黑料社区

Literary scene thrives across wide spectrum of genres at Riyadh book fair

One of the booths at the book fair showcased the work of Nizar Al-Sheikh, a specialist in comparative jurisprudence and the landmarks of the Prophet鈥檚 biography.听(AN photo by Jafar Saleh)
One of the booths at the book fair showcased the work of Nizar Al-Sheikh, a specialist in comparative jurisprudence and the landmarks of the Prophet鈥檚 biography.听(AN photo by Jafar Saleh)
Short Url
Updated 27 sec ago

Literary scene thrives across wide spectrum of genres at Riyadh book fair

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

RIYADH: The Riyadh International Book Fair continues to be a showcase for ideas, culture, and innovation. At this year鈥檚 fair, which ended Friday, several booths stood out for their contributions to the literary and cultural scene.听听

One of the most eye-catching was Samawi, a Saudi platform looking to transform the publishing landscape through its print-on-demand model.听




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.听

鈥淲e serve writers, publishers, and readers by providing technical support for the publishing industry, whether it鈥檚 reading, writing, printing, or digital and audio books,鈥 Khaled Bamohamad, CEO of Samawi, told Arab News.听




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 黑料社区 鈥 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.听

鈥淲e started in 2022 with e-books. Today we have 20,000 e-books and more than 5,000 audiobooks,鈥 Bamohamad said. 鈥淲ith each exhibition, we introduce new services such as reading-speed analysis and enhanced reading experiences.鈥澨




(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 黑料社区 鈥 from culture, economy, and Vision 2030 to sports, entertainment, and politics.听

Hassan Al-Qarni, editor-in-chief of Saudipedia, told Arab News: 鈥淲e aim to provide reliable, original information to local, Arab, and international audiences.鈥澨

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.听

Another booth showcased the work of Nizar Al-Sheikh, a specialist in comparative jurisprudence and the landmarks of the Prophet鈥檚 biography.听

Al-Sheikh has published around 35 works on the subject. His latest is 鈥淭he Tourist Guide for Visitors to Al-Ahsa and the Eastern Province,鈥 which explores Prophet Muhammad鈥檚 visit to the titular region on a trade journey before the revelation of the message.听

鈥淭he 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,鈥 Al-Sheikh said.听


Princess Sora bint Saud launches interactive book celebrating Riyadh

Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: 鈥淭he Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. (Supplied)
Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: 鈥淭he Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. (Supplied)
Updated 23 sec ago

Princess Sora bint Saud launches interactive book celebrating Riyadh

Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: 鈥淭he Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. (Supplied)
  • Part of Sora Collection, book spotlights history, culture
  • Born from 鈥榙eep love鈥 of homeland, she tells Arab News

RIYADH: Princess Sora bint Saud recently unveiled 鈥淩iyadh,鈥 the first book in her Sora Collection, which is a series of interactive publications designed to highlight the culture, history, and heritage of 黑料社区鈥檚 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.

鈥淭he book is just the starting point 鈥 there鈥檚 so much more that will be added; it鈥檚 going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.鈥 (Supplied)

It also highlights traditional markets and heritage dishes including 鈥渉aneeni,鈥 鈥渕atazeez,鈥 and 鈥渕arqooq,鈥 desert activities, and cultural experiences that capture the city鈥檚 unique character.

Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: 鈥淭he 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 鈥 to present it in the best way possible.

鈥淭he idea came from realizing that there wasn鈥檛 anything simple yet meaningful that covered all regions of 黑料社区 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

鈥 Part of the Sora Collection, book spotlights history, culture.

鈥 Born from 鈥榙eep love鈥 of homeland, she tells Arab News.

鈥淓ach book is designed to inspire, while also living beautifully as a coffee table piece that invites conversation, pride, and connection to our culture.

鈥淭he book is just the starting point 鈥 there鈥檚 so much more that will be added; it鈥檚 going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.鈥

Crafted with historical accuracy and aesthetic appeal, the books provide an educational yet engaging experience for readers of all ages.

The launch comes amid 黑料社区鈥檚 cultural and tourism renaissance under Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a leading global destination.

Princess Sora鈥檚 series is expected to attract wide interest from readers, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts.

It presents 鈥淩iyadh鈥 as more than a book but as a starting to discover 黑料社区 in all its richness and diversity.

 


KSrelief launches urgent cholera response project in Yemen

The six-month project will benefit 1,153,000 individuals in areas most affected by the epidemic. (SPA)
The six-month project will benefit 1,153,000 individuals in areas most affected by the epidemic. (SPA)
Updated 32 sec ago

KSrelief launches urgent cholera response project in Yemen

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 鈥渆mbodies the deep fraternal ties between the two nations

ADEN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center 鈥 the Saudi aid agency 鈥 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 鈥渆mbodies the deep fraternal ties between the two nations and strengthens the health system鈥檚 resilience against epidemic crises.鈥

Al-Shabhi added that the project is a 鈥渃ornerstone in curbing the spread of epidemics, combining preventative measures with community awareness to promote health literacy.鈥

The initiative comes within the framework of the Kingdom鈥檚 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鈥 Gaza ceasefire plan

Saudi foreign minister participates in Paris meeting on US鈥 Gaza ceasefire plan
Updated 38 sec ago

Saudi foreign minister participates in Paris meeting on US鈥 Gaza ceasefire plan

Saudi foreign minister participates in Paris meeting on US鈥 Gaza ceasefire plan
  • Kaja Kallas, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice president of the European Commission, was also present

PARIS: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan took part in a ministerial meeting in Paris to discuss the US鈥 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.

 


Manga Arabia unveils Wa鈥檈d program to nurture Arab comic-book talent

Manga Arabia unveils Wa鈥檈d program to nurture Arab comic-book talent
Updated 10 October 2025

Manga Arabia unveils Wa鈥檈d program to nurture Arab comic-book talent

Manga Arabia unveils Wa鈥檈d program to nurture Arab comic-book talent
  • The initiative is intended to champion rising Saudi and Arab talent in comic-book and manga creation
  • The company leverages its substantial domestic and worldwide footprint through two flagship publications

RIYADH: Manga Arabia, part of the Saudi Research and Media Group, announced the launch of its Wa鈥檈d initiative during the Riyadh International Book Fair this week.
The initiative is intended to champion rising Saudi and Arab talent in comic-book and manga creation by showcasing their work to Arab readers via the company鈥檚 digital channels.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Wa鈥檈d program forms part of Manga Arabia鈥檚 broader vision to 鈥渃ultivate homegrown creators and develop their capabilities within a professional framework that resonates with younger generations.鈥
It 鈥渇ocuses on identifying promising creative voices and offering them exposure to expansive readership through the publication of original stories rooted in local and regional cultural heritage.鈥
During the initial rollout, Manga Arabia introduced multiple narratives developed by more than 30 up-and-coming illustrators and storytellers.
The company leverages its substantial domestic and worldwide footprint through two flagship publications 鈥 鈥淢anga Arabia for Youth鈥 and 鈥淢anga Arabia for Kids鈥 鈥 offered in both digital and physical editions.
With downloads exceeding 12 million from more than 190 nations, Manga Arabia has established itself as a premier gateway for Arab storytelling to international audiences.
Additionally, the firm runs the Manga Arabia Competition to showcase budding writers and illustrators. Across three cycles, the contest has drawn participation from more than 1,500 contestants, distributing prizes valued at more than SAR250,000 ($66,654).
Faris Al-Rashoud, deputy general manager of Manga Arabia, said: 鈥淲a鈥檈d marks a significant advancement in supporting emerging Saudi and Arab manga creators. Backing national and regional talent early in their careers represents a strategic long-term commitment to creative content development. We take pride in featuring works by talented newcomers across our platforms, connecting them with extensive audiences and creating pathways toward professional growth and distinction.
鈥淣urturing young creators forms the foundation for expanding Arab influence in the global manga landscape. This program aims to create an enabling ecosystem, similar to how international productions have elevated their artists to prominence,鈥 he continued.


Saudi philanthropist Rania Moualla honored at international awards event

Saudi philanthropist Rania Moualla honored at international awards event
Updated 10 October 2025

Saudi philanthropist Rania Moualla honored at international awards event

Saudi philanthropist Rania Moualla honored at international awards event
  • The Saudi philanthropist received a prestigious Fair Saturday Award during a ceremony at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain

DHAHRAN: Rania Moualla, ZADK Culinary Academy founder and chairwoman, has received global recognition for her pioneering social entrepreneurship and contributions to community development.

The Saudi philanthropist received a prestigious Fair Saturday Award during a ceremony at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The award recognizes her leadership, transformative vision and efforts to promote education, sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage through gastronomy.

Moualla said: 鈥淶ADK is more than just a non-profit culinary academy 鈥 our goal is to preserve local culture, protect heritage, promote job creation, emphasize sustainability and drive social transformation. I鈥檓 thrilled that our success has now been recognized on the international stage.鈥

ZADK aims to drive positive social change through excellence in culinary education and innovation. It provides a foundation for passionate Saudis who aspire to be chefs and restaurateurs, nurturing their creativity and knowledge while emphasizing local culture and cuisine.

The Saudi philanthropist received a prestigious Fair Saturday Award during a ceremony at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. (Supplied)

It provides scholarships for qualifying students and offers a range of culinary courses, including a two-year higher culinary diploma, a one-year associate diploma, and a six-month professional certificate program, along with shorter courses and other services.

The comprehensive training programs aim to prepare students for the workplace, providing employers with competent employees who add value in a professional environment.

The Fair Saturday Awards were launched in 2017 with the aim of recognizing the initiatives of inspiring individuals and organizations, which have proven to generate social impact through art and culture. They emphasize the value of promoting new models of action with the mission of generating more inclusive, fair and sustainable growth.

Other recipients of the 2025 Fair Saturday Awards include Nobel laureate in economics, Joseph Stiglitz; journalist and author Martin Wolf; actress Adjoa Andoh; dancer and choreographer Ahmad Joudeh; pianist Joaquin Achucarro; and cultural association Gerediaga Elkartea.