Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry

Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry
TT

Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry

Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry

The Jeddah Literature and Cultural Club recently published a new book, “In Poetry Fields: Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry” by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman al-Haidari, professor of Literature and criticism at the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). The book is the 266th publication of the club.

The book includes four research published in three local and foreign journals: Arabic Science Journal (published by the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University), Journal of the Faculty of Dar Al Uloom - Fayoum University, and the Sohag University Journal of Literature. The three studies explore phenomena in the contemporary Saudi poetry.

The first study, “Picture of Disability in Saudi Poetry: Study of Content and Form”, focuses on the link between creativity and disabilities in the Arabic literature.

The second research is entitled “Poetry in Face of Terrorism: Study of Samples of Saudi Poetry”.

The third research, “Inventions in Saudi Poetry: Astonishment, Familiarity, and Caution” focuses on three topics: the presence of female inventors in Saudi poetry, image of female inventors in Saudi poetry, and artistic characteristics and aesthetic styles in the poetry of female inventors.

The fourth research, “Echo of Modern Technology in Saudi Poetry”, was used by the author to discuss complaints about advancement, the start of using mobiles in the Kingdom, the internet’s debut in Saudi Arabia, the new media concept, and domination of cellphones. The research explored two main topics: technology in studies of Saudi researchers, and modern technologies in Saudi poems.

In his book, the author sought to use scientific research to shed light on the burdens of the local society, observe changes in people’s lives, and analyze samples of Saudi poetry that focused on major aspects that other creatives have overlooked.

The front cover features a painting by Artist Nasser bin Abdullah al-Moussa that expresses the content of the 206-page book, which is expected to be featured at the Jeddah Club’s pavilion at the Riyadh International Bookfair.

The author, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman al-Haidari is specialized in Saudi literature, and already has over 20 books in literature and criticism including: “Biography in Saudi Literature”, “Hussein Sarhan as a Storyteller”, “Hussein Sarhan’s Prose Works, Biography in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, and “Conferences of Saudi Novelists.”



Multi-Billion-Dollar Art Districts to Be Developed as Part of Diriyah Project in Saudi Arabia

The announcement was made during the second edition of the “Bashayer - Delivering our Future” annual event. (SPA)
The announcement was made during the second edition of the “Bashayer - Delivering our Future” annual event. (SPA)
TT

Multi-Billion-Dollar Art Districts to Be Developed as Part of Diriyah Project in Saudi Arabia

The announcement was made during the second edition of the “Bashayer - Delivering our Future” annual event. (SPA)
The announcement was made during the second edition of the “Bashayer - Delivering our Future” annual event. (SPA)

Diriyah Company announced on Wednesday the details of two high-profile multi-billion-dollar educational and arts districts to be developed as part of the $63.2 billion Diriyah project on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The announcement was made during the second edition of its annual international event “Bashayer - Delivering our Future”, which gathered global investors, hospitality companies, construction firms, infrastructure experts and sports, arts, culture, tourism and retail sector representatives, Diriyah Company said in a statement.

The two new districts, the Qurain Cultural District and the Northern District, are proof of the accelerating growth and development of Diriyah, one of the world’s biggest and most unique urban development projects spanning an area of 14 square kilometers.

The Qurain Cultural District is set to become a vibrant global hub where culture meets modern urban living. It will offer a diverse range of arts, retail, office, and residential spaces for people to live, work, shop local brands, and enjoy local dining experiences.

Its cultural offerings will include a cinema, museums, and several academies focused on writing, traditional Najdi architecture and mud building, Arabic music, culinary arts, performing arts, and theater. It will also include two world-class hotels and branded residences: the Ritz-Carlton Diriyah, with 195 rooms and 165 residences, and the Address Diriyah, offering 204 rooms and 60 serviced apartments.

The district will feature 19 mixed-use buildings, including office, retail, and residences, 10 of which have various boutique office options, and a wide range of retail space and dining venues.

The development of the Qurain Cultural District will proceed under a SAR5.8 billion ($1.55 billion) contract.

Development work in the Northern District began following the announcement of a partnership contract worth SAR7.8 billion ($2 billion) in July 2024.

The Northern District, said the release, will transform Diriyah into a global hub for scholars, students, and visionaries. It will feature the King Salman Foundation, museums, a university, a library, and a lively public square. It will also host the newly announced Capella Diriyah, a 100-room luxury hotel that represents Capella Hotels and Resorts' first venture in the Middle East.

Work on the Northern District is already under way after a SAR7.8 billion ($2 billion) joint venture contract was awarded to China State Construction Engineering Cooperation Limited and El Seif Engineering Contracting Co. Ltd.

Commenting on the new high-profile districts, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “Qurain Cultural District and Northern District are two of the most important and significant areas of the Diriyah masterplan, and demonstrate the range and diversity of what Diriyah has to offer.”

“They will both become global centers of excellence, of knowledge, learning and creativity as Diriyah once more becomes a gathering place for the world. We are delighted to share details of these major developments at Bashayer and share once more the unique range of investment opportunities and partnerships the Diriyah Company has to offer the world,” he added.

The Diriyah project is one of Saudi Arabia’s five giga-projects supported by the Public Investment Fund, the world's fifth-largest sovereign wealth fund. It aims to provide homes for 100,000 residents, create 178,000 jobs, attract 50 million visitors annually, and contribute $18.6 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.