Saudi FM arrives in Muscat for GCC ministerial meeting on Gaza
Meeting covered Israel’s escalating military operations and the bombing of residential neighborhoods in Gaza
Updated 17 October 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in a Gulf Cooperation Council ministerial meeting on Tuesday to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting, held in Muscat, was chaired by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi.
Discussions covered developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly Israel’s escalating military operations and the bombing of residential neighborhoods in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 2,800 civilians in the besieged enclave.
It also reviewed the risks facing the region due to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
On Monday, Prince Faisal was in Kuwait City, where he was received by Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace.
The two officials also discussed the conflict in Gaza and international efforts to defuse the situation, as well as ways to protect Palestinian civilians from Israel’s escalating military operations in the enclave.
German publisher showcases rare manuscripts at Riyadh book fair
Updated 13 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: German publishing house Mueller and Schindler is participating in the Riyadh International Book Fair for the third consecutive year with a showcase of rare manuscripts and books.
The annual gathering’s literary treasures are a major attraction for book lovers and academics.
Mueller and Schindler specialize in creating high-quality replicas of historic texts that are typically inaccessible to the public.
Among their remarkable offerings are the famed notes of Leonardo da Vinci, and a selection of Arabic works, including the renowned Blue Qur’an.
Their exhibit at the fair highlights not only the beauty of these manuscripts but also their historical significance.
The owner and CEO of Mueller and Schindler, Charlotte Kramer, elaborating on their mission, told Arab News: “We provide facsimiles, which derive from the Latin term ‘fac simile,’ meaning ‘make it similar.’”
A facsimile is a faithful reproduction of a manuscript or printed book, capturing all the visible characteristics of the original — vibrant colors, gold and silver embellishments, as well as age marks and irregularities.
Their facsimile editions are published in limited quantities, combining technical precision with the spirit of the original work.
Highlighting the uniqueness of their offerings, Kramer noted: “One of our notable replicas is Katta Langar Qur’an, which dates back over 1,200 years, making it one of the oldest Qur’anic fragments. This fragment, written in Hijazi calligraphy, is significant for the development of the Qur’anic text.”
In addition to the Katta Langar Qur’an manuscript, Mueller and Schindler showcased a Moroccan Qur’an, comprised of 50 volumes, meticulously crafted in Kufic script.
They also presented manuscripts containing prayers of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as scientific Arabic texts, including Al-Sufi’s “Book of the Fixed Stars.”
The enthusiasm of the Saudi audience has made a lasting impression on the team.
“We are thrilled to be here for the third time. The people are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely interested in our work. They engage with us, asking insightful questions and listening intently to our explanations,” Kramer said.
Event will host Entrepreneurship World Cup finals, with participants from 151 countries vying for $1m in prizes
Updated 6 min 52 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, will host the Biban 24 forum, themed “Global Destination for Opportunities,” from Nov. 5-9 in Riyadh.
The event will gather over 250 speakers and 1,350 exhibitors, representing local and international entrepreneurs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The forum aims to boost entrepreneurial growth, promote competitiveness, and increase the number of startups.
It also seeks to identify investment opportunities in the public and private sectors and introduce youths to innovative ideas and strategies aligned with Vision 2030, which emphasizes small and medium enterprises’ contribution to the gross domestic product.
Sami Al-Husseini, Monsha’at's governor, said the forum provides a “platform for entrepreneurs to explore opportunities, promote SME growth, and foster innovation and collaboration between local and global entrepreneurs.”
He added that the forum also offers “a space for interaction among changemakers and supporters of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing to a prosperous future.”
More than 150 entities from the public and private sectors, supporting SMEs in areas such as capacity building and e-commerce, will participate to help address challenges hindering business growth.
The forum will host the finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup, with participants from 151 countries competing for up to $1 million in cash prizes. Saudi Arabia will host the final qualifiers and closing ceremony.
Around 420 training workshops, expected to benefit over 19,000 participants, will cover topics supporting entrepreneurship and SME growth.
The forum will feature nine sections tailored to different SME needs, including start, enablement, e-commerce, funding, innovation, startups, franchising, fast-growing enterprises, and market access.
It will also see several launches and agreements aimed at fostering SME investment and growth through diverse financing solutions.
Al-Mawaddah joins World Family Organization to share Saudi expertise on global stage
Updated 10 min 13 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Al-Mawaddah Association for Family Development has joined the World Family Organization with the unanimous approval of the organization’s board of directors, becoming the first Saudi association to do so since the Kingdom’s membership 50 years ago.
Al-Mawaddah’s general manager, Mohammed Al-Radhi, said that the move marks a significant step toward achieving a sustainable global impact in family development.
He emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and fostering international cooperation, positioning the association’s national expertise on a global stage.
Al-Mawaddah will host the World Family Summit 2024, providing a platform for developing strategies to empower families worldwide, Al-Radhi said.
He added that the association was also working on a unified global index to measure family stability, aiming to address challenges and propose solutions while showcasing Islamic values and national culture.
Al-Radhi said that joining the organization aligned with the association’s strategy for global transformation, under the guidance of Saudi authorities.
Faisal Al-Samanoudi, chairman of Al-Mawaddah’s board, highlighted the leadership’s commitment to empowering the nonprofit sector and supporting its globalization.
Since its foundation in 2003, Al-Mawaddah has supported more than 700,000 families through protection, training and awareness initiatives, and has trained more than 5,000 family practitioners in line with international standards.
The association has won 14 awards for institutional, digital and social excellence, implemented 32 government competitions, and facilitated knowledge transfer to more than 200 charitable organizations.
The World Family Organization, founded in 1947, serves as an international platform for sharing best practices in family development.
Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange
More Saudis interested in Chinese literature, say publishers
Chinese taught at schools is ‘important step’ to boost ties
Updated 01 October 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Publishers are seeing a growing demand from readers in Saudi Arabia for Chinese literature as the two nations continue to strengthen cultural and political ties.
The Riyadh International Book Fair, which opened on Thursday, serves as a vital platform for connecting Saudi Arabia with the global community.
The event emphasizes the importance of translating international works into Arabic to foster cultural exchange, particularly with China.
A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. It has already translated classics including “The Art of War” and “Three Kingdoms.”
Amr Moghith, the editorial manager of Bayt El-Hekma, said: “I see a demand from Saudis to learn the Chinese language. With every year, the demand for Chinese books increases.”
FASTFACTS
• Saudi Arabia has organized A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic.
• Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.
He added: “When the House of Wisdom Cultural Group was established, it was with the aim of building bridges between the Chinese and Arab cultures.
“This has been achieved cumulatively. Initially, the demand for Chinese literature was somewhat weak, although people were curious about Chinese culture, which has a rich history extending back over 5,000 years.”
Moghith said that while there are significant differences in the cultures of the Chinese and Arab worlds, the recent translations, both ways, have led to a surge in interest.
“The demand has become greater, especially since it brings together the Chinese and Arab cultures, which have had longstanding relations since the Silk Road,” he explained, referencing the ancient trade route.
He said Chinese was now being taught in Saudi schools. “This is an important step that helps many Saudis learn about Chinese culture.
“China wants to convey that it is not just a manufacturing or trading country, but a civilization with deep historical roots.
“It seeks to communicate with countries in the East and the Middle East, particularly given the old relations.”
In addition, Bayt El-Hekma, which was established in Egypt in 2011, aims to enrich the understanding of Chinese culture among Arabic speakers and operates an academy for those eager to learn the language.
Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.
For instance, on Sept. 26, the Museums Commission inaugurated the exhibition “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax.
This event marks the first showcase of contemporary Chinese artists in Saudi Arabia.
It highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to enhance cultural exchange.
Minister meets newly appointed Dominican ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sherif Walid
Updated 01 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met on Tuesday with the newly appointed ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Saudi Arabia, Andy Rodriguez Duran.
Al-Sati welcomed him to the Kingdom and wished him success in his new duties. The two also discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.
Also on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sherif Walid. They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and consular topics of shared concern.