Literacy campaign in Al-Baha reaches more than 1,400 students

Literacy campaign in Al-Baha reaches more than 1,400 students
A comprehensive literacy campaign in the Al-Baha region is currently serving 1,410 adult learners. (SPA)
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Updated 12 July 2024
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Literacy campaign in Al-Baha reaches more than 1,400 students

Literacy campaign in Al-Baha reaches more than 1,400 students
  • The campaign operates through 32 educational centers across the region
  • The program aims to reach citizens in their local communities

RIYADH: A comprehensive literacy campaign in the Al-Baha region is currently serving 1,410 adult learners, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative, dubbed “Al-Baha Without Illiteracy,” is a joint effort between the General Administration of Education in Al-Baha’s Al-Aqiq sector and several government agencies.
The campaign operates through 32 educational centers across the region, with 12 centers for men enrolling 390 students and 20 centers for women accommodating 1,057 learners. These centers are staffed by qualified educational and administrative personnel, supported by 27 additional participants.
Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al-Zahrani, director general of education in Al-Baha, highlighted the campaign’s alignment with national priorities. “Literacy promotion is a civilized approach championed by our leadership,” he said. “It is part of our commitment to lifelong learning and preparing an educated generation capable of serving their country and community.”
The program aims to reach citizens in their local communities, offering basic literacy skills alongside religious, cultural, social, and health education. It also emphasizes strengthening national identity and civic engagement.
Currently in its summer phase, the campaign has seen enthusiastic participation from adult learners eager to acquire reading and writing skills. The curriculum extends beyond basic literacy to include enhancing national belonging sense, digital literacy, health awareness, environmental education, and learning to use electronic systems and applications.
According to SPA, the initiative brings together resources from government agencies and non-profit organizations to deliver a holistic educational experience. It aims to develop life skills and achieve educational and cultural goals, ensuring quality education for all beneficiaries. Its objectives also include reducing illiteracy rates, fostering patriotism and love for the country and its leadership, and raising awareness on various religious, societal, health, economic, environmental, and cultural issues.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss de-escalation in region

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss de-escalation in region
Updated 06 August 2024
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss de-escalation in region

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss de-escalation in region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said early Tuesday.

The pair reiterated the importance of de-escalation and sparing the region the risk of expanding the conflict.

They also reviewed the latest development in Gaza and the efforts aimed at a ceasefire in the war-torn territory.


Warner Bros. zone wows Jeddah Season visitors

Tom and Jerry music delights visitors at Warner Bros. Discovery zone in Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
Tom and Jerry music delights visitors at Warner Bros. Discovery zone in Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
Updated 05 August 2024
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Warner Bros. zone wows Jeddah Season visitors

Tom and Jerry music delights visitors at Warner Bros. Discovery zone in Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
  • The “Tom and Jerry” theme park allows visitors to experience exciting adventures and comedic chases between the iconic cat and mouse

JEDDAH: The Warner Bros. Discovery zone at Jeddah Season is proving a must-visit attraction, featuring live performances of “Tom and Jerry.”

Spanning 15,000 sq. meters, the zone offers an immersive experience that brings the beloved cartoon characters to life.

The “Tom and Jerry” theme park allows visitors to experience exciting adventures and comedic chases between the iconic cat and mouse.

The zone also offers interactive games, theatrical performances and creative workshops.

Guests can watch classic clips of “Tom and Jerry” on a big screen, accompanied by live music from a band playing the soundtrack.

In the Cheese City area of the zone, visitors can explore the “Tom and Jerry” cartoon series through interactive exhibits, original artworks, and statues, featuring famous locations like Jerry’s house and the kitchen.

 


Saudi carpentry is part of rich Baha heritage

Saudi carpentry is part of rich Baha heritage
Updated 05 August 2024
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Saudi carpentry is part of rich Baha heritage

Saudi carpentry is part of rich Baha heritage
  • Mohammed Al-Zahrani, a carpenter in his 80s, said: “Carpentry is a difficult and tiring profession as it requires a lot of time and effort

RIYADH: “A trade in hand ensures against poverty” is a long-standing saying in the Baha region, mostly used by elderly people who work as carpenters and take advantage of the diverse trees in the area, such as the juniper, sweet acacia, sidr, and neem, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The region has a rich heritage of handicrafts and industries, which form an important part of its cultural identity and are passed down from generation to generation.

Locals are seeking to develop and modernize these crafts to keep pace with today’s challenges. (SPA)

Locals are seeking to develop and modernize these crafts to keep pace with today’s challenges.

Mohammed Al-Zahrani, a carpenter in his 80s, said: “Carpentry is a difficult and tiring profession as it requires a lot of time and effort.

“It starts by getting the wood, which is usually from the sidr and sweet acacia trees which are scattered in the mountains and valleys of Al-Baha. The bark is then peeled and the wood is dried, after which the carpenter will cut and engrave according to employers’ demands.”

Locals are seeking to develop and modernize these crafts to keep pace with today’s challenges. (SPA)

Al-Zahrani said that he engraves and decorates the wood with geometric shapes, which are either simple or original and unique, and he stressed that carpentry is his livelihood. He also said he introduced his children and grandchildren to it.

Al-Zahrani was showing his work at the social activity center in the village of Wadi Al-Arja in Bani Hassan Governorate, displaying wood engravings to show how his ancestors used to work in the past.

 


Deputy FM meets Sudan’s ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia

Deputy FM meets Sudan’s ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia
Updated 05 August 2024
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Deputy FM meets Sudan’s ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia

Deputy FM meets Sudan’s ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia
  • Al-Khuraiji welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his new work duties

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji met with Sudan’s ambassador designate to the Kingdom, Dafallah Al-Haj Ali, in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his new work duties, the foreign ministry reported on X.

Meanwhile, Abdulmajeed Al-Samary, undersecretary of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the credentials of Seychelles’ recently appointed ambassador to the Kingdom, Gervais Moumou, on Monday in Riyadh.

 


MDLBEAST hosts first Onyx Arena music party in Jeddah

MDLBeast recently unveiled its new music venue, the Onyx Arena, as part of the Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
MDLBeast recently unveiled its new music venue, the Onyx Arena, as part of the Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
Updated 05 August 2024
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MDLBEAST hosts first Onyx Arena music party in Jeddah

MDLBeast recently unveiled its new music venue, the Onyx Arena, as part of the Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
  • Afrojack and Bebe Rexha set to perform at the Jeddah Season event later this month

JEDDAH: MDLBeast, Saudi Arabia’s leading music entertainment company, recently unveiled its new music venue, the Onyx Arena, as part of the Jeddah Season.

According to MDLBeast officials, the first night of the three-week extravaganza saw a packed house with around 5,000 attendees gathering to enjoy performances by renowned international and local electronic music artists.

The first night saw the stage ablaze with talent as DJ Shaolin set the tone with an energetic set, electrifying the audience with a mix of crowd-pleasing tunes.

Following his performance, Lil Eazy, a Somalian hip-hop artist born and raised in Jeddah, took the stage, bringing a dynamic energy and vibrant music that had the crowd grooving along.  

Lil Eazy told Arab News: “Performing for a big crowd is a completely different feeling. I’m thrilled to have played at MDLBeast; it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Noting the changing landscape for musical talent in the Kingdom, he added: “Before MDLBeast, we played underground for limited audiences, and now having the chance to showcase our music on big stages is incredible.”

Lil Eazy said he is excited and preparing for Soundstorm 2024. “To aspiring DJs, I advise you to follow your passion,” he added. “The music industry in the Kingdom is growing, and leading music entertainment companies are providing equal opportunities to be seen and heard.”

The atmosphere, enhanced by laser displays, buzzed with excitement when American rap star Don Toliver took the stage. Fans went wild, singing along to every note.

Thrilled by the energetic crowd, Toliver remarked during his performance: “It’s amazing to see such an active crowd who can vibe with me. It was an amazing night performing for the Jeddah crowd.”

The night concluded with Swedish DJ Axwell delivering a powerful set with beats and tracks that kept the crowd engaged until the very end.

MDLBeast has partnered with Jeddah Season this year to bring the vibrant Onyx Arena parties to life every Friday until Aug. 16.

The highlights include performances by Jack Harlow, Salvatore Ganacci, Jeed, and Saud on Aug. 9, followed by DJ Loush, Bebe Rexha, and Afrojack on Aug. 16.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technical facilities, sound, and lighting equipment, the Onyx Arena is designed to host global music parties, events, and conferences.

Iman Abdullah, a visitor, was thrilled by the event, saying: “I had an incredible time at the party and couldn’t contain my excitement singing along with Don Toliver. He’s been my favorite for a long time, and vibing with him was fantastic. His tracks and energetic performance were outstanding.

“It’s great to have such entertainment in Jeddah, and the ticket prices were reasonable. I bought a VIP pass and enjoyed the view and the food.”

Another visitor, Hanouf Raheem, said: “The arena is huge, and the lighting perfectly matches the vibe. The best part is that it’s fully air-conditioned, allowing us to escape Jeddah’s summer heat and enjoy the party to the fullest.

“Everything was well-managed, and the crowd control was impressive. It’s amazing to have such options for weekend entertainment. I’ve already purchased passes for the rest of the parties.”

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