Who’s Who: Saad Al-Bazei, chairman of the Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature
Updated 06 August 2024
Arab News
Saad Al-Bazei is an academic and literary figure who was recently appointed chairman of the Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature by Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
The prize, offering a total of $750,000 across multiple categories, aims to recognize fictional Arabic works with potential for film adaptation, as well as original screenplays.
An emeritus professor of English language and literature at King Saud University’s faculty of arts, Al-Bazei brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
His career includes academia and public service, and he has served on the board of directors of the Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission since July 2020.
Al-Bazei has enjoyed a distinguished career in the cultural and media sectors. Notable roles include serving as the secretary-general of the King Khalid Award, president of the Literary Club in Riyadh, and editor-in-chief of the periodical publication, Hukul.
He was also editor-in-chief for both the Global Arab Encyclopedia and Tawbad Magazine at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts between 1997 and 1998.
Furthermore, Al-Bazei contributed his expertise as general supervisor of the Riyadh Daily newspaper between 1986 and 1988 and as an adviser to the Ministry of Higher Education from 1985-1986.
He has held numerous positions at King Saud University and became a professor in 1998. He served as head of the English language and literature department from 1993-1997 and was promoted to associate professor in 1991.
In addition to his academic roles, Al-Bazei was a founding member of the editorial boards of Qawafel Magazine and Al-Nass Al-Jadid. In 2009 he joined the Saudi Shoura Council and served as a member of the advisory body of the Saudi Ministry of Culture from 2003 to 2005. He is also a member of the Modern Language Association in the US.
Al-Bazei is a prolific writer, having authored numerous books and critical literary studies. His work includes “The Jewish Component in Western Civilization.”
He has published several scientific and literary research papers and reviews in international peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, Al-Bazei is an accomplished translator with seven books in various cultural areas.
Al-Bazei graduated from King Saud University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in English and earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in English and American literature from Purdue University in 1978 and 1983 respectively.
Abu Radah and the musical heart of Riyadh’s carpet market
How one man’s passion is bringing Saudi musical history to life in Souq Al-Zal
Updated 11 November 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: In Riyadh’s bustling Souq Al-Zal the air is filled with the scent of spices, vibrant colors of traditional goods, and the echo of timeless melodies.
Amid the stalls of woven rugs and antiques, Abu Radah’s corner stands out. Known for his collection of records an cassettes, and his boundless passion for folk music, he has become a beloved figure in the market, sharing his love for vintage sounds with locals and tourists alike.
Rows of old-school cassette tapes evoke memories of simpler times, a reminder of the analog age preserved at Abu Radah’s stall in Souq Al-Zal. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
“I work with folk art. It’s my passion,” he told Arab News. “I love folk art; artists like Fahd Al-Saeed, Bashir Shannan, Essa, Taher, and all the folk artists, including Mohammed Abdu and Talal, all Khaleeji and non-Khaleeji music.”
For over two decades, Abu Radah has nurtured this passion, turning it into a collection that speaks to the soul of Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall.
• His corner is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history.
His stall, adorned with colorful rugs and surrounded by retro radios and speakers, is a treasure trove of music that resonates with Saudi heritage. “Honestly, I’ve been passionate about it since I was young. I started collecting records when I was around 17 or 18,” he said. “I used to get them from Abu Wahib, may he rest in peace, in Helat Al-Ahrar.
Abu Radah’s stall showcases a vibrant collection of vintage radios and speakers, inviting passersby to explore Saudi Arabia’s musical history. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
“Little by little, I collected records, tapes, silencing devices, recorders, musical scales, and classic recordings. It became a hobby and a routine for me, thank God.”
Visitors to Abu Radah’s stall can explore everything from rare vinyl records to cassette tapes, all carefully organized across tables covered in colorful textiles. “(I have) some rare records, like Bashir Shannan’s album ‘Al-Barih Yom Aindak.’ It’s hard to find, as well as the classic Fahd Al-Saeed records. These are collector’s items,” he says with pride.
A selection of vinyl records featuring classic Western artists, demonstrating Abu Radah’s diverse collection that appeals to both local enthusiasts and tourists. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
His dedication to preserving this musical heritage has made his stall a magnet for enthusiasts.
“Honestly, Bashir Shannan, may he rest in peace. He’s my favorite artist,” Abu Radah added, reflecting on his connection to the music.
His collection also includes international names. “I have records of Michael Jackson and other international artists. I got them because we receive tourists, and some might prefer non-Arabic music.”
A visitor inspects a vinyl record at Abu Radah’s stall, capturing a moment of nostalgia amidst the treasures of Riyadh’s Carpet Market (Souq Al-Zal). (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
This blend of local and international records makes his stall a fascinating stop for tourists. “Tourists enjoy it here. We even had an American tourist who loved it when I played a Michael Jackson record, and it became a trending moment,” Abu Radah recalls with a smile.
Souq Al-Zal, known for its antique treasures and traditional crafts, has evolved in recent years, attracting a new generation eager to reconnect with their roots. Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a surprising role in this resurgence.
Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall. Young Saudis and international tourists now flock to the market, eager to meet the man behind the music and experience his one-of-a-kind collection.
Abdullah Al-Sheqair, known as Shalgm, is another familiar face in the market who has spent eight to ten years there.
Shalgm admires how the market has evolved, crediting social media and the country’s leadership for revitalizing heritage. “Social media has boosted the market, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision has rejuvenated heritage. Previously, items like traditional coffee pots sold for little, but now they have high value. Back then, only the elderly were in this trade, but now both youth and elders are involved.”
According to Shalgm, the number of tourists has increased significantly, bringing fresh energy to the market. “Now, we have an increasing number of tourists visiting. They participate in auctions and enjoy the music with Abu Radah. Everyone’s happy,” he said.
Shalgm also holds a deep admiration for Abu Radah’s dedication to music. “Speaking of Abu Radah, he’s been a fan of Bashir for over 20 years … he is one of the nicest people in the market, even kinder than I am,” Shalgm added, highlighting Radah’s well-known generosity and warmth.
As the day winds down in Souq Al-Zal, the sound of Abu Radah’s records continues to echo through the market, creating an atmosphere where music bridges generations and cultures.
For those who pass by his stall, it is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history, brought to life by a man whose love for music is as timeless as the records he cherishes.
Saudi women weave legacy of traditional goat hair tents
Working with traditional tools like the “mitraq” (hammer) and “awtar” (strings), the artisans create tents of varying sizes and colors
Updated 11 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, a time-honored tradition continues to thrive as winter approaches.
Here, elderly women skillfully craft traditional goat-hair tents, known locally as “buyut al-sha’ar” — a living symbol of Saudi hospitality.
According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, the traditional craft relies on goat and sheep hair, provided by the abundant livestock in the region, which includes more than 7 million heads of camels and cattle.
Working with traditional tools like the “mitraq” (hammer) and “awtar” (strings), the artisans create tents of varying sizes and colors.
“Depending on the craftswoman’s experience, a single tent can take anywhere from three days to a week to complete,” Umm Nada told SPA in an interview.
The making of the tent is a practice that carries immense cultural significance. As the women work, they recite traditional verses of poetry.
The finished tents fetch anywhere from SR1,600 ($427) to SR6,000 ($1,600), depending on size and decorative elements.
These traditional tents are experiencing renewed popularity among local families who set them up for excursions and picnics in the natural landscape.
The northern region’s moderate climate has made these tents particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
Exhibition aims to provide a platform for exhibitors to foster business opportunities, increase brand exposure and explore transport solutions in Saudi Arabia
Updated 11 November 2024
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: A gathering of road, rail, and transport professionals from the Middle East and North Africa region kicked off in Jeddah on Monday with participants from more than 30 countries.
The Saudi Intermobility Expo 2024 is being held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center and will run until Nov. 13.
The exhibition aims to provide a platform for exhibitors to foster business opportunities, increase brand exposure and explore transport solutions in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the opening, Badr Abdullah Al-Dulami, vice minister at the Ministry of Transport and CEO of the Roads General Authority, said: “The road network and other modes of transportation play a vital role in connecting regions, enhancing trade support, driving the economy in general, and supporting tourism.”
He described how the Roads General Authority works to evaluate roads using artificial intelligence.
“We are also excited to discuss advancements in the Saudi Highway Code, (which) aims to provide a unified technical reference for the roads authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at all levels,” he added.
Yvonne Winter, co-founder and chief operating officer of FlyNow, a company that has developed a helicopter for autonomous personal flight, told Arab News that there are plans for thousands of FlyNow helicopters to transport the public around the Riyadh World Expo in 2030.
“Saudi Arabia is really embracing a very advanced air mobility industry; therefore, we are running a large pilot program next year in Saudi Arabia with all our partners.
“We will also start next year with the setup of the assembly plant in order to start the serious production of the cargo version in 2027 with a production of 3,000 units in the first year. So, as part of this, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with various government bodies,” she said.
Saudi crown prince condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza, Lebanon
In his opening statement at Arab and Islamic summit, the crown prince criticized obstruction of humanitarian agencies in Gaza
The international community must ‘immediately halt the Israeli actions against our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon,’ he said
Updated 11 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman renewed Saudi Arabia’s rejection of Israeli attacks in Gaza and violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty on Monday.
In his opening statement at an extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit hosted by Riyadh, the crown prince criticized the obstruction of humanitarian agencies’ work in Gaza and and rejected diminishing the role of the Palestinian Authority.
“The Kingdom condemns the obstruction of the relief efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Palestinian territories, as well as the obstruction of the work of humanitarian organizations providing aid to the Palestinian people,” Prince Mohammed said.
Israel has formally notified the UN of its decision to sever ties with UNRWA after Israeli lawmakers backed the move last week.
The international community must “immediately halt the Israeli actions against our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon”, the crown prince said, condemning Israel’s campaign in Gaza as “genocide.”
“We condemn the Israeli military operations that targeted Lebanese territories and we reject anything that threatens Lebanon’s stability and safety as well as anything that violates its territorial integrity.
“Israel’s continued criminal actions against innocent people, its violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and its undermining of the Palestinian Authority’s pivotal role in all Palestinian territories will hinder efforts to secure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and establish regional peace,” the crown prince said.
He also condemned attacks on Iran, saying that the international community should oblige Israel to respect “the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran” and cease all hostile actions on Iranian territories.
“We stand with our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon,” the crown prince added.
The crown prince also said that Palestine qualifies for full membership in the UN, and stressed the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state.
“We launched a global initiative to support the two-state solution,” he said.
Saudi Arabia has succeeded in calling more peace-loving countries to recognize a Palestinian state, through the UN General Assembly, considering that Palestine is eligible for a full membership, the crown prince said.
Arab-Islamic leaders arrived in Riyadh on Monday ahead of a Saudi Arabia-sponsored follow-up summit focusing on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of Uzbekistan; Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council President; Bashar Assad, president of Syria; Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, prime minister of Iraq; Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain; and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, president of Egypt, arrived in Riyadh on Monday to join the extra-ordinary summit.
King Abdullah II of Jordan, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatar ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Iran First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi also arrived on Monday in Riyadh. Bakary Yaou Sangare, Niger’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, also arrived for the event.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived on Sunday, so did Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, the Foreign Minister of Guinea Morissanda Kouyate, the President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama.
The President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani arrived in the Kingdom’s capital on Sunday after performing Umrah and praying in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Saturday.
