The fourth edition of the Saudi Film Festival kicked off in Dhahran this week and is set to screen 59 Saudi films as part of an initiative to recognize and nurture talented filmmakers in the country.
The event is organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, in association with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and the Ministry of Culture and Information.
The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts is responsible for the preservation of Saudi culture and organized this event in order to develop the local art and culture scene, elevate the quality of Saudi movies and encourage young creative talents to exchange ideas.
The festival is part of a year-round plan that gives filmmakers the opportunity to learn directly from experienced local and international practitioners in the field and provides them with the infrastructure to showcase their films and interact with the public.
The four-day film festival will see filmmakers, producers, actors, film enthusiasts and members of the public come together to celebrate the development of the Saudi filmmaking industry. In total, 59 Saudi films will be screened during the festival and four prizes – for best narrative, best documentary, best scriptwriting and best student film — will be awarded at the end of the festival.
The members of the jury were introduced during the opening ceremony.
Those on the judging panel in the best narrative or feature film competition include artist Ahmed Mater, director Mohamed Rashid Bu Ali and artist Abdelmajeed AlKanani.
In the documentary category, director Awad Alhamzani, writer Hessam Alhilwa and director Nujoom Al Ghanem will judge the entrants.
The scriptwriting awardee will be decided by author Mohammed Alshaier, writer Hassan Hadad and writer Manal Alawibeel.
Meanwhile, the student film competition will be judged by director Hind Alfahhad, artist Khaled Ameen and director Fatima Musharbak.
Members of the festival’s advisory committee were also introduced and include entrepreneur Qusoura Khatib, executive director of “Three Seas” Alaa Youssef, film director Badr Al Hamoud and photographer Awad Al Hamzani.
Renowned Saudi director Saad Khadr — who is famous for playing the role of “Faraj Allah” — was presented with a Golden Palm award during the ceremony, celebrating the exemplary role-model that he represents for young filmmakers.
The films run from 10 to 30 minutes, with a new category of films introduced this year— the 50-minute movies. Films will be screened each day at 4 p.m. and will continue up until 10 pm. The festival includes workshops, seminars and networking opportunities, as well as a school-friendly morning program which is held in partnership with the Sharjah Children’s Film Festival.
Some of the workshops set to be conducted this year include “Fundamentals of 3-D Graphic Design” led by director Raed Al Sheikh and “Developing the Structure of the Story and the Development of Personality” by Alexander Woodman, a member of the faculty at the University of Prince Mohammed bin Fahd.
All films will be screened in their original language — either Arabic or English — with subtitles for Arabic movies. The films will be screened in Ithra Tent 1 and Outdoor Screening Area 3 in Ithra, Dhahran.
Saudi Film Festival rolls out the red carpet in Dhahran
Saudi Film Festival rolls out the red carpet in Dhahran
Saudi Arabia to provide $500m in new economic support for Yemen
- Budget, stability, Central Bank of Yemen targeted
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced on Friday a new economic support package for Yemen worth $500 million and aimed at bolstering the government’s budget, stabilizing the Central Bank of Yemen, and fostering the development and stability of the Yemeni people.
The latest assistance includes a $300 million deposit into the Central Bank of Yemen to improve economic and financial conditions, alongside $200 million to address the Yemeni budget deficit, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The latest funding forms part of a larger $1.2 billion initiative through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. The program focuses on enhancing food security; supporting wages and operating expenses; and aiding the Yemeni government in implementing its economic reform agenda.
The new support aims to establish economic, financial, and monetary stability in Yemen by strengthening public finances, building government institutional capacity, and enhancing governance and transparency, the SPA added.
The assistance will empower the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth, create job opportunities, and place Yemen’s national economy on a more sustainable path for economic and social development.
Saudi Arabia’s previous economic assistance included deposits in the Central Bank of Yemen, which increased foreign exchange reserves, stabilized the local currency, reduced exchange rates, and stimulated the growth in gross domestic product.
The assistance also lowered fuel and diesel costs, reduced prices of imported food commodities, and supported the import of essential goods, including wheat, rice, milk, cooking oil, and sugar.
In addition, Saudi grants have helped the Yemeni government manage operating expenses, pay salaries, and mitigate the economic crisis by boosting foreign exchange reserves and restoring confidence in Yemen’s financial institutions.
These measures reduced reliance on borrowing to finance budget deficits, enhanced financial system stability, and alleviated inflationary pressures.
Saudi Arabia has also prioritized critical sectors in Yemen through grants and projects implemented by SDRPY, including more than 260 development initiatives across various Yemeni governorates, covering education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture, and fisheries.
These projects have improved access to essential services; provided medical treatments for chronic diseases and cancer patients; supported education; and ensured the provision of petroleum derivatives for electricity generation.
Saudi Arabia’s grants for petroleum derivatives have played a vital role in operating 80 power plants across Yemen, boosting energy efficiency and revitalizing productive and service sectors.
Diriyah Season exhibition honors symbols of Saudi resilience
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah’s legacy explored in immersive display for Second Saudi State’s bicentennial anniversary
RIYADH: Diriyah Season’s “Enduring Resilience” exhibition highlights the life of ruler Imam Turki bin Abdullah in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Second Saudi State.
“I enjoyed the exhibition. I honestly think that exhibitions like this are so important because they show Saudi history and the bravery of important people of the past, such as Imam Turki bin Abdullah,” said Maha Al-Aamri, a Saudi visiting the exhibition being held at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace with her friends.
Speaking about what stood out to her, she said, “All of it … The storytelling about Al-Ajrab Sword was probably the best part of the exhibition.”
Al-Ajrab Sword is one of the most well-known symbols of the Kingdom’s history, representing the courage, determination, and nobility of Imam Turki in unifying and restoring the sovereignty of the Second Saudi State in 1824 when he entered Riyadh.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Al-Ajrab Sword is one of the most well-known symbols of the Kingdom’s history.
• It represents the courage, determination, and nobility of Imam Turki bin Abdullah in unifying and restoring the sovereignty of the Second Saudi State in 1824.
Through the exhibition, visitors are transported back in time through a guided and immersive journey that explores how Imam Turki established and shaped the Second Saudi State, reclaiming the land and restoring the legacy of his ancestors.
“The experience was very nice and something different to try,” Vindeep Gupta, a computer technician working and living with his family in Riyadh, told Arab News.
“I will just say that I wish it (the exhibition) was bigger, but I like that it captured the struggles and challenges in achieving the victory … The historians did a good job in making the display,” he said.
Among the areas of the exhibition where visitors noticeably spent more time taking pictures and videos was Turki’s Cave.
According to a document published by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Imam Turki sought refuge in a cave high atop a rugged mountain, choosing it as his base of operations. The cave, located in Aliyyah, became one of the most well-known in Najd.
Its inaccessibility made it a perfect hideout, strategically situated near several key towns and villages including Al-Kharj, Al-Houtah, Al-Hareeq, Al-Hulwah, and Al-Dalam.
The exhibition, in Arabic with English translation, is open to the public until the end of the year. It offers a deeper understanding of the values of unity, belonging, justice, and loyalty that were exhibited by the imams of the state.
Black limes: a unique staple of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine
- Dried citrus adds zesty kick to dishes
- Originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climes
RIYADH: Anyone who has not yet dived into the world of black limes is in for a treat. Known in English as dried limes or black lemons, these intriguing ingredients are referred to as noomi basra in Iraq, limoo amani in Iran, and loomi in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
They are a must-have for elevating culinary creations and have graced dishes across the Middle East and North Africa for more than 1,000 years. It’s about time they were brought into every kitchen.
So, what exactly are black limes? Think of them as the sophisticated cousins of fresh limes. They undergo a transformation process: first, they are packed in salt, and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
The result is a hard, dried fruit that delivers a remarkable burst of flavor.
When it comes to taste, black limes pack a powerful punch. The flavor is a harmonious blend of sour and slightly sweet, rounded out by a touch of bitterness.
“It was a game-changer to realize that (adding black lime) isn’t just about adding tanginess to a dish — it’s a full-on spice with a smoky aroma and earthy notes that bring out so much flavor,” Shadia Al-Bayat — a home cook from Qatif — told Arab News.
“Beyond that, it’s packed with nostalgia, calling to mind traditional Gulf dishes like seafood, grilled meats, and hearty stews. It’s also the key to the signature hot ‘loomi’ tea, a staple at traditional gatherings and celebrations,” Al-Bayat added.
FASTFACTS
• Black limes are packed in salt and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
• They add a zesty kick to Saudi dishes; they originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climate.
This unique profile makes them perfect for enhancing stews, tagines and a variety of other dishes. A black lime added to a cooking pot will instantly elevate any meal.
Cooks can get creative with black limes. They can be used whole or crushed into powder, allowing for versatility.
Imagine a flavorful tagine or a warming soup that gets a delightful kick from a black lime. If preferred, the lime can be removed before serving, but leaving it in adds an appealing touch.
For something refreshing, blend black limes into limonana, a delightful drink that combines lemon and mint, perfect for quenching thirst.
And for something soothing, consider brewing some dried lime tea — a comforting drink that can settle the stomach and provide a sense of warmth.
They also make excellent additions to marinades for meats and fish, giving dishes a fantastic zest.
In Saudi cuisine, loomi is a prized ingredient that adds a distinctive tangy flavor to traditional dishes.
In kabsa, a popular rice dish, black lime is added whole or ground to add acidity and elevate the dish’s depth.
Black limes have a history that dates back centuries. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa, where they were a valued ingredient in ancient cooking.
Historically, they were prized not just for their flavor, but also for their ability to preserve food in the warm climate. Over time, dried limes became a staple in various cuisines, with each culture adding its own flair to their use.
Today, they are recognized for their versatility and are celebrated in dishes in many cultures.
Beyond their culinary charm, black limes come with health benefits, too. Packed with vitamin C, calcium and potassium, they are a nutritious addition to any diet.
Black limes are a cultural staple. While they share ties with fresh limes, black limes have a distinct personality, bringing an intriguing bitterness and complexity to dishes.
They can even be spotted in spice blends like baharat, because a little extra flavor never hurt anyone.
Black limes are a unique and flavorful ingredient that can bring depth to cooking and are worth adding to any culinary repertoire to impress the taste buds.
King Salman Global Academy launches Camel Lexicon
- Lexicon aims to facilitate those interested with reliable, authentic information on camels
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language unveiled the Camel Lexicon, a comprehensive source compiling authentic information related to camels in Arabic, on Thursday.
According to Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, KSGAAL secretary-general, the Camel Lexicon is a continuation of KSGAAL’s efforts in the field of lexicography.
It offers a rich linguistic resource, including terms and expressions specific to camels, such as their breeds, descriptions, species, colors, life stages, as well as diseases and defects they may encounter.
The lexicon also features distinctive marks and includes idioms, proverbs, stories, tales, and poetry associated with camels and aims to prevent it from getting lost or distorted over a period of time.
The Camel Lexicon will facilitate researchers and those interested in accessing accurate and reliable information about this field. It will also play a crucial role in preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage tied to camels by documenting the words and expressions that have been used by Arabs throughout history. It also endeavors to revive and pass down this rich heritage to future generations.
This lexicon demonstrates the academy’s strategic role in serving various key sectors, as it serves as the primary reference for the Arabic language in the Kingdom.
The academy previously introduced a series of specialized lexicons, Al-Washmi added.
The concept behind the Camel Lexicon stemmed from the esteemed position of camels in Arab culture. It was meticulously crafted based on the “Camel” blog, established by the academy in August 2024, and is part of the linguistic corpora available on the “Falak” platform for linguistic blogs, the KSGAAL secretary-general explained.
These efforts were part of programs inspired by the Cabinet's decision to declare 2024 as the “Year of the Camel,” showcasing the Kingdom’s pride in the cultural and historical value of camels and their cherished position in the heart of Saudi society, Al-Washmi noted.
The Camel Lexicon is an essential tool for documenting and deepening the understanding of camels and their role in Arab culture. It serves as a valuable reference for enthusiasts and researchers in this field, Al-Washmi said.
“Language and culture are deeply intertwined and preserving the terms and expressions linked to heritage plays a vital role in strengthening Arab cultural identity. It serves as a living record of both tangible heritage, such as camels and the tools associated with them, and intangible heritage, like the customs and traditions surrounding camels. By documenting these elements, we ensure that this history remains vibrant and enduring,” Al-Washmi said.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Fifi, head of the linguistic computing department at the academy, said: “By meticulously documenting terms that capture the essence of camel life, traits, and their profound roles in Arab traditions, it ensures this cultural treasure is safeguarded. Moreover, it stands as an inspiring bridge to pass this linguistic wealth on to future generations.”
The documentation of terminology showcasing the diverse facets of camel life — encompassing their breeds, colors, conditions, and unique traits — has preserved a treasure trove of knowledge for future generations.
The academy relied on the “Camel” blog, which contains 666,186 words collected from 971 Arabic texts, according to Dr. Yahya Allateeni, director of the Digital Dictionaries Department at KSGAAL.
The team extracted camel-related terms and their definitions using an automated process, organizing them into a dictionary according to the global LMF standard for the lexicographic industry.
This automated approach was adopted to ensure the terms could be used to feed various computational applications. “These terms were reviewed by experts in camel culture from outside the academy to assess the dictionary from a technical perspective,” Allateeni said.
“We do not stop at this point. We welcome all feedback from interested parties and experts, incorporating it into an ongoing review and evaluation process. We also ensure that any terms not included in the previous edition are carefully considered,” he added.
KSGAAL commended the pivotal role of the Camel Club in refining the lexicon’s content, expressing deep gratitude for their invaluable contributions. The academy emphasized the importance of sustaining this productive partnership to further enrich the Camel Lexicon with new and diverse entries, strengthening its content and broadening its scientific reach.
How Saudi organizations are building a sustainable future for wildlife
- Recent initiatives underscore strong commitment to restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity
- Kingdom’s approach seen as proof that environmental stewardship and economic growth can coexist
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in biodiversity preservation through a series of pioneering initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species and restoring fragile ecosystems.
From the release of endangered animals in the King Khalid Royal Reserve to the historic birth of Arabian leopard triplets, the Kingdom’s conservation efforts highlight a forward-looking commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage for generations to come.
On Dec. 23, 2024, the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) achieved a significant milestone with the release of 66 endangered animals into the King Khalid Royal Reserve, located northeast of Riyadh.
The release included 40 rhim gazelles, 10 Arabian oryx, 10 Houbara bustards and six Idmi gazelles.
This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, is part of a broader strategy to restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity and promote eco-tourism.
To ensure the program’s success, some of the released animals were equipped with solar-powered tracking devices, enabling researchers to monitor their integration and behavior in the wild.
The Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in Taif has reached a groundbreaking achievement — a rare litter of Arabian leopard triplets, two males and one female, was born earlier this month.
This marks the first recorded triplet birth of the critically endangered Arabian leopard in Saudi Arabia and only the third such occurrence in captivity worldwide over the past 30 years.
The birth is a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts led by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).
Fewer than 120 Arabian leopards remain in the wild, placing them in the critically endangered category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
Opinion
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Since partnering with Panthera in 2019 under the Arabian Leopard Initiative, RCU has made significant strides in protecting this iconic species.
“When we assumed management of the Arabian Leopard breeding program in December 2020, we inherited 14 leopards and immediately began drafting strategic plans for new enclosures, team building, and breeding targets,” Abdulaziz Al-Enzy, senior manager of the RCU Breeding Center Management, told Arab News.
The initiative focuses on boosting wild populations, expanding breeding programs, and advancing research to ensure the species’ survival.
The breeding center, now home to over 32 leopards, has emerged as a global leader in conservation efforts.
“Through our KPIs, the center set an ambitious goal of producing two cubs annually,” Al-Enzy said.
“To date, it has consistently exceeded expectations: one cub in 2021, three in 2022, seven in 2023, and five in 2024.”
The center also follows strict protocols for pregnant leopards.
Al-Enzy said females are separated from males during their final trimester, and all activity around them is minimized to ensure a stress-free delivery.
Veterinary teams remain on standby to intervene in case of complications.
“We’ve achieved remarkable growth by constructing state-of-the-art open-top enclosures, the first of their kind in the Middle East for Arabian leopards, and implementing 24-hour monitoring using 200 CCTV cameras,” Al-Enzy said.
The team, according to him, ensures the leopards are healthy, safe and enriched in their environment.
Protecting the Arabian leopard is not just about saving a species—it’s about preserving ecological balance and cultural heritage.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Saudi Arabia released 66 endangered animals, including Arabian oryx, into the King Khalid Royal Reserve.
• Arabian leopard triplets were born in the Kingdom, a rare event for this critically endangered species.
• The Arabian oryx population has increased 60-fold in Saudi Arabia after being declared extinct in the wild.
• The Kingdom reintroduced cheetahs, with four cubs born in captivity after a 40-year absence.
“The Arabian leopard plays a critical role in regulating prey populations, maintaining the health of ecosystems, and is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s culture," Al-Enzy said.
The ultimate goal is to reintroduce these magnificent creatures into the wild sometime in the future. However, this process is fraught with challenges.
“Leopards must be trained to hunt and acquire survival skills, and pre-release enclosures are currently being developed to prepare cubs for life in the wild.”
Genetic diversity remains a significant concern, with active collaboration between Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and the UAE to enhance breeding programs.
“To address these challenges, RCU launched a genetic exchange program in 2023, swapping male leopards with Oman’s Royal Court to strengthen genetic diversity,” Al-Enzy said.
These conservation efforts are not just about Saudi Arabia.
“We are working to save the Arabian leopard from extinction globally, which requires international collaboration and learning from others’ experiences,” Al-Enzy said.
Reintroducing captive-bred Arabian leopards to their natural habitat is a complex and long-term goal. Each cub undergoes rigorous evaluation before release, and success depends on partnerships with local and international organizations.
“We aim to save the Arabian leopard not for one country but for the world. The progress we’ve made so far is just the beginning of this long journey,” Al-Enzy said.
By combining cutting-edge breeding techniques, meticulous monitoring, and global collaboration, Saudi Arabia is setting an example for wildlife conservation efforts across the region.
Saudi Arabia is also making strides in reintroducing cheetahs, which disappeared from the Arabian Peninsula over 40 years ago. Under the National Cheetah Reintroduction Program, four cubs were born in captivity in 2024—a landmark achievement given the complexity of breeding cheetahs.
Globally, only 15 percent of wild-born cheetahs manage to reproduce in captivity, with just 20 percent of those continuing to do so.
By overcoming these odds, the National Center for Wildlife is contributing to the survival of a species that now numbers only 7,100 worldwide.
Combining habitat restoration with advanced research and breeding programs, Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the cheetah’s future.
The Arabian oryx, once extinct in the wild by 1972, symbolizes the Kingdom’s conservation triumphs.
Reintroduced into its natural habitat, the species was reclassified as vulnerable in 2011.
By 2019, the wild population had risen to 1,220, with an additional 6,000–7,000 individuals thriving in semi-captive conditions worldwide.
Saudi Arabia has reported a remarkable 60-fold increase in the oryx population, making it one of the most successful wildlife restoration programs globally.
Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts extend far beyond individual species. The Kingdom’s integrated approach leverages cutting-edge technology, international collaborations and community engagement to achieve its goals.
Programs such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, the Arabian Leopard Fund and the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy reflect a deep commitment to restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity.
From reintroducing onagers to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve after a century-long absence to breeding endangered species at state-of-the-art facilities, the Kingdom is setting a global benchmark for conservation.
As biodiversity faces unprecedented threats worldwide, experts say Saudi Arabia’s approach demonstrates that environmental stewardship and economic growth can coexist.
These efforts not only preserve the Kingdom’s natural legacy but also offer a blueprint for global action to protect the planet’s most vulnerable species. Through innovation, dedication, and collaboration, Saudi Arabia is proving that a sustainable future for wildlife is possible.
