Jadal Library: A cultural oasis in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

Ali Al-Herz (right) turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
1 / 6
Ali Al-Herz (right) turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
2 / 6
Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
3 / 6
Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
4 / 6
Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
Ali Al-Herz (pictured) turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
5 / 6
Ali Al-Herz (pictured) turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
6 / 6
Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 15 June 2025
Follow

Jadal Library: A cultural oasis in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

Ali Al-Herz (right) turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
  • Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books, offering visitors space where memory, philosophy, culture come alive

DHAHRAN: In the quiet village of Umm Al-Hamam, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, a lifelong passion for books has been transformed into a cultural haven.

Ali Al-Herz, a bibliophile and literary archivist, has turned his home into Jadal Library, a treasure trove of over 37,000 books, more than 100,000 newspapers and magazines, and antiques, some dating back more than a century. 

Yet Jadal is not just a library; it is much more than that. It is a museum to explore, a philosophical space to reflect, and a stand against forgetting important cultural stories.

Al-Herz told Arab News: “Since I was born I have been surrounded by my mother’s books. I grew up immersed in this passion to the point where it completely took hold of me; I became a bookworm.”

The spark that ignited it all was when Al-Herz encountered the epic “Sirat Antar” at age 13. “From that epic and through it, I began to look into other worlds,” he said.  

This curiosity and fascination ultimately led Al-Herz to create one of Saudi Arabia's most unique initiatives.

The name “Jadal” means “debate” or “discussion” in Arabic, reflecting the library’s curious spirit. For Al-Herz, the goal is not just to preserve texts but also to preserve the idea of questioning and exploring ideas.

Al-Herz said: “I chose this name for the library because it is deeply rooted in ancient Greek philosophical history and in our own Arab-Islamic cultural tradition, particularly in our religious heritage.”

The philosophical atmosphere fills three main halls — named after Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle — which welcome visitors into a curated world of reading and reflection.  

Rare manuscripts, ancient texts, newspapers, and antiques have been carefully archived. Each piece is a whisper from the past speaking into the future. 

Al-Herz explained: “Even my recent focus on buying books has mostly shifted toward rare editions and old prints, to create a harmony between heritage and modernity.”

But Jadal is not stuck in nostalgia, as every two weeks Al-Herz holds a literary gathering. The event brings back a tradition that was once important in the intellectual life of Arabs.

It is an environment where writers, scholars, and thinkers gather over Arabic coffee to exchange ideas in a vibrant atmosphere.

And in a time when people seek instant information online, Al-Herz still uses traditional methods. “There is an ongoing struggle between two generations,” he observed. “Victory will ultimately go to this latter generation once my generation becomes extinct. Paper libraries will then be transformed into museums.”

Perhaps he is right; but for now, in the heart of Qatif’s countryside, Jadal Library lives on, and it is a place where ink, memory, debate, and heritage continue to shape the cultural soul of the Kingdom.


MWL introduces updated strategy and framework

The MWL event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures.
The MWL event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures.
Updated 47 min 55 sec ago
Follow

MWL introduces updated strategy and framework

The MWL event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures.
  • The event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures
  • Modernization initiative reflects league’s commitment to adapting to the evolving global landscape

MAKKAH: Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa presided over the inauguration of the league’s enhanced strategic plan and updated governance framework.

The event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures, according to a recent report.

This comprehensive modernization initiative reflects the league’s commitment to adapting to the evolving global landscape and expanding the scope of its mission.

The plan particularly emphasizes expanding international programs to promote the “Charter of Makkah” and the “Charter for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.”

Al-Issa said the initiative advances the league’s vision, mission, goals, and values through a forward-looking strategy and governance model.

He also reaffirmed that the league’s founding principles, as set out in its statutes, remain steadfast and continue to guide its efforts to develop and modernize in service of the global Muslim community.


Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage

Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage
Updated 13 July 2025
Follow

Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage

Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage
  • Al-Hadi said the museum project focuses on documenting rare trees, insects, birds, and traditional agricultural tools

RIYADH: In a valley beneath the Asir Mountains, local environmentalist Lahiq Al-Hadi is developing an educational environmental museum to raise awareness and attract tourists while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Al-Hadi, from the Rijal Almaa governorate in the Asir region, said the museum project focuses on documenting rare trees, insects, birds, and traditional agricultural tools, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A section will highlight beekeeping and honey production, showcasing the local flowers that support bees, and the endangered seeds the museum aims to preserve and propagate, Al-Hadi added.

On the edge of his farm near the valley, Al-Hadi has replanted more than 68 species of local trees and plants that were once rare or threatened.

He spends time sourcing rare seeds and distributes them to interested growers, believing that “every seed planted means a new hope will sprout in the earth.”

Al-Hadi noted his efforts are showing results, with the environment improving. He has seen migratory bird species return after replanting the vegetation they depend on.

The museum also includes a pavilion focused on Asir’s traditional stone architecture, providing insight into the region’s cultural heritage.


Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing

Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing
Updated 13 July 2025
Follow

Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing

Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing
  • The program includes a workshop on the effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions

RIYADH: The Saudi-backed Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition will launch a Sahel countries program in N’Djamena on July 14-15, with the support of Chadian Minister of Armed Forces, Veterans and War Victims Issaka Malloua Ndjamous.

The program includes a workshop on the effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, UN conventions, and other relevant international standards, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aims to build national capacities in the Sahel to combat terrorism financing and money laundering by equipping security, military, and regulatory personnel with tools aligned with international standards.

The program also seeks to enhance regional cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise among relevant agencies, the SPA added.

The workshop will gather experts from security, regulatory, financial and judicial bodies to discuss challenges, review successful models, and propose practical mechanisms for regional cooperation and implementation of UN resolutions and conventions.

The initiative is part of coalition efforts to strengthen national and regional measures against terrorism financing and to support security and stability in the Sahel through an integrated approach addressing ideological, media, financial and military dimensions.


Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka

Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka
Updated 13 July 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka

Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka

OSAKA: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture is hosting a cultural week in Osaka, Japan until July 15, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich heritage and showcasing handmade products.

Taking place at the Expo Gallery EAST, the event coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

The week highlights the “Year of Handicrafts 2025” initiative, showcasing the Kingdom’s creative industries and the craftsmanship to Japanese and global audiences.

The event includes a photography exhibition depicting the history of the two countries’ bilateral ties.

Additionally, the Heritage Commission is hosting an exhibition of traditional Saudi crafts in collaboration with the Saudi Artisanal Co., according to the Saudi Press Agency, featuring live demonstrations of palm frond weaving, Sadu weaving, and clay pot making.

The culture week will also host traditional Saudi majlis paired with Saudi coffee and dates as well as a joint musical performance.

Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will feature more than 700 immersive cultural activities, showcasing the Kingdom’s innovation and heritage, SPA reported recently.

The cultural week is a part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia, Japan and other nations.

• This article also appears on Arab News Japan


Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector

Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector
Updated 12 July 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector

Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector
  • Culinary Commission’s latest move is ‘a dream come true’ for chefs

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has launched a freelance license for chefs via the Abde’a Cultural Licenses Platform.

The commission’s CEO, Mayada Badr, told Arab News: “The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom’s culinary sector.”

The newly introduced license will enable Saudi nationals aged 18 and above — and who hold certified culinary training and valid food safety or health certifications. (Supplied)

Abde’a, an e-platform developed to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, is operated under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture.

The newly introduced license will enable Saudi nationals aged 18 and above — and who hold certified culinary training and valid food safety or health certifications — to legally provide freelance culinary services, paving the way for wider freelance opportunities in diverse venues and events across the Kingdom.

The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom’s culinary sector.

Mayada Badr, Saudi Culinary Arts Commission CEO

The initiative will “support skill development and career growth in the sector, as well as recognition and credibility by reinforcing adherence to professional standards in the culinary field,” according to a statement.

Chef Rawan Al-Harthi, a Jeddah-based pastry chef, said: “This license gives us the freedom to showcase our culinary identity while working independently and legally. It’s a dream come true for chefs who want to grow their brand without being tied to a restaurant.”

Another chef, Faisal Al-Malki, echoed Al-Harthi’s sentiments. “Being recognized as a licensed freelance chef adds value to our profession and pushes us to raise the bar in terms of quality and creativity,” he said.

The launch of this initiative “underscores the commission’s commitment to expanding opportunities for local culinary talent, while fostering a culture of creativity and professionalism,” a press release stated.