Keeping up with Ramadan TV tradition

This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)
This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 March 2024
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Keeping up with Ramadan TV tradition

Keeping up with Ramadan TV tradition
  • From family comedies to thrillers and drama, these bingeworthy series are perfect for post-iftar leisure time

JEDDAH: During Ramadan there is a tradition of families gathering around after iftar for a leisurely break to watch shows together.

This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world.

‘Al-Atawla’

Nassar and Khidr are two brothers running a criminal organization that their father passed on to them before his death. A girl named Henna appears in Nassar’s life, making him seek change and aspire to leave the criminal life behind. But as deeply involved as he is in this dark side of life, as hard as it is to cut ties with it.




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

Starring Ahmed El-Sakka, Tarek Lotfy, Zeina, Bassem Samra, Mai Kassab, Salah Abdallah, and others, the series airs on MBC, MBC1, MBC Masr, MBC5.

‘Selat Rahem’

Anesthetist Dr. Husam was living a normal life until one day his wife got into a disastrous accident. This unfortunate event becomes the turning point for the doctor as he finds himself tangled in the dark underbelly of the illegal practice of surrogacy in pursuit of fulfilling their dream to have a baby.

The series stars Eyad Nassar, Asmaa Abulyazeid, Yosra El-Lozy, Safaa Galal, Mohamed Gomaa, and others. It airs on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Highest Viewing Rate’

Amina, a young simple girl living a simple life with her family in a low-class neighborhood has her life turned upside-down after her sister shared a video of her on social media that made her go viral. The girl ventures into this new world and discovers the dangerous impact a simple word from an influencer can have on others through social media platforms.

Starring Salma Abu-Deif, Layla Ahmed Zaher, Entesar, Ahmed Faheem, and others, the series will be aired on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Ghalia Al-Bogammiah’

Ghalia Al-Bogami was a Saudi woman whose courage and bravery on the battlefield forced the Ottoman Empire’s army to retreat from the lands of the first Saudi Kingdom after they lost to the Arab forces. The warrior was then given the title “amira,” meaning “princess.”




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

This historical drama stars Elham Ali, Abdulmohsen Al-Nemr, Salloum Haddad, Rashid Assaf, and more. It airs on SBC.

‘Qalam Rasas’

A family escapes the destruction caused by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, but the daughter gets lost in the process and is found by a woman who decides to take her under her wing and raise her as her own child. Years later, the girl decides to look for her biological family and succeeds in her mission. The only thing left is reconnecting and adapting with her long-lost relatives.

The series stars Ibrahim Al-Harbi, Sanaa Bakr Younis, Abeer Ahmed, Shaila Sabut, and others. It will be aired on Rotana Khalejia.

‘Khoyout Al-Ma’azeeb’

Farhan is a young boy forced to work for the stone-hearted Abu Issa, until one day, life gives him the chance to stand up to himself and to confront the oppression and injustice he faces, leave everything, and run far away.

Starring Abdulmohsen Al-Nemr, Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, Reem Arhama, Faisal Al-Dokhei, and more, the show streams on Shahid.

‘Al-Hashshashin’

Taking place in the 11th century, a group of assassins called Al-Hashashen are following the orders of their leader, Hassan Alssabah, to execute the bloody killings of big figures ruling the cities of the period.




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

This historical drama stars Karim Abdel Aziz, Fathy Abdel Wahab, Nicolas Mouawad, Myrna Nour El Din, and others, and it airs on DMC.

‘Emberatoreyet Meem’

Based on a novel by Egyptian author Ihsan Abdel Quddous, “Emberatoreyet Meem,” is a remake of the first movie adaptation with the same name. The series sticks to the original story and reveals more details that were removed from the film. It tells the story of a widower trying to take care of his children who rebelled against him and deal with the modern-day issues they are going through.

The new adaptation will star Khaled El-Nabawy, Hala Shiha, Nour Nabawy, Mahmoud Hafez, Nashwa Mustafa, Mayan El-Sayed, and more. It streams on Shahid.

‘Noqta Entaha’

Faris Yaqoub, a small neighborhood pharmacist struggling with Parkinson’s disease struggles to hide his first crime, which he committed by mistake against his wife's teenage brother. On the other hand, his wife seeks to uncover the truth about the murder of her only brother.

The crime series stars Abed Fahd, Nada Abu Farhat, Adel Karam, Fouad Ghazi, Anas Tayara, Khaled El-Sayed, and others, and airs on MTV.

‘Farawla’

Fortune Teller Farawla, the daughter of a security guard, tries to get herself and her family out of poverty by becoming a social media celebrity. Going through many comic events and struggles, things turn out in her favor, fortunately, and she becomes the leading expert in the field of energy.




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

The series stars Nelly Karim, Shaimaa Saif, Ahmed Faheem, Ola Rushdy, and others. It airs on DMC and other streaming platforms.

‘Baba Ja’

Hisham finds himself at a crossroads after being laid off from his job in a hotel, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he must find work and take care of his family under difficult circumstances. A new life unfolds as he faces the responsibility of taking care of his children at home while encountering many paradoxes and surprises along the way to finding a new job.

The comedy-drama stars Akram Hosny, Mahmoud El-Bezzawy, Nesrine Amin, Sama Ibrahim, Mohamed Otaka, and others. It streams on Shahid.

‘Bedon Sabeq Inthar’

Two parents face the worst fear of their lives when they find out that their son is suffering from late stage cancer with no hope of survival. The parents explore possible ways to save their son while going through the helplessness, sorrow, and heartbreak of losing a child.

Starring Asser Yassin, Aicha Ben Ahmed, Nihal Anbar, and others, the series airs on DMC and other streaming platforms.

‘Sodfa’

A history teacher named Sodfa experiences a coincidence that makes her life take an unexpected turn of events. She becomes involved in a relationship with Fouad Mohran, the owner of a hair salon, that pushes her to tell him a secret she has been keeping for a very long time. This makes Mohran determined to uncover the truth behind the information he now has.




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

The show stars Riham Haggag, Khaled El-Sawi, Essam Elsaka, Salwa Khattab, and others. It airs on CBC and DMC.

‘Atabat Al-Bahja’

The 70-year-old widower Bahgat Alansari is the sole carer for his grandchildren as his son and daughter-in-law are busy making a living. The grandfather of two, Hala and Omar, goes through unexpected conflicts with his grandchildren and meets new people every day.

This comedy series stars Yahia El-Fakhrany, Jomana Morad, Salah Abdallah, Sama Ibrahim, and more. It airs on DMC.

‘Cobra’

Fresh out of prison with a new mindset and goal to live a clean life, Ali Saleh Alma’adawi, known as Cobra, meets his previous mentor Shaykhon, who frames him for a murder and disappears. Cobra then loses his mother and sister and begins to move between cities with a bunch of friends to hide from the law until he provides evidence to prove his innocence.

Starring Mohamed Imam, Ahmed Fathy, Magdy Kamel, Mahmoud Abdul Moghni, Menna Fadali, Mohamed Tharwat, and more, the series airs on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Khaled Noor and His Son Noor Khaled’

Noor is a sound engineer whose father Khaled and mother Ghada died in a nuclear explosion when he was a child. One day, when Noor was taking his son to kindergarten, he shockingly meets his father from the past taking the child Noor to kindergarten as well. As they cannot believe their eyes, the father and son embark on a journey to find the reason behind this phenomenon.

Starring Chico, Karim Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Aya Samaha, Donia Maher, Sharif Ramzy, and others, the show will be aired on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Ashghal Shaqa’

A family of four — a husband who works as a doctor, a wife who works as a TV presenter, and their twins — face endless crises with nannies and housekeepers that affect the working parents’ flow of life.

This comedy series starring Hesham Maged, Asmaa Galal, Salwa Mohamed Ali, Moustafa Ghareeb, Mohamed Abdel Azim, and more, airs on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Nema El-Avoccato’

From the heart of one of Cairo’s old neighborhoods, lawyer Nema rolls her sleeves up to go on a mission to defend wronged prisoners and help those who are looking for a shoulder to lean on, all while protecting herself from her oppressive and irresponsible husband.

Starring Mai Omar, Ahmed Zaher, Arwa, Kamal Abu Raya, Emad Zeyadah, and others, the series airs on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Kamel El-Addad +1’

After Ahmed and Salma’s love blossomed with marriage in the first season, the relationship and communication between the couple’s children starts shaking as they face issues and troubles that bring them together at times and pushes them apart at other times.

This comedy show stars Dina Al-Sherbiny, Sherif Salama, Essad Youniss, Olfat Imam, Aya Samaha, and others, and airs on the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Sayed Al-Aqarib’

Ayda is a middle-aged woman living a miserable life that gets even worse after her brother dies. She tries to find the culprit while facing and resolving the conflicts between her family and another family in the new hell she is living in.

The show stars Ghada Abdel Razek, Ryadh El-Khouly, Mohamed Alaa, Simone, Mahemmed Aly Rizk, and others. It airs on Shahid.

‘Masar Egbari’

Two friends, Hassan and Hussein, discover a secret that turns their lives upside-down. They embark on a journey to unravel the truth behind this secret, which gets more mysterious with each revelation.

This thriller series stars Ahmed Dash, Essam Omar, Basma, Sabreen, Roshdy El-Shamy, Mai Elgheity, Nour Ehab, and others. It airs on Shahid.

 


Saudi energy minister joins launch of consortium to promote sustainable concrete

Saudi energy minister joins launch of consortium to promote sustainable concrete
Updated 26 January 2025
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Saudi energy minister joins launch of consortium to promote sustainable concrete

Saudi energy minister joins launch of consortium to promote sustainable concrete
  • NovusCrete seeks to accelerate adoption of durable saltwater concrete
  • Initiative led by the Oil Sustainability Program and includes leading Saudi organizations

RIYADH: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch the NovusCrete consortium, a global collaboration to develop and accelerate the adoption of sustainable and durable saltwater concrete.

The consortium, led by the Kingdom's Oil Sustainability Program, also seeks to create standards for using seawater in concrete, promote sustainability in construction by recycling waste, extend infrastructure lifespan, and reduce environmental impact.

Leading Saudi organizations taking part in the consortium include the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Investment Recycling Company, NEOM through its Design and Construction Sector, Sika, and ClimateCrete.

The participating parties said they aim to develop sustainable technologies for concrete production, focusing on reducing the construction sector’s carbon footprint and enhancing material efficiency.

They will also improve Saudi Arabia’s construction sector by promoting seawater concrete solutions using local materials.

The signing ceremony in Riyadh was also attended by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF; Saad Al-Qasabi, governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization; and Khalid Al-Salem, president of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.

The new consortium includes international organizations, such as the American Concrete Institute.

It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.


India celebrates 76th Republic Day in Riyadh, highlighting cultural ties with Saudi Arabia

India celebrates 76th Republic Day in Riyadh, highlighting cultural ties with Saudi Arabia
Updated 27 January 2025
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India celebrates 76th Republic Day in Riyadh, highlighting cultural ties with Saudi Arabia

India celebrates 76th Republic Day in Riyadh, highlighting cultural ties with Saudi Arabia
  • ‘Let us continue to work together,’ says Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan

RIYADH: Ambassador of India to the Kingdom Suhel Ajaz Khan underlined that a mutual appreciation of culture was strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and India during the latter’s 76th Republic Day celebration in Riyadh.

“A shared love for culture brings our countries together,” he said. “From Bollywood cinema to yoga, music, and food, we have continued to be inspired by each other.

“We were delighted to participate in the annual Riyadh Season 2024 under the Global Harmony Initiative of the Saudi government,” he added, referring to a series of events which began in October to celebrate the culture of the Kingdom’s different expatriate groups.

India’s Republic Day was celebrated on Sunday evening in the Cultural Palace in Riyadh and brought together both Saudis and Indians in a commemoration of culture and history.

Omar Khan, an Indian native who has called the Kingdom his home for nearly three decades, attended the event.

The product manager at STC Technologies told Arab News: “I’m a second-generation, third-culture kid. I’ve seen Republic Days for the past three decades in Saudi Arabia.

“I think one thing that’s very important is the representation of my country. It makes me proud that, although India is a distant land for me and Riyadh is home, I feel very connected, and I see that the partnership of Saudi Arabia and India has grown leaps and bounds.

“I’m very proud to say that I am somebody who grew up in Saudi Arabia and yet is Indian by his roots.”

Indian youngsters took to the stage following the ambassador’s speech to perform a dance routine showcasing their country’s music and culture.

The embassy event also featured multiple booths to highlight the many Indian-owned businesses and products in the Kingdom, in the food, tourism, and medical sectors.

India’s Ministry of Tribal Affairs also had a booth to showcase handmade products from the country, including coats, artifacts, and silk pashminas.

Staff from Aster Sanad Hospital were present to help visitors with medical issues.

The ambassador said: “India will work with our international partners, including Saudi Arabia, to contribute to a world of peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

“With these words I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people for their long-standing friendship and support.

“Let us continue to work together to build a future based on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.”


World Monument Fund to protect historic sites with Bahraini, Saudi, and Gulf partners

World Monument Fund to protect historic sites with Bahraini, Saudi, and Gulf partners
Updated 26 January 2025
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World Monument Fund to protect historic sites with Bahraini, Saudi, and Gulf partners

World Monument Fund to protect historic sites with Bahraini, Saudi, and Gulf partners
  • There is a lot of interest in heritage of GCC countries, says fund president

MUHARRAQ: On a historical preservation tour around the Arabian Gulf region, the World Monument Fund recently visited the city of Muharraq in Bahrain before visiting Saudi Arabia.

A historically rich city with a story that dates to the late 19th century, Muharraq is the cultural heart of Bahrain.

Prior to gaining independence from British rule in 1971, Muharraq was Bahrain’s capital and center for public and governmental administrative, educational, and planning projects, before being replaced by Manama in 1923.

Bahrain's cultural heart, Muharraq, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

Though the city held many significant historical sites, its residents began to leave soon after and the area was left neglected.

Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and chairperson of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, founded the Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research in 2002, a non-profit organization, as a form of cultural renaissance.

Since its founding, the center’s purpose has been to form a space where thinkers could gather and share ideas in philosophy, literature, poetry, art, and culture.

FASTFACT

In discussion with the Royal Commission of AlUla and the Heritage Commission for future partnerships, the World Monument Fund is visiting AlUla as well as Historic Jeddah for the Islamic Arts Biennale.

The most significant aspect of its work, however, has been the house restoration projects in Muharraq and Manama, where 28 historical houses, many of which belonged to prominent Bahraini figures and families, have been brought back to life under the leadership of Al-Khalifa.

As the World Monuments Fund celebrates 60 years, the organization is committed to safeguarding heritage around the globe. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

Over the weekend, a delegation from the World Monument Fund visited the Sheikh Ebrahim Center to see the restored houses firsthand.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the mission of the World Monuments Fund is to safeguard heritage all around the world, Benedicte de Montlaur, president of the fund, told Arab News.

Al-Khalifa was awarded the Watch Award by the World Monument Fund in 2015 and after a few visits to their offices in New York, she was asked to join them as a member of the board of trustees, making her the only Arab on the board.

Bahrain's cultural heart, Muharraq, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

In an interview with Arab News, Al-Khalifa said she felt it was her responsibility to keep them informed about the Arab world and all that it has to offer.

“The picture that travels to the world is not always true or complete, and in our Gulf countries there are many landmarks, monuments, and national identities that we would like to showcase,” she said.

The delegation first visited the Abdullah Al-Zayed House for Bahrain Press Heritage, the house of the first journalist to start a daily newspaper in the kingdom and which now hosts local and international speakers from the media sector.

Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa poses for a group picture with visiting guests in Bahrain. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

Next up was the Kurar House, where Al-Kurar Ladies spend their time embroidering traditional Bahraini thobes and other garments by hand. Like the strings of an instrument, three women work on the thread separately, and one stitches them together simultaneously on the fabric, creating a harmonious rhythm.

The delegation also got to see the only room left of Sheikh Ebrahim’s original house, a room that dates back around 200 years.

Following the tour of the Sheikh Ebrahim restored houses projects, they also visited the houses of the Pearling Path and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dilmun Burial Grounds.

A delegation from the World Monument Fund recently visited various sites in Bahrain including the Sheikh Ebrahim Center to see historical restored houses. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

With over 70 projects in the Arab world including the Louvre, the Smithsonian, and Babylon in Iraq, restoring the Imam Palace in the city of Taizz in Yemen, and Abydos in Egypt, the fund’s next mission is to become more active in the Gulf region.

“We see that there is a lot of interest in heritage in countries from the GCC,” de Montlaur said.

The first stop was Kuwait, where plans are underway to have Failaka Island added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Opera concert at visit of World Monument Fund delegation to Bahrain. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

After visiting their partners from the UNESCO Regional Center and the Sheikh Ebrahim Center in Bahrain, the delegation’s next destination is Saudi Arabia, “a country that is devoting a lot of time and energy at the moment to heritage,” de Montlaur said.

In discussion with the Royal Commission of AlUla and the Heritage Commission for future partnerships, the World Monument Fund is visiting AlUla as well as Historic Jeddah for the Islamic Arts Biennale.

“If you do not know your past, it is very difficult to build a future because you lose your identity,” de Montlaur said. “Especially in countries like here, that are developing really fast … it is extremely important also to pay attention to heritage places because it is very easy to destroy them, but when they are gone, they’re gone. They cannot be rebuilt.

As the World Monuments Fund celebrates 60 years, the organization is committed to safeguarding heritage around the globe. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

“Once you have lost the spirit of a place and built modern buildings everywhere, then you have lost touch with your past.”

Preserving the land’s past also draws in crowds of tourists who get to experience each country’s distinct identity and history for the first time to learn about the place and its people, de Montlaur added.

“Heritage places represent the pinnacle of human achievements of history.”

A delegation from the World Monument Fund recently visited various sites in Bahrain including the Sheikh Ebrahim Center to see historical restored houses. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

On how the Arab world can work together to create a stronger stance for historical preservation, de Montlaur said: “I think it is already happening,” citing the various projects in Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, etc.

She also added: “There is a big need for heritage preservation in other countries outside of the GCC, so they could align their forces.

“There is so much need in Egypt, in Gaza … in Syria … and I think what is very much part of the Arab countries is this solidarity, they can all unite around this heritage because this is the heritage of all the Arabs.”

Al-Khalifa added: “In Gaza, many landmarks have been destroyed, part of the upcoming plan is restoring some of those sites.

“It’s really a heritage of humanity as a whole and that is why every one of us, whether we are from the region or not, should care about it. But before anything else, it is the history and identity of the Arabs,” de Montlaur noted.

Speaking on the shared language and culture that unite Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Al-Khalifa, who is also a part of the Royal Commission of AlUla, said that emotions and love between peoples are what bond them forever.

“This visit is not only to Bahrain but to our Gulf,” she said. “We always repeat: our Gulf is one, our goals are one, and our history is shared; so everything that distinguishes us — from identity to monuments — is an extension of civilizations thousands of years old.”

 


Saudi permanent representative presents credentials to UNESCO chief

Saudi permanent representative presents credentials to UNESCO chief
Updated 26 January 2025
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Saudi permanent representative presents credentials to UNESCO chief

Saudi permanent representative presents credentials to UNESCO chief
  • Abdulelah Altokhais is seeking to strengthen Kingdom’s cooperation with UN agency
  • Paris talks focus on collaboration to promote coexistence among peoples and cultures

RIYADH: Abdulelah Altokhais, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to UNESCO, presented his credentials to Audrey Azoulay, the organization’s director-general, at its headquarters in Paris on Sunday.

The Kingdom’s mission to the UN-affiliated agency wrote on the X platform that Altokhias is “continuing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen joint cooperation with UNESCO and member states toward a better-shared future.”

During his meeting with Azoulay, Altokhais reviewed Saudi Arabia’s contributions to numerous UNESCO projects through its role in the organization’s Executive Council and membership of the World Heritage Committee.

He emphasized the need to enhance collaboration with UNESCO to promote peace and coexistence among peoples and cultures.

Altokhais studied philosophy at the University of Florida, and has worked in the cultural heritage, planning, and tourism fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Jeddah governor receives Portuguese ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Jeddah governor receives Portuguese ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Updated 26 January 2025
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Jeddah governor receives Portuguese ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Jeddah governor receives Portuguese ambassador to Saudi Arabia
  • The two men discussed issues of mutual interest

JEDDAH: Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the governor of Jeddah, received Nuno Mathias, Portugal’s ambassador Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two men discussed issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Abdulelah bin Ali Al-Tokhais, the permanent delegate of the Kingdom to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, presented his credentials to Audrey Azoulay, the organization’s director-general, continuing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between UNESCO and member states, the official account @KSAForUNESCO wrote on X.