Saudi Arabic Language Academy launches comprehensive media glossary to standardize Arabic terminology

The glossary provides each term’s Arabic equivalent, its grammatical category, the type of entry and its meanings. (SPA)
The glossary provides each term’s Arabic equivalent, its grammatical category, the type of entry and its meanings. (SPA)
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Updated 22 December 2024
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Saudi Arabic Language Academy launches comprehensive media glossary to standardize Arabic terminology

The glossary provides each term’s Arabic equivalent, its grammatical category, the type of entry and its meanings. (SPA)
  • Initiative seeks to provide reliable reference for researchers, journalists, and media professionals

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, in collaboration with the Ministry of Media, has unveiled a comprehensive glossary of media terms aimed at standardizing and clarifying media-related terminology, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to SPA, the initiative seeks to provide a reliable reference for researchers, journalists, and media professionals, enhancing studies related to both traditional and digital media as well as other associated fields. It is also part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to transform the media sector and promote a unified approach to media terminology.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of KSGAAL, explained that the academy prioritizes the creation of digital dictionaries to support scientific research and enhance local production at both individual and institutional levels.

He emphasized that such efforts aim to build a unified database providing researchers and specialists with access to accurate sources, in addition to digital linguistic data to support developers and programmers of technical applications, whether linguistic or non-linguistic.

Al-Washmi also highlighted the academy’s past achievements in producing specialized dictionaries in partnership with various government ministries and agencies. He noted that the media terminology glossary was launched in alignment with the significant transformations taking place in the media sector, offering a crucial linguistic resource to help understand these transformations and the evolving concepts within the field.

The glossary covers a broad range of terms related to traditional media — such as print journalism, radio, and television — as well as digital media, social media, live broadcasting, podcasts, online journalism, digital marketing, contemporary media platforms, audiovisual media vocabulary, and technical terms in the media field. It also addresses emerging concepts in new media.

Containing approximately 800 entries, the glossary provides each term’s Arabic equivalent, its grammatical category, the type of entry, its meanings, and English translations.


Osaka City Council eyes collaboration as Saudi prepares for Expo 2030

Osaka City Council eyes collaboration as Saudi prepares for Expo 2030
Updated 29 January 2025
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Osaka City Council eyes collaboration as Saudi prepares for Expo 2030

Osaka City Council eyes collaboration as Saudi prepares for Expo 2030
  • Officials talk culture, investment ahead of Japan’s Expo 2025
  • Osaka seeks Saudi support, Hiromi Fuchikami tells Arab News

DUBAI: A recent trip to Riyadh by members of the Osaka City Council highlighted opportunities for cultural and economic collaboration between Japan and Saudi Arabia as both nations prepare for their respective World Expositions.

With Expo 2025 in Osaka and Expo 2030 in Riyadh, discussions focused on knowledge-sharing, mutual growth and leveraging soft power to foster international ties.

Hiromi Fuchikami, a member of the Osaka City Council and the Special Committee for Expo 2025, emphasized the significance of fostering human connections through these global events.

Speaking about the visit, she told Arab News Japan it was the “perfect” time to “build a bridge between Saudi Arabia and Japan at the local level, going beyond governmental collaborations to foster meaningful exchanges.”

Expo 2025 in Osaka is designed to be a “compact city of the future,” showcasing sustainable living solutions and efficient urban planning.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for Expo 2030, by contrast, aim to redefine the Middle East as a global hub for innovation and culture, with Riyadh on its way to establishing itself as a world leader in hosting mega events.

Both nations recognize the importance of cultural diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia’s Manga Productions, which collaborates with Japanese creators, represents a successful model of cross-cultural innovation, she said.

“Saudi Arabia’s embrace of Japanese culture, including anime, is a testament to the power of soft diplomacy,” Fuchikami said. “Osaka, as the host of Expo 2025, can use this shared passion to foster new creative collaborations that benefit both nations.”

Fuchikami acknowledged several challenges including the absence of a Saudi Arabia regional office in Osaka, which she believes could strengthen investment opportunities and attract more foreign interest in the city.

She also called for greater representation of Osaka-specific industries, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital to Japan’s economy but often overshadowed by Tokyo-based firms.

Despite these obstacles, Fuchikami expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration, especially as Saudi Arabia marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan this year.

Events celebrating this milestone include cultural showcases and anime-themed initiatives.

Fuchikami expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to deliver an impactful Expo 2030 despite the tight timeline. “The Saudi leadership’s determination to position Riyadh as a global hub is clear through Expo 2030.”


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief sends supplies to Yemeni schools

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief sends supplies to Yemeni schools
Updated 29 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief sends supplies to Yemeni schools

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief sends supplies to Yemeni schools

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed supplies to educational facilities in Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

KSrelief’s support included chairs, computers and office furniture for 10 literacy schools and nine centers for people with disabilities in Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate.

The project aims to provide quality and sustainable educational opportunities for communities in the governorates of Aden, Hadhramaut, Dhale, Lahj, Shabwa and Al-Mahra.

A total of 9,747 people will benefit from the initiative, including 6,527 people with special needs, 2,389 illiterate students, and 831 staff at the targeted centers and schools.

The initiative is a part of ongoing projects provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to address the challenges facing Yemeni educational institutions that are providing literacy programs and support for children with disabilities.

Separately, KSrelief hosted an event at Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp for Syrians to mark International Day of Education, which included various competitions and drawing exercises.

The initiative is a part of KSrelief’s educational awareness programs in the camp.


KSrelief continues aid work across Middle East

KSrelief continues aid work across Middle East
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian and relief efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering. (SPA)
Updated 29 January 2025
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KSrelief continues aid work across Middle East

KSrelief continues aid work across Middle East
  • The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's projects aimed at ensuring food security

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has continued to provide support for vulnerable communities across the Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Food was sent to 187 families in Yemen’s Al-Dhale governorate, benefiting 1,309 people.

In Syria’s Al-Rastan city aid was sent to 48 families, benefitting 255 people, including bags of flour, winter kits, and personal care items.

The Kingdom also sent 125 tonnes of dates to Jordan, for distribution across various provinces and regions, starting from the Al-Qastal area south of the capital, Amman.

The aid was presented by Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi to Chief of the Royal Hashemite Court Yousef Issawi.

And 800 cartons of dates were delivered to families in Sudan’s Wad Madani locality of Gezira state, benefiting 5,111 people.


Saudi Cabinet discusses Syria, Lebanon and Kingdom’s success at WEF

Saudi Cabinet discusses Syria, Lebanon and Kingdom’s success at WEF
Updated 28 January 2025
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Saudi Cabinet discusses Syria, Lebanon and Kingdom’s success at WEF

Saudi Cabinet discusses Syria, Lebanon and Kingdom’s success at WEF
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefs members on telephone call with US President Donald Trump
  • Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Damascus and Beirut last week for talks with the new Syrian ruler and Lebanese president

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday discussed the outcomes of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visits to Syria and Lebanon last week.

The prince met newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut and the new Syrian ruler, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Damascus.

The Cabinet session in Riyadh was chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who briefed members on his telephone conversation with new US President Donald Trump last Wednesday, and his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday during her visit to AlUla.

After the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said Saudi diplomacy supports Syria and Lebanon, and the efforts to restore their rightful positions within the Arab and international communities.

Cabinet members also praised the work of the Kingdom’s delegation at the annual World Economic Forum summit in Davos last week. Several Saudi ministers and business leaders attended the event, at which the Kingdom hosted a Saudi House pavilion to showcase the nation’s transformation and help forge connections with government and business stakeholders.

The Cabinet said that the announcement by Saudi Arabia that it will regularly host WEF meetings in Riyadh beginning in 2026 reaffirms the country’s leadership role as a global center for international dialogue, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Layali Maraya spotlights Arab designers’ ingenuity in Riyadh

Layali Maraya spotlights Arab designers’ ingenuity in Riyadh
Updated 28 January 2025
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Layali Maraya spotlights Arab designers’ ingenuity in Riyadh

Layali Maraya spotlights Arab designers’ ingenuity in Riyadh
  • Designers tell Arab News what inspires their creativity
  • Haruss founder says ‘it’s an honor’ to represent the Saudi fashion industry

RIYADH: As part of their mission to empower Arab designers, Layali Maraya is featuring regional designers at the Mansard Hotel in Riyadh until Wednesday.

The three-day event, held under the patronage of Ameera Al-Taweel, Layali Maraya features modern luxury in a collection of Arab brands including Okhtein, an Egyptian label known for its handcrafted handbags with detailed accents that represent the beauty of Egyptian culture.

The products offered by Maraya range from fashion and fragrance to accessories, jewelry and home decor. (AN Photo by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)

Also featured is Lynyer, a Lebanese brand by Leen Abelnour, who finds inspiration in Asian and Middle Eastern jewelry aesthetics and nature to create bold pieces.

“I ended up going for very big statement pieces that go with Middle Eastern women, and make women stand out wherever they are, especially for confident women who want to walk into the room and turn heads,” she said.

HIGHLIGHT

Maraya is the region’s first omni-channel platform with a Riyadh store, an e-commerce platform, and mobile app.

“All the pieces that you see here are nature inspired. They are also very culturally inspired by India, Pakistan, and by Lebanon, which is where I’m from.”

Leen Abelnour, the founder of Lynyer Statement Jewels, is inspired by Asian and Middle Eastern jewelry, blending nature's delicacy into bold pieces. (AN Photo by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)

Growing up in the Kingdom and traveling internationally to pursue her career, Abelnour said that being back in Riyadh was a full-circle moment for her.

“When I launched the brand, I wanted to work with small artisans around the world … I started realizing that growing up in Saudi Arabia has really affected my taste in jewelry,” she said.

Saudi clothing brand Harjuss is designed to meet "basic, essential, human needs," according to its founder Saud Saleh. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

The founder of Saudi clothing brand Harjuss, Saud Saleh, said the label completes “basic, essential, human needs.”

Harjuss’s ready-to-wear collections are created around the seasons. The winter collection plays with texture and heavy fabrics while the summer line uses linen for breathability.

“It’s a very smart casual, very simple, very classy collection and it’s a 100 percent Saudi brand, founded by young Saudi talents,” Saleh said. “This is an honor to us to be representing the fashion industry of Saudi Arabia to the region and the outside world.”

Layali Maraya also featured Saudi labels 1886, Abadia, Dalal Jewelry, and Nora Alshaikh, among others.

Maraya is the region’s first omni-channel platform with a Riyadh store, an e-commerce platform, and mobile app.

The products offered by Maraya range from fashion and fragrance to accessories, jewelry and home decor.