RIYADH: Saudi Arabia was recently treated to a showcase of South Korean culture, including food, music, games and entertainment.
The 2018 Korean Cultural Day, hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Jeddah in association with the Korean International School, aimed to raise awareness of the country and its culture among people in Saudi Arabia, while strengthening ties between the two countries.
Everything on show at the event was produced by young people in Saudi Arabia, from countries including the Kingdom, Egypt and Syria, with an interest in Korean culture.
In addition, the first K-pop (Korean pop music) and K-drama (television drama from Korea) fan clubs in the Kingdom took part in the event. Together they boast a total of 63 members, reflecting the growing international interest in Korean culture.
“This remarkable gathering has been designed to strengthen the mutual cultural understanding between our nations, and (showcase) Korea’s own traditional games, language, cuisine and music,” said Sang-Kyoun Lee, the consul general of the Republic of Korea.
He thanked all the young people who had contributed to the success of the event. The diplomat said: “Without your tireless, non-ending efforts, the great festival would not have been possible. Because of each and every one of you, we have now reached a remarkable milestone together. None of this could have been done without the commitment of the Saudi people, which has brought this event to fruition today.
“I hope that exposure to Korea’s unique culture will inspire the younger Saudi generations, intrigue them and encourage them to explore our rich culture through such initiatives as K-fan clubs, like the ones here today.
“Based on our history, Korea and Saudi Arabia have shared a strong partnership since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Bound by common values of trust and prosperity, the two countries have become indispensable partners to each other’s future.”
Saudi Arabia and South Korea enjoy friendly ties.
Since the inception of bilateral relations, the two countries have witnessed a qualitative leap and great development in many fields, including politics, economy, education, culture, and health and many other fields.
Korea offers residency programs for Saudi physicians and dentists. Currently, a total of 73 Saudi physicians and dentists have been enrolled in these training programs.
DiplomaticQuarter: Saudi Arabia, South Korea culture of sharing
DiplomaticQuarter: Saudi Arabia, South Korea culture of sharing
- Korea offers residency programs for Saudi physicians and dentists. Currently, a total of 73 Saudi physicians and dentists have been enrolled in these training programs
Lavender thrives in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders region
- The plan has been observed to grow on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region
- An environmentalist said the plant could play a crucial role in increasing vegetation cover and fighting desertification
ARAR: The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, a vast area spanning approximately 104,000 square kilometers, boasts a richly aromatic, seasonal, and annual plant biodiversity.
These plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover, stabilizing soil, and fostering ecotourism. Lavender has recently emerged as a prominent species among the region's diverse flora.
Lavender, characterized by its fragrant scent and vibrant purple hue, has been observed on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region. This emergence highlights the region's ecological significance and capacity to support diverse plant life.
Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told SPA that the lavender species is Horwoodia dicksoniae. This annual herbaceous plant features branching stems, typically reaching about 30 centimeters in height, and large, lobed leaves. Its dark lilac flowers, gathered in spike inflorescences, release a distinctive fragrance.
The plant thrives in shallow sandy loam and is valued for its ornamental qualities, making it suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens. Its smooth brown seeds further contribute to its propagation.
Al-Majlad emphasized the positive impact of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative on the region's ecology. These initiatives have facilitated afforestation, land reclamation, and the protection of wild areas, contributing to the resurgence of numerous trees and plants, including lavender, within the environmental landscape.
Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.
Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.
Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.
International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture
- Scholars highlight the camel’s role in Arab history and the Arabic language
- Experts from Saudi Arabia and abroad gather in Riyadh
RIYADH: Scholars at a Riyadh conference this week underscored the fundamental role the camel has played in shaping Arab heritage, emphasizing the profound link between camels and the Arabic language.
King Saud University, in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, is hosting the Fifth International Conference, titled “Camels in Arab Culture,” which ends on Thursday.
Prominent scholars and specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad are participating in the conference, which is exploring key topics related to camels, including heritage, history and geography, and archaeological findings.
Hajed Al-Harbi, conference chairman, said: “Honoring camels is a tribute to our deep-rooted values and rich heritage, reflecting our pride in our origins and historical legacy.”
Ibrahim Al-Furaih, conference secretary, told Arab News how the conference underscores the central role camels have played in shaping Arabic literature and intellectual thought throughout history.
“Camels are a fundamental element of our national identity and Arab culture, with a significant presence in our heritage.
“Whether through literature, poetry, inscriptions, or the daily life of early Arabs, they have left an indelible mark. Their influence endures, continuing to shape the lives of Arabs to this day,” Al-Furaih said.
Bedoor Al-Fassam, chair of the public relations committee for the conference, said organizers spent months preparing for the event.
Dr. Al-Fassam, who is also an assistant professor of literature and criticism in the Arabic language department at the university, confirmed that conference participation requests exceeded 300, from which 40 research papers were selected. The submitted papers covered a wide range of fields, including literary, linguistic, historical, and social studies, in addition to anthropology research.
Alongside participants from Saudi universities, the conference features academics from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Canada.
The attendees discussed the definition of camels in language and lexicography, as well as their effect on cultural and national identity.
Additionally, they explored the role of camels in Arabic poetry, narrative storytelling and biographies, highlighting their significance in other literatures and cultures.
The conference further delved into the role of camels in the national economy, addressing sectors such as investment, tourism, and entertainment, in addition to camel festivals, sports and racing events.
Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed the results of its third-quarter 2024 inspections, involving 9,655 checks on hospitality facilities and tourism activities across the Kingdom.
During the period, 7,521 violations were identified and 11,494 complaints were addressed, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Common violations included operating without a license, poor cleanliness, failure to meet licensing conditions and non-compliance by facility representatives.
Makkah had the highest number of inspections with more than 3,600, followed by Riyadh with more than 1,350, Madinah with over 1,100 and the Eastern Province with more than 1,070. The remaining regions accounted for more than 2,500 inspections.
These efforts aim to enhance the tourism sector’s sustainability, ensure compliance with regulations, improve service quality and boost visitor experiences.
