Kingdom’s library brings Saudi culture to Chinese readers

Kingdom’s library brings Saudi culture to Chinese readers
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King Abdulaziz Public Library is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences through its publishing program. (Supplied)
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King Abdulaziz Public Library is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences through its publishing program. (Supplied)
King Abdulaziz Public Library is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences through its publishing program. (Supplied)
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King Abdulaziz Public Library is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences through its publishing program. (Supplied)
King Abdulaziz Public Library is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences through its publishing program. (Supplied)
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King Abdulaziz Public Library is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences through its publishing program. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 August 2024
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Kingdom’s library brings Saudi culture to Chinese readers

King Abdulaziz Public Library is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences.
  • A series of scientific, cultural and literary works in Arabic were selected for translation into various languages, including Chinese
  • Purpose of program is to present comprehensive portrait of contemporary Saudi culture to Chinese readers

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences through its publishing program.

A series of scientific, cultural and literary works in Arabic were selected for translation into various languages, including Chinese.

The purpose of the program is to present a comprehensive portrait of contemporary Saudi culture to Chinese readers, an official statement noted.

The first volume of “The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Saudi Arabia” is one of the most prominent works the library has translated into Chinese, and represents the first step toward translating all 20 volumes of the encyclopedia.

The volumes will cover all regions of the Kingdom with a focus on their history, archeology, culture and geography, economy, social patterns, customs and traditions, tourism, and wildlife.

The library also translated the book “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China: A History of Trade Relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula,” which highlights the contributions of the Arab-Islamic nation and China, and their scientific achievements in many fields such as astronomy, sciences, geography, agriculture and medicine, among others.

The book also shows their long-standing relations before and after the emergence of Islam, as they exchanged trade and travel via the Silk Road. The book reveals the reality of their cooperation and mutual understanding and is an important source for researchers from both civilizations, the official statement explained.

Among works selected for translation into Chinese is Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mana’s book “In the Footsteps of Al-Mutanabbi,” which documents the locations the Abbasid-era poet passed through during his journey from Cairo to Kufa.

Some of the books the library is also translating into Chinese include “Modern Woman in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Rights Challenges and Achievements” by Hend Al-Sudairy.

Al-Sudairy’s book places women in a broader cultural context, exploring diverse topics and historical developments and highlighting their social and economic contributions. It allows readers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the reality on the ground by examining and connecting Saudi women’s past with their present.

Other works to be translated into Chinese include “The Art of Sadu between the Past and the Present,” “Saudi Landmarks and Places,” and “Traditional Jewelry of Women in Central Arabian Peninsula.”

The library has also completed the translation of 11 children’s stories from Arabic to Chinese. These stories cover a wide range of topics, offering young Chinese readers a window into Saudi Arabia’s rich history and culture.

Since establishing its branch at Peking University in China six years ago, the library has been engaged in numerous activities aimed at introducing Chinese audiences to various elements of Saudi, Arab and Islamic culture.

The initiatives include facilitating seminars and workshops on traditional Saudi arts and the Arabic language.


Saudi, US military officials discuss ways to strengthen partnership

Saudi, US military officials discuss ways to strengthen partnership
Updated 16 September 2024
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Saudi, US military officials discuss ways to strengthen partnership

Saudi, US military officials discuss ways to strengthen partnership

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Commander of the Joint Forces, Lieutenant General Fahad bin Hamad Al Salman, received a delegation from the US armed forces in Riyadh on Sunday and discussed ways to strengthen the two countries' military partnership, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

General Fahad met with the delegation led by Vice Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper II, deputy chief of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), at the Joint Forces Command headquarters in Riyadh, the report said.

The reception was also attended by senior Saudi officers led by Major General Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, deputy commander of the Joint Forces.

CENTCOM, one of the 11 unified commands of the US Department of Defense, covers the Middle East, Northeast Africa, Central Asia and parts of South Asia.

 

 


In Saudi Arabia it’s never just coffee

In Saudi Arabia it’s never just coffee
Updated 15 September 2024
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In Saudi Arabia it’s never just coffee

In Saudi Arabia it’s never just coffee
  • We take a look at Saudi cafes keeping it fresh with creative marketing campaigns

RIYADH: In a market saturated with options, standing out is key, and some Saudi coffee shops have turned to quirky, attention-grabbing marketing strategies to attract customers.

From asking patrons to dance for their coffee to surprising communities with clever stunts, these marketing ideas are as creative as they are crazy. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing promotions that have stirred up a buzz in the Kingdom.

Dance for your coffee

At Daily Cup, a Riyadh coffee spot known for its lively atmosphere, customers are not just greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee but with an unusual challenge: dance for your coffee. The concept is simple yet effective. Anyone willing to bust a move in the front of store can earn themselves a free cup of coffee.

Namq launched a special promotion offering free coffee to anyone born in the 1990s. (Instagram/namq_cafe)

This lighthearted promotion quickly became a hit with younger customers, who relished the chance to show off their moves in exchange for a free drink.

“Honestly, it’s a lot of fun,” Deemah Mohammed, a local customer, told Arab News. “At first it was a bit embarrassing, but once you see others doing it, you realize it’s all about having a good time. Plus, who doesn’t love free coffee?”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Riyadh clubb! (@riyadhclubb)

Neighbor with a twist

When Nas in Dammam prepared to open a new branch in a quiet residential neighborhood, they decided to introduce themselves in an unexpected way. Residents found a polite note in their mailboxes that appeared to be from a new family moving into the area.

Half Million customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. (Instagram/halfmillion_sa)

The message, written with warmth and sincerity, apologized for any noise or disruption caused by the “housewarming party” preparations and assured neighbors that they were doing their best to minimize any disturbance.

What made this marketing strategy even more effective was its effect on social media. A post featuring the message quickly went viral on X, gaining nearly 17,000 likes.

At first glance, the note seemed to be from a friendly new family. But as residents soon discovered, this was in fact a marketing tactic by Nas, cleverly designed to create a sense of community and goodwill before the coffee shop officially opened its doors.

Half Million customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. (Instagram/halfmillion_sa)

This inventive approach not only generated buzz but also endeared Nas to the neighborhood, setting the stage for a welcome launch.

With this campaign, Nas demonstrated how a personal touch and a bit of creativity can go a long way in building customer loyalty, even before the first cup is served.

Free cuppa for ’90s kids

Namq, a modern coffee concept with a knack for connecting with the youth, launched a special promotion offering free coffee to anyone born in the 1990s. The targeted campaign sparked excitement, with millennials flocking to Namq outlets throughout the Kingdom for their free drink.

The promotion became a trending topic on social media, but it also left younger customers asking: “What about us?”

The wave of demand from Gen Z was so strong that another coffee shop in Riyadh, Bros, decided to follow suit with a similar offer, this time for customers born in the 2000s. The friendly competition between the two shops added a layer of excitement as coffee lovers compared which generation had the better deal.

 

Bring a lemon, get a cake

Saadeddin, a well-known patisserie in the region, took an unconventional route with one of its promotions. Customers were asked to bring a lemon to the store in exchange for a free cake. While it may sound odd, the idea quickly caught on.

Invoice for a refill

Half Million, another popular coffee chain in the Kingdom, introduced a clever promotion that encouraged repeat visits. Customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. This strategy not only incentivized customers to come back, but also subtly boosted the shop’s sales and customer loyalty.

“It’s a smart way to keep customers engaged,” said customer Nada Al-Harbi, who frequents Half Million. “You’re more likely to return if you know you can get another cup for free. Plus, it gives you an excuse to take a break in the middle of a busy day.”

Drive-thru surprises

When Cosmo opened a new branch in Dammam, they decided to treat their customers with unexpected gifts when they ring up the bill at their drive-through. Anyone who drove by could receive a free gift. The promotion created a sense of excitement and anticipation, with customers eagerly queuing up to see what surprise awaited them.

“A clever and attractive marketing idea because it feels more like a social experiment than a marketing campaign. Cosmo is known for its reputation and products, but this wasn’t about the product itself, it was a new experience with items you didn’t even know about,” said Wedad Bugrarah, the lucky recipient of a large box of desserts.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cosmo Cafe (@cosmocafe_sa)

Whether through humor, surprise, or a sense of community, these campaigns do more than simply promote a product — they create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.

Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of humor — or a lemon — to leave a lasting impression.

 


Three Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees arrested after receiving bribes: Nazaha

Three Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees arrested after receiving bribes: Nazaha
Updated 15 September 2024
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Three Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees arrested after receiving bribes: Nazaha

Three Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees arrested after receiving bribes: Nazaha
  • Bribes amounted to SR2,232,000 and were received in instalments in exchange for facilitating the smuggling and export of 372 shipping containers of diesel

RIYADH: Three employees of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority at the King Abdullah Port in Rabigh have been arrested after receiving bribes from six residents.

The bribes amounted to SR2,232,000 ($594,814) and were received in instalments in exchange for facilitating the smuggling and export of 372 shipping containers of restricted petroleum products (diesel), and using the names of commercial entities in the smuggling process.

Legal procedures against the three employees and six residents are underway in accordance with the laws and regulations, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) said on Sunday.

The names of the employees, who are citizens, are:

1. Rashid Mohammed Al-Shabrami

2. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Jizani

3. Saleh Hamoud Al-Harbi

The names of the residents are:

1. Osama Mohsen Al-Olaqi (Yemeni resident)

2. Abdulaziz Omar Al-Qaeti (Yemeni resident)

3. Hussein Omar Al-Qaeti (Yemeni resident)

4. Fouad Salahuddin Bair (Pakistani resident- investor)

5. Mohammad Ghanim Al-Manla (Syrian resident)

6. Saeed Awad Bazbaidi (Yemeni resident)


Shoura Council speaker meets newly appointed Saudi ambassadors in Riyadh

Shoura Council speaker meets newly appointed Saudi ambassadors in Riyadh
Updated 15 September 2024
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Shoura Council speaker meets newly appointed Saudi ambassadors in Riyadh

Shoura Council speaker meets newly appointed Saudi ambassadors in Riyadh
  • Al-Sheikh wished the ambassadors success in performing their diplomatic duties

RIYADH: Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh met with the newly appointed Saudi ambassadors of several countries in Riyadh on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ambassadors in attendance included Ibrahim Bishan, ambassador to Oman; Mishaal Al-Sulami, ambassador to Mauritania; Mohammed Al-Barakah, ambassador to Ukraine; Fawaz Al-Shabili, ambassador to Cyprus; and Abdullah Sabr, ambassador to Mali.

Al-Sheikh wished the ambassadors success in performing their diplomatic duties in a way that contributes to strengthening relations between the Kingdom and the countries to which they were appointed.

 


Saudi Arabia condemns knife attack on Comoros president

Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
Updated 15 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia condemns knife attack on Comoros president

Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
  • President of Comoros was “slightly injured” in a knife attack while attending the funeral of a religious leader on Friday
  • Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry wished the president a speedy recovery

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
The president of the Indian Ocean island nation was “slightly injured” in a knife attack while attending the funeral of a religious leader on Friday, his office said.
The suspect, who was identified as a 24-year-old male soldier, was then found dead in a police cell on Saturday.
The Kingdom affirmed its support for Comoros and its people in the face of all threats to its security and stability.
The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry wished the president a speedy recovery and the country’s people safety, stability, and prosperity.
Assoumani’s injuries were not serious and he had returned to his home, his office has said in a statement. It added that the attacker was arrested by security forces and was taken into custody, but authorities said he had been discovered a day later “unresponsive” in a cell where he was being held and was declared dead.