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Saudi Translation Movement Witnesses Surge in Publications

Translation has become an urgent necessity to keep pace with civilizational progress and exchange of knowledge (SPA)
Translation has become an urgent necessity to keep pace with civilizational progress and exchange of knowledge (SPA)
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Saudi Translation Movement Witnesses Surge in Publications

Translation has become an urgent necessity to keep pace with civilizational progress and exchange of knowledge (SPA)
Translation has become an urgent necessity to keep pace with civilizational progress and exchange of knowledge (SPA)

A Saudi initiative has translated ancient Arabic poems into Italian, making them accessible to a wider audience in an effort to showcase Arab literary heritage and culture on a global scale.

The translated book of odes presents the first complete Italian edition of these poems.

Supported by the “Tarjim” initiative by the Saudi Authority for Literature, Publishing, and Translation, this move highlights the Kingdom’s vibrant cultural scene since the launch of the National Culture Strategy in 2021.

The latest cultural report from Saudi Arabia’s Culture Ministry highlighted the success of the Tarjim initiative. This initiative aims to boost Saudi publishing and translation efforts.

In 2022, it translated 524 works into 12 languages, with English leading at 75.37%, followed by French at 10.26%.

The initiative translated 341 books from 26 publishers across 20 subjects, with male translators making up about 72% of the translations. The remaining 28% was done by female translators.

Novels ranked third in translated works at around 15%, after educational children’s books and philosophy.

In 2023, the initiative saw even more success, translating over a thousand editions between Arabic and other languages, involving about 22 global languages and engaging over 500 international translators.

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Culture

Traditional Bedouin Tents Preserve Heritage in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders

The tents maintain historical symbolism, embodying the generosity and hospitality that have characterized Bedouin life for generations - SPA
The tents maintain historical symbolism, embodying the generosity and hospitality that have characterized Bedouin life for generations - SPA
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Traditional Bedouin Tents Preserve Heritage in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders

The tents maintain historical symbolism, embodying the generosity and hospitality that have characterized Bedouin life for generations - SPA
The tents maintain historical symbolism, embodying the generosity and hospitality that have characterized Bedouin life for generations - SPA

With the arrival of winter, traditional Bedouin tents, a quintessential symbol of Bedouin heritage, once again dot the plains and plateaus of Northern Borders Region, as residents eagerly set them up to create warm and welcoming spaces for family and social gatherings, SPA reported.

Crafted primarily from goat's wool, these tents are distinguished by their excellent insulation against the cold and wind, making them ideal shelters in the harsh northern climate. They also maintain their historical symbolism, embodying the generosity and hospitality that have characterized Bedouin life for generations.

The craft of tent-making is a cherished traditional skill, often mastered by women and passed down through generations. Craftswoman Umm Ahmed explained that making a tent takes several days, with types varying based on shape and the number of poles. She noted that she learned the skill from her mother and is actively teaching her granddaughter to ensure the heritage survives.

Craftswoman Umm Sultan added that tents can range in price from SAR1,500 to over SAR6,000, depending on size and quality.
In recent years, these traditional tents have become a significant tourist attraction.

 

They draw visitors from across the Kingdom and the Gulf countries eager to experience authentic Bedouin life, including heritage activities, the preparation of Arabic coffee over a wood fire, and cozy evening gatherings on cool desert nights.

Culture

Indian Culture Week Brings Color, Celebration to Families at ‘Global Harmony 2’

Festivities opened with a performance by students of Dunes International School in Riyadh - SPA
Festivities opened with a performance by students of Dunes International School in Riyadh - SPA
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Indian Culture Week Brings Color, Celebration to Families at ‘Global Harmony 2’

Festivities opened with a performance by students of Dunes International School in Riyadh - SPA
Festivities opened with a performance by students of Dunes International School in Riyadh - SPA

The Global Harmony 2 initiative on Thursday welcomed thousands of visitors and families who gathered to enjoy a rich blend of cultural and entertainment activities presented during the Indian Culture Week.

The initiative is organized by the Ministry of Media in partnership with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), SPA reported.

The event, one of the initiatives under the Quality of Life Program aimed at realizing Saudi Vision 2030, featured a diverse artistic lineup of live performances by Indian troupes as part of Indian Culture Week, drawing enthusiastic interaction from visitors and families alike.

Festivities opened with a performance by students of Dunes International School in Riyadh, followed by two shows highlighting traditional Indian heritage, a visually captivating circus filled with acrobatics and excitement, and a colorful carnival parade that filled the park with festive energy, traditional Indian costumes, and vibrant decorations.

A children’s stage also offered young visitors fun-filled entertainment areas featuring engaging games and lively performances.

Culture

Saudi Pavilion Showcases Rich Cultural Heritage at Sharjah Book Fair

Saudi Arabia's participation aims to enhance its cultural presence. SPA
Saudi Arabia's participation aims to enhance its cultural presence. SPA
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Saudi Pavilion Showcases Rich Cultural Heritage at Sharjah Book Fair

Saudi Arabia's participation aims to enhance its cultural presence. SPA
Saudi Arabia's participation aims to enhance its cultural presence. SPA

The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission has inaugurated the Saudi pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025, held at Sharjah Expo Center in the UAE from November 5 to 16.

The fair provides a vital opportunity for Saudi publishers to engage in knowledge exchange with global counterparts.

Led by the commission, the Kingdom’s participation aims to enhance its cultural presence and showcase the development of its publishing and translation sectors.

The pavilion features several national cultural and educational institutions, including the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance; King Abdulaziz University; King Fahd National Library; and King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language.

This initiative reflects the strong cultural ties between the Kingdom and the UAE, stressing their commitment to cooperate in publishing, translation, and knowledge production, while enhancing Arab and international cultural communication. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of building a sustainable cultural industry.

The Saudi pavilion will host a diverse cultural program, featuring literary seminars, dialogue sessions, workshops, and poetry evenings, showcasing prominent Saudi writers and thinkers and the richness of Saudi literature within the contemporary Arab cultural scene.