عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Culture

Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award Celebrates Cultural Ties, Fosters Cultural Exchange between Saudi Arabia, China

During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
TT
TT

Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award Celebrates Cultural Ties, Fosters Cultural Exchange between Saudi Arabia, China

During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA

A cultural and social event introducing Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China took place on Wednesday, with the support of the Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Award's Board of Trustees Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The Board of Trustees deputy chairman, Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, was also present.
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries. Discussions focused on the historical and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China and the potential for cultural cooperation between them, SPA reported.
In his address at the event, bin Muaammar highlighted the significance of the award, which was named after HRH the Crown Prince and managed by the Ministry of Culture. He emphasized the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, portraying it as a model of cultural interaction that brings them closer and enriches their cultural exchange across various areas.
He underscored that Saudi Vision 2030 prioritizes cultural openness, aligning with China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' that aims to enhance international integration. This new cultural cooperation embodies a model for mutually beneficial relationships, promising a bright future of development and prosperity for both countries.

Most Viewed

 
 
Culture

Louvre Museum Says Shutting for the Day Due to Strike

People walk next to the Louvre Museum covered in snow in Paris, France, 07 January 2026. (EPA)
People walk next to the Louvre Museum covered in snow in Paris, France, 07 January 2026. (EPA)
TT
TT

Louvre Museum Says Shutting for the Day Due to Strike

People walk next to the Louvre Museum covered in snow in Paris, France, 07 January 2026. (EPA)
People walk next to the Louvre Museum covered in snow in Paris, France, 07 January 2026. (EPA)

The Louvre Museum was forced to close on Monday due to strike action from staff in the latest disruption at the world's most-visited museum, management said.

"Due to public strikes, the Musee du Louvre is closed today," the museum said in a message posted on its website, informing disappointed tourists and art lovers that their entry tickets would be automatically reimbursed.

The museum closed for a full day last month and has been only partially open on several other days since.

Nearly three months after an embarrassing daylight heist, which has heaped pressure on Louvre bosses, staff are calling for more recruitment and better maintenance of the vast former royal palace.

Questions continue to swirl since the October 19 break-in over whether it was avoidable and why thieves were able to steal crown jewels worth more than $100 million.

Two intruders used a truck-mounted extendable platform to access a gallery containing the jewels, slicing through a glass door with disk-cutters in front of startled visitors before stealing eight priceless items.

As well as the robbery, two other recent incidents have highlighted maintenance problems inside the building, which chief architect Francois Chatillon has described as "not in a good state".

A water leak in November damaged hundreds of books and manuscripts in the Egyptian department, while management had to shut a gallery housing ancient Greek ceramics in October because ceiling beams above it risked giving way.

Culture

20-Year-Olds Gathering in Kimonos for Coming of Age Day Ceremony in Japan

Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
TT
TT

20-Year-Olds Gathering in Kimonos for Coming of Age Day Ceremony in Japan

Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

Young women in brightly colored long-sleeved kimonos and young men in formal suits or traditional hakama and haori gathered Monday at Yokohama Arena to mark Coming-of-Age Day, an annual celebration for those who have turned 20.

The ceremonies, which are a widely observed public rite of passage in Japan, lasted less than an hour. Before and after the events, young adults gathered near the arena entrance, sidewalks and nearby train stations, greeting friends they had not seen for a long time. Smartphones were raised repeatedly as participants took pictures of each other and themselves.

Among the many participants wearing black and navy suits, a large number of young men chose traditional hakama trousers and haori jackets.

Legally, adulthood in Japan now begins at 18, following a revision of the Civil Code in April 2022. Even so, most local governments continue to hold Coming-of-Age ceremonies for 20-year-olds.

Inside Yokohama Arena, participants stood for the national anthem, then sang Yokohama’s city song together. Many then switched on the lights of their mobile phones, illuminating the hall.

Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture
TT
TT

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

The Saudi pavilion at Global Village in Makkah, part of the Makkah winter season, reflects the richness and uniqueness of the Kingdom's culture and heritage.

It features interactive and engaging sections that introduce visitors to the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, including live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and artwork inspired by the local environment, SPA reported.

The pavilion’s presence at Global Village reflects ongoing efforts to highlight the nation’s cultural heritage, promote its civilizational legacy, and strengthen its cultural presence at major events.