Saudi art’s ‘global presence’ highlighted at Riyadh book fair

The dynamic evolution and global presence of Saudi art was discussed during a panel at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair on Saturday. (SPA)
The dynamic evolution and global presence of Saudi art was discussed during a panel at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair on Saturday. (SPA)
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Updated 05 October 2024

Saudi art’s ‘global presence’ highlighted at Riyadh book fair

Saudi art’s ‘global presence’ highlighted at Riyadh book fair
  • The session titled “History of Saudi Art” explored how the arts scene in the Kingdom has developed to new heights in recent years

RIYADH: The dynamic evolution and global presence of Saudi art was discussed during a panel at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair on Saturday. 

The session titled “History of Saudi Art” explored how the arts scene in the Kingdom has developed to new heights in recent years.

Participants emphasized that the Saudi orchestra today represented the collective voices of artists who have shaped the country's vibrant artistic landscape.

The session was organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and featured distinguished speakers, including academic Nauman Kadowa and Saudi researcher Manal Al-Harbi, with moderation by visual artist and researcher Hanan Al-Hazza.

Kadowa highlighted the multiple transformations Saudi art has undergone, particularly with the establishment of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission and the Music Commission.

These institutions, he noted, have played a pivotal role in reinforcing national identity while serving as bridges for Saudi art to connect with the global community, adding: “Saudi art reflects both our rich past and our promising future.” 

Kadowa also underscored the need for a centralized informational hub to consolidate resources and references on Saudi art, calling for collaboration between cultural, artistic bodies, and municipal entities.

Al-Harbi focused on the reciprocal relationship between art and society, describing how Saudi art reflects the customs and traditions of the Kingdom, with roots dating back to prehistoric times.

She lauded the work of late artist Safeya Binzagr, whose paintings vividly captured Saudi traditions. Al-Harbi also noted that many Saudi artists, through their international studies and scholarships, have continued to uphold this cultural responsibility on the global stage.

Al-Harbi addressed a critical challenge in researching Saudi art history: the scarcity of references.

This limitation, she suggested, could be alleviated through collaboration with municipal authorities, whose preserved documents may offer valuable insight into the Kingdom's artistic heritage.

As Saudi art continues to grow and evolve, this session at the Riyadh International Book Fair illuminated the Kingdom's commitment to nurturing and promoting its cultural legacy on a global scale.


Training program promotes smart farming practices 

Training program promotes smart farming practices 
Updated 26 August 2025

Training program promotes smart farming practices 

Training program promotes smart farming practices 
  • Participants are learning about advanced systems for climate control, smart irrigation, crop monitoring, and energy-saving solutions

Riyadh: The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, known as Estidamah, and NEOM food company Topian have been running their second greenhouse management training program in Riyadh.

The program, which began on Aug. 24 and ends on Thursday, aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices by providing comprehensive training in the management and operation of climate-controlled greenhouses.

Participants are learning about advanced systems for climate control, smart irrigation, crop monitoring, and energy-saving solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The curriculum also addresses key challenges such as water scarcity, soil health, and biodiversity conservation, the SPA added. 

This initiative is a part of Estidamah’s knowledge-transfer program, which seeks to improve farming efficiency and enhance food security. This is in line with the objectives of the country’s National Agriculture Strategy.


Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency
Updated 26 August 2025

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s Yanbu office, in cooperation with Reef National Foundation, delivered 65 marine engines to fishermen in the governorate, along with around 1,234 tools and pieces of equipment for boat outfitting.

The initiative is part of support programs for small-scale fishermen to strengthen the fisheries sector, ensure sustainable marine resources, and contribute to the ministry’s strategic goals.

The programs also included training and qualification for 580 beneficiaries to improve efficiency in all fishing processes, ensuring the highest quality products reach consumers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Earlier, the office provided about 17 preservation and refrigeration vehicles and 40 fishing boats under the localization of the fishing profession initiative, in cooperation with the Yanbu Cooperative Society for Fishermen.

The initiative’s fishing boats generated sales exceeding SR697,000 ($186,000) through more than 2,700 fishing trips, the SPA reported.


Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action
Updated 26 August 2025

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action
  • The ministers also reviewed the outcomes of recent high-level engagements, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

JEDDAH: The Saudi Council of Ministers, chaired on Tuesday by King Salman, affirmed its support for the outcomes of the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Jeddah to address Israel’s ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to urgently intervene to end the violence and protect civilians.

The ministers also reviewed the outcomes of recent high-level engagements, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The session further discussed a message King Salman received from President El-Sisi regarding bilateral relations between Riyadh and Cairo.


denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories

 denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories
Updated 26 August 2025

denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories

 denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories
  • Syria says Israel takes some territory around Mount Hermon despite talks
  • An Israeli military spokesperson said troops carried out a routine operational activity in an area of southern Syria

strongly condemned Israeli incursions inside the Syrian border, it was announced on Tuesday, calling them “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of Syria. 

A statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom of expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the continuation of Israeli violations, its incursion into Syrian territories, and its interference in its internal affairs.”

It added the act was “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of Syria and international law and also violated “the disengagement agreement signed between Syria and Israel in 1974, which comes amid the tension in the situation in the Sweida Governorate.”

 

Syria said on Monday that Israel had sent 60 soldiers to take control of an area inside the border around Mount Hermon. The Syrian government said the operation violated its sovereignty and posed a further threat to regional security.

“This dangerous escalation is considered a direct threat to regional peace and security,” said a statement from Syria’s foreign ministry.

A spokesman for the Israeli military said troops carried out routine operational activity in an area of southern Syria but did not operate in Beit Jinn, an area close to the border with Lebanon and near Mount Hermon.

Monday's incident took place near a strategic hilltop overlooking Beit Jinn, according to the Syrian ministry. It was also reported that Israel arrested six Syrians there.

The incident comes as the two countries engage in US-mediated talks on de-escalating their conflict in southern Syria. Damascus hopes to reach a security arrangement that could eventually pave the way for broader political talks.

 


Global symposium charts future of digital regulation

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation
Updated 26 August 2025

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation
  • GSR25 will close with a resolution outlining regulatory principles for the post-digital era

RIYADH: The Global Symposium for Regulators opens in Riyadh next week, bringing together delegates from more than 190 countries to discuss the future of digital regulation.

With the theme “Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development,” the event is being hosted by ’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission with the UN International Telecommunication Union. It will address topics including artificial intelligence, sixth-generation networks and the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial systems. 

Officials say the symposium marks a milestone in shaping global digital governance, stressing the role of regulators in driving innovation, protecting consumers, and closing the digital divide while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

It comes as aims to become a global digital leader following its appointment to the UN’s ITU digital regulation network board. Internet use in the Kingdom reached 99 percent in 2024.

GSR25 will close with a resolution outlining regulatory principles for the post-digital era, based on participants’ insights and session recommendations.