Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair

Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair
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Oman’s pavilion reflects the cultural exchange and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the sultanate. (AN photo Abdulrahman Shulhub)
Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair
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Oman’s pavilion reflects the cultural exchange and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the sultanate. (AN photo Abdulrahman Shulhub)
Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair
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Oman’s pavilion reflects the cultural exchange and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the sultanate. (AN photo Abdulrahman Shulhub)
Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair
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Oman’s pavilion reflects the cultural exchange and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the sultanate. (AN photo Abdulrahman Shulhub)
Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair
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Oman’s pavilion reflects the cultural exchange and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the sultanate. (AN photo Abdulrahman Shulhub)
Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair
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Oman’s pavilion reflects the cultural exchange and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the sultanate. (AN photo Abdulrahman Shulhub)
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Updated 03 October 2023
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Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair

Omani literature, culture in the spotlight at Riyadh International Book Fair
  • Oman is ‘guest of honour’ country at the RIBF 2023

RIYADH: The Riyadh International Book Fair, or RIBF 2023, is attracting thousands of visitors daily. It offers its audience millions of books, new titles and manuscripts, as well as a space for intellectual and cultural dialogue.

Omani literature and culture is in the spotlight this year as the sultanate is the “guest of honour” country.

Oman’s pavilion reflects the cultural exchange and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the sultanate. It represents its national culture, books and manuscripts, showcasing the distinctiveness of Omani culture.

The RIBF was launched by the Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission at its new headquarters at King Saud University on Sept. 28 and will continue until Oct. 7. It attracts publishers, intellectuals and content creators from all over the world.

Hassan Al-Matrooshi, cultural expert at the Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and a member of the Omani delegation, told Arab News: “This is a very important opportunity to be here in this big cultural event. This is one of the biggest and most important book fairs around the Arab world. So it’s an important opportunity to be here showing a lot of our cultural aspects, like poetry, novels, history and so many other things, also our arts and music.”

The Omani participation as a guest of honor was an affirmation of the rapprochement between the two countries, and an embodiment of the distinguished cultural relations and issues of concern to Arab culture and thinkers, Al-Matrooshi said.

“This comes within the framework of the deep, long and strong brotherly relationships between Oman and Saudi Arabia. It builds up and enhances all the cultural cooperations between the two countries. There are a lot of things we are aiming to achieve through this platform,” he said.

“Oman actually has been participating for a long time, but this year it’s our first time to be a guest of honor, which is very important.

“This is an opportunity to build up on what has already been built up through history, through a long experience,” Al-Matrooshi said.

“And this definitely will help to strengthen cultural exchange, cultural relations between the two countries. We have a lot to give to each other. Saudi Arabia is a great country with a huge history and civilization. Oman also has great history, culture, heritage. We have a lot of things in common; we speak the same language, share the same heritage, and we live in the same region. We have the same religion. So we feel here we are in our country. There are a lot of things that we can give, and there are a lot of things we can also gain from this opportunity,” he said.

“There are publishers and some official establishments (participating). Of course, the main organizer is the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, but we also have here the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, Ministry of Auqaf and Religious Affairs, Sultan Qaboos University Cultural Club. As you see, there are a lot of establishments, official and also private publishers here, around ten publishers exhibiting their books.

“There is a huge amount of visitors and also publishers coming here, that is encouraging.

“The princes, high officials to intellectuals, poets, writers, all sorts of visitors. So this is an opportunity for them and us,” he said.

“Due to similarity we visit each other, every year we receive thousands of our Saudi brothers in Muscat and in Salalah during tourist season.

“We are having a lot of Saudis present on our occasions, cultural and tourism. I am still inviting them to come and see Oman and discover the beauty, the culture of Oman, and the history of their brotherly country to further deepen our ties.”

Al-Matrooshi said that visitors had flocked to the Oman pavilion after the opening last Thursday to see the rare manuscripts, art exhibition, musical shows and VR presentation on display.

The pavilion exhibits a collection of rare manuscripts that reflect Omani cultural history and the sultanate’s role in the Arab world, the connections among Arab countries and people throughout history, and their civilizational role in advancing humanity and serving scientific and cultural purposes.

The Omani pavilion displays diverse aspects of thought, culture, literature, art and heritage, and presents poetry evenings and art shows in which Omani novelists and intellectuals take part.

The pavilion is hosting a folkloric Omani group that performs popular arts, reflecting the diversity and richness of the country.

The outdoor area hosts theater shows featuring Saudi and Omani performances.


World should make immediate Gaza ceasefire a priority: Saudi foreign minister

World should make immediate Gaza ceasefire a priority: Saudi foreign minister
Updated 08 December 2023
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World should make immediate Gaza ceasefire a priority: Saudi foreign minister

World should make immediate Gaza ceasefire a priority: Saudi foreign minister
  • ‘Our message is consistent and clear that we believe that it is absolutely necessary to end the fighting immediately,’ Prince Faisal bin Farhan said
  • Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee held joint press conference before meeting with US secretary of state in Washington

WASHINGTON: There must be an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza but governments worldwide do not seem to see it as a priority, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said on Friday in Washington, adding that there must also be a credible roadmap to establish a Palestinian state.
At a joint press conference before meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a group of foreign ministers said the focus should remain on stopping the fighting immediately in the Palestinian enclave between Hamas militants and the Israeli military.
“Our message is consistent and clear that we believe that it is absolutely necessary to end the fighting immediately,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said.
“One of the disturbing facts of this conflict is that ending the conflict and the fighting doesn’t seem to be the main priority for the international community,” he said.
“I certainly would hope that our partners in the US will do more... we certainly believe they can do more,” the Saudi minister added.
Humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza needed to be significantly increased, he said, adding that it is “unacceptable” that aid “is being restricted and has been restricted” because of “bureaucratic obstacles.”
A UN Security Council vote on a demand for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war was delayed by several hours on Friday until after Blinken’s planned meeting with Arab ministers and the foreign minister of Turkiye. The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee comprises ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkiye.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told the press conference that if the resolution fails on Friday, it would be giving a license to Israel “to continue with its massacre.”
“Our priority for now is to stop the war, stop the killing, stop the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure,” he said.
“The message that’s being sent is that Israel is acting above international law ... and the world is simply not doing much. We disagree with the United States on its position vis-a-vis on the cease-fire,” he said.
“The solution is a cease-fire,” said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, while his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi called putting an end to the fighting the number one priority.
“If the UN Security Council fails to adopt the resolution that is simply calling for humanitarian pauses, that is giving Israel a license to continue its massacre against civilians in Gaza,” he said.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and said an international peace conference should be called to work out a lasting political solution leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
(With Reuters and AFP)


Saudi Arabia’s Soudah Peaks: the luxury mountain destination at the Kingdom’s highest point

Saudi Arabia’s Soudah Peaks: the luxury mountain destination at the Kingdom’s highest point
Updated 08 December 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s Soudah Peaks: the luxury mountain destination at the Kingdom’s highest point

Saudi Arabia’s Soudah Peaks: the luxury mountain destination at the Kingdom’s highest point
  • The area stands 3,015 meters above sea level and offers adventurers, thrill-seekers, and lovers of serenity a special place in Asir

RIYADH: Soudah Peaks, a sustainable luxury mountain destination under construction by the Public Investment Fund’s Soudah Development, lies in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia.

It stands 3,015 meters above sea level — the highest point in the Kingdom — and will offer adventurers, thrill-seekers, and lovers of serenity a special place in Aseer.

“Soudah Development and Soudah Peaks, as a destination that our company has been developing under the ownership of the Public Investment Fund … we believe, has done something very, very important,” said Srdan Susic, chief sustainability officer at Soudah Development. “Out of 630 sq. km under Soudah Development, we are developing only a small portion of it. So, the built footprint is not going to be very, very large.”

He added 28 percent of the land being used has been placed under numerous forms of natural protection.

Daniel McBrearty, chief development officer for the company, said: “The masterplan for Soudah Peaks epitomizes meticulous design within a sustainable environmental framework, reflecting an unwavering commitment to responsible development. Acknowledging the region’s rich biodiversity, Soudah Development is dedicated to preserving and nurturing these invaluable assets.”

Visitors and residents will have abundant opportunities to enjoy Soudah Peaks with year-round outdoor activities in the clean, cool mountain air, from mountain trails and hiking paths to paragliding, mountain biking, horse riding, and zip-lining. (Supplied)

Susic added that this information is important for the PIF-backed developer to enhance and extend protective coverage of the area.

“We are very keen on restoring around 19 priority cultural heritage sites. The ecosystems around us have been very productive in the past, and this allowed the local communities to build significant assets like old houses, old palaces, old mosques, old integrated villages … some of them we hope to see on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list,” he said.

Part of these efforts include a partnership with the National Center for Wildlife, which witnessed the recent release of 10 Arabian mountain gazelles into the wild, with the aim of reintroducing more wildlife to enhance biodiversity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Part of these efforts include a partnership with the National Center for Wildlife, which witnessed the recent release of 10 Arabian mountain gazelles into the wild, with the aim of reintroducing more wildlife to enhance biodiversity.

• As well as support endangered animals, the developers’ environmental initiatives will plant 1 million trees by 2030 and rehabilitate parks and forests to enhance vegetation cover, conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems. 

As well as support endangered animals, the developers’ environmental initiatives will plant 1 million trees by 2030 and rehabilitate parks and forests to enhance vegetation cover, conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems.

Visitors and residents will have abundant opportunities to enjoy Soudah Peaks with year-round outdoor activities in the clean, cool mountain air, from mountain trails and hiking paths to paragliding, mountain biking, horse riding, zip-lining and more. An 18-hole golf course will sit atop the Soudah plateau with stunning views and average temperatures of 20 C.

The serene settings will offer nature lovers a chance to enjoy national parks, a network of hiking trails, local farms and find harmony with nature through a collection of luxury wellness experiences including exclusive eco-spa resorts, meditation centers and yoga retreats.

Visitors and residents will have abundant opportunities to enjoy Soudah Peaks with year-round outdoor activities in the clean, cool mountain air, from mountain trails and hiking paths to paragliding, mountain biking, horse riding, and zip-lining. (Supplied)

Soudah is also home to a rich tapestry of traditional folk music, poetry, art, locally produced honey, coffee farms and local customs passed down over generations. There are more than 200 documented heritage sites, from hamlets, mosques and minarets to watchtowers and mountain forts, and many will be considered for inclusion on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites.

There will also be 80,000 square meters of retail area, more than 30 additional attractions, 1,336 residential units, and 2,700 hospitality keys.

“The project encompasses six unique districts — Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal, and Red Rock — each offering world-class facilities, from hotels, luxury mountain resorts, and chalets to villas, premium residential units, and diverse entertainment options,” said McBrearty.

Soudah Development and Soudah Peaks, as a destination that our company has been developing under the ownership of the Public Investment Fund … we believe, has done something very, very important.

Srdan Susic, Chief sustainability officer at Soudah Development

“Each district is curated with a different emphasis to cater to sports, adventure, wellness, and cultural enthusiasts. Soudah Peaks’ development is structured across three phases … (with) phase one encompassing over 940 hotel keys, 340 residential units, and 32,000 square meters of retail space.”

Tahlal will serve as the primary hub for tourists, offering upscale dining and shopping, hospitality, entertainment, and conference spaces, all within a sustainable ecosystem. Perched atop Soudah, it offers breathtaking views of the Sarawat Mountains.

The clifftop Sahab district will provide thrilling attractions, mountain experiences, and a hub centered around mountain sports, including hiking, paragliding, biking and zip-lining. A high-altitude performance and rehabilitation center will offer top-notch training facilities for extreme athletes.

Visitors and residents will have abundant opportunities to enjoy Soudah Peaks with year-round outdoor activities in the clean, cool mountain air, from mountain trails and hiking paths to paragliding, mountain biking, horse riding, and zip-lining. (Supplied)

Sahab will also feature 15 glamping pods, over 360 luxurious hotel rooms, serviced apartments, and commercial spaces for entertainment.

Sabrah district, which will be a remote luxury residential and hospitality destination with a wellness spa, yoga pavilion, and meditation retreats, is located on the southern plateau of Soudah Peaks. It offers peace and tranquility, with 180 different types of premium hotel rooms, 350 opulent second homes, and commercial spaces to support the residential community, all surrounded by an authentic integration within the natural landscape.

With Soudah’s green agricultural landscape, Jareen district will adopt a sincere approach to fostering a sense of connection with the natural world. Hiking paths meandering through the heritage sites and agricultural landscape, along with culinary excursions to small organic coffee and honey farms, are sure to delight nature lovers. Jareen will have 35 distinctive glamping pods with a range of boutique stores and dining options perched on the mountainside.

Visitors and residents will have abundant opportunities to enjoy Soudah Peaks with year-round outdoor activities in the clean, cool mountain air, from mountain trails and hiking paths to paragliding, mountain biking, horse riding, and zip-lining. (Supplied)

The Rijal district will offer opportunities to experience authentic culture and heritage by fusing the past, present, and future. This destination, which is surrounded by historic architecture and situated within the Rijal Almaa heritage village, will combine park areas and outdoor event space to provide a variety of year-round events. Rijal will have 80 boutique hotel rooms with chic, heritage-inspired luxury interiors, as well as boutique stores and real food options.

Situated amidst natural parkland on the plateau of Soudah Mountain, nature lovers will discover an abundance of activities including peaceful glamping sites, nature reserves, horseback riding, and cycling trails at the Red Rock district. It will also have 170 upscale boutique hotel rooms and distinctive restaurants perched atop a cliff with views of Red Rock Mountain.

Commencing in 2024, phase one is expected to be completed by 2027, marking the point at which Soudah Peaks will be ready to welcome tourists. This timeline aligns with the overarching plan for the destination to unfold gradually. Abha currently has airport access of 222 flights per week, including 34 international flights.

 


Saudi foreign minister, EU foreign affairs chief discuss Gaza during call

Saudi foreign minister, EU foreign affairs chief discuss Gaza during call
Updated 08 December 2023
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Saudi foreign minister, EU foreign affairs chief discuss Gaza during call

Saudi foreign minister, EU foreign affairs chief discuss Gaza during call

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said on Friday.
The two officials discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and its surrounding areas, and the efforts exerted to reach an immediate cease-fire in the besieged Palestinian enclave. 
They also discussed the repercussions of the current crisis, especially at the humanitarian level.


King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival a ‘beloved event’

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival has attracted exceptional numbers since its launch in 2019. (SPA)
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival has attracted exceptional numbers since its launch in 2019. (SPA)
Updated 09 December 2023
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King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival a ‘beloved event’

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival has attracted exceptional numbers since its launch in 2019. (SPA)
  • Mohammed Abdulwahab Al-Hajiri said: “We won first and second places in the Shaheen Farkh category

RIYADH: A Bahraini falconer family has praised the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival in Saudi Arabia as a “beloved” event in the sport’s calendar. The festival is organized by the Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, until Dec. 14, with elite falconers joining from the Kingdom, Gulf and around the world.

Bahraini falconer Mohammed Abdulwahab Al-Hajiri said that the festival holds a special place for his family, adding that he and his siblings have attended the event since its first edition, and have seen its development firsthand. This year, the family brought 45 falcons to the festival.

The festival is now a beloved event for all falconers, he said, praising the efforts of the Saudi Falcons Club and the support and services it provides to visitors at the festival.

Al-Hajiri competed in the Shaheen Farkh and Shaheen Qirnas categories of the Shaheen competitions for international professionals. He said: “We won first and second places in the Shaheen Farkh category. We also won second place in the Shaheen Qirnas category, and thankfully, we haven’t conceded the Shaheen category since the second edition.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia to provide $8m to tackle Safer oil tanker issue

The deal was signed by Ahmad bin Ali Al-Baiz and Dr. Abdallah Al Darfari in Riyadh. (SPA)
The deal was signed by Ahmad bin Ali Al-Baiz and Dr. Abdallah Al Darfari in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 08 December 2023
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Saudi Arabia to provide $8m to tackle Safer oil tanker issue

The deal was signed by Ahmad bin Ali Al-Baiz and Dr. Abdallah Al Darfari in Riyadh. (SPA)
  • The deal adds to the efforts of KSrelief to tackle the environmental and economic threats posed by the aging tanker, which remains moored off the Yemeni coast

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has agreed to provide an additional $8 million to help tackle the threat posed by the decaying Safer oil tanker anchored off the Yemeni coast.

An agreement was signed in Riyadh by Ahmad bin Ali Al-Baiz, assistant supervisor for operations and programs at the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, and Dr. Abdallah Al Darfari, assistant secretary-general and director of the UN Development Program’s regional bureau for Arab states.

The deal adds to the efforts of KSrelief to tackle the environmental and economic threats posed by the aging tanker, which remains moored off the Yemeni coast.