Saudi pavilion inaugurated at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair’s

Saudi pavilion inaugurated at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair’s
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Held at the Convention and Exhibition Complex south of the Korean capital, SIBF’s 66th edition is a celebration Saudi culture, with the Kingdom’s pavilion reflecting various aspects of its cultural heritage. (SPA)
Saudi pavilion inaugurated at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair’s
2 / 4
Held at the Convention and Exhibition Complex south of the Korean capital, SIBF’s 66th edition is a celebration Saudi culture, with the Kingdom’s pavilion reflecting various aspects of its cultural heritage. (SPA)
Saudi pavilion inaugurated at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair’s
3 / 4
Held at the Convention and Exhibition Complex south of the Korean capital, SIBF’s 66th edition is a celebration Saudi culture, with the Kingdom’s pavilion reflecting various aspects of its cultural heritage. (SPA)
Saudi pavilion inaugurated at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair’s
4 / 4
Held at the Convention and Exhibition Complex south of the Korean capital, SIBF’s 66th edition is a celebration Saudi culture, with the Kingdom’s pavilion reflecting various aspects of its cultural heritage. (SPA)
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Updated 26 June 2024
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Saudi pavilion inaugurated at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair’s

Held at the Convention and Exhibition Complex south of the Korean capital, SIBF’s 66th edition is a celebration of Saudi culture
  • The Kingdom is the guest of honor at the fair
  • The 66th edition of the event is a celebration of Saudi culture

SEOUL: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday inaugurated its pavilion as the guest of honor at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair, which is being held from June 26-30, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held at the Convention and Exhibition Complex south of the Korean capital, SIBF’s 66th edition is a celebration Saudi culture, with the Kingdom’s pavilion reflecting various aspects of its cultural heritage.
The pavilion will highlight features of Saudi culture through an integrated experience led by the Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, in collaboration with the Heritage Authority, the Fashion Authority, the Film Commission, the Culinary Arts Commission, King Abdulaziz House, the King Salman International Academy for the Arabic Language, the King Abdulaziz Public Library, the King Fahd National Library, the Publishing Society, and the Ministry of Investment.
Throughout the exhibition, LPT will present a diverse cultural program at the pavilion and the exhibition’s main theater, in collaboration with an elite group of writers and authors. The program includes dialogue sessions and seminars on various topics, most notably the Kingdom’s history and antiquities, Saudi women writers, and the contribution of the language in transmitting cultural values, traditions and customs, societal and identity formation, the common features between Korean and Arabic languages and cultures, and the historical and contemporary interactions between the two cultures, including trade, travel and cultural exchanges and their effect on the language.
The program includes seminars on poetry and what it represents to Arabs, the Saudi novel, and the Kingdom’s role in teaching Arabic to non-natives in Korea. One of the seminars will also discuss ways to activate cooperation between Korean and Arab singing.
The Saudi pavilion will also host the inauguration of the “Book of Poems in Korean Language,” which was the result of fruitful cooperation between the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and the LPT.
The King Salman International Academy for Arabic Language will launch a project for Arabic language in Korea.
There will be live performance of traditional Saudi arts such as the Ardha (a type of group folk dance), and a special display of books and artifacts discovered on Saudi land to enrich the experience of Korean visitors to the pavilion.
A Saudi dinner night presenting national dishes from various regions will also be organized.
Through participating in SIBF, Saudi Arabia aims to consolidate the bonds of partnership and cooperation with Korea, enhance dialogue between cultures and civilizations, and enrich areas of joint cooperation in literature, culture and arts.
Launched in 1954, SIBF is one of the most famous book fairs in Asia and the world. In 1995, the Korean Publishing Culture Association developed the event into an international fair. This year, there are about 90 publishing institutions and companies from 19 countries participating, alongside 350 Korean publishing houses.


KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay

KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay
Updated 04 October 2024
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KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay

KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay
  • The third and fourth volunteer training programs were for members of the Syria and Turkiye communities
  • The training for 91 people took place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 4, with 20 volunteers participating

RIYADH: Volunteers from the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief have provided training for earthquake victims in Hatay province, Turkiye, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The third and fourth volunteer training programs were for members of the Syria and Turkiye communities.

The training for 91 people took place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 4, with 20 volunteers participating.

Since the campaign’s launch, advanced economic empowerment courses have been offered including sewing and embroidery, refrigeration and air conditioning, multimedia technology, graphic design, and computer maintenance.

In addition, other support included therapy sessions, psychological empowerment, and first aid training.

This was provided for 217 people including the sighted and visually impaired.


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador
Updated 04 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador
  • The operations were conducted between Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 by eight medical specialists

RIYADH: A volunteer medical team from the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has performed 20 specialized vascular and catheterization operations in San Salvador, El Salvador, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The operations were conducted between Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 by eight medical specialists.

The volunteer program is a part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, through KSrelief, to provide aid to those in need around the world.


Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 

Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 
Updated 03 October 2024
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Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 

Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 
  • Sirha Arabia gathered 300 exhibitors from the Kingdom and around the world to share their expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors

RIYADH: In collaboration with the Culinary Arts Commission and the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority, Sirha Arabia gathered 300 exhibitors from the Kingdom and around the world to share their expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors on Thursday.

“The experience is extremely positive: Sirha brought to Arabia a very high-profile audience and the organization has been premium, we could feel its quality,” Vittorio Rocchi, the CEO of Sitaf Saudi Co. for Trade, told Arab News.

Sitaf was established in 1976 and currently has a list of more than 3,000 products.

It was one of the main exhibitors presenting during Sirha Arabia with two large booths.

The company showcased live cooking shows in their kitchens offering guests the opportunity to sample pizzas, pasta, dairy products, and seafood.

“There is a fantastic production of fresh sushi and sashimi with dedicated Japanese chefs,” Rocchi told Arab News. “The highlight was the live cutting of a 180 kg fatty tuna, performed by a professional tuna cutter. Simply amazing,” he said.

The Kingdom is working to expand its position as a global player in the catering and hospitality sectors embracing international trends while showcasing local and international products and companies such as Sitaf.

Sirha Food is organized by Sirha Lyon, a globally renowned food service event, taking place every two years in Lyon, France.

The event has expanded to include Saudi Arabia on its list of host countries.

“This is the first time ever for Sirha in KSA and we believed a lot in it. We will continue our path with Sirah for the years to come and grow together,” Rocchi said.

Sirha Arabia consisted of 60 speakers and three pavilions: the Sirha Food Forum, the Sirha Food Masters, and Newcomers for exhibitors presenting for the first time.

The exhibition also served as a one-stop shop for chefs and businesses looking to start a restaurant or expand their at-home culinary portfolio.

The exhibition also hosted a masterclass in macaroons led by the executive pastry chef, Steve Thiery, and other international chefs.

Discussion sessions were hosted which highlighted topics such as Saudi and intentional flavor fusions, “inspiring the next generation of culinary and hospital experts,” dairy trade and export, and navigating the challenges of different markets.

Discussing the reactions of visitors, Rocchi said: “Most visitors were amazed by the size and display of the booth, but most importantly they were impressed by the chefs cooking at the live stations.

“They could enjoy the best flavors of Italian cuisine and this made everyone really happy,” he added.

“For sure, Sitaf is the leading Saudi company in gourmet food,” he stressed. “Sitaf has a range of 70 percent Italian products, we are very proud to be representing this country in the Kingdom. But Sitaf is more, we consider products all over the world as long as it is genuine and high quality,” he said.

On trade relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy, Rocchi said: “We would like to see more Saudi products expand their market share in Italy, I am sure they will because they are of very high quality.” 

He added: “On our hand, we will work to help Saudi brands and products improve and increase, it will work very well.“


‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy

‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy
Updated 03 October 2024
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‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy

‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy
  • Annual Riyadh International Book Fair began Sept. 26, ends Oct. 5
  • Over 2,000 publishers from 30 countries are participating in event

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani panelists at Saudi Arabia’s largest annual book fair said this week “cultural diplomacy” could open new arenas of cooperation between the two nations as they called for more quality translations of literature in the Arabic and Urdu languages and an exchange of writers and artists.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, themed “Riyadh Reads” and spread over 800 pavilions, is organized yearly by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

It began on Sept. 26 and runs to Oct. 5, with over 2,000 publishing houses from 30 countries participating, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The schedule includes seminars, panel discussions, poetry recitals, stage performances and workshops.

On Tuesday, the fair hosted a panel titled “Shared Voices: Literature and Art as Bridges of Culture and Understanding.”

It featured Ahmad Farooq, ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, and Ameena Saiyid, a well-known Pakistani publisher and the founder of the famed Karachi Literary Festival.

The panel was moderated by Yazed Almulhem, a strategic planning consultant with the Saudi Tourism Investment Company.

“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan historically shared close ties, but cultural diplomacy offered a new vista of deepening the relationship even further, as cultural affinities brought people together,” the Pakistani embassy said in a statement shared with media on Wednesday.

In pursuance of these efforts, the embassy said it was “meaningfully engaged” with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture through 11 cultural commissions, and several projects were in the pipeline.

Speaking to Arab News, ambassador Tarar, an author and the son of renowned writer Mustansar Hussain Tarar, said books “unified nations” and thus better translations were necessary for cross-acculturation.

“Having quality translations of good fiction and literature in Arabic and Urdu is very important to develop a stronger understanding of each other,” he said.

The author said the book fair was a “great opportunity” for an engaging conversation on culture’s role as a “bridge builder,” and its impact on fostering understanding across different societies and cultures.

“The messaging was very useful that indeed arts and literature can provide a great opportunity to connect different countries, especially countries from the wider Islamic world or Global South,” Tarar added.

“It is a very important tool for countries like us, such as Pakistan or even Saudi Arabia, to proactively pursue public diplomacy or cultural diplomacy in bringing forth the overall context of our society.”

Another panelist, Saiyid, a publisher and former managing director of the Oxford University Press, said literature festivals were essential as a “platform for cross-cultural dialogue.”

“They encourage us to engage with unfamiliar perspectives by listening to diverse voices, and through that, we actually break down stereotypes, and we foster greater understanding across borders,” she told Arab News over the phone from Riyadh.

“In our discussion, I actually emphasized the importance of exchange programs that bring artists and writers from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and vice versa, as this fosters understanding, helps us appreciate different viewpoints, and breaks down existing stereotypes.”

Saiyid, who in 2005 became the first Pakistani woman to be awarded the Order of the British Empire for her services to women’s rights, education, and intellectual property rights, said she hoped more Arab writers and artists would visit Pakistan.

This would allow them to “become a part of our festivals, which will help to promote understanding of cross-cultural literature and art,” she added.


Successful marketing tour of China and Singapore concludes

Successful marketing tour of China and Singapore concludes
Updated 03 October 2024
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Successful marketing tour of China and Singapore concludes

Successful marketing tour of China and Singapore concludes

JAZAN: The Saudi Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, represented by the Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries, has ended its 28-day marketing tour of China and Singapore.

The trip took in the International Logistics and Supply Chain Fair in China and the Seafood Expo Asia 2024 in Singapore. Both events are leaders in their field and offered a chance to highlight investment opportunities available in Jazan.

The tour also included a total of 33 visits across 12 cities to several major companies and factories specializing in the food industry and logistics services.

It also included organizing meetings in several Chinese provinces that were attended by more than 600 investors.