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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a call on Wednesday to Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The pair discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations in all fields.
The call also reviewed issues of mutual interest.
RIYADH: Seven people have been arrested for committing crimes that threaten national unity, peace and community security by publishing posts inciting abhorrent tribal fanaticism, and hatred in society, reported SPA.
Security authorities at the Ministry of Interior referred them to the Public Prosecution.
A Ministry of Interior statement emphasized that security authorities stand firmly against anyone who tries to undermine national cohesion by inciting abhorrent tribal tensions, and that a deterrent penalty will be their fate.
RIYADH: Najran Region is a treasure trove of rock carvings and ancient Arabic inscriptions that offer a glimpse into the lives and development of its ancient inhabitants.
The UNESCO-inscribed Hima Cultural Area is a vast outdoor museum featuring numerous rock carvings, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Almost every mountain in the region has numerous inscriptions or ancient South Arabian and Thamudic scripts.
Dr. Salem bin Tairan, professor of Semitic languages, ancient writings and archaeology at King Saud University, highlighted the region’s rich archaeological heritage.
He said that the rock art depicts various subjects, including human beings, camels, horses, ibex, ostriches, cows, predatory animals, hunting scenes and battles.
These carvings provide valuable insights into clothing, tools, weapons and domesticated animals of the time.
According to Bin Tairan, archaeological surveys in Najran have uncovered a vast number of archaeological sites with diverse rock art examples, including tribal signs, Thamudic, Sabaean, Himyarite and Islamic inscriptions.
Many of these inscriptions date from the Neolithic period and even the Paleolithic period.
Abdullah Al-Suqour, tour guide and member of the Najran Tourist Club, emphasized the significance of the rock carvings as historical records and tourist attractions.
He said the artistry of the engravings are often accompanied by the artist’s signature or prayers.
Al-Suqour urged everyone to cooperate with authorities in preserving and developing these invaluable cultural heritage sites and raising awareness about their importance.
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Riyadh on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed their countries’ diplomatic relations and discussed measures to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues. They also exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip and related efforts.
The meeting was also attended by the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Germany Prince Abdullah bin Khalid and Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Ambassador Saud Al-Sati.
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the General Entertainment Authority on Wednesday provided a round-up of a series of projects and agreements they said would enhance the quality of life in the Kingdom and help to develop professional capabilities in several sectors.
The first involves enhanced cooperation between the Saudi Film Commission and Sela, a company that specializes in experiences, events and destinations in the Kingdom.
Sela is a strategic partner of Riyadh Season, the annual series of entertainment, cultural and sporting events, and the goal of this collaboration with the Film Commission is to provide support for producers working at Al-Hosn Studios, one of the new zones that will debut when the 2024 season begins in October.
This support includes assistance with licensing procedures, access to the commission’s Film Production Support Program, and the establishment of a commission office within the studio.
As part of the second project, the Ministry of Culture is sponsoring a major fashion event called “1000 Seasons and a Season” that will take place in November, in partnership with renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab, at The Venue, another zone that is a new addition to Riyadh Season this year.
In addition, the ministry is collaborating with Riyadh Season to sponsor a Christian Dior exhibition titled “Designer of Dreams” in historic Al-Murabba district. The touring exhibition, which has previously appeared in major cities including New York, London and Paris, will showcase a collection of classic and contemporary fashion split into 14 sections, and there will also be a Dior gift shop and cafe.
The third project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the GEA designed to aid the development of the Saudi oud-manufacturing industry. It will be supported by a Riyadh Season initiative to promote Saudi-made oud, in keeping with the joint efforts of both organizations to promote musical arts and traditional crafts in the Kingdom.
A fourth project will focus on strengthening a strategic partnership between the Saudi Music Commission and Merwas Studio, with the aim of establishing the latter as a global hub for music production and recording, fostering local musical talents, and attracting international talent to the Kingdom.
Described as the largest arts and entertainment factory in the Arab world, Merwas is located at Boulevard Riyadh City, which is one of Riyadh Season’s 15 entertainment zones and contains 22 studios. During the season, organizers say visitors to the Boulevard will have a chance to explore a world of content produced by renowned international production companies, including music, films and cinematography.
Turki Alalshikh, the chairperson of the GEA, also announced on Wednesday that Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan is sponsoring a Golden Pen Award, the aim of which is to encourage the adaptation of influential literary works into films.
JEDDAH: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi foreign minister, and Anne-Claire Legendre, the advisor to the French president on the Middle East and North Africa, held talks on the relationship between their countries and how it might be enhanced.
During their telephone conversation they also discussed the latest developments in the region, in particular those in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
