DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will head to Egypt to stage Ithra’s iRead Talks as it embarks on a new series of cultural events this week.
A competition for Arabic-speaking students will be among events held at the Radio Cinema in downtown Cairo on the final day of the Dawayer Cultural Festival, organized by Tanmia bookstores and Diwan bookstore.
As part of Ithra’s Reading Enrichment Program, or iRead, a series of cultural events on July 15 will “aim to encourage the culture of reading in the Arab world by holding lectures, workshops and panel discussions in a number of Arab cities, bringing together writers, thinkers, intellectuals and readers all in one platform to discuss hot literary topics across a variety of fields,” a statement said.
The Ithra-related talks will be moderated by Ithra’s librarian, Tariq Al-Khawaji, who is also the supervisor of the iRead National Reading Project.
In one of the talks, translators Mohammed Jamal and Hisham Fahmy will discuss their experiences translating literary works. Jamal primarily works in translating mythological texts, while Fahmy focuses on fantasy.
Featured Egyptian poets Mahmoud Khair Allah and Fatima Qandeel will also read a selection from their award-winning collections.
The Reading Enrichment Program, which was launched in 2013, has reached more than 125,000 students from around the Kingdom and Arab world, according to Ithra.
The program has expanded to include book exhibitions, reading marathons, workshops and discussions, as well as allowing book-lovers to interact in physical and digital spaces.
Ithra aims to reach 1 million young people through the program by 2030.
For the terms and conditions related to the iRead competition or to simply follow along, visit https://www.ithra.com/ar/iread/ and the Ithra social media channels.
Ithra’s iRead Talks launches cultural events in Cairo
https://arab.news/gwuv9
Ithra’s iRead Talks launches cultural events in Cairo
- A competition for Arabic-speaking students will be among events held at the Radio Cinema in downtown Cairo on the final day of the Dawayer Cultural Festival
- The Ithra-related talks will be moderated by Ithra’s librarian, Tariq Al-Khawaji
Saudi Arabia boosts security with new facilities, digital services
- Inauguration of General Directorate of Public Security building
- Prince Abdulaziz also opened the Innovation Center and the Indicators and Artificial Intelligence Center
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif inaugurated the new General Directorate of Public Security building in Riyadh on Monday.
He went on to inspect the facilities, security equipment, and advanced technology that enhance security capabilities and create an integrated work environment.
Prince Abdulaziz also opened the Innovation Center and the Indicators and Artificial Intelligence Center, which aim to improve security operations through modern technology while promoting digital transformation.
As part of ongoing efforts to automate services, Prince Abdulaziz has also launched several new offerings on the Absher Individuals platform covering accident registration, vehicle license printing, digital air weapon licenses, accident reports, vehicle data reports, and driving licenses.
In addition, new services for rock-cutting technicians’ licenses and transporting rock-cutting materials have been introduced on the Absher Business platform.
10 contestants from 7 nations to compete for Reader of the Year title
- Reading Enrichment Program’s closing ceremony takes place in October at the Ithra Center, Dhahran
- This year’s competition received an impressive 106,000 submissions from the Arab world
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is to host the closing ceremony of the ninth Reading Enrichment Program, known as iRead, to promote reading culture and celebrate knowledge.
The event, which uses the slogan “Reading Bridges Worlds” and is an initiative by Saudi Aramco, is scheduled for Oct. 11-12 at the Ithra Center in Dhahran and will feature readers from across the Arab world competing in the essays and debates contests.
Two Nobel laureates in literature, Dr. Abdulrazak Gurnah and Olga Tokarczuk, are set to attend, along with many readers, authors, and literary figures from the region.
The cultural program includes an interview with Saudi critic Abdullah Al-Ghathami; a fireside chat with Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi; a recital by Sudanese poet Mohamed Abdelbari; the Kutubiya book swapping exhibition; and several book signings.
This year’s competition received an impressive 106,000 submissions from the Arab world.
Ten participants from seven countries — Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Iraq — have advanced to the finals, where they will present for the Reader of the Year title.
Those attending can also vote for the Audience’s Favorite Reader award.
Tareq Alkhawaji, cultural adviser at Ithra, said: “The iRead competition is a shining example of Ithra’s pioneering role in promoting reading as a vital tool for enriching the knowledge of future generations.
“This transformative experience enhances the research, reading, writing, editing, publishing and public speaking skills of all participants.
“We are thrilled to see such a large and diverse group of applicants from all over the Arab world participate in iRead. This success reflects the competition’s position in developing and empowering not just Saudi, but Arab talents in critical reading and creative writing.
“It also solidifies Ithra’s mission as an Arabic content creator and underscores its goal of inspiring 100,000 young men and women by 2030.”
American author praises Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy revolution
- Walter Isaacson applauds Saudi Arabia’s growing entrepreneurship during dialogue session at Riyadh book fair
- Isaacson traced the evolution of creativity across epochs, beginning with the intellectual revolution of Benjamin Franklin
RIYADH: Distinguished American author Walter Isaacson praised the Kingdom’s burgeoning entrepreneurship, particularly within the energy and development sectors, during his appearance at the Riyadh International Book Fair.
In a dialogue session focused on lessons from the greatest minds in history, Isaacson highlighted the Kingdom’s developmental revolution, particularly in renewable energy, as evidenced by the surge in innovation and the proliferation of solar panels.
Moderator Yasmin Al-Khowaiter emphasized Isaacson’s expertise in crafting biographies of globally significant figures and explored leadership concepts among the influential personalities whose lives the author has chronicled.
Isaacson examined the creative revolutions led by pioneering figures and acclaimed leaders in their fields.
He pointed to key factors essential for fostering creativity in practice, including curiosity, exploration, out-of-the-box thinking, passion, humility, poise, simplicity in execution, precise task delineation, and adherence to ethical principles.
Isaacson traced the evolution of creativity across epochs, beginning with the intellectual revolution of Benjamin Franklin, progressing to the nuclear era represented by Albert Einstein, advancing into the digital age with Steve Jobs, and culminating in the space revolution led by Elon Musk.
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, runs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5 at King Saud University.
This year’s theme, “Riyadh Reads,” seeks to elevate the Kingdom’s cultural standing both regionally and globally.
The fair offers a wide array of cultural, artistic, and entertainment events, featuring over 200 activities designed for all age groups.
Attendees can engage in seminars, dialogue sessions, lectures, poetry evenings, and workshops led by a distinguished group of writers and thinkers from Saudi Arabia and around the world. These sessions cover a broad range of subjects and disciplines.
This year’s guest of honor is Qatar, offering visitors a rich cultural experience that highlights the country’s literary and intellectual achievements, cultural heritage, history and arts.
Camel festivals attract investors, promote growth
- Since Sept. 19, camel owners have competed in 36 rounds
- The festival, which ends on Oct. 1, features a total of 40 rounds and offers 300 prizes worth SR20 million
RIYADH: The judging committee and spectators at the Camel Avenue Festival in Taif witnessed a dazzling display of over 1,900 camels in a single day, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Since Sept. 19, camel owners have competed in 36 rounds. The festival, which ends on Oct. 1, features a total of 40 rounds and offers 300 prizes worth SR20 million ($5.3 million).
Camel festivals are valuable for heritage and economic growth, providing significant opportunities for citizens and investors in the camel industry.
The economic returns from these festivals stimulate investment and create new avenues for growth in Saudi Arabia.
Marzouq bin Fawaz Al-Dhiabi, an investor in the camel market, said that auction sales alone reached over SR6 million, while private deals among owners exceeded SR30 million.
The festival’s camel market saw more than 250 daily transactions involving a wide range of camels.
About 15,000 camels of various colors were on display, attracting investors from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries.
Baha farmers anticipate strong pomegranate harvest
- Area boasts around 179 hectares of pomegranate orchards that produce over 1,600 tonnes of the fruit annually
- Pomegranate trees have been cultivated in Baha for hundreds of years, serving as one of the oldest sources of income for local farmers
JEDDAH: Farmers in the Baha region have begun harvesting pomegranates, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The area boasts around 179 hectares of pomegranate orchards that produce over 1,600 tonnes of the fruit annually due to its fertile land, moderate climate, abundant water supply, and rich soil.
Pomegranate trees have been cultivated in Baha for hundreds of years, serving as one of the oldest sources of income for local farmers.
Trees reach peak production between 15 and 20 years and can live for over 70 years.
Traditional farming methods have evolved, and farmers now use advanced agricultural practices and transportation methods.
Local farmer Saud Al-Zahrani explained that the pomegranate harvesting season starts each September and lasts about three months. He expressed optimism for this year’s yield, citing favorable conditions, including abundant rainfall, which has improved the fruit’s quality and cleanliness.
He also mentioned the national pomegranate festival, which aims to support farmers and producers by opening new marketing channels and promoting products both locally and globally.
