Dar Al Adab Publishes Arabic Translation of Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir's ‘Hotel Silence’

"Hotel Silence," a novel by Icelandic novelist Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
"Hotel Silence," a novel by Icelandic novelist Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
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Dar Al Adab Publishes Arabic Translation of Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir's ‘Hotel Silence’

"Hotel Silence," a novel by Icelandic novelist Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
"Hotel Silence," a novel by Icelandic novelist Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir

Dar Al Adab has released an Arabic translation of "Hotel Silence," a novel by Icelandic novelist Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir.

Translated by Hussam Mousalli, the novel revolves around a broken man, who goes out to the world holding a drill to fix everything that comes in his way pushed by an irresistible motivation.

The main character is Jónas Ebeneser, a divorced man in his late 40s, who finds out he is not the biological father of his daughter. So, he drowns in existential crisis and loses the will to live.

The plot of the novel raises a fundamental question: Could anyone heal from the fact that he is born? The book explores the potential of a man to restore himself and rediscover the meaning of life from the depths of despair.

"Hotel Silence" won the Nordic Council's Literature Prize, and the Best Icelandic Novel Award.

It was also selected by The Independent as one of the best 10 international novels in 2018.



Saudi Pavilion Launches Cultural Exchange Program at Expo 2025 Osaka

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Pavilion Launches Cultural Exchange Program at Expo 2025 Osaka

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

The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has launched its cultural exchange program, designed to provide professional and personal development for staff from participating pavilions. This initiative aims to share Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage and global influence with new team members.

Director of the Saudi Pavilion Eng. Adel Alfayez said that the program celebrates unity through diversity and fosters collaboration among pavilions, enabling the exchange of stories and the building of connections.

Alfayez welcomed the new team members, highlighting their journey through the Kingdom's diverse heritage, landscapes, and economy. This experience will help them build meaningful relationships with visitors and enrich their careers in preparation for Expo 2030 Riyadh.

The program's inaugural phase includes 13 Saudi staff members distributed across five international pavilions, with 15 visiting international staff members rotating through key roles in the Saudi Pavilion for three months. Additional participants will join in later rounds.

Visiting staff will undergo comprehensive training, covering Saudi culture, occupational health and safety, pavilion operational objectives, and visitor experience management. A job shadowing system will provide direct support from Saudi colleagues, ensuring immersion in the Kingdom's culture and skill acquisition.

The Saudi Pavilion will host over 700 events during Expo 2025 Osaka, including live shows, performing arts, and heritage activities. Visitors can enjoy a rich cultural experience featuring an augmented reality exhibit, as well as musical performances and special events marking national occasions.