Arabic-speaking students gain access to world’s largest collection of music books

Special The agreement will strengthen the music education sector in the Kingdom. (Supplied)
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The agreement will strengthen the music education sector in the Kingdom. (Supplied)
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Arabic-speaking students gain access to world’s largest collection of music books

The agreement will strengthen the music education sector in the Kingdom. (Supplied)
  • Sheet music, songbooks and instrument method books to be translated
  • New opportunities for musicians, teachers throughout the region

RIYADH: Arabic-speaking students will gain access to a significant collection of international sheet music, songbooks and instrument method books as part of a new agreement.

The Saudi Music Commission is partnering with Muse Group, owner of Hal Leonard — the world’s largest publisher of sheet music.

Along with Saudi publisher Nasher, the partnership will bring Hal Leonard’s material to a Saudi and wider Arabic-speaking audience, which the group said will create opportunities for musicians and teachers throughout the region.

Mohammed Chahdi, COO of Muse Group, visited Riyadh to formalize the deal. “This partnership is about creating a connection between music education and cultural identity,” he said.

In an interview with Arab News, Chahdi discussed the importance of cultural relevance in music education.

“Understanding music is not merely about technical skills; it’s also about appreciating the cultural context from which it arises. If you don’t understand certain pieces, you miss out on their cultural significance,” he added.

Chahdi highlighted the Saudi Music Commission’s commitment to developing an Arabic-first set of books that translate the language and adapt content to resonate with local culture.

“Our goal is to ensure that young musicians can connect with their heritage while learning,” he added.

“We have an opportunity to elevate Arabic instruments to an international stage, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. The goal is to create an environment that fosters creativity and cultural growth.”

The significance of representation in music education is also a key focus for Chahdi. “By showcasing Arabic instruments and music, children in Saudi Arabia will find relatable role models, inspiring them to pursue their musical interests while staying connected to their cultural roots,” he said.

The immediate focus of the partnership will be to translate Hal Leonard’s titles into Arabic and make them available in schools and libraries across the Kingdom.

“This effort will benefit students and enrich the broader music community by making quality educational resources widely accessible,” Chahdi said.

He envisions a framework where children can explore music from an early age, cultivating their talents and potentially leading to a new generation of musicians from Saudi Arabia.

“We aim for a future where Saudi children can gain recognition on the global music stage,” he said. “Every child should have access to music education, as it can change their world.”


Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Russian counterpart

Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Russian counterpart
Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Russian counterpart

Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Russian counterpart

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional developments and bilateral relations during a phone call with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday. 

The ministers discussed bilateral ties and regional developments, a statement on the Saudi foreign ministry account on platform “X”. 

 

 

 


Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh

Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh
Updated 15 January 2025
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Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh

Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh
  • ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition held to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan

RIYADH: Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino attended the opening ceremony of the “Manga Hokusai Manga” exhibition here on Tuesday.

Held at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, the show is one of many upcoming events celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The exhibition celebrates the work of renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

In his speech, Morino said it was a “delight to see more and more Saudi people enjoying the Japanese culture from (the) traditional to contemporary.”

He added that he was happy to see “Saudi artists being inspired by the Japanese manga to create their artworks.”

“I sincerely hope this exhibition will make another footprint of the Japanese culture in KSA and give a great impact in the Saudi art scene,” he said.

The exhibition has been organized in cooperation with the Saudi Museums Commission and the Japan Foundation and is open to the public until Feb. 8.

A version of this article appeared on Arab News Japan

 


Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan
Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 2,028 food parcels in Pakistan’s flood-affected Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, benefiting 13,159 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Sunday’s initiative forms part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.

The aid reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to assist needy individuals in Pakistan.


Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation

Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation
Updated 15 January 2025
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Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation

Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation

RIYADH: Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto held discussions on cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday.

The officials reviewed current ties and stressed the importance of joint efforts in energy transitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministers welcomed the progress made under the Manar Initiative, which is a Saudi-Japan effort to promote clean energy.

The initiative was launched after former Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2023.

A version of this story originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center

Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center
Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center

Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center
  • The services included the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs, as well as physical therapy

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has helped to treat 452 Yemenis, who lost limbs because of the ongoing conflict, at the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in Aden governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

A total of 1,407 procedures were completed for men, who made up 65 percent of patients, and women at 35 percent.

In addition, 54 percent were displaced individuals and 46 percent residents.

The services included the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs, as well as physical therapy.

KSrelief continues to provide general and critical care for vulnerable Yemeni people, the SPA reported.