JEDDAH: Nominations have opened for the prestigious King Faisal Prize awards for 2023. The awarding body’s general secretariat announced that names could be put forward in five categories until the end of March next year.
The secretary-general of the King Faisal Prize, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Sabeel, said that the prize committees decided on an annual basis the scientific subject to be awarded in each of four classes.
For the Islamic studies award the topic chosen was Islamic architecture, with classical Arabic narrative and modern theories the subject of the Arabic language and literature prize, pandemics and vaccine development the focus of the medicine gong, and chemistry being the science discipline.
Al-Sabeel noted that the service to Islam prize was awarded to those taking a leading role in serving Islam and Muslims intellectually, scientifically, and socially through various works, activities, programs, and projects that had benefitted communities.
He pointed out that nominations for awards could only be made by bodies such as institutions, scientific centers, and universities and could be submitted via the post, email, or through the website www.kingfaisalprize.org/nomination. Further details about the awards are available at www.kingfaisalprize.org
The awards were launched by the King Faisal Foundation and granted for the first time in 1979 with the aim of benefitting Muslims worldwide and inspiring them to help enrich human knowledge. Specialized selection committees will decide on the winners using a process that meets international standards.
Nominations open for King Faisal Prize awards 2023
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Nominations open for King Faisal Prize awards 2023
MWL introduces updated strategy and framework
MAKKAH: Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa presided over the inauguration of the league’s enhanced strategic plan and updated governance framework.
The event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures, according to a recent report.
This comprehensive modernization initiative reflects the league’s commitment to adapting to the evolving global landscape and expanding the scope of its mission.
The plan particularly emphasizes expanding international programs to promote the “Charter of Makkah” and the “Charter for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.”
Al-Issa said the initiative advances the league’s vision, mission, goals, and values through a forward-looking strategy and governance model.
He also reaffirmed that the league’s founding principles, as set out in its statutes, remain steadfast and continue to guide its efforts to develop and modernize in service of the global Muslim community.
Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage
- Al-Hadi said the museum project focuses on documenting rare trees, insects, birds, and traditional agricultural tools
RIYADH: In a valley beneath the Asir Mountains, local environmentalist Lahiq Al-Hadi is developing an educational environmental museum to raise awareness and attract tourists while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Al-Hadi, from the Rijal Almaa governorate in the Asir region, said the museum project focuses on documenting rare trees, insects, birds, and traditional agricultural tools, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
A section will highlight beekeeping and honey production, showcasing the local flowers that support bees, and the endangered seeds the museum aims to preserve and propagate, Al-Hadi added.
On the edge of his farm near the valley, Al-Hadi has replanted more than 68 species of local trees and plants that were once rare or threatened.
He spends time sourcing rare seeds and distributes them to interested growers, believing that “every seed planted means a new hope will sprout in the earth.”
Al-Hadi noted his efforts are showing results, with the environment improving. He has seen migratory bird species return after replanting the vegetation they depend on.
The museum also includes a pavilion focused on Asir’s traditional stone architecture, providing insight into the region’s cultural heritage.
Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing
- The program includes a workshop on the effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions
RIYADH: The Saudi-backed Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition will launch a Sahel countries program in N’Djamena on July 14-15, with the support of Chadian Minister of Armed Forces, Veterans and War Victims Issaka Malloua Ndjamous.
The program includes a workshop on the effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, UN conventions, and other relevant international standards, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It aims to build national capacities in the Sahel to combat terrorism financing and money laundering by equipping security, military, and regulatory personnel with tools aligned with international standards.
The program also seeks to enhance regional cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise among relevant agencies, the SPA added.
The workshop will gather experts from security, regulatory, financial and judicial bodies to discuss challenges, review successful models, and propose practical mechanisms for regional cooperation and implementation of UN resolutions and conventions.
The initiative is part of coalition efforts to strengthen national and regional measures against terrorism financing and to support security and stability in the Sahel through an integrated approach addressing ideological, media, financial and military dimensions.
Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka
OSAKA: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture is hosting a cultural week in Osaka, Japan until July 15, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich heritage and showcasing handmade products.
Taking place at the Expo Gallery EAST, the event coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The week highlights the “Year of Handicrafts 2025” initiative, showcasing the Kingdom’s creative industries and the craftsmanship to Japanese and global audiences.
The event includes a photography exhibition depicting the history of the two countries’ bilateral ties.
Additionally, the Heritage Commission is hosting an exhibition of traditional Saudi crafts in collaboration with the Saudi Artisanal Co., according to the Saudi Press Agency, featuring live demonstrations of palm frond weaving, Sadu weaving, and clay pot making.
The culture week will also host traditional Saudi majlis paired with Saudi coffee and dates as well as a joint musical performance.
Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will feature more than 700 immersive cultural activities, showcasing the Kingdom’s innovation and heritage, SPA reported recently.
The cultural week is a part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia, Japan and other nations.
Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector
- Culinary Commission’s latest move is ‘a dream come true’ for chefs
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has launched a freelance license for chefs via the Abde’a Cultural Licenses Platform.
The commission’s CEO, Mayada Badr, told Arab News: “The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom’s culinary sector.”
Abde’a, an e-platform developed to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, is operated under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture.
The newly introduced license will enable Saudi nationals aged 18 and above — and who hold certified culinary training and valid food safety or health certifications — to legally provide freelance culinary services, paving the way for wider freelance opportunities in diverse venues and events across the Kingdom.
The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom’s culinary sector.
Mayada Badr, Saudi Culinary Arts Commission CEO
The initiative will “support skill development and career growth in the sector, as well as recognition and credibility by reinforcing adherence to professional standards in the culinary field,” according to a statement.
Chef Rawan Al-Harthi, a Jeddah-based pastry chef, said: “This license gives us the freedom to showcase our culinary identity while working independently and legally. It’s a dream come true for chefs who want to grow their brand without being tied to a restaurant.”
Another chef, Faisal Al-Malki, echoed Al-Harthi’s sentiments. “Being recognized as a licensed freelance chef adds value to our profession and pushes us to raise the bar in terms of quality and creativity,” he said.
The launch of this initiative “underscores the commission’s commitment to expanding opportunities for local culinary talent, while fostering a culture of creativity and professionalism,” a press release stated.
