RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has invited calligraphers to participate in a questionnaire to survey its efforts to develop their capabilities in the Kingdom.
The “Cultural Exchange” survey was launched on Sunday via the link: https://surveys.moc.gov.sa/CE
The survey comes as part of the art residency program for Arabic calligraphy, which falls under the “Year of Arabic Calligraphy 2020-2021” initiative.
The ministry works in cooperation with international institutes specializing in Arabic calligraphy to benefit the Kingdom’s artists through the exchange of cultural experiences and offering Saudi artists the opportunity to enroll in international courses.
The Ministry of Culture launched the “Year of Arabic Calligraphy” initiative, which comes under Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, to celebrate this pillar of the Arab cultural identity. Recognizing the fine artform with a history spanning as far back as the Arab civilization, the initiative has enhanced the presence of Arabic calligraphy throughout the Kingdom.
Saudi Culture Ministry invites feedback from calligraphers
https://arab.news/yps7f
Saudi Culture Ministry invites feedback from calligraphers
- The Ministry of Culture launched the “Year of Arabic Calligraphy” initiative, which comes under Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program
Saudi Arabia chairs parliamentary talks in Algeria
RIYADH: The Association of Secretaries-General of Arab Parliaments held its 46th meeting in the Algerian capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
It was chaired by Mohammed Al-Mutairi, secretary-general of the Saudi Shoura Council and chairman of the association, in the presence of heads of Arab councils and parliaments.
The meeting focused on developing employees’ technical and administrative skills, the SPA reported.
The secretaries-general shared insights on best practices in human resource development, emphasizing skill enhancement and adequate training for legislative staff.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 38th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union in Algiers, where the agenda was reviewed and various topics related to cooperation and the strengthening of joint Arab action were discussed.
Established on April 3, 1995, the association aims to build bridges of cooperation between Arab and international councils and parliaments.
Hajj transport teams stationed at 20 locations
- Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah
RIYADH: Inspection teams from the Transport General Authority have begun early operations at entry points to the Makkah region, the holy sites, and Madinah as part of preparations to serve pilgrims during Hajj.
Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Their daily operations focus on ensuring a smooth experience for pilgrims and verifying that all licensed operators comply with regulations.
The authority has instructed all transport operators to follow approved guidelines during the pilgrimage season.
These include using designated routes, securing operating licenses, and avoiding entry into Hajj-regulated areas without authorization.
It also emphasized that drivers must wear approved uniforms and obtain vehicle operating cards, the SPA reported.
The authority highlighted its continued cooperation with government agencies to ensure safe and secure transport for all pilgrims.
The public s been advised that reports and inquiries can be submitted via the unified number 19929 or through the authority’s Beneficiary Care account on social media.
Saudi Arabia activates first smart buoy in Arabian Gulf
RIYADH: The National Center for Environmental Compliance has activated the first smart buoy in the Arabian Gulf at King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It is part of a national initiative to deploy 35 smart buoys across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf by the end of 2025 as part of a comprehensive marine and coastal environmental monitoring strategy.
Anwar Alnahdi, the center’s general manager of monitoring operations, said that the deployment was progressing rapidly.
The first was launched off Jeddah Islamic Port, followed by deployments in Yanbu and Jazan, and the project is now extending to the Arabian Gulf, the SPA added.
Alnahdi said that the full network of 35 buoys will be operational by the end of 2025.
He added that the first buoy in the Arabian Gulf represented a major step in environmental monitoring, allowing real-time data transmission from both the Kingdom’s eastern and western coasts to its major ports.
This will provide vital data for environmental oversight and decision-making, Alnahdi added.
The solar-powered buoys, which are equipped with smart sensors, measure parameters like temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, dissolved solids, and chemicals.
They also feature wireless systems for real-time data transmission, enabling swift detection and response to pollutants.
Alnahdi stressed the importance of this technology, given the Kingdom’s active maritime traffic and ongoing port development, which could lead to pollutants threatening the marine and coastal environment if not addressed promptly.
Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Port Sudan
- Saudi Arabia has condemned the recent RSF attacks on vital facilities in Port Sudan and Kassala
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned and strongly denounced the recent attacks on vital facilities in Sudan, in Port Sudan and the eastern border town of Kassala.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom reaffirmed its rejection of such attacks, saying it “threatens regional stability and Arab national security.”
The ministry also said the solution to the current crisis is only through political means and that it must respect Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.
The Kingdom also underlined the importance of adhering to the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, which aims to safeguard civilians in Sudan.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Sunday struck Port Sudan with drones, targeting Osman Digna air base, a goods warehouse and some civilian facilities.
The RSF, at war with the regular army since April 2023, have increased their use of drones since losing territory, including much of the capital Khartoum, in March.
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن إدانة المملكة العربية السعودية واستنكارها استهداف المرافق الحيوية والبنية التحتية في "بورتسودان وكسلا" بجمهورية السودان، وهو ما يمثل تهديداً للاستقرار الإقليمي والأمن الوطني العربي والأفريقي pic.twitter.com/HJQ7zXc2Cr
— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA) May 4, 2025
Visitors drawn to historic mosques pavilion in Jakarta
- Pavilion featured illustrated panels and information on mosques that have played a pivotal role in Islamic history
- Presented in a visually engaging and informative manner, the exhibition included rare photographs and detailed architectural renderings
RIYADH: Visitors to the Jusoor exhibition, which was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Jakarta, Indonesia, were attracted to the pavilion showcasing the historic mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
The pavilion featured illustrated panels and information on the mosques that have played a pivotal role in Islamic history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among them were the Quba Mosque — the first established in Islam — and the Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where Prophet Muhammad received the command to change the qibla (direction of prayer). Also featured was the Al-Jum’ah Mosque, where the Prophet is said to have led his first Friday prayer. Other historically significant mosques were also highlighted.
Presented in a visually engaging and informative manner, the exhibition included rare photographs and detailed architectural renderings that placed the spotlight on the spiritual importance of these sacred sites.
It also reinforced the deep emotional and historic connection Muslims around the world have with the legacy of the Prophet’s life and mission, the SPA added.
The pavilion was part of the exhibition’s broader goal to promote Islamic values and underscore Saudi Arabia’s leading role in preserving, maintaining, and documenting historic mosques as part of its custodianship of Islamic heritage.
