Desert of Hisma, A Haven of Natural Beauty and Geological Wonder in Tabuk Region

The Hisma Desert covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location. (SPA)
The Hisma Desert covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location. (SPA)
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Desert of Hisma, A Haven of Natural Beauty and Geological Wonder in Tabuk Region

The Hisma Desert covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location. (SPA)
The Hisma Desert covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location. (SPA)

The Hisma Desert, a desert of crimson sands and vibrant red sand mountains, covers the northwest part of the Tabuk Region, creating a captivating landscape and geologically intriguing location, SPA said on Monday.
Over the course of time, these mountains have been sculpted by nature into captivating forms, preserving a historical narrative that beckons tourists to explore this open-air museum. The erosion of these mountains has crafted a surreal and magnificent landscape found nowhere else in the world.
The Hisma Desert has served as a vital stop along an ancient trade route to and from the Arabian Peninsula, witnessing the passage of caravans and travelers across various civilizations. This historical significance is reflected in the multitude of archaeological inscriptions found on the towering mountains, showcasing the rich diversity of human history etched into the rocks.



Saudi Arabia Concludes Participation at Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair

Through its pavilion, Saudi Arabia presented an integrated cultural showcase combining literature, arts, heritage, and knowledge. (SPA)
Through its pavilion, Saudi Arabia presented an integrated cultural showcase combining literature, arts, heritage, and knowledge. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Concludes Participation at Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair

Through its pavilion, Saudi Arabia presented an integrated cultural showcase combining literature, arts, heritage, and knowledge. (SPA)
Through its pavilion, Saudi Arabia presented an integrated cultural showcase combining literature, arts, heritage, and knowledge. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission concluded the Kingdom’s participation as guest of honor at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair, held from May 29 to June 7.

Through its pavilion, led by the commission, Saudi Arabia presented an integrated cultural showcase combining literature, arts, heritage, and knowledge.

The diverse program included literary and cultural seminars, alongside artistic and performance displays, traditional crafts, heritage fashion, rare manuscripts, and replica artifacts.

Activities also extended to public spaces and shopping centers across Kuala Lumpur to broaden cultural outreach, in addition to hosting the Saudi Dinner Night, which brought together senior officials, diplomats, intellectuals, and media figures.

The Saudi pavilion highlighted the Kingdom’s growing cultural movement in literature, publishing, and translation, with contributions from several national entities, presenting a rich image of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape that was praised by visitors and participating institutions.


Students Discover 1,800-Year-Old Roman Villa Beneath School Gym

Students' curiosity uncovered what had lain hidden beneath the earth for centuries. (Special Superintendency of Rome)
Students' curiosity uncovered what had lain hidden beneath the earth for centuries. (Special Superintendency of Rome)
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Students Discover 1,800-Year-Old Roman Villa Beneath School Gym

Students' curiosity uncovered what had lain hidden beneath the earth for centuries. (Special Superintendency of Rome)
Students' curiosity uncovered what had lain hidden beneath the earth for centuries. (Special Superintendency of Rome)

Archaeologists in Rome have uncovered the remains of a luxury Roman residence dating to the second century CE beneath a high school near the Colosseum, after students' curiosity about mysterious underground rooms led to a formal excavation of the site.

According to Live Science, students at Liceo Scientifico Cavour, located just steps from the Colosseum, had long shared stories about hidden chambers beneath the school's gymnasium. What began as rumors ultimately led to a remarkable archaeological discovery.

During unofficial explorations of the underground spaces, students came across evidence of an ancient structure beneath the school.

After informing a teacher, who alerted the relevant authorities, archaeologists were called in to investigate the site. Excavations carried out earlier this year revealed that the dark passageways and partially lit rooms formed part of an elaborate Roman residence dating back nearly 1,800 years.

Liceo Scientifico Cavour occupies a building near the Colosseum that originally served as the headquarters of a Catholic missionary organization. When the complex was constructed in the late nineteenth century, preliminary excavation work uncovered part of an ancient domus, the term used for a large Roman urban residence.

The area is among the most historically significant parts of ancient Rome. Prominent figures including Cicero, Pompey and Octavian, later known as Augustus, are known to have lived there. Yet the district remains only partially understood by archaeologists because layers of modern construction cover much of the ancient landscape.

Researchers say the discovery offers a rare opportunity to study a section of ancient Rome that has remained largely inaccessible, while shedding new light on the city's residential life during the height of the Roman Empire.


Saudi, Malaysian Translation Associations Sign MoU to Promote Cultural Exchange

The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the fields of translation and publishing, promote cultural and knowledge exchange, and support scientific and academic efforts of mutual interest. SPA
The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the fields of translation and publishing, promote cultural and knowledge exchange, and support scientific and academic efforts of mutual interest. SPA
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Saudi, Malaysian Translation Associations Sign MoU to Promote Cultural Exchange

The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the fields of translation and publishing, promote cultural and knowledge exchange, and support scientific and academic efforts of mutual interest. SPA
The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the fields of translation and publishing, promote cultural and knowledge exchange, and support scientific and academic efforts of mutual interest. SPA

The Saudi Arabian Translation Association and the Malaysian Translators Association have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Saudi Arabia's pavilion, the guest of honor at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair.

The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the fields of translation and publishing, promote cultural and knowledge exchange, and support scientific and academic efforts of mutual interest.

It also seeks to facilitate the exchange of expertise and specialized consultations, contributing to advancing the translation sector and strengthening its presence on the international cultural scene.

The memorandum represents an important step toward building sustainable professional and cultural partnerships that contribute to strengthening civilizational dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, while opening the door to joint projects and initiatives that support translation activities and expand the exchange of literature and knowledge between the two languages.

The MoU comes as part of the cultural momentum witnessed by the Kingdom’s pavilion at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair, led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission through a diverse cultural and knowledge-based program that highlights the growing stature of Saudi culture and its presence in international forums.

This underscores the importance of international book fairs as effective platforms for enhancing cultural cooperation and signing agreements and partnerships that contribute to expanding prospects for joint work among cultural and knowledge institutions around the world.