King Salman academy, Ministry of Education honor reading contest winners
Academy awards winners from participants across 30 countries
Updated 1 min 49 sec ago
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, and the Ministry of Education honored the winners of the Children’s Reading Challenge in Riyadh on Sunday.
The academy awarded SR250,000 ($67,000) to 60 winners from a total of nearly 8,000 participants across 30 countries.
Abdullah Al-Washmi, the academy’s secretary-general, thanked the Ministry of Education for promoting the competition in Saudi schools.
SR250,000 ($67,000) was awarded to 60 winners from nearly 8,000 participants in 30 countries. (Supplied)
He also praised the judges, schools, and institutions for their contributions toward the academy achieving its goals — enhancing classical Arabic speaking skills, strengthening its presence in education and culture, and providing a platform for talented children.
Al-Washmi highlighted the competition’s international reach, saying: “This confirms the global status of the Arabic language and the academy’s role in promoting its spread and supporting linguistic creativity among future generations.”
The event featured a theatrical performance by children which showcased their speech and skills of expression in an engaging cultural display.
Maha Al-Otaibi, head of the linguistic culture sector at the academy. (Supplied)
The academy offered a training course on speaking skills on the sidelines, covering voice control techniques, audience interaction, expressive performance, and confidence in speech.
Maha Al-Otaibi, head of the linguistic culture sector at the academy, said that the participation of about 8,000 children from 30 countries reflected the growing global interest in the Arabic language.
Al-Otaibi said: “The competition contributes to strengthening cultural identity and consolidating Arab children’s connection to their mother tongue.
“It enhances their love for the art of the Arabic language and encourages families and teachers to support it, especially amid the challenges posed by the influence of other languages," she told Arab News.
She spoke of the programs accompanying the ceremony, such as the interactive Arabic language exhibition and the training course which helps children acquire essential skills to strengthen their Arabic proficiency and bring them closer to classical Arabic.
“Such programs contribute to promoting the spread of the Arabic language globally, building a generation aware of its culture and language, and capable of representing it with pride and distinction,” Al-Otaibi said.
Road improvements worth SR8 billion announced for Riyadh
Eight new projects, costing around SR8 billion, are second phase of Road Development Program for capital
Updated 12 min 42 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The second phase of a project to expand Riyadh’s road network and improve traffic congestion has been announced.
The eight new projects, costing around SR8 billion ($2.13 billion), are the second phase of the Road Development Program for the capital, announced by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
As part of the works, a 20km road network surrounding King Abdullah Financial District will be developed to include three intersections and 19 bridges. Two major intersections will be constructed on Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz I Road in the northern part of Riyadh, as well as three bridges and a tunnel, increasing road capacity to 200,000 vehicles per day.
In the center of Riyadh, five intersections will be upgraded on the Thumamah Road axis, and 11 bridges and five tunnels will be constructed, also increasing road capacity to 200,000 vehicles per day.
Imam Abdullah bin Saud Road will have four main intersections, three bridges and two tunnels, increasing capacity to 200,000 vehicles daily. Dirab Road, where there will be two main intersections and nine bridges, will see an increased vehicle capacity of 340,000 vehicles per day.
Imam Muslim Road will serve as the future southern extension of the Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz I axis with the construction of four main intersections and four bridges, increasing capacity to 200,000 vehicles per day. Connecting King Salman Road in the east and Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road in the north, an intersection bridge is planned to enhance traffic flow in the area.
The final project in this phase will see engineering modifications for high congestion areas, an extension of work started in the first phase which will improve congestion during peak traffic hours.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City is working with the relevant authorities to ensure seamless traffic flow during the works, which are expected to take around three years.
In the meantime, the Road Development Program for Circular and Main Axes in Riyadh will be working to support the city’s increasing population, improve connectivity, boost traffic flow, increase travel speeds and decrease travel time, and ease cross-city transportation.
Launched by the RCRC in August 2024, the first phase included four projects with a total worth of SR13 billion.
‘Difference’ exhibition in Dammam celebrates Saudi artists
Event features series of workshops, including art therapy sessions
Diverse collection blends a variety of techniques and styles
Updated 26 min 10 sec ago
Hind AlKhunaizi
DHAHRAN: A vibrant art exhibition titled “Difference” is celebrating the work of three talented Saudi artists.
Held at the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in Dammam from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, the exhibition displays the works of Faraj Al-Dossary, Maha Al-Askar, and Eman Al-Youssef.
Each artist brings their unique vision to the canvas, celebrating their individual style while seamlessly contributing to the shared theme of the exhibition.
Al-Dossary is showcasing a diverse collection blending a variety of techniques and styles.
Often drawing inspiration from everyday life, his work illustrates subjects ranging from coffee and flowers to rich Arabic calligraphy.
Al-Dossary’s 14 paintings, which incorporate impressionistic, realistic, and abstract styles, burst with color thanks to his skillful use of acrylic and oil paints.
His artistic journey, marked by a strong foundation in realism, has recently evolved as he delves into the worlds of impressionism and abstraction.
“After reaching a stage of mastery in the realistic style, I wanted to create something new,” Al-Dossary told Arab News.
“This new style has pleased many of my followers, and I’m thrilled to embark on this experience.”
As part of the exhibition, he conducted a live drawing workshop that drew crowds eager to witness his process firsthand.
Building on this captivating showcase, Maha Al-Askar’s artworks stand out for their dynamic style, featuring fluid art techniques with wave-like patterns and marbling effects.
“Each painting is a story that I have crafted with my colors,” she explained.
Al-Askar specialized in art at King Saud University and worked as an art teacher for deaf people for 20 years.
Her seven abstract works invite viewers to interpret scenes reminiscent of cosmic landscapes, with paintings that blend earthy tones with bright whites and blues, creating depth and suggesting light emerging from darkness.
Eman Al-Youssef is likewise capturing visitors with her art therapy sessions and abstract works.
With a portfolio of eight paintings displayed at the exhibition, Youssef emphasizes the healing power of colors and the transformative nature of art.
Her approach blends various styles and elements, including calligraphy, shapes, and squiggles, resulting in compelling pieces that encourage artistic exploration.
Youssef’s art therapy workshop on Jan. 28 focused on using art for emotional healing, guiding participants to explore their feelings through creative expression.
Along with the exhibition, SASCA held a meeting on Saturday titled “Writing about the past to imagine the future of arts in the Kingdom.”
The event emphasized the significance of historical discourse in shaping modern art, encouraging participants to engage with evolving cultural narratives.
Saudi Arabia plays crucial role in achieving Middle East peace, says Danish foreign minister
Rasmussen commends Kingdom’s efforts in Palestine, Lebanon, Syrian Arab Republic
FM ‘thrilled’ about first official visit in 9 years
Updated 49 min 38 sec ago
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in achieving peace in the Middle East, Denmark’s foreign minister told Arab News during an official visit on Sunday, the first such visit in nine years.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen commended Saudi Arabia’s continuous diplomatic efforts in Palestine, Lebanon and Syrian Arab Republic.
He noted “the very crucial … and constructive role Saudi Arabia is playing in the entire region” at a critical time that has seen a ceasefire implemented in Gaza, a new president elected in Lebanon, and a new regime come to power in the Syrian Arab Republic.
“There is a real possibility that we could have peace in Syria, but also (to) a large extent a more … peaceful region,” Rasmussen added.
The foreign minister underlined that his visit to the Kingdom is driven by two key objectives: to recognize Saudi Arabia’s constructive role in the region and to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors such as trade and investment.
Rasmussen’s visit is the first by a Danish foreign minister to Saudi Arabia in over nine years.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen commended Saudi Arabia’s continuous diplomatic efforts in Palestine, Lebanon and Syrian Arab Republic. (X/@KSAMOFAEN)
“Finally, I’m here, and I’m very thrilled about it for many good reasons,” he told Arab News.
His visit coincided with that of the Syrian Arab Republic’s President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who was in Riyadh on his first official visit since he led the overthrow of the Assad regime late last year.
Speaking of the country’s new leader, Rasmussen expressed he was “happy” with the developments that took place in Damascus, adding that “Saudi Arabia is a very important player in all this” and that “there’s a real possibility of a long-lasting peace and a much more stable region.
“Of course, we recognize that there are dilemmas, given the past of the new leader, so to speak …
“Should we pay attention to his curriculum vitae, or should we pay attention to the speeches he’s giving now? … I think the jury’s still out, but we want to give him the benefit of the doubt,” Rasmussen said.
Denmark intends to engage with the new Syrian Arab Republic government, he said, explaining that as a foreign minister, he has introduced humanitarian assistance packages to the Syrian Arab Republic following the announcement of the government.
Rasmussen said the aid was introduced for two reasons: to assist in a humanitarian sense and to send a message from Denmark to Syrian Arab Republic that the former was ready and willing to engage.
During his visit, the foreign minister is set to meet with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss geopolitical relations further.
On the topic of the recent ceasefire in Palestine, the Danish official stressed that a two-state solution is the “only solution” to the reconstruction of Gaza, addressing statements made by other world leaders that the solution cannot be “exporting the Palestinian problem to neighboring countries.”
Rasmussen said: “I support a two-state solution … that is a consensus decision in the Danish parliament and has been our position for many, many years.
“And that’s why we have joined the global coalition behind the two-state solution,” he added, referring to the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
“And I want to commend my good colleague in Saudi Arabia for taking this initiative together with the European Union. I think that is, at the end of the day, the only suitable solution.”
He added that a two-state solution is also in Israel’s best interest.
“You can’t solve that problem without creating a sovereign Palestine state, and any idea of just exporting the Palestinian problem to neighboring countries … It’s not doable,” he said.
Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League recently released a joint statement in response to US President Donald Trump, rejecting his proposal that regional leaders take in Palestinians from Gaza.
“Jordan (has) already done tremendously good work and shown a lot of generosity hosting many, many Palestinian refugees,” Rasmussen said.
“Now we need the ceasefire, and then we need a proper discussion about reconstruction in Gaza,” he said.
The official stressed that the Palestinian Authority must also be involved in the solution.
He proposed that the EU aid the Palestinian Authority “in order to give them the needed competencies to take upon themselves this task.”
The foreign minister also addressed the status of relations between Denmark and the US following Trump’s attempts to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland.
“I think the narrative that all Greenlanders should prefer to become Americans is not a true narrative,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Rasmussen said that he and Trump “have an excellent working relationship.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen speaks to Arab News during an official visit to Riyadh on Sunday. (AN Photo/Jafar Al-Saleh)
“Frankly … and I don’t think it will offend him, he’s kind of (a) different politician. But we managed to overcome that,” he said.
He added that despite the “America first” policy and “tariffs” in Trump’s first term, Danish-American relations actually managed to grow stronger, with the US becoming Denmark’s largest export market.
“We have awaited his inauguration,” he said.
“Equally as important (are) the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where I really think there’s huge potential for further cooperation.
“I really want to recognize the development in Saudi Arabia, which is quite impressive.”
While Denmark is a small country, it is home to world-class companies with strongholds in green energy, food security and water management, Rasmussen said.
During his trip, the official will also meet with Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, with whom he plans to sign a memorandum of understanding, the details of which have not yet been disclosed.
Volunteers plant more than 10,000 mangrove saplings across Kingdom for World Wetlands Day
Project aligns with Saudi Green Initiative’s objectives
Updated 18 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: More than 10,000 mangrove saplings were planted across Saudi Arabia’s coastal regions on Sunday in an initiative led by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, in celebration of World Wetlands Day.
The regions included Madinah, Aseer, Jazan, Makkah, and the Eastern Region, each selected for its ecological significance and potential to benefit from enhanced coastal vegetation.
The initiative forms part of the center’s commitment to engaging local communities in environmental conservation, which also includes various volunteer opportunities to foster a “collective sense of responsibility toward protecting and restoring the Kingdom’s natural ecosystems.”
Mangrove forests, often referred to as the “green lungs” of the coastline, play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, the NCVC said.
They act as natural barriers against storms and tsunamis, provide rich habitats for marine life, and are highly effective in capturing carbon, making them vital in the fight against climate change.
The NCVC’s broader mission focuses on developing, protecting, and monitoring vegetation cover sites across Saudi Arabia while rehabilitating degraded areas.
The center is also involved in detecting environmental violations, combating illegal logging, and overseeing the management of natural rangelands, forests, and national parks.
These efforts align with the Saudi Green Initiative’s objectives to promote sustainable development and environmental sustainability.
Najdi designs dazzle visitors at Tyn Festival in Diriyah
Located in the At-Turaif World Heritage Site in Diriyah, the event highlights the history of the city and the legacy of its mud architecture
Updated 02 February 2025
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: Diriyah Season is welcoming visitors to explore the region’s rich history and traditional architecture through the Tyn Festival, held until mid-February.
Located in the At-Turaif World Heritage Site in Diriyah, the event highlights the history of the city and the legacy of its mud architecture, a milestone of innovation and sustainability in urban development.
The event is attracting a diverse audience, including art lovers, creatives, architects, designers, and people from all age groups who are seeking to discover Diriyah and the authentic heritage of sites such as At-Turaif.
Various forms of art are on display, as well as the materials used to build Najdi houses in the past, including clay, rocks, and wicker.
In addition, visitors at Tyn will have the opportunity to watch clips of architects explaining the steps involved in designing a Najdi home, learn about 3D-printing in design and engage in a clay workshop at the end of the tour.
“Clay is the material of the Arabian Peninsula,” noted Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, special adviser to King Salman and founder and chairman of the nonprofit Al-Turath Foundation.
During the opening of the event, Prince Sultan gave a speech on the importance of preserving heritage such as the traditional (mud) buildings that are an essential part of Saudi and Najdi culture.
“Diriyah during the 80s was an abandoned area,” he said, elaborating on the development efforts over the years to present Diriyah as the historical city that people are familiar with now.
Tyn Festival is one of many programs and activities offered by Diriyah Season to draw attention to historic sites and monuments and create a gathering place for lovers of history, culture, and art.
