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Saudi Arabia donates $30m for protection of international cultural heritage

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Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian chair the first Franco-Saudi committee meeting. (Royal Commission for AlUla)
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Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian chair the first Franco-Saudi committee meeting. (Royal Commission for AlUla)
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Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan attends the ALIPH Foundation’s second donors’ conference in Paris. (SPA)
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Updated 01 February 2022
Arab News
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Saudi Arabia donates $30m for protection of international cultural heritage

  • The gift was announced during the second donors’ conference for the ALIPH Foundation in Paris
  • Meanwhile the Saudi culture minister and the French foreign minister chaired the first Franco-Saudi committee meeting
Updated 01 February 2022
Arab News

LONDON: Saudi authorities on Monday announced a donation of $30 million to support the work of the ALIPH Foundation, the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s minister of culture, made the announcement during the foundation’s second donors’ conference, which took place in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The prince expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by ALIPH’s board of directors to protect cultural heritage that is under threat from conflicts. He said culture is a key aspect of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 development plan, and that his country takes an active role in protecting cultural heritage from a variety of threats and reducing the risk factors that can lead to its neglect and destruction.
“We are also working on initiatives that enhance protection of the heritage and culture of our rich and diverse country and the world at large: training specialists, empowering and supporting professional networks in the field of heritage, and establishing important international links to enable and coordinate joint efforts,” Prince Badr said.

The Kingdom shone a spotlight on culture during its presidency of the G20 in 2020 to highlight the role that the preservation of heritage can play in comprehensive and sustainable development, he added, and was elected by UNESCO to be vice-chair of World Heritage Committee for 2021 to 2023.
“Our collective efforts are crucial to strengthening the roles of cultural heritage as an essential contributor to peace-building, promoting social cohesion, and providing a deeper understanding of our memory and cultural diversity,” the prince said.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said: “ALIPH Foundation is a collective response to the destructive madness which, in Iraq as elsewhere in the world, threatened to carry away the works which bind generations, testify to the diversity of societies and invite dialogue between peoples and religions.”

Prince Badr also held separate talks with Director of the Louvre Museums Laurence des Cars, Chairman of the ALIPH Foundation Thomas Kaplan, and Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salim Al-Mahrooqi, on the sidelines of the conference.

Meanwhile, Prince Badr, who is also governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, and Le Drian chaired the first Franco-Saudi committee meeting to discuss the development of heritage in the governorate.
“AlUla’s unique place in the (Franco-Saudi) partnership continues to develop across cultural, environmental, tourist, human and economic development sectors,” the commission said.
“Through Franco-Saudi collaboration in a three-year archaeological program, nearly 120 researchers and archaeologists have been to AlUla, re-affirming its attraction as a leading center of archaeological activity.”
Prince Badr and Le Drian signed an agreement on Dec. 4 to launch “Villa Hegra” in AlUla, which will bring the “French Villa” model to the Middle East through a unique combination of cultural, artistic, educational, culinary and community exchange and knowledge transfer.

The two sides will also collaborate on art residency programs and the exclusive Ferrandi-AlUla International College of Tourism and Hospitality, along with community activities, local artisanal craft workshops and intellectual discourse.
“The Saudi-French partnership, with the collaboration of the Royal Commission for AlUla and the French Agency for AlUla Development, has been a successful model for nearly four years. And the best is yet to come,” Prince Badr said in a message posted on Twitter.

 

Topics: Saudi Arabia France Jean-Yves Le Drian Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan ALIPH Foundation Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) French Agency for AlUla Development AlUla

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Jeddah Book Fair 2024 opens its doors to culture, literature, and knowledge

Updated 11 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
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Jeddah Book Fair 2024 opens its doors to culture, literature, and knowledge

  • The fair, organized by the Saudi Authority for Literature, Publishing, and Translation and held at the Jeddah Superdome, will run until Dec. 21
  • It features a cultural program with more than 100 activities
Updated 11 sec ago
Afshan Aziz

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Book Fair 2024 officially opened on Thursday, bringing together more than 1,000 publishing houses and local and international agencies from 22 countries with displays featured in more than 450 pavilions.
The fair, organized by the Saudi Authority for Literature, Publishing, and Translation and held at the Jeddah Superdome, will run until Dec. 21.
It features a cultural program with more than 100 activities, including lectures, workshops and seminars led by more than 170 experts from various fields.
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, general director of the General Administration of Publishing, highlighted the importance of the event, saying: “The Jeddah Book Fair reflects the commission’s commitment to supporting, developing, and promoting literature and culture in Saudi Arabia.”
He emphasized the fair’s leading role in presenting the efforts of local, Arab, and international writers and fostering interactive opportunities for visitors through a variety of artistic and literary activities. This initiative aligns with efforts to position Jeddah as a historic cultural center. Al-Wasil said: “The Jeddah Book Fair is not just an exhibition but a celebration of creativity, knowledge, and collaboration. It’s a chance to bring together diverse voices, talents, and cultures, fostering opportunities for a global exchange of ideas, literature, and artistry while solidifying Jeddah’s role as a cultural and historical hub for the region.”
A significant highlight of the fair is its interactive area for children aged 2 to 12. This dedicated space offers 40 unique activities that focus on writing, storytelling, theater, animation, and creative workshops, ensuring a fun and educational experience. Children can enjoy interactive storytelling sessions, handicraft workshops, and activities.
Mohammed Ali Hussein, who visited the fair with his children, said: “This fair definitely promotes a love of reading and helps children understand its value. My kids enjoyed the workshop activities designed for young readers, where they learned the basics of creating a cartoon novel and how to write a story. The fair is both educational and insightful.”
The fair also features a Manga Corner. Khalid Alatiq, the section organizer, said that it is a popular space for graphic storytelling enthusiasts to explore comics and visual narratives. Visitors can enjoy an array of content, including characters such as Satoru Gojo from “Jujutsu Kaisen” and Naruto Uzumaki.
Meanwhile, the Saudi authors pavilion features the latest publications by Saudi writers, allowing visitors to engage with local talent. Moreover, visitors will benefit from a discounted book area, part of the fair’s efforts to make books accessible to everyone.
Another notable feature of the fair is its celebration of the Year of the Camel, a tribute to the cultural significance of camels in the Arabian Peninsula. A special pavilion focuses on educating visitors about the camel’s historical and cultural importance, highlighting its references in the Qur’an, hadith, and centuries of Arab poetry.
Mehemoud Fateh, organizer from the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, told Arab News: “Our official participation aims to play a vital role in disseminating the historical and cultural narratives of the Arabian Peninsula.
“We are dedicated to introducing the valuable publications and research produced by King Abdulaziz House, ensuring that the region’s legacy and heritage are accessible to a wider audience,” he said.
“This initiative highlights the significance of preserving past and fostering cultural awareness, which strengthens our national identity.”
The fair also has a cultural theater, a space hosting daily performances that blend literature, art and music. Visitors can take part in workshops on writing and publishing, while engaging in dialogue sessions. A series of cultural discussions highlighted key aspects of Saudi literature and creativity.
One panel, “The Culture of Pseudonyms,” featured Mohammed Al-Mushwah and poet Abdullah Al-Ghabeen, moderated by journalist Mohammed Al-Ateeq. Dr. Al-Mushwah clarified the distinction between nicknames and pseudonyms, explaining: “A pseudonym implies borrowing and reflects an individual’s desire to express themselves without revealing their identity. Poets were the first to adopt pseudonyms as a way to freely convey their emotions without the constraints of their personal identities.”
Al-Ghabeen said pseudonyms are not unique to Arab culture, mentioning Saudi figures such as Samira Khashoggi, who published under the name Samira bint Al-Jazeera, and Huda Al-Arini, who went by Ghaida Al-Manfa. “What’s intriguing is that pseudonyms sometimes reflect traits that are completely different from the true personalities of their owners,” he added.
The “Your Book, Cinematic Criticism” workshop presented by Egyptian critic Ahmed Shawky captivated attendees with an exploration of film criticism and filmmaking essentials.
Shawky delved into critical writing methods and highlighted the importance of interpreting films through social and cultural lenses to foster a comprehensive critical vision. Discussing the critic’s role, he said: “The critic’s role is to serve as a cultural bridge between the film and its audience, providing an objective and unbiased analysis free from external influences that might compromise its integrity.” The session presented film criticism not just as an analysis but as an art form, requiring creativity and precision.
The first day of the book fair also featured the panel “Images and Stories: A History of Place,” with Ghada Abalkhail and poet Abdullah Al-Faris, moderated by Manal Al-Amri. Abalkhail argued that images express reality through the construction of imagination, urging attendees to carefully interpret visual media to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. She said: “Images communicate without the need for translation.”
Al-Faris, on the other hand, focused on storytelling’s potential to shape the image of a place. He spoke about visual documentation’s role in enhancing various types of tourism, saying: “Every image contains a story, and visual documentation plays a role in enhancing tourism — whether it’s religious tourism, heritage tourism, or tourism focused on language and customs.”
Al-Faris also acknowledged the impact of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, noting that literature and social media are key tools for preserving culture and enhancing tourism, positioning Saudi Arabia as a destination for creative and cultural exchange.
A session with acclaimed novelist Osama Al-Muslim explored his fantasy novel “The Opportunist,” which is centered on a mysterious riddle, a lone survivor, and resurfacing crimes. “Readers of my previous works will find a continuity that makes this novel more enjoyable, but new readers may need to read it more than once to uncover its details,” he said. “Repetition in characters quickly reveals the writer’s identity, which I strive to avoid.”
He also noted the growing prominence of Arabic novels in the cultural scene, saying: “Each era has its interest, and today, novels dominate the cultural scene, much like poetry did in the past.”
The Jeddah Book Fair is the third major book fair in Saudi Arabia this year, following the Riyadh International Book Fair in October and the Madinah Book Fair in August.
Dalia Al Harbi, a writer currently working on her own book, shared her experience at the fair: “Visiting the fair and speaking with authors and publishing houses has taught me a great deal. I gained insights into the writing process, the publication workflow, and how to connect with publishing houses more effectively. Events like these offer an invaluable opportunity to learn firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.”
The fair is open to the public, entry is free, and welcomes visitors every day from 11 a.m. to midnight, except on Fridays when it opens at 2 p.m. until midnight.

Topics: Jeddah book fair Saudi Authority for Literature PUBLISHING and Translation

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Saudi Arabia, UK agree to increase bilateral trade to $37.5 billion by 2030

Updated 28 min 50 sec ago
Arab News
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Saudi Arabia, UK agree to increase bilateral trade to $37.5 billion by 2030

  • Saudi Arabia and UK look to strengthen economic partnership
  • Two sides welcome “significant progress" on GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement
Updated 28 min 50 sec ago
Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom have emphasized the importance of strengthening their economic partnership, and reaffirmed their commitment to increase bilateral trade to £30 billion ($37.5 billion) by 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

A joint statement issued following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to the Kingdom on Dec. 9, when he was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, also stressed the importance of the role played by the Saudi-UK Strategic Partnership Council in enhancing cooperation between the two countries and reported that the next session of the council will hopefully be held when the two men next meet in the UK.

In Riyadh, the two sides reviewed the extensive progress made in “diversifying their relationship and in launching an ambitious program of cooperation to enhance mutual prosperity, strengthen shared security and tackle global challenges,” according to the SPA.

With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UK’s Industrial Strategy, both countries are investing heavily in industries that will “drive future global competitiveness, deliver jobs and prosperity for citizens, and deliver sustainable growth,” according to the statement.

The two sides also welcomed the “significant progress” that has been made on the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement. Officials will continue negotiations to finalize the agreement as soon as possible, the statement said.

Both sides commended the growth of their mutual investment relationship, noting significant Saudi investments in the UK in 2024, including the Public Investment Fund’s investments in Selfridges and Heathrow Airport, as well as its additional investment in Newcastle United Football Club, further building the growing ties between North East England and Saudi Arabia. 

The UK remains one of the largest foreign investors in Saudi Arabia. Building on the success of its landmark $700 million Shariah-compliant financing facility in Qiddiya earlier this year, UK Export Finance has announced plans to increase its market exposure to $6bn.

The joint statement highlighted the existing cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and the importance of enhancing cooperation in electricity and renewable energy, clean hydrogen and its applications. This will involve focusing on “the development of policies, regulations, and standards for clean hydrogen, clean-hydrogen business models, as well as capacity building as a key enabler for successful multilateral cooperation in the clean hydrogen sector.”

The two sides also stressed the importance of improving the reliability of global supply chains, particularly with the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative securing supplies for various global supply chains in areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen production, green minerals, specialized petrochemicals, waste recycling, and electric vehicles. 

They also welcomed the Kingdom’s launch of five special economic zones, targeting strategic industries and sectors, and offering British companies the opportunity to benefit from the incentives offered in those zones.
Both sides expressed their hopes of developing “long-term strategic partnerships that serve mutual interests,” the SPA stated. They agreed to work together to establish a consortium for clean hydrogen between Saudi and British universities, led by Newcastle University and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

The two sides underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation in the financial services sector — including banking, fintech, asset management, green finance, and insurance — and agreed to continue strengthening cooperation on critical minerals and mining to support responsible, diversified and resilient supply chains, including a partnership between the University of Exeter’s Cambourne School of Mines and the Saudi Mineral Innovation Acceleration Park. 

The UK reaffirmed its support for — and its planned high-level attendance at — the Saudi Future Minerals Forum, scheduled to take place in January.
The two sides “stressed the centrality of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, acknowledging the outcomes of COP29 and the importance of working in a constructive spirit to achieve an ambitious and balanced result at COP30 next year,” the SPA reported. 

The UK welcomed Saudi Arabia’s ambition and leadership through its Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative and its presidency of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16).

Both sides “agreed on the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation across various cultural sectors under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two Kingdoms” and agreed “to exchange expertise on heritage and museums infrastructure, including through the launch of a new executive program to strengthen the UK’s engagement in Saudi Arabia’s development of AlUla.”

The two countries also welcomed plans to increase the number of UK-branded schools in Saudi Arabia to 10 by 2030, and to open branches of UK universities in Saudi Arabia to support the Kingdom’s ambition of creating “a knowledge-based economy driven by excellence in education.” 

In the health sector, the two sides committed to increasing collaboration to benefit patients in both countries, including through joint initiatives to support the training of nurses. There are ongoing discussions between UK universities and potential Saudi partners on the establishment of a nurse training college in the Kingdom. 

The two sides agreed collaborate on the promotion of sports, with a particular focus on the participation of women. 

Building on decades of bilateral defense and security cooperation, the two sides committed to “a more ambitious, future-facing strategic defense partnership.”

The joint statement also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of humanitarian and relief work. Saudi Arabia and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to aligning efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and to holding an annual UK-Saudi Strategic Dialogue on Humanitarian Aid and International Development. They agreed to jointly fund projects worth $100 million, with a focus on urgent humanitarian assistance and development support.

The two sides highlighted the need for regional de-escalation and stressed the importance of adherence to international norms and the United Nations Charter, as well as reaffirming that the conflict in Gaza must come to an immediate end and hostages be released, in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024), and 2735 (2024). They also stressed the urgent need for Israel to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure to deliver aid to the Palestinian people, and to enable international and humanitarian organizations to do their work.

They also discussed how the UK and Saudi Arabia could work together to achieve a two-state solution that creates a lasting peace and allows Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side within secure and recognized borders. 

The two sides welcomed any steps to ensure the safety of the Syrian people and preserve the institutions and capabilities of the Syrian state.

Both Saudi Arabia and the UK stressed the importance of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, and a political settlement consistent with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

-ENDS-

Topics: UK Saudi Business keir starmer Saudi-UK trade relationship

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Kingdom’s ambassador to UN appeals to General Assembly members to join Saudi-French conference to resolve Palestinian issue

Updated 13 December 2024
Arab News
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Kingdom’s ambassador to UN appeals to General Assembly members to join Saudi-French conference to resolve Palestinian issue

  • Abdulaziz Al-Wasel calls for ceasefire in Gaza Strip, welcomes deal between Israel and Lebanon
  • He condemns Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory
Updated 13 December 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, has urged General Assembly members to participate in an international conference, organized by Saudi Arabia and France, to resolve the Palestinian issue.

Al-Wasel said during a speech at the UN General Assembly’s emergency session on Palestine on Thursday that the Saudi-French conference was taking place in June in New York.

He called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and welcomed the deal between Israel and Lebanon that ended the year-long armed conflict between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israeli forces in November.

The UN held an emergency session to discuss the urgent support needed by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees to enhance humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip.

The Saudi ambassador to the UN said that the arbitrary use of the veto and the selective application of international law had contributed to the ongoing genocide and the escalation of Israeli crimes in Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He stressed the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza and expressed the Kingdom’s support for the ceasefire deal in Lebanon while condemning Israeli violations of it.

Al-Wasel said that Saudi Arabia supported the Palestinian people and their rights to an independent state based on the Arab Peace Initiative and UN resolutions.

He condemned Israeli airstrikes which had taken place on Syrian territory since Sunday following the collapse of the Assad regime in Damascus, according to the SPA.

He added that Israeli actions undermined Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability, and territorial integrity, as well as its rights in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Topics: UN General Assembly

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Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world

Updated 13 December 2024
Arab News
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Saudi Arabia’s successful World Cup bid receives congratulations from around the world

  • World leaders, sporting superstars congratulate Kingdom
  • ‘Arab, Gulf and Islamic pride and joy’ says Dubai ruler  
Updated 13 December 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: No sooner had FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday confirmed that Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 World Cup, than messages of congratulation began to pour in from around the region and beyond.

The unopposed Saudi bid had just been rubber-stamped by more than 200 FIFA member federations that took part remotely in an online meeting hosted in Zurich.

Leading the way was the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, which greeted the news by posting a message from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on its official X account.

“We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing out strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world,” the message said.

From the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, posted his congratulations.

“Arab, Gulf and Islamic pride and joy. Congratulations on the Kingdom hosting the 2034 World Cup ... We congratulate my brother King Salman bin Abdulaziz ... and his (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman ... and the brotherly Saudi people with their great ambition ... and strong will …,” the vice president and prime minster of the UAE wrote.

“I also congratulate my brother King Mohammed VI on Morocco winning the bid to host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The World Cup will be in our region for two consecutive tournaments. Arabs are living today the joy of the great Saudi and Moroccan achievement ... and we expect the best World Cup tournaments, God willing.”

Herve Renard, recently reinstalled as Saudi Arabia’s national team coach, on his account said: “Thrilled for Saudi Arabia and its wonderful people on securing the honor to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup!

“A true reflection of the country’s outstanding vision, remarkable leadership, and unmatched warmth. Get ready for an extraordinary and unforgettable experience ahead.”

Several foreign players plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League were vocal in their support, including Cristiano Ronaldo, whose signing opened the door for the influx of many top players.

“Congratulations to all my friends in Saudi, I know how proud you all are today and I am sure @Saudi2034 will be historic #WelcomeToSaudi34,” he posted.

In an accompanying video, Al-Nassr’s Portuguese superstar said: “It’s amazing, the infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans and everything. After what I’ve seen, I’m more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever.

“The country is unbelievable, the Saudis are very good people. Every year they do big events, football matches, boxing, entertainment is very high,” Ronaldo added. “The future is very bright in my opinion, and I’m happy to be part of this success of the country and I will be here for sure to see the World Cup.”

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi minister of sport and president of the Kingdom’s olympic and paralympic committee, and SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal were presented with the FIFA World Cup 2034 hosting certificate from FIFA.

At the special presentation from Riyadh, Prince Abdulaziz said: “We will host the best version of the World Cup in history and we will achieve our dream of hosting this tournament on our land.”

Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh, who has been nominated as a member of Saudi 2034 Supreme Committee, said: “A new achievement for our beloved Kingdom. On this occasion, I congratulate my leader, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Highness, the Crown Prince, the sponsor of the vision, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on winning the bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Congratulations to all of us on this great achievement.”

Al-Hilal and Saudi Arabia captain Salem Al-Dawsari, scorer of the Green Falcons’ winner against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, had this to say on his X account: “The dream has become reality. We thank God for the blessing of our dear homeland.” 

Al-Dawsari’s former Al-Hilal colleague and current Saudi First Division club NEOM player Salman Al-Faraj greeted the news with this post: “Thanks to our wise leadership. With you we grow and achieve our dreams. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia doesn’t write history. It is history.”

Former Saudi Arabia midfielder Sami Al-Jaber, arguably the country’s finest footballer to date, also congratulated the Kingdom’s leadership on securing the hosting rights.

“I congratulate my leader, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Highness (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman, on winning the bid to host the 2034 World Cup,” Al-Jaber wrote. “Congratulations to the Saudi people for achieving this dream. The impossible is not Saudi.”

Retired French forward Bafetimbi Gomis, who achieved cult status during his stay at Al-Hilal, commented: “History in the making #congratulation #SaudiArabia #2034.”

One of Gomis’s successes at Al-Hilal, Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr., congratulated the country with a short message that said simply: “Yalla yalla @Saudi2034 #WelcomeToSaudi34.”

There were also messages of support from around the region, particularly Gulf countries.

The Kuwait Olympic Committee’s official X account posted: “The Chairman and Members of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Olympic Committee congratulate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people, on the occasion of the Kingdom’s approval of the Kingdom’s winning bid to host the 2034 World Cup, wishing it further progress and success.”

The Qatar Football Association, who hosted the World Cup two years ago, commented: “Congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on being awarded the hosting (of) the #WorldCup2034.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE Football Association, congratulated the leadership and people of the Kingdom by highlighting Saudi Arabia’s resources and experience in hosting major sporting events and describing the achievement as “a victory” for Arab sports.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is qualified in all respects to host the 2034 World Cup, because of its cumulative experience, and it has the capabilities and human resources capable of organizing the largest international events,” he said on the Emirati association’s website.

“We are happy with the return of the World Cup to the Arabian Gulf, as our countries are places of coexistence and tolerance, and fields of creativity.”

Topics: FIFA World Cup 2034 football Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Cristiano Ronaldo

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How a Saudi language processing center is using AI to improve machine interaction with Arabic

Updated 13 December 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
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How a Saudi language processing center is using AI to improve machine interaction with Arabic

  • The Artificial Intelligence Center for Arabic Language Processing is bridging the gap between technology and one of the world’s most spoken languages
  • The center’s five advanced labs provide resources for researchers developing AI applications for Arabic, says KSGAAL’s linguistic computing head
Updated 13 December 2024
Hebshi Alshammari

RIYADH: Experts at the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language are leveraging artificial intelligence to advance machine interactions with Arabic — one of the most widely spoken languages on the planet, yet one largely neglected by the tech world.

A key initiative is the Artificial Intelligence Center for Arabic Language Processing in Riyadh, which focuses on driving innovations in language technology.

The first of its kind dedicated to Arabic natural language processing, the center utilizes and advances AI techniques to develop cutting-edge scientific tools, research methodologies and computer applications that enhance interactions with the Arabic language across various platforms and technologies.

Natural language processing, or NLP, is a subfield of AI that bridges the gap between human communication, spoken or written, and machine understanding. It enables computers to understand human languages and generate text and speech in a natural way by combining computational linguistics with statistical modeling, machine learning, and deep learning.

Abdullah Al-Fifi, head of the linguistic computing department at KSGAFAL, said the Arabic Intelligence Center aims to empower researchers and developers to harness advanced technologies for processing the Arabic language. It also seeks to create applications, tools, and programs that contribute to preserving and advancing the Arabic language.

The center, launched in late April, comprises five advanced labs that work on developing AI applications tailored to Arabic, he told Arab News.

Among these is the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies like language assistants, which are smart tools designed for precise interaction with languages. It also focuses on enhancing the abilities of intelligent systems to analyze and comprehend Arabic texts with high accuracy.

The Data Preparation and Linguistic Resources Building Laboratory collects, classifies and labels linguistic data to serve as a primary resource for improving Arabic language processing in intelligent systems. It employs various techniques to ensure the data’s quality and reliability for research and technical applications.

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Another key lab, the Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory, advances innovative technologies to enhance the Arabic language learning experience. It develops educational and entertainment software using virtual reality, enabling unconventional applications of Arabic in modern digital environments.

The Audio and Visual Laboratory develops speech recognition and pronunciation technologies. It focuses on recording, processing, storing and classifying audio data using advanced techniques to ensure precise voice interaction with the Arabic language.

A key aspect of the Arabic Intelligence Center is also the Researchers’ Laboratory, which provides a comprehensive research environment with dedicated spaces for computational linguistics researchers. It is designed to support advanced research focused on developing AI technologies specialized in the Arabic language.

Researcher Abdullah Al-Maadi told Arab News that “the Arabic Intelligence Center has had a significant impact on my training journey at KSGAFAL” and added: “It provided me with a supportive environment for growth, in addition to offering real-world data that could be tested. The center also enabled the development of products to be applied to actual robots.”

Raghad Al-Rasheed, who is also a researcher, said the center gave her the opportunity “to capitalize on the expertise of specialists, helping me enhance my knowledge and develop my research skills.”

“The center actively contributed to supporting our research by providing the necessary equipment and data to complete the work,” she told Arab News, adding that it also offered her a dedicated space to meet all her needs while working on her project, Areeb.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Arabic Intelligence Center is the first to specialize in automated Arabic language processing using AI technologies.

• A key challenge in using AI for Arabic is its linguistic diversity, requiring accurate models to accommodate both classical and colloquial forms.

• Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language globally and the fourth most used online.

The Arabic Intelligence Center is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global leader in these fields.

It seeks to pioneer the use of AI for the Arabic language and provide integrated services that empower users to enhance its global prominence.

The establishment of this center underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to employing AI and data-driven strategies to strengthen the prominence of the Arabic language in an age of advanced technologies, said KSGAFAL Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Washmi.

He added the center has strengthened Arabic’s global position by using modern technologies that help the language adapt to ongoing developments through its advanced labs.

The Arabic language is spoken by around 422 million people worldwide, including 313 million native speakers, according to the International Center for Language Studies. It is the fifth most widely spoken language globally and the fourth most used online, according to Internet World Stats.

 

Topics: Eye On AI

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