New Lebanese Novel Explores Journey of October Uprising

New Lebanese Novel Explores Journey of October Uprising
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New Lebanese Novel Explores Journey of October Uprising

New Lebanese Novel Explores Journey of October Uprising

The Arab Scientific Publishers released "The Journey of Change," a new 144-page book by the Lebanese writer Ghassan Chebaro who wrote about the start and path of the October Uprising in Lebanon.

The novel explores the daily events lived by Hamza and Julia, the two main characters of the novel, along with their rebel peers and civil society organizations who raised their voices shouting "The people want to bring down the regime," "Bank System Down," "Revolution…Revolution," and many more slogans.

Through the characters of this novel, the reader learns about decades of turmoil that hit the Lebanese people in their country.

"Crushing Lebanese citizens has become an approach adopted by a corrupt regime that has constantly sought to push people towards poverty and submission to a painful choice between their dignity and bread."

This dark deteriorating state could persist for another 30 years, according to the novel and its tragic end.

"The novel explores the most dangerous and critical phase in the history of the country. It is urging the youth, a key player in the change process, not to calm down or lose hope, and to continue the journey of struggle for a better future and in honor of the souls of the uprising victims. As part of the "change journey," Chebaro says, as he sheds light on many issues and opens them for discussion with the reader, including the blind loyalty to the political leader instead of the nation.

"The revolution lifted the lid on a divided, depressed community dominated by helpless vibrant speeches falsely promising a secure and just state for all citizens," the publisher noted.

Therefore, we see the writer suggesting the annulment of some laws customized to serve each sect, so the citizen can have all his rights back.

According to Chebaro, the best solution for the Lebanese dilemma is establishing a civil state.

"By closing the sources of waste and corruption, this civil state will be able to provide decent medical and education systems, in addition to social security for the elderly. It will also be able to award competent citizens and create job opportunities for those who deserve them," he explained.

The Lebanese writer has many other novels including The Planet of Rats, The Seagull, and The Bee and the Beast.



AlUla Artist Residency Showcases Creative Excellence at International Design Awards

The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award. (SPA)
The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award. (SPA)
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AlUla Artist Residency Showcases Creative Excellence at International Design Awards

The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award. (SPA)
The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award. (SPA)

The AlUla Artist Residency Program has strengthened its presence on the international design scene, with several of its participants receiving awards at the fourth edition of the Design Award, organized by the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday.

Saudi architect and artist Aseel Alamoudi won the Emerging Talent Award for her project "Playformation: The Curve and The Dot," inspired by AlUla's rock formations and natural curves.

The Contemporary Craftsmanship Award was presented to Altin Studio, founded by Yasmine Sfar and Mehdi Kebaier, for their sculptural work "Our AlUla Trilogy" (2025), comprising three pieces titled "Wadi,Waha," and "Yusr." The pieces were crafted from palm wood and plant fibers. The project combines traditional crafts with contemporary design, drawing inspiration from AlUla's landscape and natural materials while evoking the palm cultures of Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

The international awards won by the participants reflect the initiative's expanding reach and its creative output's growing presence on the global stage, as part of the cultural and artistic momentum taking place in AlUla through its diverse residency programs, exhibitions, events, and festivals.


International Conference on Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Counter Intellectual Deviations Kicks Off Monday

The Saudi flag is seen at a site in the city of Jazan (SPA).
The Saudi flag is seen at a site in the city of Jazan (SPA).
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International Conference on Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Counter Intellectual Deviations Kicks Off Monday

The Saudi flag is seen at a site in the city of Jazan (SPA).
The Saudi flag is seen at a site in the city of Jazan (SPA).

Under the patronage of Governor of Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the "International Conference on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Efforts to Counter Intellectual Deviations" will begin Monday.

The event is organized by the Islamic University of Madinah, with the participation of a group of scholars, officials, researchers, and specialists from inside and outside the Kingdom, SPA reported.

The conference will be held on September 27 and 28.

The conference will feature 56 peer-reviewed scientific papers, nine dialogue sessions, and 10 accompanying exhibitions addressing a range of issues related to the causes and effects of intellectual deviations and ways to combat them.

Topics will also include national initiatives to combat extremism; the role of sound faith, mental health, and community institutions in intellectual prevention; as well as the use of modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and social media platforms to enhance awareness and address contemporary intellectual challenges.

The conference aims to enrich scientific dialogue, exchange expertise, and develop recommendations that strengthen national and international efforts to build societies that are more aware and capable of confronting intellectual deviations.


King Abdulaziz Public Library Branch in China Wins Two Awards

Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends. SPA
Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends. SPA
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King Abdulaziz Public Library Branch in China Wins Two Awards

Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends. SPA
Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends. SPA

The King Abdulaziz Public Library Branch in Peking University won a first prize and an award of excellence during the 12th National Conference of Foreign Language University Library Alliance, hosted by Tianjin Foreign Studies University in China from September 21 to 24.

The branch earned first prize for a professional initiative focused on collaborative service delivery between library staff and specialized academic faculty.

It also received an award of excellence for a research study examining models of institutional partnership between foreign-language libraries and academic researchers, underscoring its role in integrating scholarly inquiry with modern library services.

Convening representatives and library specialists from across China, the conference addressed emerging sector trends, including artificial intelligence integration, digital transformation, research support, and the expansion of smart library ecosystems.

The branch's participation reflects its role in deepening Saudi-Chinese intellectual exchange and fostering institutional partnerships across the 27-member library alliance.