Saudi Arabia Prepares to Participate in Cairo International Book Fair 2025

The initiative also aims to raise awareness of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage
The initiative also aims to raise awareness of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage
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Saudi Arabia Prepares to Participate in Cairo International Book Fair 2025

The initiative also aims to raise awareness of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage
The initiative also aims to raise awareness of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage

The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is set to lead Saudi Arabia's participation in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, organized by the Egyptian General Book Organization, from January 23 to February 5.

The Commission's Chief Executive Officer Abdullatif Alwasel emphasized that Saudi Arabia's participation reflects ongoing efforts to enhance its presence in the regional and global cultural and literary scenes.

The initiative also aims to raise awareness of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage and highlight its growing contributions to global cultural movements.

Saudi Arabia’s participation will include 11 government entities, with the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission spearheading the efforts.



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.


Iran Says Museums and Historic Sites Damaged in War

FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Iran Says Museums and Historic Sites Damaged in War

FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Iran's cultural heritage and tourism ministry said Saturday at least 56 museums and historic sites across the country have been damaged, as the Middle East war entered its 15th day.

In Tehran, US-Israeli strikes damaged the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in the early days of the conflict, local media reported.

The palace complex is one of the oldest sites in the Iranian capital and once served as the residence of the Qajar dynasty.

The ministry said Tehran has recorded the highest number of damaged monuments, with 19 suffering varying levels of harm.

The vast Naghsh-e Jahan Square, a 17th-century architectural jewel in the heart of the central Iranian city of Isfahan, has also been damaged.

In the port of Siraf, in Bushehr province, several houses were hit in the historic quarter, home to many century-old buildings.

UNESCO, the UN's culture agency, told AFP on Friday it was concerned about hundreds of historic sites in Iran, Israel and Lebanon that have been damaged or threatened by the war.