Literacy campaign in Al-Baha reaches more than 1,400 students

Literacy campaign in Al-Baha reaches more than 1,400 students
A comprehensive literacy campaign in the Al-Baha region is currently serving 1,410 adult learners. (SPA)
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Updated 12 July 2024
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Literacy campaign in Al-Baha reaches more than 1,400 students

Literacy campaign in Al-Baha reaches more than 1,400 students
  • The campaign operates through 32 educational centers across the region
  • The program aims to reach citizens in their local communities

RIYADH: A comprehensive literacy campaign in the Al-Baha region is currently serving 1,410 adult learners, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative, dubbed “Al-Baha Without Illiteracy,” is a joint effort between the General Administration of Education in Al-Baha’s Al-Aqiq sector and several government agencies.
The campaign operates through 32 educational centers across the region, with 12 centers for men enrolling 390 students and 20 centers for women accommodating 1,057 learners. These centers are staffed by qualified educational and administrative personnel, supported by 27 additional participants.
Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al-Zahrani, director general of education in Al-Baha, highlighted the campaign’s alignment with national priorities. “Literacy promotion is a civilized approach championed by our leadership,” he said. “It is part of our commitment to lifelong learning and preparing an educated generation capable of serving their country and community.”
The program aims to reach citizens in their local communities, offering basic literacy skills alongside religious, cultural, social, and health education. It also emphasizes strengthening national identity and civic engagement.
Currently in its summer phase, the campaign has seen enthusiastic participation from adult learners eager to acquire reading and writing skills. The curriculum extends beyond basic literacy to include enhancing national belonging sense, digital literacy, health awareness, environmental education, and learning to use electronic systems and applications.
According to SPA, the initiative brings together resources from government agencies and non-profit organizations to deliver a holistic educational experience. It aims to develop life skills and achieve educational and cultural goals, ensuring quality education for all beneficiaries. Its objectives also include reducing illiteracy rates, fostering patriotism and love for the country and its leadership, and raising awareness on various religious, societal, health, economic, environmental, and cultural issues.


Saudi authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday

Saudi authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday
Updated 23 January 2025
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Saudi authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday

Saudi authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday
  • The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday
  • It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Kingdom with the inclement weather to continue until Monday.

The National Center for Meteorology said in its forecast: “There are chances of moderate to heavy rain in most areas of the Kingdom starting Thursday. Cloudy weather will continue until Monday.”

It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions, the NCM said.

The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday, it added.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense also issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with heavy thunderstorms expected to continue until Monday.

The Makkah and Riyadh regions may experience moderate to heavy rainfall, hailstorms and dust-stirring winds, it said.

Moderate to heavy rain is also forecast for Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, the Eastern Region, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders.

Light to moderate rain may fall in Madinah. Najran and Tabuk may experience light rain showers, it added.

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions and avoid areas prone to flash flooding, such as valleys.

“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it said.

It also called on the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates through Civil Defense channels as well as the NCM.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and Hajj seasons, the NCM launched training programs for employees of the Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques to enhance precautions against extreme weather phenomena.

 


Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition

Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition
Updated 23 January 2025
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Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition

Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition
  • Artist’s late father inspired the display
  • Photographs, digital art and videos portray scenes of prayer

RIYADH: An exhibition in Bahrain by Saudi artist Emtethal Al-Awami’s explored themes of memory, nostalgia, and the intersection of past and present.

“101 Hymns” featured photographs, digital art and videos portraying scenes of prayer, providing a rich and visually engaging experience.

Al-Awami, from Qatif, told Arab News the idea for the exhibition was inspired by her late father, whose actions and movements during prayer and tasbih she had observed throughout her life.

“The movement of his fingers between the beads of the prayer rosary and the sound of his voice reflected moments of serenity and reassurance, embodying feelings of forgiveness and harmony,” she said.

“The scene represents a deep connection with the self, offering a person the time to reflect and return to their true essence.”

The prayer rosary, a symbol of spirituality used across different religions and cultures for over 3,000 years, served as a tool to restore calm amidst the chaos and speed of everyday life, added Al-Awami.

“101 Hymns” sought to show how prayer and tasbih become a sanctuary in a world of pressures and challenges, opening the door to tranquility.

“By observing my father, I realized that these moments provide valuable lessons on patience and serenity, as the soft sound of the prayer beads soothes the soul and offers a deep sense of security,” she said.

After taking time to mourn and reflect following her father’s death around 18 months ago, the Saudi artist said she was determined to complete the project and present it in his honor.

“He was my inspiration and my first supporter, and this idea reflects my love and pride for his spiritual journey, which I aspire to share with others through this exhibit,” she told Arab News.

Al-Awami’s journey as an artist began at an early age with a deep fascination for art and its vast possibilities in various forms of expression. She studied art education at King Saud University in Riyadh, graduating in 1996.

“The initial spark of my artistic journey can be traced back to a specific moment of introspection as I observed the world around me — seeing the beauty in everyday life and realizing the power of visual storytelling,” she said.

She added she was inspired to commit to the pursuit of art as a form of synthesis between individual experiences and broader societal themes.

During her journey to becoming a professional artist, Al-Awami experimented with different styles and mediums which allowed her to progress and refine her voice, establishing her own artistic identity.

“I have learned to weave cultural narratives into my work, and my experiments with different styles and ideas enrich my artistic practice, allowing me to tell diverse stories through my art,” she explained.

As a Saudi artist, Al-Awami often highlights cultural narratives shaped by her own experiences. Arabian art is distinguished by its unique disposition, rooted in a rich history of spiritual, cultural and social chronicles, she said: “It embodies a fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary themes, continually reflecting the dynamic nature of Arab identity, resilience, and creativity across generations.”

Al-Awami emphasized the significant development the artistic community has seen in the Arab world, especially in Saudi Arabia.

Marked by increased recognition of contemporary artists and openness to diverse forms of expression, the Kingdom’s art scene is strongly supported by the government under the Ministry of Culture.

“The emergence of new platforms for showcasing art has revitalized the art scene, fostering collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries,” Al-Awami said.

“As a Saudi woman and artist, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to authentically represent my community. This journey requires overcoming challenges, yet it is rewarding to shed light on the arts and demonstrate that creativity and expression are equally important (as STEM) in enriching society.”


Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Updated 23 January 2025
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

RiDUBAI: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the United States, discussing areas of mutual cooperation and ways to further enhance them.

They also addressed the latest regional and international developments and exchanged views on several issues of common interest.


KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need
Updated 23 January 2025
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KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided further relief to thousands in Syria, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief distributed 98 food packages, 113 bags of flour, 15 winter kits and 15 personal care kits to those most in need in Al-Rastan city in Homs governorate.
The initiative benefited 538 people from 113 families as part of a relief material distribution project in Syria.
Meanwhile, 3,271 people from the most vulnerable families affected by the 2023 earthquake in the town of Jindires in Aleppo governorate received shopping vouchers.
They can be used to purchase winter clothing of their choice from approved stores, as part of a winter clothing distribution project in Syria.


Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research

Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
Updated 23 January 2025
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Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research

Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
  • KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, among prize recipients
  • Kingdom solidifies its global standing in developing marine solutions to combat the effects of climate change

JEDDAH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has been awarded the prestigious Japan Prize for its research into advancing the understanding of changing marine ecosystems and blue carbon.

The university’s achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s global standing in developing marine solutions to combat climate change, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, is among the recipients of the Japan Prize. His groundbreaking work in marine ecology has earned him international recognition.

Professor Carlos M. Duarte in mangrove wetlands at KAUST. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

KAUST’s board of trustees’ secretary-general, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, expressed pride in the university’s achievement, emphasizing its role in enhancing global understanding of marine ecosystems.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainable climate-change solutions and marine conservation, a milestone reflecting KAUST’s commitment to excellence as a part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Established in 1985 and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Japan,” the honor is awarded annually to scientists who make exceptional innovations in science and technology that promote peace and prosperity for humanity.

Duarte will travel to Tokyo in April to receive the award from Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.