Arab Culture Ministers Conference Focuses on Cultural Industries, Digital Transformation

People watch the sunset at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara desert outside Merzouga, Morocco December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi
People watch the sunset at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara desert outside Merzouga, Morocco December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi
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Arab Culture Ministers Conference Focuses on Cultural Industries, Digital Transformation

People watch the sunset at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara desert outside Merzouga, Morocco December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi
People watch the sunset at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara desert outside Merzouga, Morocco December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi

The 24th session of the Conference of Ministers Responsible for Cultural Affairs in the Arab World convened in Rabat on Wednesday under the theme Cultural and Creative Industries: Challenges of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence.

The event brought together culture ministers from across the Arab world, alongside representatives from regional and international organizations.
The conference’s agenda included presenting a forward-looking plan for developing cultural industries in Arab nations, reviewing and adopting the recommendations of the Permanent Committee for Arab Culture, and discussing arrangements for the 25th session of the conference.
The opening session emphasized the Arab world's rich cultural and creative resources and the necessity of leveraging these assets to drive economic development. Discussions also focused on embracing digital transformation and artificial intelligence to modernize cultural industries and enhance global competitiveness.
Participants highlighted the importance of adopting global best practices in cultural and creative industries to foster innovation and economic growth while preserving and promoting Arab cultural heritage.
The conference is expected to produce actionable strategies to position Arab culture as a cornerstone of sustainable development and global cultural exchange.



Hail HARFA Festival Concludes with Over 91,000 Visitors

The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
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Hail HARFA Festival Concludes with Over 91,000 Visitors

The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA
The festival was held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11 - SPA

The activities of Handicrafts Festival (HARFA) 2025 in Hail were concluded Saturday, celebrating a highly successful event that drew over 91,000 visitors.

Held at the historic Al-Qishla Palace from January 5 to January 11, the festival marked a milestone as the first of its kind, coinciding with the launch of the "Year of Handicrafts 2025."
According to SPA. the festival attracted tourists from Europe, America, Asia, the Gulf, and visitors from across Saudi Arabia. It highlighted Hail’s rich heritage of handicrafts, including wickerwork, carpentry, weaving, incense burner crafting, pottery, and clay building. Visitors admired displays of wood engraving, embroidery, wool fluffing, leather goods, daggers, swords, and Thamudic inscriptions, alongside artistic carvings on stone and traditional items such as ropes, windows, and decorative abayas.
More than 130 craftsmen and craftswomen participated, offering live demonstrations and training courses to transfer their skills to younger generations. The daily activities featured hands-on learning opportunities, complemented by awareness programs organized by entities such as the Hail Region Development Authority, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These programs emphasized the economic and cultural significance of handicrafts and the role of local authorities in supporting and marketing the craft industry.
The festival also celebrated Hail’s cultural heritage through artistic folklore performances, vintage car displays, and a heritage-inspired environment featuring restaurants and cafes. Over 100 volunteers contributed to the event’s organization, fostering an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all segments of society.
The event offered a unique blend of creativity, tradition, and community spirit, solidifying its status as a premier cultural attraction in Saudi Arabia.