International Book Fair 2024 in Madinah Unveils Online Guide for Cultural Program

The Saudi Ministry of Culture logo
The Saudi Ministry of Culture logo
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International Book Fair 2024 in Madinah Unveils Online Guide for Cultural Program

The Saudi Ministry of Culture logo
The Saudi Ministry of Culture logo

The International Book Fair 2024, taking place at the Islamic University of Madinah from August 29 to September 4 under the theme "The Book Is the Window of Life," launched an online guide for its cultural program.
Organized by the Literature and Authors Association under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, the Madinah fair's cultural program stands out for its diversity and rich content, offering a wide array of intellectual and cultural activities tailored for diverse segments of society.
The cultural program features multiple panel discussions that bring together a curated group of thinkers and writers to examine contemporary cultural topics. Panels are centered around the cultural heritage of Madinah and strategies for its preservation, with titles such as "translation: a bridge of civilizations" and "intangible heritage in Madinah."
Furthermore, the program includes a series of specialized workshops on writing, publishing, and translation designed to refine participants' skills and nurture their creative talents.
Attendees can also anticipate a diverse range of lectures spanning literature, history, and sciences, along with several poetry evenings gathering poets from various Arab countries to promote constructive dialogue and foster knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange.



Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)

Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in cities and villages controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen.

Historic forts and ancient buildings have been affected, with homes collapsing in Sanaa, its outskirts, and in the governorates of Raymah, Amran, Al-Bayda, and Hodeidah.

Flooding has particularly impacted the Bustan al-Sultan and Harqan neighborhoods in the UNESCO-listed city of Sanaa.

Sources have accused the Iran-backed Houthis of neglecting the disaster and ignoring residents’ calls for help, while they instead focused on their annual sectarian celebrations.

The Houthi-controlled “Historical Cities Preservation Authority” issued urgent warnings about historic buildings at risk of collapse in the old city in Sanaa and elsewhere. They reported that an ancient palace in an old neighborhood is near collapse.

In rural Sanaa, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic Haraz fort has partially collapsed due to the rains. The fort is one of Yemen’s oldest.

The Raymah governorate has also suffered, with recent floods causing around eight deaths and destroying over 400 homes, including ancient buildings. Parts of the historic Zalamlam Mountain Castle have collapsed from the rain.

The Yemen Meteorological and Early Warning Center predicted that heavy thunderstorms, including hail and strong winds, will continue for the next 72 hours.

This weather is expected to impact highlands, slopes, and western coastal areas from Saada in the north to Taiz, Al-Daleh, and Lahj in the south.

The weather forecast predicted continued rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong winds, over parts of Al-Mahra, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Marib, and Al-Jawf.

The center also expected strong winds to stir up dust and sand in the Socotra Archipelago, southern coasts, and areas affected by thunderstorms.

It advised people to stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and muddy roads. It warned to avoid electrical poles, billboards, and trees, and to turn off mobile phones during storms.