‘Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile’ at the UK’s Society of Authors

Saudi Ambassador to Britain Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan at the Society of Authors’ seminar on Arab-British relations
Saudi Ambassador to Britain Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan at the Society of Authors’ seminar on Arab-British relations
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‘Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile’ at the UK’s Society of Authors

Saudi Ambassador to Britain Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan at the Society of Authors’ seminar on Arab-British relations
Saudi Ambassador to Britain Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan at the Society of Authors’ seminar on Arab-British relations

The Society of Authors hosted a seminar on Arab-British relations in London during the launch of “Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile,” a book by Faisal Abbas, editor-in-chief of “Arab News."

Led by Chris Doyle from the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), Monday's seminar focused on themes from Abbas’s book, published in English by Nomad Publishing.

It emphasized cultural bridge-building and understanding diverse societies’ customs and traditions. Discussions also covered Saudi Arabia’s reforms under the Kingdom’s national transformation plan, Vision 2030, and their global impact.

In his opening speech, Saudi Ambassador to Britain Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan praised "Arab News," published in English by the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), for making his ambassadorial work easier.

He pointed out that traditionally, most books reflect the world’s perspective on the Middle East, but he welcomed the reversal of roles.

He highlighted this shift as part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing progress in culture, economy, trade, and more.

From the British side, keynote speaker Sir Ben Elliot noted that such books play a crucial role in fostering respect and understanding between the two kingdoms.

He continued by highlighting that many have been fortunate to visit Saudi Arabia and witness its vibrancy.

Books like those by Abbas underscore the importance of cultural exchange, encouraging broader understanding through travel, respect, and open dialogue.

After the seminar, there was a book signing and a reception attended by British and Arab parliamentarians, former politicians, senior journalists, and academics.



Ministry of Culture Unveils New Typefaces Inspired by Saudi Heritage

Ministry of Culture Unveils New Typefaces Inspired by Saudi Heritage
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Ministry of Culture Unveils New Typefaces Inspired by Saudi Heritage

Ministry of Culture Unveils New Typefaces Inspired by Saudi Heritage

The Ministry of Culture announced the launch of two new typefaces, the Al-Awwal and the Saudi. Both typefaces, which celebrate the Kingdom’s culture, will be available to individuals and organizations wishing to use them in formal, design, artistic and creative works, according to SPA.
The Ministry of Culture worked to implement the Al-Awwal and the Saudi typefaces, inspired by using the distinctive artistic features of Arabic script, to preserve the characteristics of early calligraphy and inscriptions. Al-Awwal is a thoughtful reimagining of a handwriting style that takes many of its cues from the inscriptions of the first Hijri century. The Al-Awwal typeface integrates modern calligraphy techniques to closely emulate the letter forms in the early stages of development, connecting the present with the origins, foundations and early history of the region.

The Saudi typeface is partly inspired by Al-Awwal and embodies creative ingenuity whilst maintaining the aesthetic of the Kingdom’s historical heritage.
Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan said: "The launch of the Al-Awwal and Saudi typefaces is a tribute to the Kingdom's vast cultural and aesthetic heritage. Each typeface serves as a bridge between the past and the present, merging traditional elements with contemporary design principles. This harmonious blend not only honors the Kingdom’s legacy but also inspires innovation.”
The development of the two typefaces began with a historical foundation and archaeological elements, representing the ancient Arabic writings, and reflecting the style of ancient scripts. Both typeface designs are based on creative thinking and interdisciplinary integration among manuscript studies, art history, linguistics, design and digital programming. Designed to celebrate the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, these typefaces enhance aesthetic proportions and spacing between letters, words, lines, dots and diacritics.