Northern Borders festival celebrates Saudi weaving tradition

The event highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern Saudi women for centuries. (SPA)
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The event highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern Saudi women for centuries. (SPA)
The event highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern Saudi women for centuries. (SPA)
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The event highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern Saudi women for centuries. (SPA)
The event highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern Saudi women for centuries. (SPA)
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The event highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern Saudi women for centuries. (SPA)
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Updated 06 August 2024
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Northern Borders festival celebrates Saudi weaving tradition

The event highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern Saudi women for centuries. (SPA)
  • The event, organized by the Northern Borders Municipality, highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern women for centuries

RIYADH: The traditional art of spinning has been brought to life at the Sadu Nights Festival in Arar, Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The event, organized by the Northern Borders Municipality, highlights weaving skills that were integral to the lives of northern women for centuries.

The vital tools of spinning wheel and spindle were once constant companions for the women, who spent countless hours transforming wool and hair into beautiful textiles.

This time-consuming craft, which relied solely on natural resources, produced essential items such as blankets, tablecloths and other household goods.

The festival aims to preserve and promote a cherished heritage, engaging both children and adults in a bid to ensure the tradition lives on for future generations. It also seeks to highlight the significant role women play in society.


Riyadh to focus on urban planning at Egypt forum

Riyadh to focus on urban planning at Egypt forum
Updated 19 sec ago
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Riyadh to focus on urban planning at Egypt forum

Riyadh to focus on urban planning at Egypt forum
  • By participating in the forum, the municipality reinforces its commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships

RIYADH: The municipality of Riyadh will take part in the 12th World Urban Forum, organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme in Cairo, from Nov. 4-8.

It will showcase the Kingdom’s role in sustainable urban development, aligned with Vision 2030 goals, including urban planning, reducing visual pollution, and enhancing environmental, health, and urban sustainability standards.

The municipality will also highlight the Kingdom’s achievements in sustainable urban goals across various sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Focus areas include comprehensive urban planning, sustainable transportation, community engagement, waste management, green spaces, and solutions to environmental challenges.

These initiatives aim to create resilient, inclusive urban communities that make use of local innovations to enhance quality of life and protect the environment.

Additionally, the municipality will emphasize its strategic focus on urban development, infrastructure innovation, and sustainability through AI, data analysis, and project management to build a sustainable urban model that meets the demands of modern cities worldwide.

By participating in the forum, the municipality reinforces its commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships.


Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week

Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week
Updated 26 min 22 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week

Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week
  • Arab Week at UNESCO features 22 spaces dedicated to Arab countries, each showcasing different aspects of Arab culture

RIYADH: Arab Week will open on Monday at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization headquarters in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event plays a significant role in advancing Arab and international cultural and civilizational efforts, contributing to the progress of education, culture, and science at both regional and global levels.

This is the first time in over half a century that Arab countries have organized an Arab Week at UNESCO. The event is spearheaded by the Kingdom’s Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, which reinforces the Kingdom’s position regarding cultural dialogue and coexistence.

The event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world through literature and the arts. It also provides opportunities for intercultural dialogue, with all Arab countries showcasing the richness and diversity of Arab culture, promoting intercultural understanding, and contributing to cultural development.

Arab Week at UNESCO features 22 spaces dedicated to Arab countries, each showcasing different aspects of Arab culture. Seven seminars will focus on topics such as the Arabic language, Arabic calligraphy, Arabic literature, AI, education, fine arts, intangible cultural heritage, and world heritage.

Musical performances, handicrafts, Arab fashion, and Arab cuisine will also be on show.

Visitors will be able to explore a cultural exhibition, an Arabic calligraphy exhibition, a photography exhibition of heritage sites in the Arab world, and an exhibition of Arab cultural products.

The committee’s work aims to represent the Kingdom in regional and international organizations concerned with education, culture, communication, and information.

It focuses on preparing and providing support for cooperation with international and non-profit organizations, building communication bridges, and leveraging all capabilities to foster initiatives that enhance cultural dialogue between Arab countries and the rest of the world.

Arab Week has received the support and endorsement of Arab countries, and will highlight their historical diversity and cultural pluralism, as well as their values rooted in a rich cultural and civilizational heritage.


Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum

Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum
Updated 03 November 2024
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Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum

Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum
  • Minister says 50 percent drop in road deaths highlights Kingdom’s commitment to safety standards

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh on Sunday.

The two-day event, themed “Innovating for Tomorrow,” is organized by the General Authority for Roads together with the International Road Federation, and has attracted over 1,000 specialists from more than 50 countries, including major global companies.

Al-Jasser, who is also the chairman of the General Authority for Roads, said that the number of deaths on the Kingdom's roads has decreased by nearly 50 percent, exceeding the targets set in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy introduced in 2021.

In his speech, the minister also praised the Kingdom’s efforts to elevate road safety standards and enhance sustainability.

Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom ranked fourth among the G20 countries in the Road Quality Index, confirming its leadership in achieving the highest standards of safety and quality on roads.

The conference emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s global standing in the roads sector. Key projects under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy have improved road safety and reduced fatalities, affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to safety.

Saudi Arabia has introduced initiatives to preserve road infrastructure, including performance-based contracts for greater transparency, spending efficiency, and service standards, aligning with Vision 2030.

Following the inauguration, a ministerial session titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned” gathered officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Georgia, Cyprus, and Nepal to discuss policy-driven solutions for road safety, emissions reduction, and sustainable infrastructure.

The conference features over 130 scientific papers and 27 innovative technologies on sustainable transport, including advancements in AI and smart transport systems for traffic management, vehicle safety, and environmental impact reduction.

An exhibition with 20 organizations showcases innovations in AI, smart transport, and sustainable mobility.

The conference offers a platform for global experts to share insights, best practices, and the transformative role of emerging technologies in road safety and transport.


UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops
Updated 03 November 2024
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UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

RIYADH: The UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, supported by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, recently hosted three online workshops.

The workshops were attended by members of the Translating Cultures Lab and researchers with an interest in translating cultures.

The lab unites renowned scholars and early-career Saudi researchers to publish papers on the 2024 theme, “Rethinking Translating Cultures and its Conceptual Framework,” focusing on knowledge transfer and translation in the Global South.

At the workshops researchers presented papers and received feedback from lab members to refine them for publication.

In the first two workshops, six papers were presented, addressing issues in translating cultures, including cultural narratives, religious concepts such as “mahr” in Islam, and humor translation in modern Saudi literature.

Other topics included foreignizing and domesticating Arab culture in translation, translation as knowledge transfer, and translating Plastic Arts into Arabic.

The papers were presented by scholars from King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia), Indira Gandhi National Open University (India), Jagiellonian University (Poland), Mohammed I University Oujda (Morocco), the Catholic University of America (US), and an independent Australian researcher.

The third workshop reviewed papers for an edited volume by the Translating Cultures Lab on the theme of “Rethinking Translating Cultures.”

The UNESCO chair views “translating cultures” as a concept tied to broader debates in the humanities, regarding it as a continuous process involving translation, cross-cultural communication, and knowledge sharing. 


From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors
Updated 03 November 2024
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From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

RIYADH: Riyadh Zoo has added a bird show to its already extensive lineup as part of Riyadh Season 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The zoo offers an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiasts, as well as giving visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn about animal life, environmental care, and conservation awareness.

A farm area has been enhanced to provide interactive activities that promote an understanding of biodiversity and the importance of preserving nature.

One of the highlights is the Croc Cave, where visitors can safely observe crocodiles up close.

At Kangaroo Arena, visitors can enjoy a rare encounter with the Australian marsupials and capture memorable photos.

To enrich the educational experience, the new farm area provides hands-on activities that educate visitors on nature and wildlife conservation.

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving visitors ample time to enjoy its diverse facilities, which span 161,000 square meters and house over 1,400 animals of various species.

A variety of outlets and mobile food trucks offer a wide range of food and beverages, as well as family-friendly seating areas for comfort.

In a move aimed at enhancing inclusivity, Riyadh Season offers free entry to senior citizens aged 60 and older for its entertainment areas.

The initiative was announced by Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, as part of efforts to make the season more accessible to all.

Seniors can enter select areas by showing their Tawakkalna application at designated gates.

The areas included in the offer are Boulevard World, Boulevard Runway, and Wonder Garden, along with the standard free-entry areas such as Riyadh Zoo, Al-Suwaidi Park, and Souq Al-Awaleen. They will also have access to Boulevard City and VIA Riyadh without the need for prior tickets.

However, the offer does not cover events with reserved seating, such as concerts, plays, boxing matches, or special experiences, which require separate ticketing arrangements.

The initiative underscores Riyadh Season’s commitment to ensuring that all segments of society can enjoy its diverse offerings.