Rare Qur’an collection on display in Saudi capital

The library’s collection categorizes the books by type of calligraphic script, region, date copied, or the manner in which it is decorated. (SPA)
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Updated 21 April 2022
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Rare Qur’an collection on display in Saudi capital

  • Presentation has 267 copies, 20 museum editions from between 10AH and 13AH
  • Library has other collections depicting Arab and Islamic heritage including rare coins and calligraphic art

JEDDAH: To celebrate World Heritage Day that took place on April 18, King Abdulaziz Public Library will hold an exhibition of rare holy Qur’ans on Thursday in Riyadh, which showcases Islam and Arab culture’s rich history.

Among those in attendance will include Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar, the library’s general supervisor, and several researchers and academics.

The collection consists of 267 Qur’ans, and 20 valuable museum copies, most of which were written between the 10th and 13th centuries AH, which is from the 15th to the 19th centuries AD.

The library has other collections depicting Arab and Islamic heritage including rare coins and calligraphic art.




(SPA)

A particularly rare Qur’an on display is one made up of 30 sheets. The first folio is decorated with wonderful vegetal motifs using bright colors and gold water. The rest of the pages are completely gilded, and the side frames contain colored and gilded floral motifs in the Naskh script, produced in 1240 A.H. or 1824 A.D.

Also part of the collection is another complete Qur’an, from Surah Al-Fatiha to Surah Al-Nas, which was written in Makkah opposite the Kaaba during the month of Ramadan 1025 A.H. or 1616 A.D.

Rewritten by scholar Mullah Ali Al-Qari who passed away in 1014 AH or 1605 AD, this Qur’an is in black ink, within sections of red and blue.

The library’s collection categorizes the books by type of calligraphic script, region, date copied, or the manner in which it is decorated.

There are also Indian Qur’ans with various floral decorations, as well as samples of beautiful Chinese, Kashmiri and Mamluk productions. In terms of scripts, the range includes Galilee (Kufic), Naskh, Thuluth, Timbuktu, and Late Sudanese. There are also scripts particular to the Levant, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, and from the Najd and Hijazi regions.


Saudi Arabia launches Ramadan project in 27 countries

Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia launches Ramadan project in 27 countries

  • Saudi aid agency to distribute 390,109 food baskets, benefiting more than 2.3m people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, through its aid agency KSrelief, is supporting global food security during the holy month of Ramadan at a cost of more than SR67.6 million ($18 million).

KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah launched the Etaam project in Riyadh on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Under the initiative, 390,109 food baskets will be distributed across 27 countries during Ramadan, providing essential support to over 2.3 million people.

Al-Rabeeah said that the project reflects the humanitarian commitment of the Kingdom’s leadership to support nations and communities in need.

He highlighted its goal of alleviating food insecurity and improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable during the holy month.

Al-Rabeeah also noted that this initiative is among numerous humanitarian programs led by KSrelief, reflecting the generosity and community spirit of donors in the Kingdom toward those in need.

He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to supporting nations and communities in need, the SPA reported.

Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,309 projects across 105 countries, with a total value of almost $7.3 billion, spanning various critical sectors, Al-Rabeeah said.

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian and relief efforts, led by KSrelief, to assist vulnerable nations and strengthen global food security.


King Salman academy launches third Arabic program for non-native speakers

The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15.
Updated 16 February 2025
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King Salman academy launches third Arabic program for non-native speakers

  • Initiative aims to provide students with strong foundations in reading, writing, listening and spoken Arabic

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language has begun accepting applications for its third study program for non-native speakers at the Abjad Center in Riyadh.

The program, which follows an advanced academic methodology, will accept applications until March 15, with in-person study starting on Sept. 1, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The center offers a comprehensive educational experience aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The program has four levels, each lasting two months, for a total of eight months and 160 instructional hours per level, averaging 20 hours per week, the SPA reported.

It focuses on core language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — while incorporating cultural activities to enhance learning and immerse students in the Arabic-speaking environment.

The first edition attracted more than 16,140 applicants from 162 nationalities, with more than 130 students from 34 nationalities accepted.

The second edition received even more interest, with 16,472 applications from 126 nationalities and more than 150 students from about 40 nationalities admitted.


Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative

Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi pupils explore Shamal reserve in sustainability initiative

  • Field visit highlights wildlife conservation and deepens connection with nature

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority organized a field visit for school pupils to the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting.

This initiative is part of the authority’s drive to promote ecological awareness and foster community development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Shamal reserve, located within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, covers 2,000 sq. km. It offers comprehensive services and a unique hunting experience, attracting enthusiasts from the Kingdom and Gulf states.

The visit aimed to introduce students to the reserve’s wildlife, enhancing their ecological awareness and connection with nature, the SPA added.

It also highlighted the authority’s environmental protection efforts, sustainability initiatives, and tourism programs.

During the tour, experts emphasized the importance of ecosystem preservation and biodiversity in supporting sustainability and promoting ecotourism.

This initiative is part of a series of awareness programs designed to engage the local community in environmental conservation. These programs align with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainability and natural area development.

Covering 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve, home to 138 wildlife species and 179 plant species. It is known for its rich ecology, stunning landscapes and heritage sites.

Initiatives over the past four years have significantly increased populations of endangered species such as Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich, while also fostering a resurgence of reptiles and insects.


AlUla empowers youth with social, cultural activities

Joint GCC Youth Work Camp, hosted by Saudi Arabia in AlUla and organized by Ministry of Sport, brought together young people.
Updated 16 February 2025
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AlUla empowers youth with social, cultural activities

  • Camp fostered communication, experience exchange, and strengthened youth relations among the participating countries

RIYADH: The Joint GCC Youth Work Camp, hosted by Saudi Arabia in AlUla and organized by the Ministry of Sport, brought together young people from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Morocco.

The camp fostered communication, experience exchange, and strengthened youth relations among the participating countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Through cultural and social events, sports competitions, workshops, and community initiatives, it empowered participants and developed their skills, the SPA added.

The camp featured activities combining exploration, learning, and other challenges. Participants had the unique opportunity to tour AlUla Old Town, exploring the heritage market, learning about traditional handicrafts, and dining among picturesque mud houses overlooking the palm oasis.

The program also included visits to renowned tourist and natural sites, such as the Sharaan Nature Reserve, Elephant Rock, the Oasis Heritage Trail, and the Hegra area.


Saudi project clears 536 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi project clears 536 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 536 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included nine anti-personnel mines, 48 anti-tank mines, 478 unexploded ordnances and one explosive device, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 481,776 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.