US Returns to Iran Latest Batch of Ancient Clay Tablets

Achaemenid-era clay tablets returned from the United States and on display at Iran's National Museum in Tehran on October 2, 2019 - AFP
Achaemenid-era clay tablets returned from the United States and on display at Iran's National Museum in Tehran on October 2, 2019 - AFP
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US Returns to Iran Latest Batch of Ancient Clay Tablets

Achaemenid-era clay tablets returned from the United States and on display at Iran's National Museum in Tehran on October 2, 2019 - AFP
Achaemenid-era clay tablets returned from the United States and on display at Iran's National Museum in Tehran on October 2, 2019 - AFP

The United States has returned to Iran more than 1,000 clay tablets dating from the Achaemenid-era, official media said, reporting the sixth such handover of its kind.

Iran's official IRNA news agency said Thursday evening that the tablets, 1,100 in all, were returned with President Masoud Pezeshkian who had attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Found at the ruins of Persepolis, the capital of the Persian Achaemenid Empire which ruled from the 6th to 4th centuries BC in southern Iran, the repatriated tablets reflect how the ancient society was organised and its economy managed.

According to AFP, the tablets constitute records of "the rituals and the way of life of our ancestors", said Ali Darabi, vice-minister of cultural heritage, cited by IRNA.

The tablets were returned to Iran by the University of Chicago's Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia & North Africa, formerly known as the Oriental Institute.

A large portion of the tablets were returned in three batches between 1948 and 2004 before the rest were blocked by legal action until 2018.

More than 3,500 tablets were repatriated in September, 2023.

"The American side undertook to return the rest," Darabi said, cited by Iran's ISNA news agency.



'Children’s Literary Week' Kicks Off in Saudi Arabia's Qatif

The program is delivered with the participation of a distinguished group of specialists in children’s literature and cultural content creation - SPA
The program is delivered with the participation of a distinguished group of specialists in children’s literature and cultural content creation - SPA
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'Children’s Literary Week' Kicks Off in Saudi Arabia's Qatif

The program is delivered with the participation of a distinguished group of specialists in children’s literature and cultural content creation - SPA
The program is delivered with the participation of a distinguished group of specialists in children’s literature and cultural content creation - SPA

The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched Children’s Literary Week in Qatif Governorate.

The four-day event aims to enhance the presence of literature in the lives of children and adolescents and to develop their creative skills through an integrated cultural experience, SPA reported.

The activities offer a diverse program that includes creative writing workshops, storytelling theater, and interactive sessions designed to transform reading into an enjoyable experience and a journey of discovery.

The program is delivered with the participation of a distinguished group of specialists in children’s literature and cultural content creation, SPA said.

The program also provides children and adolescents with practical spaces to engage with literary texts and develop their storytelling and imaginative skills through initiatives that combine learning and entertainment, supporting the early discovery and nurturing of literary talents.


Saudi Industrial Development Fund Launches 'SIDF Terminology Dictionary' in Collaboration with KSGAAL

Saudi Industrial Development Fund Launches 'SIDF Terminology Dictionary' in Collaboration with KSGAAL
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Saudi Industrial Development Fund Launches 'SIDF Terminology Dictionary' in Collaboration with KSGAAL

Saudi Industrial Development Fund Launches 'SIDF Terminology Dictionary' in Collaboration with KSGAAL

The Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), in collaboration with King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL), has launched the "SIDF Terminology Dictionary", an initiative aimed at enhancing the clarity and precision of the terms used in SIDF's operations and ensuring their alignment with applicable systems and policies. This launch coincides with the World Arabic Language Day, in celebration of the Arabic language and its role in expressing concepts of industry and development.

According to a statement issued by the SIDF on Thursday, the first edition of the dictionary includes more than 170 terms and definitions in both Arabic and English, covering financial, industrial, advisory, legal, and knowledge-related fields. It also features a dedicated section for abbreviations and the linguistic roots of selected words, enriching Arabic content with specialized terminology and strengthening its linguistic and knowledge value.

The dictionary aims to broaden understanding of SIDF's terminology among those interested in its activities while serving as an official reference for both internal and external audiences. It also targets researchers, partners, clients, and professionals engaged with SIDF, providing a unified knowledge tool that enhances effective communication and standardizes language use across diverse and varied contexts.

The statement added that the dictionary features an interactive design that allows readers to easily access information, browse terms, and search for definitions in a clear and seamless manner. It is available through SIDF website via the following link: (https://bit.ly/SIDF_Dictionary), where SIDF will continue to develop and update its content to reflect ongoing changes, advancements, and transformations in the industrial sector.


Saudi Music Commission Announces ‘Music Compass’ Program

Saudi Music Commission Announces ‘Music Compass’ Program
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Saudi Music Commission Announces ‘Music Compass’ Program

Saudi Music Commission Announces ‘Music Compass’ Program

The Saudi Music Commission has launched the “Music Compass” program as a strategic initiative aimed at developing music business management in the Kingdom.

The program seeks to equip practitioners with advanced skills in managing artistic careers and artists’ affairs, while building more professional and effective career pathways that align with the rapid growth of the global music sector.

The program is part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance competencies in the music sector, elevate practical expertise, and adopt global best practices in artistic talent management. These efforts advance artists’ careers, expand career pathways, increase employment opportunities, and strengthen the sector’s long-term capabilities. The program also aims to empower Saudi artists to access global markets and support the development of a sustainable and balanced music ecosystem, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

“Music Compass” includes a series of workshops and training sessions delivered in person and virtually, covering artist management, the music sector's infrastructure and economic ecosystem, and advanced in-person training focused on practical skills and professional development tools.

According to SPA, a select group of participants will be nominated to attend major international music conferences and festivals, providing them with exposure to global best practices and the opportunity to build extensive professional networks with experts and specialists in music business management.

The program also features partnerships with private-sector entities and nonprofit organizations that specialize in developing creative talent. The partnerships aim to support the sustainable development of music business managers’ capabilities and to enhance their representation and presence at international conferences and exhibitions, thereby raising awareness of the sector and advancing its growth at both the local and global levels.