黑料社区

Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, 黑料社区 cultural exchange

The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
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The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, 黑料社区 cultural exchange
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A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
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Updated 01 October 2024

Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, 黑料社区 cultural exchange

The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
  • More Saudis interested in Chinese literature, say publishers
  • Chinese taught at schools is 鈥榠mportant step鈥 to boost ties

RIYADH: Publishers are seeing a growing demand from readers in 黑料社区 for Chinese literature as the two nations continue to strengthen cultural and political ties.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, which opened on Thursday, serves as a vital platform for connecting 黑料社区 with the global community.

The event emphasizes the importance of translating international works into Arabic to foster cultural exchange, particularly with China.




A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. It has already translated classics including 鈥淭he Art of War鈥 and 鈥淭hree Kingdoms.鈥

Amr Moghith, the editorial manager of Bayt El-Hekma, said: 鈥淚 see a demand from Saudis to learn the Chinese language. With every year, the demand for Chinese books increases.鈥

FASTFACTS

鈥 黑料社区 has organized A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic.

鈥 黑料社区 has organized several events to boost relations with China.

He added: 鈥淲hen the House of Wisdom Cultural Group was established, it was with the aim of building bridges between the Chinese and Arab cultures.




To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (Supplied)

鈥淭his has been achieved cumulatively. Initially, the demand for Chinese literature was somewhat weak, although people were curious about Chinese culture, which has a rich history extending back over 5,000 years.鈥

Moghith said that while there are significant differences in the cultures of the Chinese and Arab worlds, the recent translations, both ways, have led to a surge in interest.

鈥淭he demand has become greater, especially since it brings together the Chinese and Arab cultures, which have had longstanding relations since the Silk Road,鈥 he explained, referencing the ancient trade route.




To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

He said Chinese was now being taught in Saudi schools. 鈥淭his is an important step that helps many Saudis learn about Chinese culture.

鈥淐hina wants to convey that it is not just a manufacturing or trading country, but a civilization with deep historical roots.

鈥淚t seeks to communicate with countries in the East and the Middle East, particularly given the old relations.鈥




A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

In addition, Bayt El-Hekma, which was established in Egypt in 2011, aims to enrich the understanding of Chinese culture among Arabic speakers and operates an academy for those eager to learn the language.

黑料社区 has organized several events to boost relations with China.

For instance, on Sept. 26, the Museums Commission inaugurated the exhibition 鈥淭he Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow鈥 at the 黑料社区 Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax.

This event marks the first showcase of contemporary Chinese artists in 黑料社区.

It highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to enhance cultural exchange.


Ithra Children鈥檚 Festival inspires creativity, curiosity

Ithra Children鈥檚 Festival inspires creativity, curiosity
Updated 6 sec ago

Ithra Children鈥檚 Festival inspires creativity, curiosity

Ithra Children鈥檚 Festival inspires creativity, curiosity
  • The festival combines creativity, learning, play, and exploration in an interactive setting

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, on Monday launched its inaugural Children鈥檚 Festival, themed 鈥淲hat If?鈥, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival combines creativity, learning, play, and exploration in an interactive setting to foster critical thinking, nurture imagination, and develop essential skills.

Running until July 26 at Ithra鈥檚 headquarters in Dhahran, the festival offers 50 activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire creative thinking.

These include hands-on workshops, live performances, water and family challenges, art spaces that encourage exploration and questioning, and a book exchange where children can swap books.

An interactive exhibition allows children to transform large white models into colorful artworks using foam tubes, the SPA reported.

The festival will also host the fifth Children鈥檚 Book Fair from July 14-19, featuring 20 local and international publishers specializing in children鈥檚 and young adult literature.

This year鈥檚 fair highlights South Korea as the guest of honor, with book signings, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities to meet experts.


Riyadh to host major airshow in November

The exhibition will include live day and night airshows, youth and children鈥檚 zones, and innovation pavilions. (Supplied)
The exhibition will include live day and night airshows, youth and children鈥檚 zones, and innovation pavilions. (Supplied)
Updated 20 min 53 sec ago

Riyadh to host major airshow in November

The exhibition will include live day and night airshows, youth and children鈥檚 zones, and innovation pavilions. (Supplied)
  • Prince Sultan said the Sand & Fun exhibition is a national platform combining aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences

RIYADH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club, chaired a meeting attended by Ahmed Al-Fahaid, the club鈥檚 general supervisor, where the executive plans and airshow programs for the Sand & Fun exhibition were approved.

Prince Sultan said the Sand & Fun exhibition is a national platform combining aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences.

The event supports the Kingdom鈥檚 role as a regional and global hub for general aviation, aligned with Vision 2030 goals in tourism, education, and local content development, he added. 

This year鈥檚 edition is special as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Aviation Club, highlighting the sector鈥檚 growth since its founding.

The exhibition will be held from Nov. 25 to 29 at Al-Thumamah Airport in Riyadh. It will include live day and night airshows, youth and children鈥檚 zones, innovation pavilions, and investor platforms, aiming to boost local and international aviation collaboration. 

Prince Sultan called for stronger national partnerships and engagement with education, training, entertainment, and technology sectors to ensure the event鈥檚 success.

The exhibition demonstrates 黑料社区鈥檚 organizational capabilities and opens new opportunities for future generations in aviation. 

Founded in 2000 following a Cabinet decision, the Saudi Aviation Club leads the Kingdom鈥檚 general aviation sector, promoting its culture, supporting talent, and organizing educational and entertainment initiatives.


黑料社区 retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025

黑料社区 retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025
Updated 07 July 2025

黑料社区 retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025

黑料社区 retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025
  • National digital transformation strategy helps propel Kingdom to forefront of international standards, officials say
  • 黑料社区 cited as Tier 1 鈥榬ole-modeling鈥 nation by UN specialist agency, further underlining its world standing

RIYADH: 黑料社区 has maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to this year鈥檚 edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook.

The cybersecurity indicator ranking reflects what officials describe as continued support from the country鈥檚 leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Officials added the leadership鈥檚 national digital transformation strategy has helped propel the Kingdom to the forefront of international benchmarks.

They also said the Kingdom鈥檚 achievements in cybersecurity stem from a comprehensive, long-term strategy that balances national security with economic and technological development.

黑料社区 was also designated a Tier 1 鈥渞ole-modeling鈥 nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the UN鈥檚 International Telecommunication Union, further underlining its international standing.

Central to this model is the National Cybersecurity Authority, the country鈥檚 primary body for overseeing cybersecurity affairs, and the Saudi Information Technology Company, which serves as its technical and strategic partner.

Together, these institutions have helped strengthen national cyber defenses, localize key technologies, and expand collaboration both domestically and internationally.

The NCA, which acts as the national reference point for all matters relating to cybersecurity, is tasked with enhancing the Kingdom鈥檚 digital resilience by safeguarding critical infrastructure, key sectors, and government services.

It is also responsible for setting policies, frameworks, and standards while encouraging innovation, investment, and growth within the Kingdom鈥檚 cybersecurity sector.

These initiatives form part of 黑料社区鈥檚 wider efforts to build a secure and trusted digital environment that supports economic growth and global cooperation.


Riyadh鈥檚 coolest ride this summer is the metro

Riyadh鈥檚 coolest ride this summer is the metro
Updated 07 July 2025

Riyadh鈥檚 coolest ride this summer is the metro

Riyadh鈥檚 coolest ride this summer is the metro
  • Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar

RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city鈥檚 new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar.

Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting.

For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city鈥檚 increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

鈥淭he most challenging aspect has been getting to the station and back home in a way that made sense. I鈥檇 say parking is an issue if you don鈥檛 go early,鈥 he said.

鈥淚 go before it gets too hot to walk from the parking to the station 鈥 The stations are well AC鈥檇 鈥 but it does get hot, so you just have to bear it.鈥

He recommends that passengers take a seat during the transit, whenever they are available, to minimize the burden of the trip.

HIGHLIGHTS

鈥 Riyadh Metro features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

鈥 The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution.

鈥 Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

鈥淕etting first class is worth it, and avoiding the rush and the sun. If you鈥檙e walking from the car to the station, I see a lot of people taking umbrellas, so that helps.鈥

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city鈥檚 increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city鈥檚 increasingly congested roads.

The system includes several sustainable features, such as energy-efficient trains and stations, and regenerative braking technology that helps cut energy use.

To boost accessibility, rideshare platforms such as Uber are offering free connections through the RPT Link service, which transports passengers to metro stations within a 3 km radius.

Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah) 

Nouf Al-Dossari, a content creator, said she relies on the metro for attending events and work-related outings. 鈥淚t has been cost-friendly to me and saves me lots of time,鈥 she said.

鈥淯sually I鈥檇 leave my house an hour before to just reach in time because of the traffic, but now I leave 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time. It鈥檚 been wonderful.鈥

She encourages others to use the metro during the hot months, but also advises staying hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.

Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah) 

鈥淚 believe the most challenging part is trying to find an available seat when coming back home, and even in the morning because everyone is heading to work,鈥 she said.

While she is used to the Riyadh heat, she still uses Uber to reach the stations for safety reasons.

鈥淪ome are located near highways or busy roads which makes it a bit difficult to safely walk to and from,鈥 she explained.

People purchase tickets at the King Abdullah Finance District "KAFD" metro station in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 1, 2024. (AFP)

Noura Al-Dakhil has been using the metro for her daily commute for over a month and says that the transition has been relatively smooth.

鈥淭he stations I use have a big sidewalk next to it, safety measures, and comfortable access. Although the parking situation isn鈥檛 ideal 鈥 or, let鈥檚 say, nonexistent,鈥 she said.

While she used to walk to a nearby station in cooler months, the summer heat has forced her to adapt.

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. (Supplied)

鈥淚n the summer, I use my car and park next to the station,鈥 she said. For those without that option, she recommends preparing for the weather, such as using an umbrella.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a game changer. And wear airy fabrics. I switched to cold caffeinated beverages, which helped too.鈥

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. It features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution. Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

 


Saudi traditional container keeps its cool 鈥 and makes a cultural comeback

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
Updated 07 July 2025

Saudi traditional container keeps its cool 鈥 and makes a cultural comeback

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
  • Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling

RIYADH: As part of 黑料社区鈥檚 Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region.

For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)

Now the traditional items are being celebrated as a lasting emblem of Bedouin heritage, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling.

FASTFACT

At Arar鈥檚 traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

More than just functional, Al-Samil reflects a self-sufficient way of life and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Today, interest in Al-Samil is being reived at heritage festivals and handicraft exhibitions held across cities and governorates in the region.

The container is still valued for storing wild ghee and fermented yogurt, with the leather adding a distinct flavor. Many rural homes and farms still use it.

At Arar鈥檚 traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

The market has become a key attraction for both residents and tourists looking to experience the region鈥檚 cultural heritage firsthand, the SPA reported.