Centennial of iconic book that described King Abdulaziz as ‘crowning jewel’ of Arab leaders

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Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)
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Updated 16 January 2025
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Centennial of iconic book that described King Abdulaziz as ‘crowning jewel’ of Arab leaders

  • Celebration in capital to mark 1925 publication of ‘Kings of Arabia’
  • Event held on anniversary of monarch’s triumphant Riyadh return

RIYADH: On Jan. 15, 1902, King Abdulaziz Al-Saud returned in triumph to Riyadh after a period of exile in Kuwait, and consolidated control over both the political and religious powers of Arabia.

The event marked the beginning of a new era for the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Islamic world.

This year on Jan. 15, to mark the monarch’s return 123 years ago, the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh celebrated the centennial of an iconic book, “Kings of Arabia,” one of Lebanese-American writer and political activist Amin Rihani’s most notable books.

Published in 1925, it follows the writer’s journey across the Arabian Peninsula and his encounters with its most prominent Arab leaders.

Upon meeting King Abdulaziz, known at the time as the Sultan of Najd and its dependencies, Rihani famously had this to say about the late ruler: “Now that I have met all the Arab leaders. None of them (is) greater than this man.




Centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

“And I am not hastily judging nor am I exaggerating. As he is truly great. Great in his handshake and smile. Great in his words and his gaze.

“Great at stomping the Earth with his staff. He speaks his mind in the first meeting fearing no man. He reveals his secret and what a great secret it is.

“A man who knows his worth and believes only in Allah and himself. The man in him is greater than the Sultan. And he earned his people’s leadership with merits, not titles.

“I came to Ibn Saud with a heart that carries neither love nor hate as I told him. Neither the British’s nor the Hejaz’s opinions, neither the praises nor the condemnations had affected me, and the heart was filled with love in the first meeting between us.

“Even though this love might not be a result of admiration. I am delighted to have visited Ibn Saud after having visited them all. Truly, he is the crowning jewel.”

Prince Faisal bin Salman, special advisor to King Salman and chairman of the board of directors of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, spoke at the event which was hosted jointly by the foundation and the Amin Rihani Organization.




Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud speaks during the centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

Prince Faisal spoke about how Rihani came to Saudi Arabia with the preconceived notions common among many people who “did not have the opportunity to get to know the Arabian Peninsula up close.”

“At that time, the Arabian Peninsula and its neighboring countries were wary of the other, and looked at it with suspicion,” he said.

“King Abdulaziz in his wisdom adopted an open and welcoming dialect for all, believing that living authentic Islamic and Arab values ​​such as faith, trust in Allah, generosity, courage, and chivalry would change understanding and break barriers and distances.”

Prince Faisal also saluted the progress made in the Kingdom since the establishment of the First Saudi State in 1932.

“This scene pictured by Rihani in his book, conveyed ... the building of a contemporary state that combines authenticity, modernity, and ambitious fruits for the future.




Centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

“The success established by King Abdulaziz was continued in his sons, the kings after him, arriving at Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman.”

Prince Faisal added that “they too walk on the same path of preserving the Islamic principles and authentic Arab values ​​of Abdulaziz, the spirit of growth and opening up to the world, which made the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today one of the most important models globally in development, progress and innovation.”

Prince Faisal said that he has never encountered anyone who had previously held a negative image of the Kingdom and who had not reevaluated their misconceptions after visiting and meeting its people.

Rihani’s nephew, president of the Amin Rihani Organization and professor at Notre Dame University in Lebanon, Amin Albert Rihani, delivered a speech remotely.

“Those interested in Middle Eastern studies around the world will find it difficult to understand the developments and current events in the Middle East at the beginning of the 21st century unless they read the book ‘Kings of Arabia,’ because it constitutes the cornerstone of the history of the Near East in general and the Arab world in particular, and it also constitutes the gateway to contemporary Arab history,” he said.




Centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

Rihani spoke about the rich history and affection that connects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

“How did (Rihani’s) historical journey build, at the last of its stations, the first bridge of affection between the first two newly emerging Arab countries, between Lebanon, which was officially established in 1920, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose unification was announced in 1932?

“It is a bridge of affection, love, and appreciation between Sultan Abdulaziz and Amin Rihani.

“It is the first bridge between the small homeland with the big heart and the large homeland with the vast and wide vision, ready to keep up with the times and keep up with the model that is to be emulated in every poverty and victory.”

Rihani’s family also attended the event as the prince’s guests of honor.




Thought sessions at the Centennial celebration of Kings of Arabia book at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. (AN photo by Jafar AlSaleh)

Following the presentation, the event concluded with two panel discussions on the prominence of King Abdulaziz in “Kings of Arabia” and on the book’s history.

The celebration also featured a short clip of a newly released documentary film detailing Rihani’s journey and its significance in the birth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
 


Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha

Updated 01 June 2025
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Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha

  • ‘Ribbons of giving’ festival features concerts, movies, games for all ages
  • Highlights include performance by oud maestro Islam Al-Qasabgy

DHAHRAN:  The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is celebrating Eid Al-Adha with three days of activities.

From June 7-9, visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 31 events, including music, storytelling, games and workshops, under the theme “ribbons of giving.”

Many of the activities will be in Arabic but are open to all.

Among the highlights will be a concert at Ithra Theater by Egyptian oud virtuoso Islam Al-Qasabgy, who is renowned for blending classical Arabic music with modern styles.

Ithra Cinema, meanwhile, will showcase the Japanese manga character Chibi Maruko-chan and also screen the Japanese animated fantasy movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service” with Arabic subtitles.

Another screening will be “Saleeq,” a short animated film about a lonely grandmother who faces a flood after a pot of rice boils over.

Among the other festive offerings are a 96 km trek along the historic Hajj trail that revives stories of persistence and generosity echoing across generations.

Entry to the center is free but some events are ticketed. The center will be open from 4-11 p.m. during the Eid celebrations.


KSrelief extends aid to Syria, Somalia, Sudan

KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable.
Updated 01 June 2025
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KSrelief extends aid to Syria, Somalia, Sudan

  • Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

The organization has distributed 2,290 food baskets and hygiene kits in Sarmada in the Idlib Governorate of the Syrian Arab Republic, benefiting 6,870 individuals. This effort is part of the second phase of a project to ease the suffering of Syrian families.

KSrelief in Somalia has distributed 1,200 food baskets to the neediest families in the Baidoa district in Bay region, assisting 7,200 people and supporting food security for vulnerable groups.

KSrelief in Sudan has distributed 825 food baskets to the most needy families in Blue Nile State, helping 3,986 people. This aid forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts to support the Sudanese population amid the ongoing crisis in the country.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.


Saudi Ministry of Culture launches grant to encourage research on Saudi-Chinese cultural relations

Image showing the Saudi and Chinese flags. (Shutterstock)
Updated 01 June 2025
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Saudi Ministry of Culture launches grant to encourage research on Saudi-Chinese cultural relations

  • New initiative is designed to support academic research that strengthens mutual understanding and encourages scholarly collaboration between Kingdom and China

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Relations Research Grant.

The new initiative is designed to support academic research that strengthens mutual understanding and encourages scholarly collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China.

The grant invites researchers to submit proposals that explore the historical, artistic, linguistic and cultural connections between the two countries, especially as political and economic ties between them continue to expand.

The initiative reflects the ministry’s broader efforts to foster knowledge sharing and intercultural dialogue through academic research.

Applicants are encouraged to address themes including history and cultural heritage, performing and visual arts, literature and translation, cultural economy and creative industries, and the role of digital platforms in contemporary cultural exchange.

Selected research will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and will contribute to the enrichment of the field of Saudi-Chinese cultural studies.

Eligible applicants must hold a master’s or doctoral degree, or demonstrate a record of scholarly publications. Proposals must be original and submitted through the official grant portal.

The grant cycle will include proposal evaluation, peer-reviewed feedback, and final publication, with the submission deadline on July 15, 2025.

Results will be announced in August 2025, and each grant will cover a one-year research period.

 


Saudi Cultural Development Fund champions cultural entrepreneurship at Expo 2025

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr took part in a panel discussion and networking event during Expo 2025.
Updated 12 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi Cultural Development Fund champions cultural entrepreneurship at Expo 2025

  • Event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia
  • ‏Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan took part in a networking event during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Hosted by the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, the event highlighted investment opportunities in the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia.

Titled “Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage,” the event at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion brought together global investors, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to explore the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance.

A panel discussion, moderated by cultural researcher Saba Al-Khamis, featured CDF chief credit and investment officer Basil Al-Alola; Darren Barker, founder of Barker Langham; and Hessa Alajaji, founder of Saudi artisan design brand Accents.

The fund aims to position culture as a catalyst for global partnerships and investment, sharing success stories and sector-specific opportunities, Al-Alola said in a statement.

The dialogue emphasized culture as an engine for economic diversification and social growth, highlighting CDF’s tailored financing solutions driving the sector’s sustainable expansion.

‏The event celebrated Saudi artistic heritage through handicraft displays aligned with the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, alongside a performance by Japanese violinist Ikuko Kawai symbolizing Saudi-Japanese cultural collaboration.

“Our participation translates Saudi cultural assets into economic value,” Al-Alola said.

“We’re connecting international investors with local innovators to build a globally integrated cultural economy in line with Vision 2030.”

‏Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF will display Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem through activities, panel discussions and networking sessions.


Film Commission showcases cultural power of Saudi cinema at London festival

Kingdom’s Film Commission will participate in the first European edition of the SXSW Festival. (@FilmMOC)
Updated 01 June 2025
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Film Commission showcases cultural power of Saudi cinema at London festival

  • Event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through various events

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Film Commission is participating in the first European edition of the SXSW Festival, which is being held in London from June 2-7, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is a global platform that brings together professionals and experts from various creative sectors through events such as panel discussions, musical and comedy performances, film and TV screenings, exhibitions, competitions, and networking opportunities.

As part of its participation the commission will screen a selection of short Saudi films under the Saudi Film Nights initiative, aiming to showcase the Kingdom’s storytelling and promote national talent to international audiences.

It is also organizing a panel called “Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,” which will explore cinema’s role in shaping national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local content as a form of soft power.

The commission will highlight the Kingdom’s cinematic achievements through an exhibition at the country’s pavilion featuring films that have sold more than 250,000 tickets, participated in top international festivals, or won global awards — underscoring the growth and international rise of the Saudi film industry.

The commission forms a part of the Saudi pavilion alongside other creative sector entities, including the Music Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, and Fashion Commission, presenting a broad view of the Kingdom’s cultural diversity.

This participation reaffirms the Film Commission’s commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia’s global presence, empowering creative talent, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in cinema.