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.


Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday
Updated 58 min 2 sec ago
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Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday
  • The Makkah region is expected to receive heavy rain that may lead to torrential downpours, hail, and strong winds

RIYADH: The Saudi Civil Defense warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom until Sunday as the country experiences cooler autumn weather.

The authorities urged people to avoid areas susceptible to flooding, not to swim in open water, and to follow instructions issued through social media channels.

The Makkah region is expected to receive heavy rain that may lead to torrential downpours, hail, and strong winds.

moderate-to-heavy rain expected to affect the Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions, while Najran and Madinah regions might see drizzle to moderate rain.

September 1st signaled the official start of autumn in Saudi Arabia.

The season is usually rainy, with rapid fluctuations in weather patterns, providing much-needed respite from the heat, according to the  National Center for Meteorology.

Temperatures are anticipated to remain elevated until the middle of the month, with significant fluctuations expected in temperature.


Saudi crown prince to deliver annual royal address at Shoura Council on Wednesday

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 17 September 2024
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Saudi crown prince to deliver annual royal address at Shoura Council on Wednesday

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The crown prince will deliver the address on behalf of King Salman
  • Address will cover the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on international issues

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will deliver an annual royal address to inaugurate the first year of the ninth session of the Shoura Council on Wednesday.

The crown prince will deliver the address on behalf of King Salman and it will cover the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on regional and international issues, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Shoura Council Speaker Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh said the council is guided by the contents of the royal address every year in its work, discussions, and decisions. 


Purrfect plan to pamper kitties by cat company in Saudi Arabia

Purrfect plan to pamper kitties by cat company in Saudi Arabia
Updated 17 September 2024
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Purrfect plan to pamper kitties by cat company in Saudi Arabia

Purrfect plan to pamper kitties by cat company in Saudi Arabia
  • Horayra Community’s ‘1 Million Cats’ campaign wants to ensure no cat naps hungry

JEDDAH: A Saudi Arabia cat food company, inspired by Islam’s directives on treating animals with love and kindness, is helping to take care of strays and those abandoned in the Kingdom.

The Horayra firm is named after Abu Huraira, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Abu Huraira, which means “Father of the kitten,” was given his nickname due to his affection for a kitten.

Horayra Community’s initiative to feed and take care of stray cats brings together experts, cat lovers and rescuers across the Kingdom. (AN photos/Supplied)

When tending to people’s sheep he would carry the kitten with him, playing with it during the day and placing it in a tree at night for safety. This reflects the values of compassion and love for animals that is at the heart of the company’s Horayra Community.

Saud Al-Sohimi, owner of the brand, told Arab News: “The goal is to feed the largest number of needy cats, promote the culture of compassion for animals, and rescue them from homelessness.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Horayra Community launched the ‘1 Million Cats’ campaign recently to feed this number of cats across the Kingdom by distributing free food to rescuers and pet stores.

• The brand donates cat food for strays with every purchase of a Horayra product, which is certified by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

The initiative brings together experts, cat lovers and rescuers across the Kingdom.

They manufacture special bags for stray cats which are distributed to supervisors in the Horayra Community for delivery to rescuers across Saudi Arabia. (AN photos/Supplied)

They launched the “1 Million Cats” campaign recently to feed this number of cats across the Kingdom by distributing free food to rescuers and pet stores.

The company has offered SR5,000 ($1,332) to someone who has the best story about feeding a cat.

The goal is to feed the largest number of needy cats, promote the culture of compassion for animals, and rescue them from homelessness.

Saud Al-Sohimi, Horayra brand owner

By sharing videos with the campaign’s hashtag on social media, the community contributes to a larger story of collective effort and compassion, Al-Sohimi explained.

Speaking about the company’s products, he added that it is made “from natural ingredients, ensuring their health and care.”

Milo, a rescued stray cat finds a new life in the Philippines after being adopted through the Horayra Community's rescue services. (Supplied)

The company also donates cat food for strays with every purchase of a Horayra product, which is certified by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and is available in Qatar and Kuwait.

They also manufacture special bags for stray cats which are distributed to supervisors in the Horayra Community for delivery to rescuers across the Kingdom.

Reflecting on the public’s love for cats, Al-Sohimi recalled how a woman in Riyadh rescued a cat with a severed tail. “She took the cat in, cared for it, and nursed it back to health. Unable to keep it, she put the cat up for adoption,” he said.

A Filipino man, living in Riyadh adopted the cat, and took it with him to the Philippines.

“There, the once-stray cat’s life transformed completely. It became a cherished pet, eventually had kittens, and lived a happy life filled with love and care, known as Milo to its new family,” said Al-Sohimi.

At the end of the year, the Horayra Community intends to honor the people who contributed to the campaign.

“The Horayra Community’s members are increasing every day. It is a shining example of the compassion and kindness of the Saudi people toward animals.

“Their efforts have significantly improved the lives of stray cats across the Kingdom, fostering a healthier environment for both humans and animals.” Al-Sohimi said.

 


Course bids to enhance hiking safety at Saudi royal reserve

Course bids to enhance hiking safety at Saudi royal reserve
Updated 17 September 2024
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Course bids to enhance hiking safety at Saudi royal reserve

Course bids to enhance hiking safety at Saudi royal reserve
  • The course highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two bodies to enhance skills in tourism activities at reserves

RIYADH: The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation, has hosted a two-day hiking risk assessment course at King Khalid Royal Reserve.

Some 25 participants, including tourist guides, hiking enthusiasts and local community members, attended the event to obtain skills in identifying hazards faced by outdoor sports practitioners, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The course covered risk analysis, avoiding common hiking mistakes, and safety strategies, including emergency risk management.

A key component was a five-step risk assessment process: identifying hazards, assessing who might be at risk, evaluating hazard levels, controlling and mitigating risks, and applying these skills in simulations of diverse terrains.

The course highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two bodies to enhance skills in tourism activities at reserves.

 


Saudi Cabinet stresses importance of ending Israeli aggression in Gaza Strip

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
Updated 17 September 2024
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Saudi Cabinet stresses importance of ending Israeli aggression in Gaza Strip

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
  • Cabinet praised the outcomes of the fourth meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Joint Committee
  • Crown prince briefed the Cabinet on recent meetings with the prime ministers of Egypt and China

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet stressed the importance of stopping Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and working to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into the territory on Tuesday. 

The Cabinet also welcomed the contents of a statement issued at a ministerial meeting held in Madrid on Friday on how to advance a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and efforts to resolve the war in Gaza.

The “Madrid meeting focusing on the implementation of the Two State solution” was hosted by Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares Bueno and was attended by representatives of EU member states, European countries, a number of Arab countries, and members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefed the Cabinet on the written message he received from the president of Angola and his recent meetings with the prime ministers of Egypt and China.

The Cabinet praised the outcomes of the fourth meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Joint Committee which highlighted a mutual interest in enhancing cooperation in the fields of security, energy, trade, investment, finance, culture, and tourism.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s participation in regional and international meetings as part of its ongoing efforts to cooperate with countries and organizations to achieve regional security and stability and address global challenges through various means.