https://arab.news/9kujc
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has been distributing food and dates to thousands of people in Yemen and Chad, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Volunteers distributed 3,000 cartons of dates to displaced people in Yemen’s Al-Jawf governorate, benefiting 18,000 individuals, the SPA reported on Wednesday.
In Chad this week, as a part of its Food Security Support Project, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food parcels in the Batha region, benefiting 7,200 vulnerable people.
RIYADH: Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and president of the Saudi Media Forum, was recently honored with the 2025 Gratitude Award for Inspiring Leaders.
Presented by the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work, the award celebrates those whose vision and dedication have had a profound impact on their communities.
Commenting on the honor, Al-Harthi stated: “Giving is an intrinsic part of the Saudi identity, deeply rooted in a generous homeland and inspiring leadership.
“I am one of this nation’s people striving to serve it with all we have. We will continue to work tirelessly for as long as we live because our country deserves nothing less.
“Each of us has unique tools within our fields that must be dedicated to serving the nation, society, and humanity.”
Al-Harthi has built a distinguished career across print, broadcast, and digital media, earning both regional and international awards in recognition of his creativity and achievements in the media landscape.
He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives and launched major media projects, held leadership roles in prominent local and global media organizations, and contributed to organizing events and festivals that have significantly elevated the status of Saudi media both regionally and internationally.
The award underscores Al-Harthi’s dedication to serving society and inspiring a new generation of media professionals.
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed ties between Riyadh and Seoul during a phone call with South Korea’s President Lee Jae-Myung on Wednesday.
During the call, they discussed “opportunities for cooperation in several fields” to achieve common interests and strengthen ties between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
JEDDAH: ’s Visual Arts Commission has launched its “Art Bridges” initiative for 2025–2026, a series of international programs designed to promote cultural exchange.
The programs will be hosted in Scotland, Japan, South Korea and Spain.
The first in Scotland will be held from Sept. 22 to 27, in partnership with the British Council Scotland.
Japan will host an event from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, followed by South Korea from Nov. 19 to 27, and Spain from March 2 to 9, 2026.
Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, said in a statement that the initiative offers a unique opportunity for cultural practitioners to share their creative voices with the world.
Each edition of “Art Bridges” will be tailored to the host destination.
There will be meetings with thought leaders, visits to major cultural institutions, museums, galleries and artist studios, as well as workshops, knowledge-exchange sessions, and discussions with prominent local art figures.
The 2025–2026 programs will explore specific themes, with Japan focusing on art and the environment by examining how artists interact with natural, urban and traditional settings.
South Korea’s program will address identity through art and society by studying community cultural movements, independent artist spaces and collaborative platforms.
In Spain, the program will highlight heritage and collaborative practice by showcasing the intersection of shared artistic expression, and social purpose in cultural spaces.
The application window for those wishing to participate opens on Aug. 13. The deadline for Japan is Aug. 21, while South Korea and Spain close on Aug. 31.
Applicants must be over 21, have at least five years of professional experience, submit a strong portfolio, be fluent in English and commit to the full program schedule.
The commission stated that “Art Bridges” forms a cornerstone of its strategy to expand ’s cultural presence globally, build sustainable creative ecosystems, and forge long-term international partnerships.
RIYADH: The women-led music initiative, Hunna, has launched its 2025 mentorship program and workshop series.
Now in its third year, the program connects women across the region with mentors, resources and networks to help them grow professionally. It has more than 120 members from , Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and elsewhere.
This year’s program began in July, with six participants paired with professionals from various musical disciplines. They will each receive monthly one-on-one mentorship and tailored development plans as well as access to Hunna’s wider programming.
The culmination of their hard work will be a showcase at this year’s XP Music Futures in December.
Mentorship program manager Nadia Khan, who also founded the nongovernmental organization Women in Ctrl, said: “This year’s mentor-mentee pairings reflect the diversity of talent in the region and the global reach of the women guiding them.
“Having such inspirational and accomplished mentors means our mentees aren’t just receiving guidance, they’re learning directly from women who have carved their own paths in music, broken barriers and proven that it’s possible to thrive while staying true to your vision.”
This year’s pairings are: Tunisia-based Chaima Soudani with Celine Hitti, head of artist services MENA at Believe; singer Nadine Lingawi (Fulana) with Emmy-nominated composer and BBC Radio 3 presenter Hannah Peel; Egyptian multi-instrumentalist and producer Martina Ashraf with Montreal-based experimental electronic artist Liliane Chlela; Saudi composer and pianist Nora Aljebrin with Nadin Al-Khalidi, lead vocalist of Tarabband; DJ and producer Lena Chercaoui with Saudi DJ and producer Cosmicat; and Palestinian-Jordanian vocalist Lina Sleibi with singer-songwriter and visual creative Lina Makoul.
The pairings were chosen through an anonymized selection process led by Hunna committee members and former participants.
“Hunna is about creating a space of solidarity and community where women can grow in every part of the music industry,” Hitti said.
Al-Khalidi said: “I joined the Hunna mentorship program to share my journey and inspire others to tell their own stories through music.”
Workshops are a core part of the program. The first, “Introduction to Music Production,” will be held on Aug. 20 at Beast House in Riyadh.
Monthly sessions through November will cover production, live performance, artist strategy and global positioning. They will be accessible to all members of the Hunna community.
Tanya Awad, head of music and experience at XP Music Futures and MDLBeast Foundation, which leads the Hunna initiative, said: “Our vision is clear: to see MENA women in every facet of the music industry.”
RIYADH: The British Council is celebrating five decades in by expanding its English language programs to Alkhobar and Jeddah, launching its first full academic year of courses for children and teenagers this September.
The expansion, which builds on established operations in Riyadh, comes in direct response to rising demand from parents and educational communities across the Kingdom.
It also supports Vision 2030’s ambition to equip young Saudis with essential communication skills, global awareness and the confidence to succeed in a competitive world.
“These courses are designed to build life skills, not just language ability,” a British Council spokesperson said.
“Students develop confidence, critical thinking and creativity — all essential for success in school and beyond.”
The program is delivered by qualified teachers using an international curriculum adapted to meet the needs of local learners. It offers:
For 50 years, the British Council has been a trusted partner for Saudi families and schools, recognized globally for its expertise in English language education.
Working in more than 100 countries and reaching 600 million people worldwide between 2021 and 2022, the organization has played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange, education, and mutual understanding between the UK and .
To mark the anniversary, parents who register their children before Aug. 30 will receive a special discount of up to 25 percent on course fees.
Courses begin in September, with enrollment now open. For further details and registration, visit www.britishcouncil.sa.
The British Council is the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
It builds connections, understanding and trust through work in arts, culture, education and the English language, contributing to peace, prosperity and skills development across the globe.
