Third Edition of Madinah Book Fair Gets Underway

The third edition of Madinah Book Fair kicked off on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The third edition of Madinah Book Fair kicked off on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Third Edition of Madinah Book Fair Gets Underway

The third edition of Madinah Book Fair kicked off on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The third edition of Madinah Book Fair kicked off on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The third edition of the Madinah Book Fair, organized by the Authority for Literature, Publishing and Translation, kicked off in Saudi Arabia’s Madinah on Tuesday.

The event, which runs through August 5, features more than 200 pavilions and the participation of more than 300 Arab and international publishing houses and agencies.

The exhibition has become an awaited annual event, and a forum that provides an integrated knowledge experience to thousands of visitors every year and contributes to spreading cultural awareness among the residents of Madinah.

This year’s edition provides a comprehensive cultural experience featuring the latest literary, knowledge, and scientific publications from hundreds of local, Arab, and international publishing houses.

The event will also see the participation of various governmental and private cultural entities and community institutions and universities, showcasing their initiatives and highlighting their contributions. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the authors at the book signing corner.

The fair also dedicates an area for children, offering educational and skill-based activities and workshops designed to enhance their creative abilities.

The exhibition, which extends over seven days, coincides with the school summer break, allowing all family members to have an enjoyable experience and an integrated cultural journey, especially as it provides the latest titles and book releases in the literary and scientific fields.

It will also witness many cultural and intellectual activities that aim to enrich the culture and knowledge production sector and consolidate the culture of reading through a rich and diverse program in various knowledge fields.

A group of Saudi and Arab writers, authors, and intellectuals will participate in the event, through panel discussions, workshops, and poetry evenings.

The Madinah Book Fair is part of Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to confirm the leading cultural and historical position of Madinah, and to boost the cultural attractiveness of the Kingdom and its role in the publishing industry.



Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

A royal order has been issued approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts, an independent educational institution headquartered in Riyadh under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

With legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy, the university is dedicated to specialized education in culture and the arts, aiming to cultivate national talent across creative disciplines through advanced academic programs aligned with global best practices and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The royal order authorizes the Minister of Culture to exercise the powers of the Board of Trustees until it is formally established, ensuring the swift completion of organizational procedures to begin operations.

To enhance its academic mission, the university will seek partnerships with prestigious international institutions to exchange expertise and develop high-level educational programs.

This initiative underscores the leadership's commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s position as a regional cultural hub and fostering the growth of its creative industries.


Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
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Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA

In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr, Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity as men follow the Prophetic tradition of adorning themselves for the holiday, creating high demand for new thobes, bishts, and high-quality perfumes such as oud oil and incense, while tailoring shops and specialty retailers work at peak capacity to meet the community’s needs before the Eid morning celebrations, SPA reported.

The classic white thobe remains the most popular choice for Eid morning, often paired with a shemagh and a white bisht to symbolize cultural identity and elegance.

Beyond appearance, these preparations reflect deep-rooted social and religious values, emphasizing gratitude, family visits, and the strengthening of communal ties.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA

As part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka, originally built in 1380 AH (1960) and commissioned by Shaman Al-Fuwaihi, has undergone a comprehensive restoration to preserve its architectural and cultural identity while serving as a vital link to the urban and social history of Al-Jouf Region, SPA reported.

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters, yet maintained its original capacity of 28 worshippers.

Supervised by Saudi engineers and executed by specialized heritage firms, the project successfully balanced traditional standards with modern technology.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 by rehabilitating historic sites for prayer, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these religious landmarks.