Muslim World League chief discusses law, religion at Harvard event

Secretary-General of the MWL Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Prof. Martha Minow, a senior member of the Faculty of Law at Harvard University, speak during the lecture. (SPA)
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Secretary-General of the MWL Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Prof. Martha Minow, a senior member of the Faculty of Law at Harvard University, speak during the lecture. (SPA)
Secretary-General of the MWL Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Prof. Martha Minow, a senior member of the Faculty of Law at Harvard University, speak during the lecture. (SPA)
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Secretary-General of the MWL Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Prof. Martha Minow, a senior member of the Faculty of Law at Harvard University, speak during the lecture. (SPA)
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Updated 29 September 2024
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Muslim World League chief discusses law, religion at Harvard event

Secretary-General of the MWL Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Prof. Martha Minow.
  • Al-Issa focused on the diverse interpretations of religious and legal texts and the potential contradictions that may arise, particularly in religiously diverse nations

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has delivered the lecture “Law and Religion: Prospects for Peace and Combating Societal Divisions” at Harvard Law School.

The event was attended by faculty members, policymakers and students, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Al-Issa focused on the diverse interpretations of religious and legal texts and the potential contradictions that may arise, particularly in religiously diverse nations.

He spoke of the principles necessary to maintain social unity, and addressed various religious and legal interpretations.

A discussion facilitated by Prof. Martha Minow, a senior member of the Faculty of Law, followed the lecture. This provided an opportunity for Al-Issa to elaborate on the roles of religion and law in fostering community cohesion and addressing division.

He outlined the challenges and threats facing societies today, along with proposed solutions and the essential guidelines for effective and fruitful dialogue.

The discussion also touched on historic and contemporary conflicts, examining the religious perspective on them and the associated legal responsibilities.

Al-Issa highlighted the MWL’s contributions, including the Charter of Makkah and initiatives aimed at building bridges between Islamic sects.


French Consulate in Jeddah hosts event to mark end of Red Sea International Film Festival

French Consulate in Jeddah hosts event to mark end of Red Sea International Film Festival
Updated 13 December 2024
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French Consulate in Jeddah hosts event to mark end of Red Sea International Film Festival

French Consulate in Jeddah hosts event to mark end of Red Sea International Film Festival
  • Gathering brings together key figures from Saudi Arabia, France
  • The consul general of France in Jeddah, delivered a speech highlighting France’s commitment to advancing Saudi cinema

JEDDAH: The French Consulate in Jeddah organized an event to mark the successful conclusion of the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival.
The gathering brought together figures from Saudi Arabia and France — representatives from film education institutions, members of the French delegation, and Saudi partners — underscoring the cultural and professional ties between the two nations in the film sector.
Mohammed Nehad, the consul general of France in Jeddah, delivered a speech highlighting France’s commitment to advancing Saudi cinema, emphasizing support in areas such as film training and education and helping to introduce the 48-Hour Film Challenge, which encourages Saudi filmmakers, writers, and cinema students to create a short film within just 48 hours.
He told Arab News: “The Red Sea Film Festival is an essential platform for bringing together French and Saudi filmmakers. It helps create strong cultural connections by offering opportunities for exchange, dialogue, and collaboration.
“This festival promotes the sharing of technical and artistic expertise. For us at the French Consulate, it represents a unique opportunity to support talent and strengthen the ties between the two nations through cinema, a universal art that transcends borders and unites cultures.”
The French Consulate’s support extends beyond the festival, with initiatives designed to foster cultural and artistic ties between Saudi Arabia and France. These initiatives include a strong presence at the Red Sea Souk, a dedicated marketplace for professionals, where the consulate organizes the souk’s closing evening to showcase collaborations between French and Saudi filmmakers.
Support for the 48-Hour Film Challenge also offers young teams the chance to win a three-week residency in France, further honing their creative projects.
Additionally, the consulate facilitates cinematic training programs in collaboration with educational institutions, transferring French expertise to Saudi talent.
Several companies from the French delegation, such as ICC Immersion, actively contributed to the Red Sea Souk, showcasing the consulate’s commitment to supporting the regional film industry and cultural exchange.
Nehad said: “We actively support emerging French talent, particularly those exploring new ideas and narrative forms.
“The Red Sea Film Festival is an ideal opportunity to showcase their work. The consulate facilitates their participation and encourages collaboration with Saudi filmmakers, fostering enriching exchanges for the international film industry.”


Global transplant experts gather for Riyadh conference

Global transplant experts gather for Riyadh conference
Updated 13 December 2024
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Global transplant experts gather for Riyadh conference

Global transplant experts gather for Riyadh conference
  • The three-day conference “brings together international experts to shape the future of transplant surgery”
  • The conference will include live demonstrations of robotic liver and kidney transplant surgeries

RIYADH: Dr. Majid bin Ibrahim Al-Fayyadh, CEO of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, inaugurated the International Consensus Conference on Minimally Invasive Organ Transplantation in Riyadh on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The three-day conference “brings together international experts to shape the future of transplant surgery,” according to the SPA, and “aims to develop international guidelines for minimally invasive transplantation through collaborative workshops and expert discussions, thus bridging the gap between available medical evidence and practical applications.”
Following the Danish Consensus model, recommendations will undergo rigorous review before being finalized, the SPA reported.
The conference will include live demonstrations of robotic liver and kidney transplant surgeries, providing participants with “advanced practical applications in minimally invasive organ transplantation techniques,” with the aim of “transferring expertise and familiarizing participants with the latest innovative surgical practices.”
KFSH&RC has already carried out several world firsts in robotic surgery, including the first robotic heart transplant and a complete robotic liver transplant program that has treated 40 patients so far.
The hospital has also been recognized by Newsweek as one of the world’s smartest hospitals for 2025 and named the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East by Brand Finance for 2024, the SPA reported.


International visitors immersed in Saudi heritage at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival

International visitors immersed in Saudi heritage at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival
Updated 13 December 2024
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International visitors immersed in Saudi heritage at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival

International visitors immersed in Saudi heritage at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival
  • Tourists from 16 countries attend event
  • A highlight for many visitors was a Saudi coffee-making demonstration

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival welcomed a diverse group of international tourists from 16 countries on Friday, marking a significant milestone for its ninth edition which is being themed “Pride for its People.”
The Saudi Press Agency reported that visitors expressed their satisfaction at the organization and heritage activities showcased at the event. They experienced at firsthand the traditions of Saudi Arabia’s camel heritage, including the crown prince’s competition featuring the majahim camel breed.
The festival’s cultural camp served as a hub for interactive experiences, in which tourists participated in traditional activities ranging from camel riding to milking demonstrations.
A highlight for many visitors, according to the SPA, was a Saudi coffee-making demonstration, which showcased the beverage’s cultural significance.
Visitors also explored the handmade products and traditional foods prepared by local families.
“The festival opened a window into an ancient culture,” said Carlos, a Spanish visitor, who described the camel experiences as “amazing,” and also noted that “Saudi coffee has a special character that reflects generous hospitality.”
Japanese tourist Chao said: “The precision in coffee preparation and attention to detail reflects a rich heritage.”
The festival, a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030, aims to promote cultural tourism and showcase Saudi heritage to an international audience. Through hands-on experiences featuring traditional crafts and local cuisine prepared by Saudi families, visitors gain deeper insights into the Kingdom’s cultural fabric.


Jeddah Book Fair 2024 opens its doors to culture, literature, and knowledge

Jeddah Book Fair 2024 opens its doors to culture, literature, and knowledge
Updated 13 December 2024
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Jeddah Book Fair 2024 opens its doors to culture, literature, and knowledge

Jeddah Book Fair 2024 opens its doors to culture, literature, and knowledge
  • The fair, organized by the Saudi Authority for Literature, Publishing, and Translation and held at the Jeddah Superdome, will run until Dec. 21
  • It features a cultural program with more than 100 activities

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Book Fair 2024 officially opened on Thursday, bringing together more than 1,000 publishing houses and local and international agencies from 22 countries with displays featured in more than 450 pavilions.
The fair, organized by the Saudi Authority for Literature, Publishing, and Translation and held at the Jeddah Superdome, will run until Dec. 21.
It features a cultural program with more than 100 activities, including lectures, workshops and seminars led by more than 170 experts from various fields.
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, general director of the General Administration of Publishing, highlighted the importance of the event, saying: “The Jeddah Book Fair reflects the commission’s commitment to supporting, developing, and promoting literature and culture in Saudi Arabia.”
He emphasized the fair’s leading role in presenting the efforts of local, Arab, and international writers and fostering interactive opportunities for visitors through a variety of artistic and literary activities. This initiative aligns with efforts to position Jeddah as a historic cultural center. Al-Wasil said: “The Jeddah Book Fair is not just an exhibition but a celebration of creativity, knowledge, and collaboration. It’s a chance to bring together diverse voices, talents, and cultures, fostering opportunities for a global exchange of ideas, literature, and artistry while solidifying Jeddah’s role as a cultural and historical hub for the region.”
A significant highlight of the fair is its interactive area for children aged 2 to 12. This dedicated space offers 40 unique activities that focus on writing, storytelling, theater, animation, and creative workshops, ensuring a fun and educational experience. Children can enjoy interactive storytelling sessions, handicraft workshops, and activities.
Mohammed Ali Hussein, who visited the fair with his children, said: “This fair definitely promotes a love of reading and helps children understand its value. My kids enjoyed the workshop activities designed for young readers, where they learned the basics of creating a cartoon novel and how to write a story. The fair is both educational and insightful.”
The fair also features a Manga Corner. Khalid Alatiq, the section organizer, said that it is a popular space for graphic storytelling enthusiasts to explore comics and visual narratives. Visitors can enjoy an array of content, including characters such as Satoru Gojo from “Jujutsu Kaisen” and Naruto Uzumaki.
Meanwhile, the Saudi authors pavilion features the latest publications by Saudi writers, allowing visitors to engage with local talent. Moreover, visitors will benefit from a discounted book area, part of the fair’s efforts to make books accessible to everyone.
Another notable feature of the fair is its celebration of the Year of the Camel, a tribute to the cultural significance of camels in the Arabian Peninsula. A special pavilion focuses on educating visitors about the camel’s historical and cultural importance, highlighting its references in the Qur’an, hadith, and centuries of Arab poetry.
Mehemoud Fateh, organizer from the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, told Arab News: “Our official participation aims to play a vital role in disseminating the historical and cultural narratives of the Arabian Peninsula.
“We are dedicated to introducing the valuable publications and research produced by King Abdulaziz House, ensuring that the region’s legacy and heritage are accessible to a wider audience,” he said.
“This initiative highlights the significance of preserving past and fostering cultural awareness, which strengthens our national identity.”
The fair also has a cultural theater, a space hosting daily performances that blend literature, art and music. Visitors can take part in workshops on writing and publishing, while engaging in dialogue sessions. A series of cultural discussions highlighted key aspects of Saudi literature and creativity.
One panel, “The Culture of Pseudonyms,” featured Mohammed Al-Mushwah and poet Abdullah Al-Ghabeen, moderated by journalist Mohammed Al-Ateeq. Dr. Al-Mushwah clarified the distinction between nicknames and pseudonyms, explaining: “A pseudonym implies borrowing and reflects an individual’s desire to express themselves without revealing their identity. Poets were the first to adopt pseudonyms as a way to freely convey their emotions without the constraints of their personal identities.”
Al-Ghabeen said pseudonyms are not unique to Arab culture, mentioning Saudi figures such as Samira Khashoggi, who published under the name Samira bint Al-Jazeera, and Huda Al-Arini, who went by Ghaida Al-Manfa. “What’s intriguing is that pseudonyms sometimes reflect traits that are completely different from the true personalities of their owners,” he added.
The “Your Book, Cinematic Criticism” workshop presented by Egyptian critic Ahmed Shawky captivated attendees with an exploration of film criticism and filmmaking essentials.
Shawky delved into critical writing methods and highlighted the importance of interpreting films through social and cultural lenses to foster a comprehensive critical vision. Discussing the critic’s role, he said: “The critic’s role is to serve as a cultural bridge between the film and its audience, providing an objective and unbiased analysis free from external influences that might compromise its integrity.” The session presented film criticism not just as an analysis but as an art form, requiring creativity and precision.
The first day of the book fair also featured the panel “Images and Stories: A History of Place,” with Ghada Abalkhail and poet Abdullah Al-Faris, moderated by Manal Al-Amri. Abalkhail argued that images express reality through the construction of imagination, urging attendees to carefully interpret visual media to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. She said: “Images communicate without the need for translation.”
Al-Faris, on the other hand, focused on storytelling’s potential to shape the image of a place. He spoke about visual documentation’s role in enhancing various types of tourism, saying: “Every image contains a story, and visual documentation plays a role in enhancing tourism — whether it’s religious tourism, heritage tourism, or tourism focused on language and customs.”
Al-Faris also acknowledged the impact of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, noting that literature and social media are key tools for preserving culture and enhancing tourism, positioning Saudi Arabia as a destination for creative and cultural exchange.
A session with acclaimed novelist Osama Al-Muslim explored his fantasy novel “The Opportunist,” which is centered on a mysterious riddle, a lone survivor, and resurfacing crimes. “Readers of my previous works will find a continuity that makes this novel more enjoyable, but new readers may need to read it more than once to uncover its details,” he said. “Repetition in characters quickly reveals the writer’s identity, which I strive to avoid.”
He also noted the growing prominence of Arabic novels in the cultural scene, saying: “Each era has its interest, and today, novels dominate the cultural scene, much like poetry did in the past.”
The Jeddah Book Fair is the third major book fair in Saudi Arabia this year, following the Riyadh International Book Fair in October and the Madinah Book Fair in August.
Dalia Al Harbi, a writer currently working on her own book, shared her experience at the fair: “Visiting the fair and speaking with authors and publishing houses has taught me a great deal. I gained insights into the writing process, the publication workflow, and how to connect with publishing houses more effectively. Events like these offer an invaluable opportunity to learn firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.”
The fair is open to the public, entry is free, and welcomes visitors every day from 11 a.m. to midnight, except on Fridays when it opens at 2 p.m. until midnight.


Saudi Arabia, UK agree to increase bilateral trade to $37.5 billion by 2030

Saudi Arabia, UK agree to increase bilateral trade to $37.5 billion by 2030
Updated 13 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia, UK agree to increase bilateral trade to $37.5 billion by 2030

Saudi Arabia, UK agree to increase bilateral trade to $37.5 billion by 2030
  • Saudi Arabia and UK look to strengthen economic partnership
  • Two sides welcome “significant progress" on GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom have emphasized the importance of strengthening their economic partnership, and reaffirmed their commitment to increase bilateral trade to £30 billion ($37.5 billion) by 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

A joint statement issued following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to the Kingdom on Dec. 9, when he was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, also stressed the importance of the role played by the Saudi-UK Strategic Partnership Council in enhancing cooperation between the two countries and reported that the next session of the council will hopefully be held when the two men next meet in the UK.

In Riyadh, the two sides reviewed the extensive progress made in “diversifying their relationship and in launching an ambitious program of cooperation to enhance mutual prosperity, strengthen shared security and tackle global challenges,” according to the SPA.

With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UK’s Industrial Strategy, both countries are investing heavily in industries that will “drive future global competitiveness, deliver jobs and prosperity for citizens, and deliver sustainable growth,” according to the statement.

The two sides also welcomed the “significant progress” that has been made on the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement. Officials will continue negotiations to finalize the agreement as soon as possible, the statement said.

Both sides commended the growth of their mutual investment relationship, noting significant Saudi investments in the UK in 2024, including the Public Investment Fund’s investments in Selfridges and Heathrow Airport, as well as its additional investment in Newcastle United Football Club, further building the growing ties between North East England and Saudi Arabia. 

The UK remains one of the largest foreign investors in Saudi Arabia. Building on the success of its landmark $700 million Shariah-compliant financing facility in Qiddiya earlier this year, UK Export Finance has announced plans to increase its market exposure to $6bn.

The joint statement highlighted the existing cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and the importance of enhancing cooperation in electricity and renewable energy, clean hydrogen and its applications. This will involve focusing on “the development of policies, regulations, and standards for clean hydrogen, clean-hydrogen business models, as well as capacity building as a key enabler for successful multilateral cooperation in the clean hydrogen sector.”

The two sides also stressed the importance of improving the reliability of global supply chains, particularly with the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative securing supplies for various global supply chains in areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen production, green minerals, specialized petrochemicals, waste recycling, and electric vehicles. 

They also welcomed the Kingdom’s launch of five special economic zones, targeting strategic industries and sectors, and offering British companies the opportunity to benefit from the incentives offered in those zones.
Both sides expressed their hopes of developing “long-term strategic partnerships that serve mutual interests,” the SPA stated. They agreed to work together to establish a consortium for clean hydrogen between Saudi and British universities, led by Newcastle University and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

The two sides underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation in the financial services sector — including banking, fintech, asset management, green finance, and insurance — and agreed to continue strengthening cooperation on critical minerals and mining to support responsible, diversified and resilient supply chains, including a partnership between the University of Exeter’s Cambourne School of Mines and the Saudi Mineral Innovation Acceleration Park. 

The UK reaffirmed its support for — and its planned high-level attendance at — the Saudi Future Minerals Forum, scheduled to take place in January.
The two sides “stressed the centrality of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, acknowledging the outcomes of COP29 and the importance of working in a constructive spirit to achieve an ambitious and balanced result at COP30 next year,” the SPA reported. 

The UK welcomed Saudi Arabia’s ambition and leadership through its Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative and its presidency of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16).

Both sides “agreed on the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation across various cultural sectors under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two Kingdoms” and agreed “to exchange expertise on heritage and museums infrastructure, including through the launch of a new executive program to strengthen the UK’s engagement in Saudi Arabia’s development of AlUla.”

The two countries also welcomed plans to increase the number of UK-branded schools in Saudi Arabia to 10 by 2030, and to open branches of UK universities in Saudi Arabia to support the Kingdom’s ambition of creating “a knowledge-based economy driven by excellence in education.” 

In the health sector, the two sides committed to increasing collaboration to benefit patients in both countries, including through joint initiatives to support the training of nurses. There are ongoing discussions between UK universities and potential Saudi partners on the establishment of a nurse training college in the Kingdom. 

The two sides agreed collaborate on the promotion of sports, with a particular focus on the participation of women. 

Building on decades of bilateral defense and security cooperation, the two sides committed to “a more ambitious, future-facing strategic defense partnership.”

The joint statement also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of humanitarian and relief work. Saudi Arabia and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to aligning efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and to holding an annual UK-Saudi Strategic Dialogue on Humanitarian Aid and International Development. They agreed to jointly fund projects worth $100 million, with a focus on urgent humanitarian assistance and development support.

The two sides highlighted the need for regional de-escalation and stressed the importance of adherence to international norms and the United Nations Charter, as well as reaffirming that the conflict in Gaza must come to an immediate end and hostages be released, in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024), and 2735 (2024). They also stressed the urgent need for Israel to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure to deliver aid to the Palestinian people, and to enable international and humanitarian organizations to do their work.

They also discussed how the UK and Saudi Arabia could work together to achieve a two-state solution that creates a lasting peace and allows Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side within secure and recognized borders. 

The two sides welcomed any steps to ensure the safety of the Syrian people and preserve the institutions and capabilities of the Syrian state.

Both Saudi Arabia and the UK stressed the importance of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, and a political settlement consistent with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

-ENDS-