Saudi English authors hope to appeal to an international audience

A man browses a bookshelf during the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024. (AN photo by Loai Elkelawy)
A man browses a bookshelf during the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024. (AN photo by Loai Elkelawy)
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Updated 29 September 2024
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Saudi English authors hope to appeal to an international audience

A man browses a bookshelf during the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024. (AN photo by Loai Elkelawy)
  • Local writers aim for a wider readership

RIYADH: Saudi English-language authors are taking advantage of new publishing opportunities and aiming to spreading cultural awareness to an audience of international readers.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, which has long been a focal point for literary activity in the Kingdom’s capital, is supporting emerging authors who cater to English readers at home and abroad.

Fatemah Abdullah Al-Qahtani is a professor of creative practices at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.




Fatemah Al-Qahtani signs a copy of her book ‘Creativity and Conservatism’ during the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024. (Supplied)

In the past she faced rejections from regional publishers, who advised her to write in Arabic instead, before British publisher Austin Macauley this year decided to publish her book, “Creativity and Conservatism.”

Speaking to Arab News at the book fair, she described how her writing is aimed both at foreign audiences and the younger generation of Saudis who read English fluently.

“It’s an international language, especially with this new generation of teenagers now in Saudi Arabia.”

“Creativity and Conservatism” is described as an investigation into the formation of Saudi female artistic identity.

The book links the rich history of religion to the emerging artistic scene in the Kingdom.

“I talk about this from a pro-faith perspective,” she said. “I don't try to underestimate all of these schools of art. No, actually, the Saudi woman is smart enough to use it, to express it in her art practice.”

Al-Qahtani’s work argues that art from the Najd region — home of the Hanbali school of Islam — is influenced by the concepts of halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden).

In the Eastern Province, Al-Qahtani links the prevalence of surrealist art emerging from the region with its high percentage of Shia Muslims.

Western cities such as Makkah and Madinah are the centers of religion in the Kingdom, and they have historically been the most multicultural areas in the Kingdom.

For Al-Qahtani, this can be seen in the quality of artwork produced in the west, notably the trailblazing Safeya Binzagr who passed away earlier this month.

The author argues that the Shafi’i school of Islam in the south of the Arabian Peninsula influenced the art of the region, with its geometrical shapes and bright colors often seen adorning doors on local homes.  

Religious history laid the foundations for a collective understanding of art, according to Al-Qahtani.

“Even though I believe in the principle of individualism, especially in art, you need to be completely free: Art for art. However, it’s hard to avoid all of this. It’s rooted deeply in our mind, in the subconscious,” she said.

Halah Alshathri works full time as a vice president of admin and financial services at Jazira Group in Riyadh.

She draws on her experiences in the corporate world and in her spare time writes motivational material, providing advice to readers on how to master their chosen field.

Her new book — “Values of Mastery” — was a bestseller at the fair and was sold out soon after a public signing.  

“I was eager to publish in the English language,” she said, “because we have a good chance and a good opportunity to introduce how our society is coming out and supporting women in the working field.”

Focused on reaching the widest possible audience, Alshathri wants the world to know about the successes of Saudi women in business today.

Asked why she thought her book was so popular, Alshathri said that the growing competitiveness in the Gulf job marketplace was leading people to search for new ways to find an edge.

“The working environment has been very competitive … especially now in Saudi Arabia and in the GCC, for men and women.

“Everyone wants to do well, do better, and make a better social life and a working life and maybe also financial life.”

With a little adjustment, she believes anyone can optimize their life, make the most of their talents, and seize opportunities to better themselves.

“If you have the right values, with the right skills, you will get the opportunities right in front of you. You will work smarter and not harder.”

“You will not just be a working machine,” she added. “Actually, you use your mind, your soul and your heart in there, because you think of yourself, you think of others.”

Leen Al-Tamimi is a children’s author who wants her allegorical work to tell a universal message, not linked to any specific culture.




Leen Al-Tamimi signs a copy of her book ‘The Farmer With a Heart of Gold’ during the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024. (Supplied)

The best way to do that, for her, is to write in English, and to base her stories in far-off lands.

“The Farmer with a Heart of Gold” is a tale that teaches children the importance of behaving well, even in difficult circumstances.

“These are all universal values, not related to a certain culture or religion,” she explained. “This is why it was important for me for the story to be in English, and for the story to be for children, to kind of share those universal values that we all have as humans, not because we’re Saudi or we’re English or because we’re American or whatever we are.”

Al-Tamimi first wrote the story 10 years ago, when she was 16. At the time, she could not find an avenue for publication.

“Back then, things were a bit different. They weren’t as easy and they weren't as clear how to move forward with publishing a book,” she said.

“The support that we see today from publishing houses is amazing, honestly, compared to what existed back then.

“The book fair was a huge bonus for me for finding the best publishing house for the story,” she said.

As well as transcending cultural barriers, Al-Tamimi, like Al-Qahtani is interested in spreading her moral message to the next generation of Saudis.

“I always believe that children are the key to making the changes that we’re looking for in society,” she said.

“If you want to make a change, if you want to spread something positive, I always believe that you start with the children, and you create a better generation moving forward.”


Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference

Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference
Updated 19 sec ago
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Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference

Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference
  • Issue requires ‘multifaceted, sustained response,’ KSrelief chief tells Arab News

JEDDAH: After years of international neglect, the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region finally commanded global attention on Saturday as international leaders, humanitarian organizations, and government representatives convened in Jeddah for the High-Level Ministerial Donors Conference. 

Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali — struggling with conflict, displacement, and hunger. 

“The fact that we are all here today is already a success,” Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of KSrelief, told Arab News on the sidelines of the event. “This conference has brought a forgotten crisis back to the forefront, where it deserves to be, and we are giving voice to millions who have been ignored for too long.”

A crisis long overlooked by the world

For years, the multifaceted crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region has failed to capture the sustained attention of the global community. Despite the destabilizing effects of violent extremism, environmental degradation, and deep-seated poverty, the region has struggled to secure the international resources needed for an effective response. 

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the conference, Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s regional director for West and Central Africa, described the dire state of affairs.

“This is one of the most severe humanitarian crises we face, yet it receives far less attention than others,” Fagninou said. “Millions of women, children, and families are trapped in a cycle of suffering that the world seems to have forgotten.”

The violence that is responsible for much of the displacement of the local population in the area has largely been caused by armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, which continue to spread terror across northern Nigeria and the broader region. Their brutal insurgencies have forced more than 11 million people from their homes, creating one of the largest displacement crises globally.

Patrick Youssef, regional director for Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross, emphasized this during his interview with Arab News. “Every year, we see more displacement, more conflict, and an ever-widening gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available,” he said. “Conflict and climate change are converging, making the suffering of these populations unimaginable.”

A human catastrophe: displacement, hunger, and desperation

The humanitarian fallout from the crisis is staggering. Families displaced by conflict now reside in overcrowded camps where basic necessities — food, clean water, and medical care — are in critically short supply.

Al-Rabeeah stressed the human cost, saying: “The numbers are not just statistics — behind every figure is a person who has lost their home, their livelihood, and their sense of safety.”

With more than 3 million internally displaced persons in Nigeria alone and millions more across Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the region’s humanitarian needs are overwhelming.

A particularly pressing concern is food security. According to UNICEF, 13 million people are at immediate risk of malnutrition, with children disproportionately affected. Fagninou warned that the situation is on the verge of spiraling further into disaster.

“We are on the brink of a catastrophe,” he said. “If the international community does not act now, millions of lives are at stake. This crisis is happening now — it is not a distant threat.”

Climate change: a growing threat to stability

Compounding the region’s instability is the devastating impact of climate change. Lake Chad, once the heartbeat of economic and social life for nearly 30 million people across Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, has shrunk by a staggering 90 percent over the last 50 years due to climate change and unsustainable water use.

The loss of so much of the lake has severely undermined local economies, particularly in fishing and agriculture, while desertification is forcing nomadic herders and farmers into direct competition over dwindling resources.

Youssef highlighted the brutal reality of these interconnected crises in his interview, saying: “The interplay between violence, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation is overwhelming communities.

“We are seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change in real-time. Livelihoods are collapsing, and displaced populations are struggling to find even the most basic resources, such as water and food.”

Erratic weather patterns, including droughts and floods, have further worsened the situation, with agricultural production becoming increasingly unreliable. The Sahel region is now seeing the expansion of arid lands, driving migration and intensifying conflicts over resources. 

As Al-Rabeeah noted, addressing these environmental challenges is key to long-term stability. “It is not enough to provide immediate relief; we need to invest in sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies that can prevent future crises,” he said.

The urgent need for international action

Despite the magnitude of the crisis, it remains one of the most underfunded humanitarian emergencies in the world. The UN and international NGOs have repeatedly called attention to the funding gaps that have hampered efforts to meet basic needs, such as food, healthcare, and education. 

Al-Rabeeah underscored the importance of a sustained international commitment: “While food security and healthcare are immediate priorities, we must also focus on building resilience and creating pathways for development. This is not just a short-term emergency — it requires a multifaceted, sustained response.”

Both Fagninou and Youssef echoed his sentiments. Fagninou, speaking on the role of the global community, said: “The international community must recognize the urgency of this crisis and provide the necessary resources. Local governments are doing their part, but they cannot tackle this alone.”

Youssef, reflecting on the broader needs, remarked: “Humanitarian assistance alone will not end the suffering. We need a commitment to peace and stability, alongside humanitarian efforts. Without addressing the root causes of conflict, the cycle of violence and displacement will only continue.” 

A path forward: hope amid the crisis

The presence of high-level delegations, UN agencies, and major donor countries at the conference has produced a renewed sense of hope that the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region will no longer be overlooked, and signals a potential turning point in mobilizing international support. Al-Rabeeah, for one, expressed optimism.

“The fact that so many key stakeholders are at the table — from governments to international donors and UN agencies—means that this crisis is no longer being ignored,” he said. “I believe we can generate significant financial commitments, despite global economic challenges.”

This conference could prove to be a pivotal moment in the international response to one of the world’s most overlooked humanitarian crises. It is a call to action; a reminder that the people of the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin are not forgotten, and that — with the right support — there is still hope for a brighter future.


KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen

KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen
Updated 36 min 33 sec ago
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KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen

KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen
  • Under the terms of the agreement, 13,798 tons of essential food items will be distributed
  • The program will support activities that drive resilience by providing conditional financial assistance to participating families

JEDDAH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with the UN World Food Program at a high-level conference in Jeddah to provide $25 million in food aid to the most vulnerable families in Yemen, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The agreement was signed at the OIC Donor Conference to Support Displaced Persons and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, co-hosted by KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
It was signed by KSrelief’s senior adviser for medical and humanitarian research, Dr. Ziyad Meemish, and the WFP’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Carl Skau.
Under the terms of the agreement, 13,798 tons of essential food items will be distributed, and the program will support activities that drive resilience by providing conditional financial assistance to participating families, to establish and rehabilitate resources that support the food chain over six cycles.
The initiative will directly benefit 546,364 individuals and indirectly assist a further 57,313 people in the governorates of Hudaydah, Dhale, Marib, Al-Bayda, Hadhramaut, Al-Mahrah, and Socotra.
Supervisor-general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, held several meetings at the conference.
He met with Skau and the two sides discussed the latest developments in KSrelief-WFP projects, which provide essential food aid and improve living conditions in needy communities.
Skau commended the Kingdom’s significant humanitarian role, exercised through KSrelief.
Al-Rabeeah also met with UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya.
The two officials discussed cooperation and issues of common interest pertaining to relief and humanitarian affairs, as well as key topics tackled at the conference.
Additionally, Al-Rabeeah held a meeting with UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban.
They discussed humanitarian and relief efforts, particularly global support for children.


Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia

Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia
Updated 49 min 11 sec ago
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Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia

Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia
  • Kingdom’s unwavering support praised by minister

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr and Tunisian Minister for Equipment and Housing Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri have overseen the delivery of 1,568 housing units funded by the Saudi Fund for Development in Bakri city in the Ariana Governorate in northern Tunisia.

Abdullah bin Ali bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, the Saudi fund’s director of North Africa operations, was present at the occasion, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The initial phase of the project, which is being implemented in various governorates of Tunisia, involves the provision of 4,715 social housing units with concessional financing from the Saudi fund totaling $150 million.

The Tunisian minister expressed gratitude and appreciation to Saudi Arabia for its unwavering support.

Al-Saqr congratulated the families benefiting from the project, which is designed to provide adequate accommodation for Tunisian citizens.

He pledged the Saudi fund’s commitment to carrying out all of its guaranteed development projects in the various regions of Tunisia.

An $85 million contract was signed last month to construct and equip the King Salman bin Abdulaziz University Hospital in Kairouan, Tunisia, through the SFD.

The project aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, establishing Kairouan as a regional health hub for the northwest and central regions.

This will reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment and help bridge the development gap between Tunisian regions, promoting social growth and stimulating economic activity.

The Saudi fund has already provided Tunisia with funding for 32 development projects and programs through development soft loans totaling more than $1.23 billion.

In addition, Saudi Arabia has provided four grants through the fund, amounting to more than $105 million, to support various development sectors in Tunisia.


Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition

Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition
Updated 26 October 2024
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Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition

Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition

RIYADH: Hussein Al-Ghamdi, an 80-year-old farmer from Al-Makhwah governorate in the Baha region, has dedicated his life to preserving the ancient tradition of millet cultivation in the Shada Mountains.

By utilizing the region’s natural resources, he has transformed barren slopes into fertile terraces producing various crops, with millet as a staple, reports the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Ghamdi is passionate about agriculture and committed to passing on the tradition to future generations.

Millet, a resilient crop which is suited to the region’s arid climate, is an ingredient in local cuisine and is used to make dishes like bread and porridge. Its versatility and nutritional value have made it a staple food for centuries.

In recent years, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has recognized the importance of preserving the cultivation of millet.

It has initiated efforts to modernize farming practices to promote the crop’s nutritional benefits while expanding its cultivation area.

The annual millet festival in Al-Makhwah has also significantly revitalized the tradition and inspired younger generations to embrace agriculture.

By blending innovation with tradition, Al-Ghamdi continues to enhance the region’s food security and cultural heritage.


Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness

Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness
Updated 26 October 2024
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Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness

Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness
  • The three-day exhibition will feature workshops, meetings and lectures

RIYADH: The third Saudi Pet & Vet Expo, the only pet exhibition in the Kingdom, will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from Oct. 28-30.

The three-day exhibition will feature workshops, meetings and lectures addressing topics such as animal healthcare, disease prevention and modern veterinary care techniques.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will sponsor the event, creating an annual platform for local and international experts to exchange knowledge in veterinary medicine and pet care.

More than 120 exhibitors from 16 countries will showcase a range of products and services, including veterinary clinics, pet food companies, pet supply stores, vaccine manufacturers and animal welfare organizations.

It will also help to raise awareness about the importance of investing in the sector, encouraging pet adoption and promoting responsible ownership.

The event is expected to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors and raise awareness about pet care and welfare.

The Saudi Arabian market for pet care is estimated at about SR4.4 billion ($1.2 billion), with a growth rate exceeding 9 percent annually, according to statistics published on the expo’s official website.

Saudi Arabia also imports pet and bird food from 18 countries worldwide, including the US, Spain, Germany, Italy, Thailand, France, Turkiye, China and India.