart. Interior design at The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has been led by the New Material Research Laboratory. (Credit New Material Research Laboratory) Originally built in 1936, by renowned architect Tokusaburo Kimura, the Yasaka Kaikan has long served as a cultural gathering place in Kyoto's historic Gion district. Breathing new life into the building, the boutique hotel fuses historic preservation with modern elegance, whilst celebrating the cultural importance of Yasaka Kaikan. In a full-circle moment, the transformation, from cultural icon to characterful hotel, was overseen by the Obayashi Corporation, the same Japanese construction company that built the Yasaka Kaikan nearly 90 years ago in 1936. The restoration has preserved much of the building's original character, including 16,387 original exterior tiles. While traditional Japanese techniques, such as ikedori or 'live capture', where materials are carefully removed without damage for reuse, have been honored throughout the design. The meticulous restoration uses modern-day technology for accurate preservation. (Credit: Obayashi Corporation) 'Some parts retain their 88-year-old look, while others use 88-year-old preserved materials,' says Masahiro Inoue, executive manager of the Architectural Design Department at Obayashi Corporation. 'The building significantly weaves together an aesthetic integrity and preserved memories. That was our top priority.' The exterior renovation included salvaging approximately 10% of the original decorative tiles and reproducing fragile terracotta ornamentation, using 3D scanning for accurate surveying, to restore the original, enabling the hotel to maintain continuity with its cultural roots.' The hotel will offer guests a choice of 55 guestrooms and suites, with interiors designed by architect Tomoyuki Sakakida, director of New Material Research Laboratory, whose creative direction embraces the ethos of 'Old is New'. This philosophy reinterprets Japan's architectural past through a contemporary lens while honoring Kyoto's climate, materials, and traditional sensibility. The design features Japanese marble, Ōya stone, and Tamina-ishi, to give a nod to Japan's nature and the tactile elements of much of its architecture. The Kyoto Imperial Suite with views over the city. (Credit: New Material Research Laboratory) 'Kyoto cherishes old things but also embraces new culture,' said Sakakida. 'That contrast is the soul of this project. Since the Industrial Revolution, artistic and cultural shifts, such as the Arts and Crafts movement in the UK and the Mingei folk craft movement in Japan, have marked a return to hand craftsmanship,' he explained. 'Now, more than a century after the advent of Modernism, there seems to be a certain sense of stagnation in the air, and a renewed appreciation for the old is taking hold. That, I believe, is why the concept of 'Old Is New' is resonating with people.' Other design features are tied to Japanese ideas of wabi-sabi : understated beauty and impermanence—with natural Japanese tatami-mat flooring, minimalist furnishings and handcrafted textures in earth tones showcased in some of the bedrooms. Other rooms retain original beams, pillars and window frames of the Yasaka Kaikan—gently restored to show their age and patina, not conceal it. In several rooms, private balconies open onto the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo grounds, with guests able to hear the traditional melodies of shamisen and kouta music , creating an atmosphere of cinematic intimacy. These spaces are immersive by nature—giving guests the sensation of stepping into a story that began nearly a century ago. Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has retained a theater and community center. (Credit: Yasaka Nyokoba Gakuen) As well as a wellness offering, restaurants and a bar, the hotel is also committed to supporting local artisans and promoting immersive cultural experiences with its community centre and revamped theatre. It aims to contribute to Kyoto's tourism growth while mitigating environmental strain and overcrowding through sustainable practices. Penicuik House & Estate, Scotland Found on Penicuik Estate, one of Scotland's finest, rural landholdings, is Penicuik House, a historic house available for holidays and short-stays, due to open its doors next month. Just a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, and set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pentland Hills, the estate's 400-hectare grounds were originally designed to inspire its visitors through the marriage of nature and architecture, becoming a hub of the Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century. Penicuik House is an exclusive-use hire home in the middle of a vast Scottish estate. (Credit: Penicuik House) The main hub of the estate is Old Penicuik House. Built in 1760, it served as the family home until it burned down in 1899. After being left in ruins for over a century, it was saved from collapse through an eight-year conservation project. Completed in 2014, it is one of the largest projects of its kind in Scotland and has become a major heritage attraction with over 150,000 visitors a year. Having been under the stewardship of the same family since 1654, the estate is now entering a new chapter with the opening of its flagship property, Penicuik House, allowing visitors to be able to stay on the estate in glorious surrounds. There is also an initial collection of restored cottages and lodges, with many more planned over the next few years. The House is ideal for group gatherings, for weddings or special occasions. (Credit: Penicuik House) Carved out of the estate's stable block, Penicuik House sleeps 32 across 16 en suite bedrooms. Its characterful interiors have been overseen by designer, Charles Orchard, and feature antiques and art sourced from Old Penicuik House. Two grand reception rooms and a formal dining room make it perfect for special occasions, such as weddings or private events. Nearby is High Pond Reserve, a waterside location where guests can go wild swimming and use the 'natural sauna' which will include a sauna, cold plunge and hot tub. Smaller cottages offer cosy interiors. (Credit: Alexander Baxter) The collection of smaller cottages have interiors designed by Edinburgh studio Fantoush. Each property includes a state-of-the-art kitchen, sitting room with a wood burner and en suite bedrooms. Outside, there are private terraces with outdoor wood burners, Big Green Egg barbecues, and secluded cedar hot tubs. On offer are hand-delivered food services, including organic breakfast and BBQ hampers, and private chefs to prepare tailor-made meals in the houses. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, activities include 20 km of walking and cycling trails and hiking in the Pentland Hills. Colours in the cottages reflect the nature outside. (Credit: Alexander Baxter) Currently under development at the estate is also a range of nature and heritage-led experiences, including whisky and gin tasting with local distilleries, spa treatments, yoga classes, mountain biking, wild swimming, and private heritage tours around the estate, which will be available soon upon request. Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, Tanzania Opening at the end of this year is Obuyu, the first African safari park from hospitality group, Banyan Tree. Found at the heart of Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, a stay here allows guest to embrace the vast wilderness of Southern Tanzania. It is home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations, the world's highest concentration of lions, and one of the last refuges for the endangered African wild dog and more than 570 bird species. Ubuyu takes its name from the Swahili word for the fruit of the baobab tree, Africa's iconic Tree of Life, and the new outpost symbolically has baobab trees framing its entrance to greet you. Revered for its resilience and longevity, the baobab has offered shelter, nourishment and healing for generations. Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, Tanzania is the brand's frist African safari outpost. (Credit: Banyan Tree) Made up of six artisan-crafted villas, the hotel has been designed to blend into the surrounding terrain with sweeping views over the savannah. One- and two-bedroom villas draw inspiration from traditional Maasai circular dwellings, featuring open-air showers, private plunge pools and decks positioned to capture sunrise light and wildlife movement. The three-bedroom Retreat follows the organic curve of the Ruaha River and is centred around a firepit with a rooftop terrace designed for stargazing and storytelling. Each villa is solar-powered and constructed using natural materials including timber, thatch, clay and locally-carved Mninga wood furniture, crafted by local artisans. At the heart of the retreat lies the Living Room, a free-flowing communal space, while the Open Kitchen presents a plant-forward, zero-waste menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and villages. Above, the rooftop Mganga Bar serves elixirs infused with native botanicals, paired with sweeping views of the river and surrounding bushland. Set along the riverbank and open to the breeze, the Maji Spa invites restoration through rituals grounded in indigenous healing, using local oils and herbs to soothe, balance, and renew. Since it was founded in 1994, Banyan Group has long been a pioneer of sustainable, purpose-driven hospitality and the new opening looks set to continue that drive rooted in regenerative tourism.
Malay Mail
14 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Haikou Invites the World: A New Chapter in Cultural and Tourism Exchange
[email protected] Haikou, China - Newsfile Corp. - July 23, 2025 - From July 9 to 12, 180 Overseas Chinese youth from Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Denmark, the UAE, Ireland, and Thailand gathered in Haikou for another summer homecoming. They explored the historic Qilou Old Street, experiencing intangible cultural heritage up close; visited the Hainan Provincial Museum to learn about the province's deep-rooted history and rich culture; studied traditional Chinese arts at Qiongtai Normal University; and rode the waves along the West Coast Tourism Resort, enjoying refreshing sea activities. A nighttime cruise offered them a glimpse into Haikou's romantic cityscape. These vibrant experiences painted a vivid picture of a diverse, dynamic, and delightful Haikou-leading many to exclaim, "Haikou is fun!"Overseas Chinese youth on a journey to trace their cultural roots in HaikouTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:"These exhibits helped me understand what my grandparents meant by 'our roots,'" said Zhang Zhenghao, an overseas Chinese youth from Denmark, after visiting the Hainan Provincial Museum. "These buildings remind me of the old photos my grandfather used to show me," added Yang Fangfei from Thailand, snapping photos of the intricate plaster carvings on time-worn walls. This immersive cultural journey through Haikou not only deepened the youth's connection to their heritage but also built a bridge for international engagement. It inspired cultural recognition and sparked new possibilities under the blueprint of the Hainan Free Trade Chinese youth on a journey to trace their cultural roots in HaikouTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:As a key hub in China's Belt and Road Initiative and the core city of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Haikou is not only the province's political, economic, technological, and cultural center but also a vibrant coastal city ideal for both living and tourism. With an average annual temperature of 24.3°C and an air quality excellence rate of 99%-ranking first among 168 major Chinese cities-Haikou has earned titles such as "World Health City" and "International Wetland City." It offers a natural "comfort zone" for both locals and international visitors is accelerating its efforts to build a globally influential free trade port with Chinese characteristics, aligning with the world's highest standards of openness. As the 2025 deadline for island-wide customs closure approaches, Haikou's international connectivity continues to improve. By July 10, the city had launched 35 international and regional passenger air routes, connecting with 23 major global destinations including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, London, Melbourne, Seoul, Ulaanbaatar, Auckland, Vientiane, Osaka, Moscow, Seattle, Dubai, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Jeddah. These routes are creating faster, more accessible air corridors for trade, tourism, and cultural is making strong progress in improving payment accessibility, helping international visitors feel right at home. Today, major global card networks, including UnionPay International, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover, now support foreign card integration with local platforms for seamless transactions. Additionally, 13 international e-wallets are compatible with Alipay, and 9 with WeChat Pay, enabling quick QR code payments at a wide range of merchants. The "Hainan Payment Service e-Map" offers travelers a one-stop solution to locate foreign currency exchange banks, institutions, facilities, and foreign card ATMs - delivering a smooth, accessible, and hassle-free payment official from the Bureau of Tousism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Haikou City noted that the "A journey to trace your culture roots" serves not only as a cultural bridge, but also as a platform for Haikou's global engagement. Driven by cultural exchange and supportive policies, more international visitors are transforming from observers into participants - actively joining the Hainan Free Trade Port initiative and becoming "ambassadors" of Chinese culture and storytellers of Haikou. As a city that connects with the world through sincerity and openness, Haikou is writing new and exciting chapters on the global information:Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Haikou CityJing Cai0898-68725355 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arab News
19 hours ago
- General
- Arab News
National Museum summer camp inspires young Saudi creators
RIYADH: The National Museum's summer camp is in its first phase, offering children aged 10-12 a range of activities that blend theory and practice. The camp connects generations by showcasing handicrafts as both a source of national pride and a path to future economic opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Through interactive sessions and hands-on learning across four craft tracks, participants explore Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage. Each child designs and creates their own products, building creative and organizational skills while fostering initiative, the SPA added. The camp transforms the National Museum into a vibrant hub, aiming to instill a lifelong love of learning and creativity while developing critical thinking and design skills. It also introduces children to handicrafts as a core part of Saudi identity and empowers them to manage small craft projects, the SPA reported. The first phase, running through to July 31, has already attracted strong interest from families and educators. This enriching experience opens new horizons for knowledge and fosters deeper connections with national heritage, the SPA added.
Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
The US decision to leave UNESCO again puts a spotlight on what the agency does and why it matters
PARIS: With the support of international partners and the mobilization of $115 million, the UN cultural agency UNESCO recently helped rebuild the Iraqi city of Mosul after it was devastated by the Daesh group. The restoration of the historic city's iconic Al-Nouri Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret was just one of many programs run by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which is in the spotlight because the United States is leaving it once again. The decision to pull US funding and participation from UNESCO will deal a blow to its work preserving cultural heritage around the world. President Donald Trump exited the agency during his first term, accusing it of promoting anti-Israel speech. The Biden administration had rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after citing concerns that China was filling the gap left by the US in UNESCO policymaking. Beyond the diplomatic disputes, here's a look at the work that UNESCO does: World Heritage Sites UNESCO names World Heritage sites, including landmarks like the Great Wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal and the Statue of Liberty, and gives them special protection under its World Heritage Sites program. Its World Heritage Committee each year designates sites considered 'of outstanding value to humanity' and intervenes when sites are in danger of destruction or damage. The program provides countries with technical assistance and professional training to preserve the sites. It now also includes 'intangible' heritage such as folk songs and traditional dances, crafts and cooking in its lists. A World Heritage site designation is coveted and seen as a boost to tourism. Holocaust Education Like the rest of the UN, UNESCO was created in response to the horrors of World War II, and particularly Nazi crimes. Amid concerns that the agency's Arab members have used UNESCO to pass anti-Israel resolutions, UNESCO has worked in recent years on Holocaust awareness projects. That includes educational materials and organizing visits to former Nazi concentration camps. Empowering Girls UNESCO works to improve literacy, with a special focus on girls in countries hit by war or disasters who get little or no schooling though programs such as the Malala Fund for Girls' Right to Education. In Tanzania, for instance, over 2,500 girls benefited from the creation of safe spaces in 40 secondary schools, The agency provides teacher training and materials and encourages programs for girls to pursue careers in science. Climate Change One of the agency's goals is coordinating climate knowledge and improving international education about how global warming occurs and affects people around the world. Over 30 UNESCO programs are designed to help its members adapt to climate change and favor sustainable development. Ethics of Artificial Intelligence UNESCO adopted in 2021 what it calls 'the first and only global standard-setting instrument on the ethics of artificial intelligence.' Applying to all 194 member states, the recommendation emphasizes the protection of human rights and dignity, grounded in principles like transparency, fairness, and human oversight of AI systems. Operating without the US UNESCO director general Audrey Azoulay said the US decision to leave was expected and that the agency has prepared for it. While the US had previously provided a notable share of the agency's budget, UNESCO has diversified its funding sources. 'Thanks to the efforts made by the organization since 2018, the decreasing trend in the financial contribution of the US has been offset, so that it now represents 8 percent of the organization's total budget compared with 40 percent for some United Nations entities,' Azoulay said. She added that the agency's overall budget has increased and that it has the steady support of 'a large number of member states and private contributors.'
