MAHAIL: The first honey festival kicked off last Wednesday in Mahail province where some 22 bee breeders and honey producers from inside and outside of the Province joined in the festival.
The supervisor of the festival, Ali bin Saman, said the honey market in Mahail used to sell large quantities of honey annually, a matter that prompted official authorities to adopt the idea of a festival. From the very beginning, the festival witnessed enormous purchases by visitors, he said.
He said an expert committee applies quality control standards on a daily basis where all types of honey are subject to quality checks and where visitors are asked to provide their remarks on the quality of the products.
He said a full-prepared hall was set up to accommodate more than 22 exhibitors, in addition to a location for public auctions as well as other corners (wings) for the products of government agencies, including the branch Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and bee breeders in Abha.
Saman reported that visitors have said prices were reasonable and affordable compared to prices in other markets. The displayed products are of this season’s product which are of good value and taste, he said.
He said demand goes up for certain types including Sidra, Majari, Dhahayyan and Samrah, where one kilo is ranging between SR400-1,000 ($106-266), visitors said, adding that the first two types are more in demand.
Honey festival kicks off in Mahail in southern KSA
Honey festival kicks off in Mahail in southern KSA
Saudi deputy foreign minister calls Sudanese parties to commit to Jeddah talks
- El-Khereiji welcomed extending the opening of Adre border crossing with Chad
- He said solution in Sudan begins with a cessation of fighting
RIYADH: Waleed El-Khereiji, the Saudi deputy minister of foreign affairs, participated in the third round of Sudanese peace talks in Mauritania on Wednesday.
El-Khereiji affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment toward the Sudanese people and highlighted its efforts to mediate in the ongoing conflict between warring parties, which began in April 2023 and has since displaced thousands of people in Sudan.
A month following the onset of the conflict, Saudi Arabia hosted talks in Jeddah with Sudanese parties and the US, resulting in a short-term ceasefire agreement and a commitment to protect civilians while reinstating security and stability in Sudan.
El-Khereiji said that “the solution to the Sudanese crisis begins with a cessation of fighting and strengthening the humanitarian response of the Sudanese people.”
He urged the Sudanese warring parties to adhere to the Jeddah agreement of May 2023, which he said serves as the foundation for Sudan’s political future, unity, and sovereignty, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
El-Khereiji praised the Sudanese Armed Forces for extending the opening of the Adre border crossing with Chad, used by humanitarian agencies for aid delivery, as well as the opening of airports in Kassala, Ndola, and El-Obeid.
Manga pavilion a big hit at Jeddah Book Fair
- Japanese art form inspiring a new generation in the Kingdom, experts say
- Nouf Al-Hussein highlighted the urgent need for Arabic content that resonates with young people
JEDDAH: A colorful array of manga characters and comic books is capturing the attention of passers-by at the Jeddah Book Fair’s Manga Arabia pavilion.
The fair, themed “Jeddah Reads,” has dedicated a significant portion of its space to manga, with the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the event organizer, setting up 26 stands showcasing a range of manga characters and stories.
Mahmoud Attar, an animation expert visiting the fair, told Arab News that manga’s influence in Saudi Arabia is undeniable.
“From ‘Duke Fleed’ and ‘Treasure Island’ captivating ’80s children to the ‘Captain Majid’ and ‘Pokemon’ craze of the ’90s, these animated series, adapted from Japanese manga, have been a staple in Saudi homes for decades,” he said.
Attar added this popularity reached new heights with “Detective Conan” and other shows, drawing children to the screen to unravel intricate mysteries.
Fares Sambawa, a vendor at the manga pavilion who has been selling anime and manga since 2014, said that manga, which originated in Japan, is now inspiring other countries.
“Japanese manga has gained worldwide popularity because it addresses values and seeks to instill them in young people. This makes it appealing not only to children, but also older age groups,” he said.
Speaking about his own approach as a vendor in the Manga space, Sambawa said: “The characters I sell in my store are part of an interconnected chain. It starts with a novel, which is adapted into manga, then animated into a cartoon or series.”
The fair also hosted a seminar entitled “Manga: Between Word and Image,” exploring the world of graphic novels.
Industry leaders Abbas Hamidaddin and Nouf Al-Hussein, guided by moderator Taghreed Al-Tassan, shared insights on essential techniques and the future of the genre.
Al-Hussein highlighted the urgent need for Arabic content that resonates with young people.
She described manga as an innovative and exciting medium for enriching Arabic storytelling, underscoring its potential to bring Arab culture to a global audience.
“Manga provides a dynamic visual medium that resonates with children and young adults, especially those between the ages of 9 and 15,” she said.
“However, when translating or adapting manga for Arabic-speaking audiences, it’s essential to ensure the content aligns with our cultural values and ethics.”
Al-Hussein underscored the importance of nurturing young people’s creativity.
She believes artificial intelligence can be a powerful ally, enhancing creative output and helping children develop essential skills for innovation and success in today’s competitive world.
Al-Hussein said that manga magazines are cultivating a new generation of Saudi and Arab artists, providing a platform for them to share their voices with the world. This global reach is achieved through meticulous translation, editing, and proofreading processes handled by Saudi professionals.
Hamidaddin spoke about how manga can inspire a love of reading in children and teens. He emphasized the dedication of key figures in fostering a thriving Saudi animation industry, powered by local talent.
“Exporting Saudi culture through manga requires cultivating a conscious generation capable of effectively communicating with the world. This will bolster manga’s position as a soft power tool for disseminating our culture,” he said.
The seminar showcased manga’s potential as a dynamic tool for cultural expression and creativity. It presented a bold vision for the future, one that aims to strengthen Arab identity and share its rich culture with the world.
“To truly share Saudi culture through manga, we need to foster a generation of young people who are not only creative but also globally aware and able to connect with audiences worldwide,” Hamidaddin said.
“This will establish manga as a powerful platform for showcasing our culture on a global stage.”
Hamidaddin said that creating exciting and engaging stories is crucial for any comic when it comes to capturing the attention of readers.
“If we want to use manga effectively as a way to share our culture, we need a constant flow of fresh ideas and a commitment to sustainable growth. This will pave the way for a vibrant future for this exciting art form.”
The event runs until Dec. 21 and features over 450 pavilions, with more than 1,000 publishing houses and agencies from 22 countries taking part.
Entry is free with admission from 11 a.m. to midnight daily, except on Fridays when it opens from 2 p.m. until midnight.
An inspiration to many — the ‘Bedouin from Brooklyn’
- Embracing his identity as ‘a Bedouin from Brooklyn,’ Inzerillo shared his journey and insights in a session called ‘From Brooklyn to Diriyah’
- Jerry Inzerillo: ‘I came to Saudi Arabia in 1998, and I have always been blessed with Saudi friends who have been warm and generous’
RIYADH: On the first day of the Impact Makers Forum in Riyadh, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo captivated audiences with his unique story.
Embracing his identity as “a Bedouin from Brooklyn,” Inzerillo shared his journey and insights in a session called “From Brooklyn to Diriyah”.
He emphasized the power of hard work, saying: “We are very hard-working people.” Recalling a lesson learned from the Qur’an, he added: “May Allah accept all our good intentions, and may our good intentions turn into good deeds. These are not just words; they are blessed words for your life’s submission.”
Inzerillo recounted a moment from a dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where a former Italian prime minister praised the Kingdom’s transformative vision for 2030.
Quoting the crown prince’s response, he said: “Always surround yourself with passionate people. Passion is the fuel of ambition.” He added: “If you see joy in serving, it will carry you through a long career.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Inzerillo said: “I came to Saudi Arabia in 1998, and I have always been blessed with Saudi friends who have been warm and generous.”
On the Kingdom’s recent opening to tourism, he said: “This is a historic time in Saudi Arabia.”
Urging attendees to dream big, he added: “Everything in this Kingdom is accomplishable. The future is very bright for this blessed Kingdom.”
Inzerillo highlighted the rapid progress and achievements under the Crown Prince’s leadership, including hosting the 2030 World Expo, AFC Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2034.
He concluded with an empowering message: “You are the captains of your ship. You will determine your future.”
He encouraged everyone to serve with their hearts, reminding them that while the path may not always be easy, it will be noble.
The Impact Makers Forum, which ends on Dec. 19, is hosted by the Ministry of Media and aims to redefine influence and enrich social values. It brings together over 300 global influencers, industry experts and digital content creators and has a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Saudi crown prince receives Iraqi PM in AlUla
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recieved Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani at his winter camp in AlUla on Wednesday.
The two leaders reviewed aspects of relations between their countries and ways to enhance them.
Prince Mohammed and Al-Sudani also discussed regional developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability
French politician visits Jeddah to strengthen ties, praises Vision 2030
- Amal-Amelia Lecrafi highlights shared ambitions in green energy, education, cultural innovation
JEDDAH: A member of parliament representing French citizens living abroad recently visited Jeddah to explore opportunities and strengthen collaboration between her country and Saudi Arabia.
President of the France-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group and representative of French citizens across 49 countries, Amal-Amelia Lecrafi expressed a strong interest in contributing to the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, smart cities and cultural industries.
She said: “I am convinced that my previous experience as a business leader in cybersecurity can help build bridges between our ecosystems. My goal is to further strengthen partnerships in the economic, technological, cultural, and educational sectors.
“Vision 2030 is an exceptional platform for developing projects in green energy, sustainable mobility, and technological innovation. Cooperation in these sectors allows France and Saudi Arabia to pool their expertise and build sustainable, innovative solutions. This collaboration also creates opportunities for Saudi youth to access high-quality training and thrive within companies across all future-oriented industries.”
During her time in Jeddah, Lecrafi also emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy as a means of fostering stronger ties. She highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.
“We are working on educational partnerships, such as training programs in NEOM, and on joint artistic projects to promote our shared heritage. Culture and education are key pillars for bringing our societies closer together and strengthening Francophonie in the region,” she said.
As part of her commitment to French citizens living abroad, Lecrafi outlined efforts to improve consular support and engagement. She highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening consular services, facilitating access to French education and addressing practical challenges such as banking.
“A recurring issue we are addressing is the difficulty many expatriates face in maintaining or opening bank accounts in France,” she said. “We are actively working to resolve this challenge. Additionally, we are ensuring their integration into the local economic dynamism.”
Lecrafi also discussed the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and France’s role in maintaining regional stability.
“France actively supports dialogue and stability in the region. The announcement of the June 2025 conference for the creation of a Palestinian state, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a strong signal of our shared determination to promote lasting peace and the recognition of two states,” she said.
She also demonstrated her admiration of the Kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030 and praised its commitment to modernization, tolerance and social progress.
She commended the rapid changes taking place, particularly the empowerment of women, and said: “Vision 2030 embodies a unique ambition to open up to the world while affirming a strong identity, resonating directly with the values of tolerance and progress.
“This vision is accompanied by an unprecedented and rapid emancipation of families, and more specifically women, serving as a shining example for the region.”
She said Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education was a reflection of Islamic values and added: “I will remain a dedicated ally to showcase these achievements and support initiatives that highlight the richness of your vision and the strength of your commitment on the global stage.”
