عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Culture

Saudi Arabia's Ithra Launches iRead Marathon with Participation from 13 Arab Countries

The fifth annual iRead Marathon is taking place from February 5 to 7. (SPA)
The fifth annual iRead Marathon is taking place from February 5 to 7. (SPA)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia's Ithra Launches iRead Marathon with Participation from 13 Arab Countries

The fifth annual iRead Marathon is taking place from February 5 to 7. (SPA)
The fifth annual iRead Marathon is taking place from February 5 to 7. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) announced the launch of the fifth annual iRead Marathon, in collaboration with the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) and environmental partners, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The event will witness the participation of 52 libraries from 13 Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Palestine, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq.

This year’s edition, taking place from February 5 to 7, has recorded a 235% increase in participation by Arab libraries compared to last year. It is an extension of a series of initiatives introduced by Ithra with aim of encouraging reading in society.

Ithra Library Head Abdullah Al Hawas explained that Ithra places great emphasis on reading and its promotion, adopting reading as a key priority for the next five years.

He noted its launch of the Arab Reading Index to monitor the state of reading across Arab countries. The iRead Marathon is in line with these efforts.

Most Viewed

 
 
Culture

Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
TT
TT

Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA

The Red Sea Fund, affiliated with the Red Sea Film Foundation, announced the opening of applications to support film projects in the production stage within the second round of this year’s support program, which will continue until March 21, as part of its efforts to enhance the cinema industry and empower innovators in the region, SPA reported.

The round aims to support promising cinematic voices from the Kingdom and the Arab world, as well as filmmakers from Africa and Asia, through financial grants that help complete film projects and present their creative narratives globally, with a special focus on projects ready to enter production and begin filming.

Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
TT
TT

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has completed the restoration of Al-Jami' Mosque in Duba, Tabuk Region, as part of its mission to preserve the Kingdom's architectural heritage under Vision 2030.

As one of Duba’s oldest landmarks, the mosque is deeply intertwined with the city’s maritime history, traditionally serving as a central meeting point for sailors. Throughout its history, the mosque underwent several construction phases, including significant contributions by King Abdulaziz and King Fahd, before its selection for the current national development project, SPA reported.

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity, increasing its area to 972.23 square meters and its capacity to 779 worshippers. The architectural style is inspired by traditional Red Sea heritage, incorporating natural materials like stone, mud, and wood for intricate mashrabiyas.

Executed by specialized Saudi firms, the project balances traditional standards with sustainability to rehabilitate the site for worship while highlighting its cultural significance. By restoring such landmarks, the project ensures the preservation of the Kingdom’s diverse architectural and social memory for future generations.

Culture

Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
TT
TT

Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA

The Dia Aziz Dia Award for Portrait, hosted by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah, is a leading platform for portraiture and the only competition of its kind in the Middle East. It fosters national identity through contemporary art, connecting veteran and emerging artists.

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives, including Saudi women, the Arabian horse, the Saudi Green Initiative, and King Abdulaziz.

These themes highlight art's role in reflecting social transformations and contributing to the cultural goals of Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.

The current ninth edition, with a theme focused on King Salman, invited artists to depict the leadership and humanity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This edition attracted significant participation, with 787 submissions from 42 cities, including international entries.

Of these, 61 works were shortlisted for the final competition, with prizes totaling SAR170,000 awarded to three main winners and seven incentive recipients.