Jeddah literary event to explore oral, written expressions

The Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club. (REUTERS)
The Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club. (REUTERS)
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Updated 31 January 2025
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Jeddah literary event to explore oral, written expressions

The Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club. (REUTERS)
  • The forum’s agenda reflects the dynamic evolution of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, structured around nine core themes examining the interplay between oral traditions and written expressions

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club will hold its 21st Literary Text Forum from Feb.4-6.

The three-day event will explore “Literary and Cultural History in Saudi Arabia between Oral and Written Traditions,” bringing together prominent writers, critics and intellectuals from across the region.

Dr. Abdullah bin Owaiqel Al-Sulami, the club’s president, said the forum would continue the club’s mission to foster critical dialogue and deepen literary discourse through comprehensive historical and critical studies.

This year’s edition will honor historian Mohammed Abdul Razzaq Al-Qash’ami for his significant contributions towards documenting Saudi Arabia’s literary and cultural heritage.

The forum’s agenda reflects the dynamic evolution of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, structured around nine core themes examining the interplay between oral traditions and written expressions.

According to Al-Sulami, these sessions will explore how these have shaped the Kingdom’s cultural narrative.

Dr. Abdulrahman bin Rajallah Al-Sulami, who heads the forum’s scientific committee, outlined the scope of the event.

Sessions will examine aspects of Saudi cultural heritage including ancient oral culture origins, historical inscriptions and documents, handicrafts and their literary manifestations, oral literature genres and literary narratives in biographies and memoirs.

He said the forum served as an intellectual platform aimed at motivating researchers and intellectuals to study and develop literature while promoting literary and creative trends.

The forum has drawn significant academic interest, with 50 research papers submitted, from which 20 were selected for presentation. Organizers say this robust response underscores the forum’s relevance to contemporary cultural discourse in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Sulami expressed gratitude to those whose papers were accepted, as well as to the researchers who contribute valuable perspectives to the forum.

 


Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh
Updated 04 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince, Lebanese president hold meeting in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun on Monday.

The pair held a meeting where they discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, in addition to ways of enhancing bilateral relations.

An official reception ceremony was held at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh for Aoun, who is making his first visit to the Kingdom as Lebanon's head of state.

Senior Saudi and Lebanese officials attended the meeting.

Earlier, Aoun said that his visit to Saudi Arabia represents an opportunity to reaffirm the depth of relations between the two nations.

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He expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s role in supporting Lebanon’s stability, safety, and the functioning of its institutions, as well as the various forms of assistance provided by Riyadh.

The president and his delegation are scheduled to travel to Cairo on Tuesday to participate in the extraordinary Arab summit.

Aoun, Lebanon’s former army chief, was elected as the country’s 14th president in January, ending a more than two-year power vacuum.

The Lebanese people hope the new president can tackle the country’s economic crisis, and the devastating aftermath of Hezbollah’s 14-month war with Israel, which left vast areas of Lebanon in ruins and killed more than 4,000.


Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders

Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders
Updated 03 March 2025
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Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders

Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders
  • Reflects the ‘spirit of love, communication,’ reinforces social values

RIYADH: During the holy month, the Northern Borders region lights up with one of its standout traditions: the Ramadan bonfire.

These Ramadan gatherings hold a special place in the community, strengthening family and neighborly bonds.

The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

They provide a space for exchanging stories and experiences about the past, present and future, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the fire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.

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In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the bonfire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.

Karim Al-Dhaidi, another local, said the gatherings are open to everyone, and serve to strengthen social ties. They also connect people with their past, he said.

The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

Jazaa Marji, board chairman of the Retirees Association in the Northern Borders region, said the Ramadan fire has always been a part of the local heritage.

“We grew up with it, and it brings generations together, offering an opportunity to recall memories and share experiences with the youth,” he said.

“Ramadan is the perfect time to revive such traditions, as they reflect the spirit of love, communication, and the reinforcement of social values between generations.”

Even today, the Ramadan fire remains a tradition at many homes in the Northern Borders region. Residents are keen to revive it during Ramadan nights.

 


Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth

Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth
Updated 03 March 2025
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Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth

Saudi ministry promotes local products for sustainable growth
  • The ministry encouraged consumers to adopt healthy shopping practices by choosing local agricultural products, meats, and dairy, which offer high nutritional value

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted the importance of purchasing local products to achieve environmental and economic sustainability and enhance food security, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

This came during the launch of an environmental campaign through the ministry’s Environmental Awareness Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The campaign aims to promote healthy behaviors supporting the local economy and raising environmental awareness by encouraging the purchase of national products.

The ministry emphasized that local products are of high quality, environmentally suitable, and subject to strict oversight, ensuring compliance with health and environmental standards, which enhances food safety and preserves natural resources.

It also noted that buying national products reduces the carbon footprint from imports and transportation while supporting local farmers and producers, benefiting the national economy, the SPA reported.

The ministry encouraged consumers to adopt healthy shopping practices by choosing local agricultural products, meats, and dairy, which offer high nutritional value.

Purchasing local food also promotes the consumption of seasonal and regional products, helping reduce food waste and the impact of low-quality imports. The ministry stressed that this approach supports sustainable development and boosts production efficiency.

 


Civil Defense issues rain warning across Saudi Arabia

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions. (SPA)
The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions. (SPA)
Updated 03 March 2025
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Civil Defense issues rain warning across Saudi Arabia

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions. (SPA)
  • The affected regions include Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha and Asir

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with moderate to heavy rain expected to continue until Friday.

The affected regions include Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha and Asir, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions, avoid areas prone to flash floods, such as valleys, and refrain from swimming in them.

It also called on the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates through official channels and social media platforms.

 


Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Updated 03 March 2025
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Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Eastern region governor receives Tajikistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia
  • Both sides explored avenues for further strengthening ties to serve mutual interests

DAMMAM: Eastern Region Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received Ambassador of Tajikistan to the Kingdom Akram Karimi in Dammam on Monday.

They discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrahim Taha recently received the Permanent Observer of Russia to the OIC Turko Daudov at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah.

During the meeting, both sides explored avenues for further strengthening ties to serve mutual interests.