More German pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, ambassador says/node/2573948/saudi-arabia
More German pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, ambassador says
Michael Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
More German pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, ambassador says
Envoy spoke at event to mark Unity Day, which celebrates reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990
Updated 04 October 2024
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: A growing number of German Muslims are undertaking pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, Germany’s ambassador to the Kingdom said.
Speaking at an event to mark Unity Day, which celebrates the reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990, envoy Michael Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating.
“That is just one example of how we can establish more people-to-people contact,” he said.
As well as marking the 34th anniversary of Unity Day, this year is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany.
Speaking about his work and experiences in the Kingdom, Kindsgrab said: “It’s of course a big honor to be working as German ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Germany as a country is becoming more and more diverse. It is just the right moment to be here to explore new areas of cooperation.
ide the ambassador of Germany to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab. (AN Photo/Huda BashAttah)
“It has been the most interesting and exciting posting that I have had in my career and I really look forward to the next year. I also have to say I really enjoy life here, people are enormously nice and enormously interesting.”
The event at the German Embassy in Riyadh featured a variety of activities and booths showcasing German businesses in Saudi Arabia, including the Goethe-Institut and the German International School.
A military band provided entertainment with renditions of popular jazz, rock and pop songs.
On the importance of Unity Day, Kindsgrab said: “For me, the significance is that it was embedded in European unity, because together with German unity we achieved European unity which makes Germany a country at the heart of Europe surrounded by friends.”
Undersecretary of Riyadh Region Faisal Al-Sudairi was among the invited officials, diplomats and representatives of German-Saudi businesses at the embassy event.
Diriyah Season launches At-Turaif District activities
Diriyah Season 2024/25 began on Dec. 20 last year, under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity”
Updated 49 sec ago
Arab News
DIRIYAH, Riyadh: Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage.
The program highlights key moments from the history of the first Saudi state through workshops, theatrical performances, and cultural sessions.
Visitors will engage in activities such as traditional Najdi design workshops, poetry recitations, and demonstrations of the Saudi Arda, the Kingdom’s traditional sword dance.
This year’s program also features the updated 850 Interactive Experience, named after the establishment of Diriyah in the Islamic calendar year 850 AH (1446 or 1447 AD in the Gregorian calendar).
The experience uses storytelling and puzzles to explore notable historical figures, including Imam Turki bin Abdullah, and key events from Diriyah’s history.
Workshops in traditional construction techniques, historical games, and exhibitions showcasing the district’s architecture are designed to deepen understanding of the region’s cultural significance, while live performances and discussions will further connect audiences with the stories of At-Turaif’s past, including its role in Saudi Arabia’s early statehood.
Diriyah Season 2024/25 began on Dec. 20 last year, under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity.” The event aims to promote Diriyah as a cultural hub, combining historical education with live entertainment and creative showcases.
How ‘BookTok’ is redefining reading for a new generation of Saudis
Popularity of books on social media app is driving publishing trends
Authors are adapting their work to get views, says one commenter
Updated 33 min 14 sec ago
Hajar AlQusayer
RIYADH: While TikTok is often criticized for minimizing attention spans with its fast-paced content, the social media platform’s “BookTok” community has sparked renewed interest in reading among young adults in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Described by The New York Times as a “best-seller machine,” BookTok has become a global phenomenon.
The platform has emerged as a virtual book club, where readers connect to share recommendations and discuss their favorite titles — especially in genres like romance, fiction, and thrillers.
Sales in this genre increased by 8.5 percent in 2022, followed by an additional 1 percent rise in 2023. (SPA)
Arab News spoke to a number of authors and content creators who described how the social media trend is driving book sales and reshaping the local publishing industry.
Mohammed Al-Ashaari is a young reader who regularly shares book recommendations and discussions on his TikTok account.
The platform’s fast-paced nature prioritizes aesthetically pleasing content that can be shared in bite-sized clips, and Al-Ashaari spoke about how this algorithm is changing reading habits.
BookTok has brought about significant changes in how people read novels, as the reading trends within the BookTok community are constantly evolving, and with each trend, a new way or habit of reading emerges
Mohammed Al-Ashaari, TikTok user
“BookTok has brought about significant changes in how people read novels, as the reading trends within the BookTok community are constantly evolving, and with each trend, a new way or habit of reading emerges,” he said.
Al-Ashaari explained that this impact was not only limited to readers on the platform but also extended to authors, influencing how they approach their writing and adapt their work to fit the tastes and interests of the platform’s active community.
The BookTok community emerged on TikTok during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and its impact on publishing is undeniable, with authors and publishers seeing remarkable sales growth. (SPA)
He added that the most trending genres on BookTok are fantasy, science fiction, and horror: “Books that gain the most engagement tend to be in these genres, which has led many authors to shift their focus on popular categories.”
The BookTok community emerged on TikTok during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and its impact on publishing is undeniable, with authors and publishers seeing remarkable sales growth.
This impact is especially notable in how it has affected book sales and author engagement.
A report by the US-based retail tracking service Circana revealed that TikTok has significantly influenced book sales in the US, particularly in the adult fiction category.
Sales in this genre increased by 8.5 percent in 2022, followed by an additional 1 percent rise in 2023. Other genres, such as dystopian, romance, and thriller, also witnessed notable growth during this period.
Yasmina Al-Mutabagani, the Saudi author of “Beyond the Surface,” said BookTok has played a significant role in boosting the sales of her latest novel, which explores the story of two strangers who form an unexpected connection during a pandemic.
“I did paid ads multiple times on a video I posted that talked about my book; however, at that time, I didn’t think it was going to be that effective. After a while, I went to Jarir Bookstore, and the man told me it was sold out in multiple branches,” she said.
Al-Mutabagani highlighted BookTok’s broader influence on the literary world. “There’s a positive impact on literature and publishing because BookTok offers advice on writing in general, how to publish your book, how to find a literary agent, and it can be useful in promoting your book if you’re an author,” she said.
Kendah Jambi, a Saudi author of the fantasy novel “Al-Rahala,” said that many attendees at Saudi book fairs recognized her from TikTok’s BookTok.
Her novel follows a group of people called Al-Rahala, or nomads, who possess the ability to shift realities and travel through the multiverse.
Jambi emphasized the importance of building a connection between authors and readers. “Interaction between author and reader is often underrated. It’s very important for readers to be genuinely interested in the author as a person to maintain their interest in the books,” she said.
She further elaborated on the impact of BookTok, adding, “BookTok definitely helped readers express their opinions, which is valuable to the author on both an emotional and constructive level.”
Courchevel Boulevard World brings skiing experience to Riyadh
Ski zone provides the thrill of the slopes in the heart of the city
Around 200 people per day visit Riyadh’s new wintry attraction
Updated 33 min 27 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: A new attraction is thriving in Riyadh at the Courchevel zone at Boulevard World, where visitors can indulge in an authentic skiing adventure.
This unique attraction which opened in December brings the thrill of the slopes to the heart of the city, allowing both beginners and seasoned skiers to enjoy the winter sport under the guidance of professional trainers.
Children can revel in the joy of making figures from the fresh snow, adding an extra layer of fun to their experience. (AN photo by Loai Ali)
These skilled professionals want to do more than teach. “We are here to train and help everyone learn how to ski while enjoying the experience,” said Marwan Akiki, a ski instructor from Lebanon.
The focus at Courchevel is on creating a fun environment for the entire family. “Every day, we receive approximately 200 visitors of different ages, from 7 years old to adults,” Akiki explained.
I came with my children today, and we had a great time in the snow town, especially since they haven’t seen snow before.
Salman Al-Ghamdi, Visitor
The attraction also features an enchanting igloo area designed for both children and adults. This whimsical setting allows families to feel as though they have been transported to the snowy parts of Europe.
The attraction features an enchanting igloo area designed for both children and adults. (AN photo by Loai Ali)
Children can revel in the joy of making figures from the fresh snow, adding an extra layer of fun to their experience.
Salman Al-Ghamdi recently brought his children, Mohammed and Sara, to Courchevel, and their delight was palpable.
The focus at Courchevel in Riyadh is on creating a fun environment for the entire family to indulge in an authentic skiing adventure. (AN photo by Loai Ali)
“I came with my children today, and we had a great time in the snow town, especially since they haven’t seen snow before. You should come and visit; honestly, it’s magical,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.
For many, Courchevel Boulevard World represents a first encounter with snow and skiing. “This is the first time in Riyadh where we found snow and a school to teach this experience,” Akiki noted.
Visitors can unwind at the on-site restaurants after a thrilling day of skiing. (AN photo by Loai Ali)
One of the standout features of Courchevel Boulevard World is the provision of comfortable, tailored clothing for all guests so that they can enjoy their time without worrying about the cold.
“We want to make it a seamless experience for our guests, so they can focus on having fun,” Akiki explained.
After a thrilling day of skiing, visitors can unwind at the on-site restaurants, which offer a range of dining options. These eateries provide a cozy atmosphere ideal for relaxing and sharing stories about the day’s adventures.
Additionally, there is a shop offering equipment and outfits for the snow from various global brands, ensuring guests have access to high-quality gear for their skiing needs.
There are plans to have various events and competitions to further enhance the community aspect of the attraction.
Saudi Arabia participates in children’s rights workshop in Cairo
The workshop was held to review the general framework of the component in terms of its motivations, objectives, and implementation methodology in the Arab world
Updated 33 min 45 sec ago
Arab News
CAIRO: Saudi Arabia took part in a workshop on the “Media Observatory for Arab Child Rights,” in Cairo.
The workshop was organized by the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, under the patronage of Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, the council’s president.
More than 25 experts participated in the workshop to discuss the implementation of a new component of the observatory’s work, titled “Arab Child and Digital Environment,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The workshop was held to review the general framework of the component in terms of its motivations, objectives, and implementation methodology in the Arab world, in light of the growing use of children’s applications and digital platforms.
In his speech, ACCD Secretary-General Hassan El-Bilawi said the new component of the observatory discussed in the workshop affirms children’s sustainable right to a safe media environment in all aspects of life.
Foreign students explore Saudi town under Kingdom Gateway program
Visit this weekend was part of an initiative designed to explore the rich history of Saudi Arabia
Updated 17 January 2025
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: A foreign student delegation under the Kingdom Gateway program, organized by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, recently visited Al-Dakhlah town in the Sudair region, 170 km north of Riyadh.
The visit this weekend was part of an initiative designed to explore the rich history of Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna, former advisor at the Ministry of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources, accompanied the delegation on the tour that included Al-Dakhlah’s significant historical landmarks.
The delegation began the tour with a visit to the old palace, a reflection of the region’s rich heritage and architectural legacy.
They then proceeded to the historic Al-Dakhlah Mosque, believed to have been built between 1446–1495 AD, making it one of the oldest mosques in the region.
During the tour, the students had the opportunity to explore its features, including the assarhah (the mosque’s outer courtyard), the side corridors, almujabab (a covered courtyard connecting rooms), and alkatateeb, rooms where students would memorize and review their lessons.
The students expressed their admiration for the intricate Islamic decorations and carvings that adorn the walls and ceiling of the mosque, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of artisans from that historical era.
Al-Muhanna delivered a lecture that focused on the pivotal role of oil in national development. He reviewed Saudi Arabia’s experience in leveraging its petroleum resources to drive comprehensive growth across multiple sectors.
He also addressed the Kingdom’s strategic initiatives to maintain stability in global energy markets.
“The discovery of oil and its escalating economic importance brought about profound transformations across all sectors of the Kingdom. However, these changes did not come at the expense of Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted heritage and culture. On the contrary, oil has been instrumental in both preserving and advancing them,” Al-Muhanna said.
Al-Dakhlah Mosque was restored with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of the historic mosque restoration and rehabilitation project.
