https://arab.news/ze85g
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a phone call from Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Saudi Press Agency reported early Wednesday.
The conversation tackled ways of enhancing bilateral relations in all fields.
“Views were also exchanged on a number of regional international issues and developments, and efforts aimed at achieving security and peace were discussed,” the SPA said.
RIYADH: The Heritage Commission has added 198 new archaeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, taking the total across the Kingdom to 9,317.
The commission said the registrations were part of its broader efforts to document and revive Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, thus providing researchers and enthusiasts with reliable information on heritage locations and archaeological sites in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Hail region accounts for the bulk of the new additions, with 50, followed by Makkah (39), Qassim (34), Jouf (28), Madinah (14), Tabuk (13). The remainder are in Riyadh region (eight), Jazan (five), Asir, Najran and Northern Borders (two each) and the Eastern Province (one).
All of the registrations were carried out in line with the Law of Antiquities, Museums and Urban Heritage.
The commission said it sought to encourage archaeological studies and highlight the historical value of sites, thus raising the global profile of Saudi heritage. It also acknowledged the role of local communities in discovering sites, whose participation contributes significantly to protecting the nation’s cultural heritage and promoting greater awareness for future generations.
People are encouraged to report any new archaeological discoveries or illegal activities that might be detrimental to heritage sites via the commission’s social media accounts, the Balagh platform, by visiting any of its offices, or by calling the Unified Security Operations Center on 911.
Saudi Arabia has several archaeological sites that are recognized internationally, including Hegra in AlUla, which in 2008 became the first in the Kingdom to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At-Turaif District in Diriyah was added to the list in 2010, Historic Jeddah in 2014, Rock Art in the Hail region in 2015, Al-Ahsa Oasis in 2018 and the Hima Cultural Area in Jazan in 2021, among others.
RIYADH: Saudi children’s cultural enrichment is in good hands as King Abdulaziz Public Library continues its project to nurture the nation’s youth.
Focusing on the cultural and intellectual development of Saudi children has been a longstanding strategy of King Abdulaziz Public Library, a report by Saudi Press Agency recently highlighted.
The library aims not only to provide knowledge, but also to prepare children and young adults to become innovative and creative individuals who can compete on a global level.
Its branches in Riyadh focus on children’s literature as a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to nurture generations capable of building a bright future.
From its inception, the library has provided a comprehensive educational environment that enhances children’s cultural and intellectual skills. This is achieved through a variety of efforts and initiatives.
The Children’s Library, established in 1989, provides modern educational programs that blend art, science and innovation and are supervised by specialists in children’s culture in line with global standards.
In 2000, the library launched the Children’s Book Club, allowing young readers to subscribe under their own names and select carefully curated books from more than 1,500 titles by various Arab publishers.
This activity widens their perspectives and fosters their sense of independence and belonging, benefiting thousands of children from different regions of the Kingdom.
The club also offers annual and semi-annual subscriptions, providing books suitable for each age stage and offering special support through free subscriptions for children with special needs as well as orphans.
To broaden access to knowledge, the library has developed a digital site specifically for the book club, where children and educators worldwide can explore notable books for each age group and the latest in Arabic publications, making literature more accessible.
The library’s publications for children, produced by the Children’s Publishing Department established in 2003, include more than 200 titles covering topics on values, identity, culture, knowledge, Saudi, Arab and Islamic heritage, and noble traditions.
Many of these works have been translated into more than 10 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, English and French, reflecting Saudi culture to children worldwide and opening a window into the Kingdom’s history and heritage.
To promote inclusivity, the library has transformed many of these publications into animated films, allowing children to learn through modern technology and animated stories that capture their interest and suit their tastes.
In 2005, the library established the Young Adult Library, creating an educational bridge between childhood and adulthood. It aims to develop young people’s skills and help them discover their potential.
It offers innovation and creativity programs that enable them to transform their ideas into real projects, reflecting their independent vision and critical thinking.
In 2016, King Abdulaziz Public Library launched the Learning Resource Buses, which serve as mobile libraries that reach schools, parks, public gardens and neighborhoods, offering children the opportunity to benefit from books and activities.
To reinforce methodological values in childhood studies, the library has strengthened its academic dimension by focusing on the study of children’s culture.
In 2018, it established a specialized library for postgraduate research in childhood to serve researchers and postgraduate students, encompassing everything related to the world of childhood.
The library’s Children’s Sector employs modern technologies that create an interactive environment, encouraging children to showcase their skills and talents. The technologies included enable children to experience interactive educational activities and 3D printers, allowing them to turn ideas into tangible models, learning design and production skills.
The library also strives to develop children’s creative skills through a wide range of skill-building activities, including arts, literature, crafts and other creative endeavors. These are designed to encourage children to explore their cognitive and intellectual abilities in a fun and interactive way.
Furthermore, the library is dedicated to children with disabilities, the visually impaired, amputees, orphans and the children of martyrs, offering them diverse programs, involving them in cultural exhibitions and publishing books in braille for blind readers.
Theater is also an essential part of the educational experience at King Abdulaziz Public Library, with interactive plays and educational films that stimulate children’s imagination and add an entertaining and educational dimension to their experience.
RIYADH: In the "Year of the Camel," the Federation of Saudi Chambers announced the formation of a national committee for camels, the first of its kind, appointing Saad Al-Jalban as president and Abdullah Al-Subaie as vice president.
The move is part of the federation’s efforts to increase the economic value of camels and support relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Culture, in promoting the camel as a cultural symbol and an integral part of Saudi heritage.
The committee will work to significantly increase the market and investment value of camels, estimated to number about two million in the Kingdom and owned by more than 100,000 individuals.
Sales of camels at specific festivals have reached an impressive SR350 million, highlighting their popularity and economic significance.
The committee will serve as a central resource for investors, providing assistance with investment opportunities, health and medical services, pasture management and fodder supply through collaboration with relevant public and private entities.
The Saudi Ministry of Culture designated 2024 as the “Year of the Camel” to highlight and reinforce the status of the animal as a national symbol and cornerstone of Arabian cultural identity.
Camels are regularly celebrated across the country through dedicated festivals, race events, clubs and research centers.
Recently, the Saudi pavilion at UNESCO’s Arab Week event in Paris featured a showcase of the Kingdom’s deep-rooted connection to camel culture.
It also explored the role of the animals as a vital part of the nation’s heritage, identity and civilization, offering a glimpse into their enduring place in society.
The exhibits showed how the role of the camel has evolved from an essential means of transport and provider of resources to a cultural icon that embodies the Kingdom’s values, and how camels are embedded in Saudi customs, traditions and literature, including poetry and proverbs.
RIYADH: Another plane carrying aid for people in Lebanon landed at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday.
The plane, the 23rd from Saudi aid agency KSrelief, was carrying food, shelter and medical supplies, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia has been sending planes carrying aid packages to Lebanon since Israel stepped up its bombing campaign in Lebanon, mainly targeting Hezbollah strongholds in south Beirut and in the east and south of the country.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Commander of the Joint Forces, Lt. Gen. Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, met on Tuesday with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg.
During their meeting, both parties underscored the Kingdom’s significant role in facilitating and supporting humanitarian efforts, along with its dedication to the development and reconstruction of Yemen, Saudi Press Agency reported.
They discussed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance humanitarian operations and promote peace and stability in Yemen.
Al-Salman reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to political initiatives aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just resolution to the Yemeni crisis.
