Saudi defense minister meets French minister of armed forces
Ministers reviewed bilateral relations and defense cooperation
Updated 15 November 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu on Wednesday in Riyadh.
They reviewed bilateral relations and defense cooperation, and discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the war in Gaza.
Prince Khalid stressed the need to stop Israel’s military operations, protect innocent civilians and secure humanitarian corridors for the entry of relief aid into the occupied Palestinian territory.
Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange
More Saudis interested in Chinese literature, say publishers
Chinese taught at schools is ‘important step’ to boost ties
Updated 01 October 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Publishers are seeing a growing demand from readers in Saudi Arabia for Chinese literature as the two nations continue to strengthen cultural and political ties.
The Riyadh International Book Fair, which opened on Thursday, serves as a vital platform for connecting Saudi Arabia with the global community.
The event emphasizes the importance of translating international works into Arabic to foster cultural exchange, particularly with China.
A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. It has already translated classics including “The Art of War” and “Three Kingdoms.”
Amr Moghith, the editorial manager of Bayt El-Hekma, said: “I see a demand from Saudis to learn the Chinese language. With every year, the demand for Chinese books increases.”
FASTFACTS
• Saudi Arabia has organized A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic.
• Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.
He added: “When the House of Wisdom Cultural Group was established, it was with the aim of building bridges between the Chinese and Arab cultures.
To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (Supplied)
“This has been achieved cumulatively. Initially, the demand for Chinese literature was somewhat weak, although people were curious about Chinese culture, which has a rich history extending back over 5,000 years.”
Moghith said that while there are significant differences in the cultures of the Chinese and Arab worlds, the recent translations, both ways, have led to a surge in interest.
“The demand has become greater, especially since it brings together the Chinese and Arab cultures, which have had longstanding relations since the Silk Road,” he explained, referencing the ancient trade route.
To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
He said Chinese was now being taught in Saudi schools. “This is an important step that helps many Saudis learn about Chinese culture.
“China wants to convey that it is not just a manufacturing or trading country, but a civilization with deep historical roots.
“It seeks to communicate with countries in the East and the Middle East, particularly given the old relations.”
A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
In addition, Bayt El-Hekma, which was established in Egypt in 2011, aims to enrich the understanding of Chinese culture among Arabic speakers and operates an academy for those eager to learn the language.
Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.
For instance, on Sept. 26, the Museums Commission inaugurated the exhibition “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax.
This event marks the first showcase of contemporary Chinese artists in Saudi Arabia.
It highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to enhance cultural exchange.
Minister meets newly appointed Dominican ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sherif Walid
Updated 01 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met on Tuesday with the newly appointed ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Saudi Arabia, Andy Rodriguez Duran.
Al-Sati welcomed him to the Kingdom and wished him success in his new duties. The two also discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.
Also on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sherif Walid. They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and consular topics of shared concern.
Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan
Aside from prosecutors, delegates at the 3-day event include organizations that fight terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational crime
Updated 01 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s attorney general, Sheikh Saud Al-Mojeb, is leading a high-level delegation from the Kingdom at the 29th International Association of Prosecutors Conference, which began on Tuesday in Baku, Azerbaijan.
In addition to prosecutors from around the world, the participants at the three-day event include representatives of international organizations that combat terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational crime.
The Saudi delegation, which includes officials from the Public Prosecution and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, will take part in global discussions about mutual legal assistance, extradition procedures, and the exchange of information to help enhance international cooperation in the field of criminal justice.
On the opening day of the conference, Al-Mojeb took part in meetings with counterparts from Austria, Croatia, Turkiye, Georgia, Malta, Kenya and Nepal. They discussed the importance of developing cooperative frameworks to address common challenges related to cross-border crime and criminal justice, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Saudi delegation also met a high-level team from South Korea’s Public Prosecution Office, during which they exchanged insights about the use of technology in criminal investigations, and discussed opportunities for further collaboration in justice-related fields.
Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services
The updated regulations outline clear timeframes required to complete visa-related procedures, enhancing governance and transparency
Updated 01 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced on Tuesday updates to the regulations governing temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services, Saudi Press Agency reported.
These changes, approved by the Saudi Cabinet in its session on Tuesday, will aim to provide more flexibility for the private sector, allowing businesses to better align visa needs with labor market demands and contribute to creating a more attractive work environment, SPA added.
One of the updates is the renaming of the seasonal work visa to the “temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services,” and extending the grace period for these visas from Shaban 15 until the end of Muharram (around Feb. 14 to July 25).
The new regulations will also address the needs of establishments operating during the Umrah season, by expanding their eligibility for temporary work visas.
The updated regulations outline clear timeframes required to complete visa-related procedures, enhancing governance and transparency.
In addition, the ministry emphasized the protection of both employers and employees by mandating that a signed employment contract be provided to both parties, and requiring medical insurance as a prerequisite for obtaining a visa through Saudi embassies and consulates abroad.
The new regulations will also introduce penalties aimed at preventing misuse of temporary work visas.
Businesses will now enjoy greater flexibility, with the option to extend visas for an additional 90 days and will no longer require endorsement when issuing temporary visas, streamlining the process.
These amendments are set to take effect 180 days after their approval, offering businesses time to adapt to the new system while ensuring that operations during the Hajj and Umrah seasons run smoothly.
NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club
Italian designer hails ‘visionary undertaking ahead of its time,’ saying project is a ‘jump into the future’
Updated 01 October 2024
Arab News
NEOM: Interior designs for the yacht club on NEOM’s first island destination, Sindalah, were unveiled on Tuesday ahead of the site’s opening later this year.
The Sindalah Yacht Club has been designed in collaboration with Stefano Ricci, and marks the Italian designer’s first foray into club interior design.
“As we place the finishing touches on NEOM’s inaugural island destination, we are thrilled to share with the world a behind-the-scenes look at what Sindalah will have to offer,” said Nicholas Smith, general manager of Sindalah.
“Our partnership with Stefano Ricci represents our dedication to enthralling future visitors and offering a truly premium experience for the world’s yachting enthusiasts,” he said.
The club will feature a terrace pool, lounge, and a fine-dining restaurant led by chef Enrico Bartolini, who restaurants around Italy have been awarded multiple Michelin stars.
With management by IGY Marinas, the yacht club will offer berthing for superyachts up to 180 meters in length.
The yacht club’s interior will be highlighted by white Carrara marble, complemented by accents of “Sindalah Blue” — a custom color inspired by the island’s surrounding waters — alongside briar-root wood surfaces, hand-woven textiles, and a coffered ceiling.
“I entered the Sindalah Yacht Club project because I believe that NEOM is a visionary undertaking ahead of its time, like Florence, which became the cradle of the Renaissance,” Ricci said.
“It’s a beautiful jump into the future that recalls our mission. As a Florentine designer, I hope to have conveyed the fine stylistic balance that ideally unites these two worlds.”
