Saudi Arabia welcomes independent committee’s report on UNRWA’s performance
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses importance of the commitment of donor countries to the organization
Updated 24 April 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has welcomed an independent committee’s report on the performance of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom backed the report, which confirmed UNRWA’s main role in supporting the relief, humanitarian and developmental efforts of the Palestinian people.
The ministry further reiterated Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on the importance of the commitment of donor countries to UNRWA to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of all forms of support for refugees in a way that reduces their suffering, especially in light of the Israeli occupation’s continued violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
Exploring the history of Saudi Arabia’s ancient Dumat Al-Jandal
Dumat Al-Jandal was strong and rich because of trade, says Saudi archeologist
Updated 40 min 23 sec ago
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: In the heart of Al-Jouf, around 50km away from Sakaka, is the city of Dumat Al-Jandal — or, to give it its ancient name, “Adumato.”
Civilizations and kingdoms have thrived here for thousands of years, leaving behind traces of their existence carved onto walls and corners.
“It was a rainy period with rivers and forests, then it turned into a savanna, then into a period of little rain, then the habitation moved to other nearby sites such as the site of Al-Jamal and the site of Al-Rajajil,” explained Hussain Al-Khalifah, a Saudi archaeologist with over 30 years’ experience.
Italian ambassador Carlo Baldocci, during his visit to archaeological sites at Dumat Aljandal in October 2024. (Supplied)
“After that, the Arabian Peninsula became a desert as we see it today. In ancient times, humans moved to sites with fertile soil and water resources. Therefore, Dumat Al-Jandal is one of the oldest cities inhabited around the second millennium BCE,” he said.
When the city was first established, people needed stability and safety. But that could not be achieved without peace, especially with their neighbors such as the kingdoms of Tayma, Iraq and the Levant.
FASTFACT
Among the kingdoms and empires that tried to control Dumat Al-Jandal were the Assyrians, who made numerous attempts to control and capture the lands.
A trade road was created to exchange goods and link regions, and Dumat Al-Jandal was one of the significant points on this for people coming from the south of the Arabian Peninsula.
“It was an important point at the beginning of the land trade,” Al-Khalifah told Arab News.
Marid Palace, one of the remarks of Dumat Aljandal and evidence of the rich history of the city. (SPA)
“Dumat Al-Jandal was strong and rich because of trade. The people were protectors of the trade that passed by the city and, therefore, they took some of the goods in exchange for protecting merchants.”
Among the kingdoms and empires that tried to control Dumat Al-Jandal were the Assyrians, who made numerous attempts to control and capture the lands.
However, another kingdom was rising at the same time — the Arabian Qedarites, which not only prevented the Assyrians from taking Dumat Al-Jandal but also expanded their territory until they reached Palestine, Al-Khalifah said.
The Assyrians captured Adumato eventually, though the exact date is unknown.
They were known to document information on clay tablets, some of which can still be seen today at Dumat Al-Jandal. They are among the primary sources that mention Arabs, providing a description of the people of the city and one of their queens, Talkhunu, among others.
They also mention a rebel named Yabu who revolted against Ayatea, the king of Dumat Al-Jandal who was loyal to the Assyrians.
The Assyrian king, an advocate of justice who despised aggression and rebellion, sent warriors to aid Ayatea who caught Yabu and put him in chains.
The tablets also mention a popular souk which took place each year on the first day of spring.
Jeddah literary event to explore oral, written expressions
The forum’s agenda reflects the dynamic evolution of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, structured around nine core themes examining the interplay between oral traditions and written expressions
Updated 31 January 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club will hold its 21st Literary Text Forum from Feb.4-6.
The three-day event will explore “Literary and Cultural History in Saudi Arabia between Oral and Written Traditions,” bringing together prominent writers, critics and intellectuals from across the region.
Dr. Abdullah bin Owaiqel Al-Sulami, the club’s president, said the forum would continue the club’s mission to foster critical dialogue and deepen literary discourse through comprehensive historical and critical studies.
This year’s edition will honor historian Mohammed Abdul Razzaq Al-Qash’ami for his significant contributions towards documenting Saudi Arabia’s literary and cultural heritage.
The forum’s agenda reflects the dynamic evolution of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, structured around nine core themes examining the interplay between oral traditions and written expressions.
According to Al-Sulami, these sessions will explore how these have shaped the Kingdom’s cultural narrative.
Dr. Abdulrahman bin Rajallah Al-Sulami, who heads the forum’s scientific committee, outlined the scope of the event.
Sessions will examine aspects of Saudi cultural heritage including ancient oral culture origins, historical inscriptions and documents, handicrafts and their literary manifestations, oral literature genres and literary narratives in biographies and memoirs.
He said the forum served as an intellectual platform aimed at motivating researchers and intellectuals to study and develop literature while promoting literary and creative trends.
The forum has drawn significant academic interest, with 50 research papers submitted, from which 20 were selected for presentation. Organizers say this robust response underscores the forum’s relevance to contemporary cultural discourse in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Sulami expressed gratitude to those whose papers were accepted, as well as to the researchers who contribute valuable perspectives to the forum.
The conference will explore key international developments in internal auditing, including innovative technologies, data analysis, governance, risk management, ethical conduct and professional responsibilities
Updated 31 January 2025
SPA
RIYADH: The Arab Confederation for Institutes of Internal Auditors will hold its second conference in AlUla governorate on Feb.19.
Under the patronage of General Court of Audit President and ARABCIIA Chairman Dr. Hussam Alangari, the conference builds on the recommendations of its inaugural edition, held in Egypt last year.
This year, it will focus on continuous human resource development to keep pace with evolving professional standards.
The conference will explore key international developments in internal auditing, including innovative technologies, data analysis, governance, risk management, ethical conduct and professional responsibilities.
By hosting the conference, ARABCIIA aims to support development through innovation, keep pace with the region’s progress, positively impact the profession and strengthen regulatory systems for the business sector.
The conference will also examine ways to add value and support business development and success, adhering to best professional practices.
The program features five traditional Saudi performances and five Brazilian performances, culminating in a dance that integrates artistic elements from both nations
Updated 37 min 31 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: A Saudi Arabia-Brazil cultural event, under the Eltiqa program, was launched on Thursday at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh.
The event, which ends Feb. 1, was organized by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, minister of culture and chair of the institute’s board of trustees.
The program features five traditional Saudi performances and five Brazilian performances, culminating in a dance that integrates artistic elements from both nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Following the success of the inaugural Eltiqa event with South Korea in 2023, this second edition reaffirms the royal institute’s commitment to fostering international cultural dialogue.
On display is a collaborative artwork titled “Harmony,” created by two female artists, from Saudi Arabia and Brazil. More than 15 cultural activities and specialized workshops have been planned.
The event contributes to promoting and expanding traditional arts, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Institute of Chinese Science and Culture at King Abdulaziz University was established to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer between Saudi Arabia and China
Updated 31 January 2025
SPA
RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University has introduced a new four-week course, “Discover China and Learn Chinese Language Basics,” through its Institute of Chinese Science and Culture, in partnership with Safia, a Jeddah Valley subsidiary.
The program is being conducted at the Sheikh Saleh Kamel Hall within the Islamic Economics Institute.
Institute Dean Dr. Muhannad bin Ghazi Abed said that the course served a dual purpose — teaching basic Chinese language skills while providing cultural insights.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s emphasis on human capital development.
Designed for beginners, the program aims to build a solid foundation for further Chinese language studies.
The Institute of Chinese Science and Culture at King Abdulaziz University was established to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer between Saudi Arabia and China.
It also plays a crucial role in fostering academic and cultural exchange between Saudi and Chinese research institutions, while leveraging China’s academic advances.
