Silver handicrafts reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity and artistic heritage

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language in collaboration with the Equestrian Authority has launched an Arabic glossary of equestrian terms.

The resource targets enthusiasts and individuals interested in equestrianism and horses, aligning with the academy’s strategic goals to develop specialized glossaries that support the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, the academy's secretary-general, highlighted its role as Saudi Arabia’s primary Arabic language reference, with its glossary development efforts serving key sectors.

He said the significant cultural importance of equestrianism in the Kingdom had led to the development of the glossary, which includes terms for competitions, participation, horse descriptions, Arabian breed distinctions, colors, and ages.

The dictionary is an authoritative reference work, with a complete vocabulary of horsemanship.

Scholars and enthusiasts can readily access precise information, while the dictionary also serves the vital purpose of cultural preservation. By recording the rich terminology Arab horsemen have employed throughout history, the resource ensures that traditional equestrian knowledge and linguistic heritage will endure for generations to come, he added.

The academy’s objectives for the dictionary include bolstering academic research in Arabic linguistics and history by offering rich equestrian terminology, enhancing digital and print Arabic content with thorough horsemanship information, and establishing collaboration with the Equestrian Authority to continuously update the reference work with new definitions reflecting evolving needs in the field.

The initiative aligns with the academy’s broader mission to safeguard the integrity and identity of the Arabic language through various linguistic programs.

The organization continues to support Arabic in both spoken and written forms while facilitating Arabic language education within Saudi Arabia and internationally.

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will host the second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah from April 14-16.

The three-day event, operating under the theme “Enriching the Experience of Umrah Performers and Visitors,” is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program.

This global gathering is a premier event in the Umrah services sector, bringing together business leaders, decision-makers, service providers, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the world to share expertise and explore ways to enhance the pilgrim experience.

Building on last year’s successful inaugural forum, this year’s event aims to establish new standards for Umrah and visitation services through technological advances, digital transformation and sustainable sector investments.

The forum will feature more than 150 exhibiting organizations representing in excess of 100 countries, with attendance expected to exceed 25,000 visitors, including investors, industry experts, sector leaders, non-profit representatives and media organizations.

Events will include specialized sessions addressing various aspects of the Umrah and visitation ecosystem, an interactive exhibition showcasing technological solutions and innovative services, and workshops uniting decision-makers with experts to discuss sector development opportunities, and review the latest solutions and services that contribute to improving the experience of pilgrims and enhancing sector efficiency.

New focal areas include technology and digital transformation to explore smart solutions for service improvement, health care initiatives to ensure visitor safety and comfort, and discussions on developing modern transportation services for pilgrims.