Golden Pen Award invites Arabic writers to compete

Golden Pen Award invites Arabic writers to compete
Applications for the award, sponsored by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, will be accepted until Sept. 30. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 16 September 2024
Follow

Golden Pen Award invites Arabic writers to compete

Golden Pen Award invites Arabic writers to compete
  • Top literary works to win cash prizes, movie deals and global recognition

RIYADH: Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh has announced that Arabic-speaking writers can start submitting their works to compete for the Golden Pen Award, granted for the most influential literary work.

The winning scripts may be made into movies by the authority, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Applications for the award, sponsored by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, will be accepted until Sept. 30.

A longlist will be announced on Nov. 30, followed by the shortlist on Dec. 30. The awards will be presented at a ceremony scheduled to take place in February 2025, which is expected to draw an elite group of writers, intellectuals, filmmakers and actors.

The six award categories are — the grand prize, the novel, the screenplay, the best translated novel, the best Arab publisher, and the audience award, with a total prize value of $740,000.

For both the grand prize and the screenplay categories, the first-place prizes will be $100,000 and the production of a movie, the second-place prizes will be $50,000 and the production of a movie, while the third-place prizes will be $30,000.

In the novel category, there will be eight prizes worth $25,000 each, including the best suspense and thriller novel, the best mystery and crime novel, the best romance novel, the best fantasy novel, the best comedy novel, the best historical novel, the best horror novel, and the best realistic novel.

The best translated novel will receive $100,000, while the best Arab publisher will be awarded $50,000, and the audience award will be $30,000, with public voting to open on the award website at a later date.

Last week, at the inauguration of the Golden Pen Award website, Al-Sheikh said that the website would serve as a comprehensive repository of Arabic novels, screenplays and related content, aligning with large-scale productions underway across the Arab world, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Sheikh said the Golden Pen Forum would be a special gathering place for writers with free membership. He added that there would be specific criteria for selecting beneficiary members, making it a vibrant focal point throughout the year in the Arab world.

Chairman of the Golden Pen Award Saad Al-Bazei encouraged all Arab writers and authors to participate in the competition, which aims to enrich Arabic content with high-value works.


Saudi FM discusses Lebanon with French counterpart

Saudi FM discusses Lebanon with French counterpart
Updated 20 sec ago
Follow

Saudi FM discusses Lebanon with French counterpart

Saudi FM discusses Lebanon with French counterpart
  • The two ministers discussed efforts exerted to achieve ceasefire in Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed developments in Lebanon with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot.

The french minister was on an official visit to Riyadh, state news agency SPA reported on Saturday.

The two ministers discussed efforts exerted to achieve ceasefire in Lebanon.

They reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments.


Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh brings interactive experiences to life

Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh brings interactive experiences to life
Updated 27 min 15 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh brings interactive experiences to life

Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh brings interactive experiences to life
  • Business Hub to serve as a center for signing agreements, forging partnerships

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has announced the activities accompanying the second Saudi Film Confex, which is set to take place from Oct. 9-12 in Riyadh.

These activities will include interactive experiences, with the Business Hub as a key highlight. The space will serve as a center for signing agreements and forging partnerships among companies in the film industry.

In addition, Consultation Platforms will offer specialized advice on various aspects of filmmaking, from financing to production, and provide an area for freelancers to register and connect with companies needing their expertise.

An interactive activation will also be available, giving visitors hands-on experience in roles such as actors, photographers, directors, and other key positions within a film crew at the On-Set Challenge.

The Film Talk segment will bring together prominent figures in the film industry to share their success stories, insights, and experiences. Alongside this, an exhibition will showcase cutting-edge equipment used in aerial cinematography.

The Junior Filmmaker zone will provide children with an engaging introduction to filmmaking through interactive and simplified activities, while the Cinematic Arts zone offers insights into the art of makeup and costume design, demonstrating the process of transforming a character from concept to screen.

The Saudi Film Confex also features an exhibition representing key locations across the filmmaking value chain. It will showcase a specialized conference with 30 panel discussions and 15 workshops covering various aspects of the industry.

The activities are expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience, offering a deeper understanding of the film industry’s diverse aspects and shedding light on the untapped potential within this burgeoning sector.


Kingdom arrests 22,094 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 22,094 illegals in one week
Updated 05 October 2024
Follow

Kingdom arrests 22,094 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 22,094 illegals in one week
  • The report showed that among the 1,337 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 22,094 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 13,731 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,873 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,490 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,337 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 53 percent were Ethiopian, 44 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 37 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 23 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


KSrelief launches food aid project in Kyrgyzstan

KSrelief launches food aid project in Kyrgyzstan
Updated 05 October 2024
Follow

KSrelief launches food aid project in Kyrgyzstan

KSrelief launches food aid project in Kyrgyzstan
  • In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 370 shelter kits and 100 tents in the Taiz governorate in one day

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief launched a food distribution project on Saturday to assist vulnerable families in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital.

The event was attended by Saad bin Abdullah Al-Duwayan, acting charge d’affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, senior Kyrgyz officials, and a KSrelief team.

The initiative will see 8,100 food baskets distributed, benefiting over 35,000 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Duwayan spoke on Saudi Arabia’s ongoing global humanitarian efforts, emphasizing King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to ensuring food security.

Kyrgyz officials praised the project’s impact and the Kingdom’s humanitarian work.

In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 370 shelter kits and 100 tents in the Taiz governorate in one day, helping 2,220 people.

In the Abyan governorate, 735 food baskets benefited 5,145 people, and in the Aden governorate, 400 baskets aided 2,800 people.

In Pakistan, KSrelief provided 750 shelter kits in flood-hit areas of Balochistan and Punjab, aiding 5,250 people.

In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 1,000 food baskets to displaced families in River Nile State, helping 5,850 people.


Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan

Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan
Updated 05 October 2024
Follow

Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan

Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan
  • The event, hosted at Mushaf Air Base, brings together air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye in a comprehensive training scenario
  • Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, commander of the RSAF, saw off departure of Saudi contingent from King Abdulaziz Air Base in Eastern Sector

RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Air Force has deployed to Pakistan for the multinational Shield of Sindh 2024 exercise.

The event, hosted at Mushaf Air Base, brings together air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye in a comprehensive training scenario.

Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, commander of the RSAF, saw off the departure of the Saudi contingent from King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector.

Before takeoff, he conducted a thorough inspection of equipment and received detailed briefings on the operational readiness of flight crews, technical teams and support personnel. The Saudi contribution to the exercise is substantial, featuring a squadron of six Tornado aircraft.

Speaking about the exercise, he said: “Our participation in Shield of Sindh 2024 serves multiple objectives. It strengthens our bonds with Pakistan and other participating nations, while also providing a platform to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities and professionalism of the Royal Saudi Air Force, and allowing air and support crews to gain more combat experience in unconventional and electronic warfare environments.”