Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
TT

Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, following a recommendation from the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

In a recent statement, UNESCO highlighted the Moroccan capital's commitment to fostering the book industry and encouraging reading through its 54 publishing houses; it also hosts Africa's third-largest international book fair.

Rabat aims to come up with various initiatives to improve access to books, bolster the local publishing sector, and advance literacy among all age groups and demographics, both nationally and internationally.

The statement added that the celebrations are set to commence on April 23, 2026, coinciding with the World Book and Copyright Day.



Saudi Heritage Commission Organizes Scientific Symposium on Al-Faw Archaeological Area

The Saudi Heritage Commission said it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.” SPA
The Saudi Heritage Commission said it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.” SPA
TT

Saudi Heritage Commission Organizes Scientific Symposium on Al-Faw Archaeological Area

The Saudi Heritage Commission said it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.” SPA
The Saudi Heritage Commission said it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.” SPA

The Saudi Heritage Commission said Tuesday it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.”

The symposium aims to raise awareness about the area, and highlight its historical and archaeological significance, and the ongoing research and excavation projects that began with the late Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Ansary, a pioneer in the study of archaeology in the Kingdom.

The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site of outstanding universal value to humanity, during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi on July 22-31, making it the eighth Saudi site to achieve this recognition.

The symposium showcases the contributions of King Saud University in Al-Faw archaeological area, reflecting the commission's partnerships with public, private, and non-profit sectors.

It also explores Saudi Arabia's historical and cultural importance, emphasizing the need to enrich the academic field with cutting-edge archaeological studies, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and insight in the field.

The commission seeks to raise public awareness about the country's extensive archaeological heritage, which spans millennia.

Field visits to the area will be organized for speakers and participants in the symposium, and 22 research papers on topics such as the origins of the Al-Faw archaeological area and its social and economic history will be presented for discussion in five sessions.