Saudi Ministry of Culture selects 20 research proposals

This exchange strengthens institutional partnerships and furthers academic collaboration between the two nations. (X @MOCSaudi)
This exchange strengthens institutional partnerships and furthers academic collaboration between the two nations. (X @MOCSaudi)
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Updated 19 September 2025
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Saudi Ministry of Culture selects 20 research proposals

This exchange strengthens institutional partnerships and furthers academic collaboration between the two nations. (X @MOCSaudi)
  • The scientific committee overseeing the program selected the final 20 proposals from among multiple submissions from individual scholars and research groups from across the globe

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture has announced the selection of 20 research proposals under the Saudi-Chinese cultural relations research grant, launched as part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025.

The grant, developed in cooperation with the China-Arab Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Research Center, supports rigorous academic studies exploring cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China.

The scientific committee overseeing the program selected the final 20 proposals from among multiple submissions from individual scholars and research groups from across the globe.

The selected researchers include seven from Saudi Arabia, seven from China, and six from other international institutions, reflecting a diversity of perspectives and methodologies.

The selected studies will be presented in academic symposiums in Riyadh and Beijing, providing a platform for scholarly dialogue and exchange.

The chosen research proposals address five thematic areas outlined by the grant: history and cultural heritage, visual and performing arts, literature and translation, cultural economy and creative industries, and the role of digital platforms in contemporary cultural exchange.

The studies highlight the long-standing connections between Saudi Arabia and China while contributing new insights into evolving cultural interactions.

In parallel with the grant, the ministry is preparing a reciprocal research fellowship program to expand opportunities for knowledge exchange.

Through this initiative, Chinese scholars will be hosted at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, while Saudi scholars will participate in research activities at Beijing University.

This exchange strengthens institutional partnerships and furthers academic collaboration between the two nations.

The Ministry of Culture launched the research grant to encourage the production of high-quality academic studies to enrich the field of Saudi-Chinese cultural relations and foster broader understanding.

The initiative demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to advancing international cultural exchange and academic cooperation.

 


Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia launches joint business council

Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia launches joint business council
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Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia launches joint business council

Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia launches joint business council
  • Saudi foreign minister presents Sri Lankan counterpart with postage stamp commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations
  • Sri Lanka Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad: This is a historic moment in our bilateral relations. The joint business council is launched now as we commemorate 50 years of our diplomatic relations

RIYADH: Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia have established their Joint Business Council, marking a major step toward strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries while celebrating 50 years of their diplomatic relations.

Sri Lanka Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad told Arab News Thursday: “This is a historic moment in our bilateral relations. The joint business council is launched now as we commemorate 50 years of our diplomatic relations.”

The first ever Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia Business Council was launched on Tuesday by a memorandum of understanding signed in Riyadh between the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and the Federation of Saudi Chambers in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath.

The ambassador and the chairman of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Hassan Al-Huwaizi, exchanged the MoU co-signed by the president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, Keerthi Gunawardane, who participated virtually.

Chairman of the Saudi–Sri Lanka Business Council Abdul Hadi Alqarni and the executive members of the Council were also present during the launch.

Herath said that the establishment of the joint business council is a fitting tribute to the longstanding economic and business relationship between the two countries, and that the historic occasion coincides with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He added that this milestone lays the foundation to enhance private sector cooperation between the two countries.

The Sri Lankan ambassador noted that the joint business council is a long-awaited initiative and the first ever formal business-to-business forum established between the two nations, which would serve as a catalyst to enhance much-needed private sector interactions.

Alqarni pledged his commitment to promote cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest including tourism, technology, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

He also invited Saudi investors to visit Sri Lanka to explore investment opportunities.

Gunawardane highlighted the importance of this long-felt initiative and expressed Sri Lanka’s keen interest to engage and forge partnerships with the Saudi private sector.

Earlier this week Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Sri Lankan counterpart in Riyadh. They reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Prince Faisal presented him with a postage stamp commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.