Saudi theatrical show ‘Terhal’ returns to Diriyah/node/2604833/saudi-arabia
Saudi theatrical show ‘Terhal’ returns to Diriyah
The show features stunning scenes inspired by Saudi landscapes, and highlights young Saudi talents alongside renowned international performers. (X @MOCSaudi)
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Updated 17 June 2025
Arab News
Saudi theatrical show ‘Terhal’ returns to Diriyah
“Terhal” is a pioneering Saudi production which boasts advanced lighting and visual technology
Updated 17 June 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture is to present the theatrical performance “Terhal” from Aug. 4-25 at Mayadeen Venue in Diriyah.
“Terhal” is a pioneering Saudi production which boasts advanced lighting and visual technology, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It offers a visually captivating experience, telling the story of a young Saudi man who dreams of shaping his country’s future.
His journey across the Kingdom takes him through diverse landscapes and rich traditions, helping him to rediscover ’s cultural and natural heritage. He returns to his village at the end with renewed confidence, wisdom, and hope.
The show features stunning scenes inspired by Saudi landscapes, and highlights young Saudi talents alongside renowned international performers.
The second edition of “Terhal” builds on the success of its 2023 debut which celebrated Saudi culture, from performing arts to handicrafts, traditional attire and cuisine.
Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: “The Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. (Supplied)
Updated 25 min 42 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
Princess Sora bint Saud launches interactive book celebrating Riyadh
Part of Sora Collection, book spotlights history, culture
Born from ‘deep love’ of homeland, she tells Arab News
Updated 25 min 42 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Princess Sora bint Saud recently unveiled “Riyadh,” the first book in her Sora Collection, which is a series of interactive publications designed to highlight the culture, history, and heritage of ’s regions.
The luxury edition combines storytelling, illustration, and creative design, offering readers an immersive experience of the Saudi capital.
The book serves as a comprehensive guide to Riyadh, showcasing historic landmarks including Al-Masmak Fortress and the UNESCO-listed Diriyah, alongside modern icons such as the Kingdom Tower and Al-Faisaliah Tower.
“The book is just the starting point — there’s so much more that will be added; it’s going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.” (Supplied)
It also highlights traditional markets and heritage dishes including “haneeni,” “matazeez,” and “marqooq,” desert activities, and cultural experiences that capture the city’s unique character.
Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: “The Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. I began the project back in 2022, and it took time to bring together all the right elements, from the concept and design to storytelling … to present it in the best way possible.
“The idea came from realizing that there wasn’t anything simple yet meaningful that covered all regions of in a creative and accessible way. I wanted to create something that could serve as a starting point for readers, especially children, to build their curiosity and discoveries from.
FASTFACTS
• Part of the Sora Collection, book spotlights history, culture.
• Born from ‘deep love’ of homeland, she tells Arab News.
“Each book is designed to inspire, while also living beautifully as a coffee table piece that invites conversation, pride, and connection to our culture.
“The book is just the starting point — there’s so much more that will be added; it’s going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.”
Crafted with historical accuracy and aesthetic appeal, the books provide an educational yet engaging experience for readers of all ages.
The launch comes amid ’s cultural and tourism renaissance under Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a leading global destination.
Princess Sora’s series is expected to attract wide interest from readers, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts.
It presents “Riyadh” as more than a book but as a starting to discover in all its richness and diversity.
Literary scene thrives across wide spectrum of genres at Riyadh book fair
Exhibition offers physical and digital books in various languages as well as works on jurisprudence and Prophet Muhammad
Updated 25 min 46 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: The Riyadh International Book Fair continues to be a showcase for ideas, culture, and innovation. At this year’s fair, which ended Friday, several booths stood out for their contributions to the literary and cultural scene.
One of the most eye-catching was Samawi, a Saudi platform looking to transform the publishing landscape through its print-on-demand model.
One of the most eye-catching booths this year was Samawi, a Saudi platform transforming the publishing landscape through its print-on-demand model. (AN photo by Jafar Saleh)
The platform allows authors to upload their books, which are then printed only when a customer places an order. This model significantly reduces costs for writers, who no longer need to stockpile large print runs. In addition, Samawi connects bookstores directly with authors, opening more channels for distribution and visibility.
“We serve writers, publishers, and readers by providing technical support for the publishing industry, whether it’s reading, writing, printing, or digital and audio books,” Khaled Bamohamad, CEO of Samawi, told Arab News.
Another notable presence at the fair was the Saudipedia booth. Launched in 2024, Saudipedia is a multilingual digital encyclopedia dedicated to documenting every aspect of — from culture, economy, and Vision 2030 to sports, entertainment, and politics. (AN photo by Jafar Saleh)
The platform offers flexible printing and distribution options. And the Samawi Reader app provides access to thousands of e-books and audiobooks.
“We started in 2022 with e-books. Today we have 20,000 e-books and more than 5,000 audiobooks,” Bamohamad said. “With each exhibition, we introduce new services such as reading-speed analysis and enhanced reading experiences.”
(AN photo by Jafar Saleh)
Another notable presence at the fair was the Saudipedia booth. Launched in 2024, Saudipedia is a multilingual digital encyclopedia dedicated to documenting every aspect of — from culture, economy, and Vision 2030 to sports, entertainment, and politics.
Hassan Al-Qarni, editor-in-chief of Saudipedia, told Arab News: “We aim to provide reliable, original information to local, Arab, and international audiences.”
Available in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, and Chinese, Saudipedia is billed as a comprehensive reference for anyone seeking to learn more about the country. Its presence at the book fair highlights the growing role of digital-knowledge platforms in promoting Saudi culture globally.
Another booth showcased the work of Nizar Al-Sheikh, a specialist in comparative jurisprudence and the landmarks of the Prophet’s biography.
Al-Sheikh has published around 35 works on the subject. His latest is “The Tourist Guide for Visitors to Al-Ahsa and the Eastern Province,” which explores Prophet Muhammad’s visit to the titular region on a trade journey before the revelation of the message.
“The work documents the villages and cities the Prophet passed through, the presence of the caliphs in the region, and the significance of its historical sites. It is comprehensive and covers many of the cities mentioned by the Prophet,” Al-Sheikh said.
The six-month project will benefit 1,153,000 individuals in areas most affected by the epidemic. (SPA)
Updated 25 min 51 sec ago
SPA
KSrelief launches urgent cholera response project in Yemen
Dr. Salem Al-Shabhi, undersecretary of the population at the Yemeni Ministry of Health, expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom for its comprehensive support, which he said “embodies the deep fraternal ties between the two nations
Updated 25 min 51 sec ago
SPA
ADEN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center — the Saudi aid agency — has launched an urgent response project aimed at combating cholera in Yemen.
The six-month project will benefit 1,153,000 individuals in areas most affected by the epidemic. It aims to reduce infection rates and limit the spread of cholera through preventative measures including the establishment of specialized medical teams to examine and monitor travelers at air and land entry points in several governorates, including Aden and Hadhramaut.
The six-month project will benefit 1,153,000 individuals in areas most affected by the epidemic. (SPA)
Dr. Salem Al-Shabhi, undersecretary of the population at the Yemeni Ministry of Health, expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom for its comprehensive support, which he said “embodies the deep fraternal ties between the two nations and strengthens the health system’s resilience against epidemic crises.”
Al-Shabhi added that the project is a “cornerstone in curbing the spread of epidemics, combining preventative measures with community awareness to promote health literacy.”
The initiative comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts, through KSrelief, to strengthen healthcare measures in order to tackle the cholera epidemic in Yemen.
Saudi foreign minister participates in Paris meeting on US’ Gaza ceasefire plan
Kaja Kallas, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice president of the European Commission, was also present
Updated 25 min 57 sec ago
SPA
PARIS: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan took part in a ministerial meeting in Paris to discuss the US’ plan for a Gaza ceasefire, joining the foreign ministers and representatives of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Turkiye, France, Italy, the UK, Germany, Spain, and Canada. Kaja Kallas, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice president of the European Commission, was also present.
Participants welcomed the agreement reached by the parties on a ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners and the release of hostages, and the start of the first phase of the peace process.
The meeting also looked at mediation efforts undertaken by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye and ways to support implementation of the plan in line with the New York Declaration and in support of a political track leading to sustainable peace in Gaza and the region.
Riyadh Season 2025 begins with dazzling opening parade
Event is among most anticipated of the year
Updated 17 sec ago
Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub
RIYADH: Huge crowds gathered for the opening parade in Riyadh Season 2025, which took place on Friday between Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World in the Saudi capital.
The parade is among the most anticipated events of the year as it marks the start of a new season.
The event showcased a diverse array of performances by both international and local groups, featuring giant balloons and beloved characters such as Captain Tsubasa and Baby Yoda.
The event showcased a diverse array of performances by international and local groups, including giant balloons. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
With lively music, vivid colors, and dynamic live shows, Riyadh was turned into a radiant celebration brimming with excitement and joy.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, said on his X account: “The parade has begun. All eyes on the giant balloons as everyone lives the long-awaited moment. #RiyadhSeason 2025 kicks off with an unforgettable start.”
Organizers of the event said: “The parade is organized in collaboration with Macy’s, one of New York’s most renowned organizers of festive parades, which is presenting — for the first time outside the United States — a selection of its signature giant balloons, long considered a hallmark of its annual celebrations. These enormous and intricately designed balloons require hundreds of participants to maneuver each one in perfect synchronization, adding a global touch to the season’s spectacular opening.”
The event showcased a diverse array of performances by international and local groups, including giant balloons. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
Yassin Nour, from the Philippines, was amazed by the parade, and told Arab News: “My favorite part of the parade was the daytime fireworks, and I’m looking forward to more events like this.”
Mahmoud Samir, from Egypt, told Arab News that the parade was beautiful, adding: “It exceeded our expectations. We were expecting something good, but it turned out to be much better than we expected.”
Samir said that Riyadh Season’s opening ceremonies get better each year, and added: “God willing, we will be the first visitors and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere.”
Ali Al-Yami, from Najran, told Arab News that Riyadh Season always surprised him with its opening shows, and added: “The balloons looked fantastic and beautiful.”
