Diriyah Storytelling Festival to celebrate literature, creativity

The festival provides opportunities to interact with experts and explore the art of storytelling through exhibitions, storytelling nights and discussion sessions. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 January 2025
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Diriyah Storytelling Festival to celebrate literature, creativity

RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival, a vibrant event for literature lovers, will begin on Jan. 30.

The event will take place across three key locations in Diriyah: Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel and Al-Dhawihra Farm, offering distinctive experiences.

Running until Feb. 8, the festival will host more than 150 speakers, experts and performers in the field of literature.

More than 50 publishing houses and specialized libraries will also participate.

The festival provides opportunities to interact with experts and explore the art of storytelling through exhibitions, storytelling nights and discussion sessions.

Workshops will cover topics such as writing, storytelling, music production, screen design, book cover creation and adapting novels into animated series, films or dramas.

Visitors can also enjoy a book fair, reading spaces, book signings, storytelling performances and activities such as role-playing, script adaptations, live cooking and tastings of dishes inspired by famous novels and films.

The festival will feature a “Little Storyteller” area designed to nurture children’s skills through engaging workshops and theatrical performances.

These activities will focus on storytelling techniques, story creation and illustration, as well as puppet-making and manipulation.

The festival will also host its inaugural writers’ retreat, an eight-day program bringing together a curated group of established and emerging Saudi novelists in Diriyah.

Participants will take part in intensive courses led by international experts, aimed at nurturing Saudi storytelling talent and empowering them to share their stories with a global audience.

The festival is part of Diriyah Season’s diverse lineup of events, held under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity.”


Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

Updated 11 sec ago
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Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

  • Environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources
  • Center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.

This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.


Saudi foreign minister lands in US for official visit

Updated 35 min 34 sec ago
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Saudi foreign minister lands in US for official visit

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan landed in the United States on Tuesday, Al Arabiya Television reported. 


Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia rises to 78.8 years, says health ministry

Updated 41 min 36 sec ago
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Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia rises to 78.8 years, says health ministry

  • Reflects efforts to improve healthcare quality and strengthen preventive measures
  • Ministry continues to enhance preventive and curative healthcare services, expand health education programs, and intensify early screening for diseases and tumors

RIYADH: Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia rose from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024, the Ministry of Health has said.

It reflects efforts to improve healthcare quality and strengthen preventive measures, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The announcement was made on World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7, this year under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”

Saudi public health efforts are part of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030, aimed at creating a vibrant society with better health and well-being, the SPA added.

Under the ministry’s supervision, the healthcare system launched targeted initiatives and awareness campaigns to promote healthy habits, encourage walking and support daily wellness practices.

This has contributed to improved public health and quality of life, paving the way toward the goal of raising life expectancy to 80 years by 2030, the SPA reported.

The ministry also implemented health and nutrition reforms in collaboration with various government entities, such as banning hydrogenated oils, reducing salt in foods, and mandating calorie labeling on food products and in restaurants. These measures contribute to better public health and a reduction in chronic diseases.

The ministry continues to enhance preventive and curative healthcare services, expand health education programs, and intensify early screening for diseases and tumors.

This aims to increase life expectancy, reduce chronic illnesses and improve quality of life, paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable future.

Meanwhile, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its health sector and the implementation of health programs, highlighting that societal advancement depends on individual well-being.

The organization said that Vision 2030 prioritizes the health sector, leading to improved medical services, better patient safety and satisfaction, and enhanced recovery through infrastructure development and institutional restructuring.

It also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the global health sector, extending to numerous countries through health programs and medical convoys as part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts.


Saudi aid agency to support 1,000 orphans in Syria

Updated 08 April 2025
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Saudi aid agency to support 1,000 orphans in Syria

RIYADH: The Kingdom's aid agency, KSrelief, is providing humanitarian assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to support orphan care and economic empowerment in earthquake-affected areas of northwestern Syria.

The agreement aims to provide monthly cash allowances to 1,000 orphaned children in Jindires town and Aleppo governorate. It will also empower 400 women foster mothers through in-kind grants and vocational training, the SPA reported.

In Jordan, KSrelief organized recreational activities for 1,000 orphaned children from the Syrian refugee and host communities to improve their living conditions and bring joy.

In Yemen, KSrelief delivered more than 45 million liters of drinking and non-potable water to Hajjah and Saada governorates in one month as part of its water and sanitation project.

A mobile medical clinic in Hajjah governorate served 1,691 patients during the same period, the SPA added.

In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 460 food baskets to vulnerable families in Koura, benefiting 2,300 people, and 6,181 vouchers as part of its clothing project. 


Hajj Ministry sets April 13 as final Umrah entry date

Updated 08 April 2025
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Hajj Ministry sets April 13 as final Umrah entry date

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has designated April 13 as the final date for those performing Umrah to enter Saudi Arabia, with April 29 set as the deadline for departure in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season.

The ministry emphasized that staying beyond this date will result in statutory penalties and urged individuals as well as Umrah companies and institutions to comply with regulations and instructions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Companies and establishments serving pilgrims and Umrah performers that fail to report any delays to the relevant authorities could face fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), along with legal action being taken against those responsible.

Fines will be multiplied depending on how many individuals have violated the departure deadlines, according to the SPA.

On Monday, the Ministry of Interior said Hajj and Umrah service companies and establishments must adhere to all relevant rules and guidelines.