Build “bridges of communication and cultural dialogue,” Hajj conference told

MWL chief Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa said 'a true Muslim is an ambassador for Islam, reflecting its values and principles.' (SPA)
Updated 18 August 2019
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Build “bridges of communication and cultural dialogue,” Hajj conference told

  • Unrest and chaos resulting in cruelty and extremism practiced by deviant Muslims do not reflect Islam’s true heritage, the forum said

MINA: The annual Hajj conference of the Muslim World League (MWL) recommended building “bridges of communication and cultural dialogue” to show that Islamic civilization is inclusive and integrated.

The conference, titled “The Civilizational Dimensions of Islam,” urged Muslims to contribute to humanity’s needs in order to resolve its moral, social and environmental crises, and achieve moral superiority.

Unrest and chaos resulting in cruelty and extremism practiced by deviant Muslims do not reflect Islam’s true heritage, the forum said.

The conference stressed the importance of developing an Islamic discourse characterized by moderation, and recommended the use of social media to shed light on the objectives of Islamic civilization.

In addition, it urged the use of modern technology to maximize the benefit of Islam’s cultural heritage to serve modern societies, based on achieving a balance between spirituality and materialism.

Conference participants thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts in serving Muslims, their great care for the Two Holy Mosques and the holy places, and their initiatives to serve pilgrims.

In his opening speech, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Asheikh, the grand mufti of the Kingdom, chairman of the Council of Senior Muslim Scholars and chairman of MWL’s Supreme Council, said that Islamic civilization was established on foundations and components that qualified it to lead the world toward happiness and stability.

MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa said that authenticity and modernity are the hallmarks of Islamic civilization. “A true Muslim is an ambassador for Islam, reflecting its values and principles,” he said.

The grand mufi also said: “Islamic civilization has always been characterized by its moderate approach, which does not tolerate extremism, injustice or prejudice. It is a balanced civilization that created a balance between the spiritual and material inclinations of man.”


Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture

Updated 22 December 2024
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Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture

  • This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University

Jeddah: The Jeddah Historic District Program of the Ministry of Culture recently hosted a delegation of students from Harvard University, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The students were given a tour of the Jeddah Historic District, known as Al-Balad, highlighting its distinctive architectural, cultural and economic landmarks.

They also participated in activities commemorating World Arabic Language Day, which further enhanced their understanding of the area’s rich heritage.

This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and economic development to their peers, the SPA reported.

The Jeddah Historic District Program plays a crucial role in revitalizing the area through community engagement, economic development and sustainable urban planning.

By transforming historic Jeddah into a vibrant environment for living and working, the program aims to establish it as a global heritage and tourist destination.


Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 22 December 2024
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Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen

Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 570 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included two anti-personnel mines, 50 anti-tank mines, 508 unexploded ordnances and 10 explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 473,258 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.


Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth

Updated 22 December 2024
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Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth

RIYADH: The Reading Forum, organized by the Libraries Commission, recently concluded at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.

The forum featured dialogue sessions and workshops attracting reading and culture enthusiasts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Discussions covered novels as artistic expressions that reflect culture and history, foster critical thinking, and the role of narration in promoting cross-cultural dialogue.

Participants highlighted reading and research as tools for personal growth, lifelong learning, and effective content creation.

They emphasized the importance of translation in cultural exchange and global copyright, the SPA reported.

Sessions explored instilling a love for reading in youth through collaboration between families, schools and society, as well as leadership in literary trends and the impact of genres on critical thinking.

The event set out to position reading as a foundation of progress, celebrating Saudi, Arab and global literary talent while fostering a culture of knowledge and intellectual growth.


Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures

Updated 22 December 2024
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Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures

RIYADH: The Riyadh Theater Festival is hosting a series of cultural discussions and theatrical performances distinguished by intellectual depth and artistic excellence.

Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the festival is being held at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University until Dec. 26.

A seminar on contemporary theater in the Arab world explored the intersection of creativity and sustainability, bringing together an elite group of theater thinkers and creators.

One of the festival’s participants, Kamal Al-Alawi from Tunisia, reviewed the evolution of theater, tracing its journey from the Greek era through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the time of Emile Zola, which marked a qualitative shift and revolution in impressionism.

Among the intellectuals and theater experts, Lina Abiad from Lebanon discussed ways to improve theatrical production and modernize it using contemporary methodologies.

The commission’s CEO, Sultan Al-Bazie, described the festival as a cornerstone for advancing theatrical movement in the Kingdom and increasing public awareness of the performing arts.

This year’s event features 20 performances, selected by a committee of experts, reflecting the diversity of theatrical arts in the Kingdom and its intellectual and developmental programs.

The festival underscores the commission’s commitment to supporting the performing arts and Saudi talent, aiming for a strong presence on regional and international stages. It will conclude with a presentation of awards to distinguished performers.


Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold

Updated 22 December 2024
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Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold

  • The event hosted workshops, seminars, panel discussions and book signings led by experts in literature, arts and sports

Jeddah: The Jeddah Book Fair concluded on Saturday, attracting thousands of visitors with local and international booksellers.

Held from Dec. 12-21 under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair featured more than 450 pavilions and showcased works from 1,000 publishing houses across 22 countries.

Mohammed Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, said that the fair displayed nearly 400,000 titles, selling more than 450,000 books in various genres.

The event hosted workshops, seminars, panel discussions and book signings led by experts in literature, arts and sports.

A dedicated children’s section featured animation, educational books and advanced learning tools.

One pavilion highlighted the cultural significance of camels, using modern technology to explore their history, types, and related poetry.

Arabic manga publications targeting youth were also a key attraction, alongside interactive displays and models of famous characters, offering a blend of entertainment and education.