Saudi Culture Ministry Launches UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Culture Ministry Launches UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Ministry of Culture has launched the UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships in partnership with Effat University and the National Archives of the United Kingdom, to support archival-based research, advance cultural inquiry on the Arabian Peninsula, and strengthen collaboration between researchers and institutions in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

The program includes a 10-week research residency at the National Archives of the United Kingdom, where participants receive hands-on training in archival methods and gain access to a wide range of archival collections and cultural institutions across the UK. It supports diverse areas of cultural research related to the Arabian Peninsula.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s strategic vision for advancing cultural research, reflecting its commitment to fostering both local and international collaboration and promoting meaningful cultural exchange.

The fellowship is open to researchers and cultural heritage specialists capable of conducting independent research in English, regardless of their professional level.



Red Sea International Film Festival Opens Early Registration for Sixth Edition

Red Sea International Film Festival Opens Early Registration for Sixth Edition
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Red Sea International Film Festival Opens Early Registration for Sixth Edition

Red Sea International Film Festival Opens Early Registration for Sixth Edition

The Red Sea International Film Festival has announced the opening of early registration for its sixth edition, scheduled to take place in Historic Jeddah from December 3 to 12.

The festival stated that the new edition will feature a diverse program combining film screenings, professional events, and specialized discussions. It will also host a lineup of filmmakers, producers, experts, and leaders from the global film industry, SPA reported.

The early registration offers guests four complimentary film screening tickets per day, along with priority booking access 48 hours before tickets are officially released to the public.

The festival’s sixth edition reflects the Kingdom’s dynamic cultural and cinematic landscape by supporting the development of the film sector, empowering national talent, and strengthening Jeddah’s position as a regional hub for creative industries.


King Abdulaziz Public Library Inaugurates Largest Specialized Children's Library

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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King Abdulaziz Public Library Inaugurates Largest Specialized Children's Library

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The King Abdulaziz Public Library today inaugurated the "Children's Library," the largest specialized children's library in Saudi Arabia, with notable participation from cultural, educational, and media figures.

The library accommodates over 500 children from newborns to age 18 through modern spaces that cater to various age groups' educational, cultural, and psychological needs, SPA reported.

The library features modern cultural theaters hosting literary programs, theatrical performances, and artistic and educational events, alongside smart halls equipped with the latest educational and interactive technologies, offering children an advanced knowledge experience.

It also includes innovation incubators and specialized laboratories for young people in technology and creativity, enabling them to develop their skills in an environment that fosters thinking, exploration, and future idea generation.

The library accommodates the cultural and linguistic diversity of its users through dedicated areas and multilingual resources, including print, digital, and interactive media.

The library is an advanced regional model combining Saudi cultural identity with global best practices, serving as an educational beacon for future generations.


Heritage Commission Signs Agreement with Spain IE University in Cultural Heritage Fields

The Saudi Heritage Commission logo
The Saudi Heritage Commission logo
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Heritage Commission Signs Agreement with Spain IE University in Cultural Heritage Fields

The Saudi Heritage Commission logo
The Saudi Heritage Commission logo

The Heritage Commission signed a cooperation agreement with IE University of Spain as part of its efforts to develop capacity-building programs in the cultural heritage sector and expand cooperation with specialized international educational institutions.

The agreement contributes to preparing qualified national cadres, enhancing the exchange of knowledge and professional expertise in heritage fields, and supporting training and qualification paths related to the protection, management, and operation of heritage sites, SPA reported.

The agreement includes implementing joint training programs in archaeology, urban heritage, and world heritage, organizing workshops and scientific events to exchange professional expertise, and enhancing cooperation in research and scientific publishing fields.

It also includes hosting specialized experts to develop skills related to cultural heritage fields, in addition to exchanging expertise in restoration, rehabilitation, and operation of heritage sites, contributing to improving the quality of field work and raising the efficiency of heritage site management.