Riyadh International Book Fair Kicks Off Thursday

The Fair is a major cultural event in the Arab scene. SPA
The Fair is a major cultural event in the Arab scene. SPA
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Riyadh International Book Fair Kicks Off Thursday

The Fair is a major cultural event in the Arab scene. SPA
The Fair is a major cultural event in the Arab scene. SPA

Riyadh International Book Fair "Cultural Chapters," under the supervision of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, kicks off Thursday and will continue until Oct. 8.

The Fair is a major cultural event in the Arab scene, as it is one of the most important Arab book fairs in terms of the number of visitors, sales volume, and the diversity of its cultural programs, as well as in terms of the participation of the most prominent Arab, regional and international publishing houses.

The Saudi Ministry of Culture named Tunisia as the guest of honor, noting that its selection comes within the relations that bind the Saudi and the Tunisian people as part of the joint efforts of the two countries to enhance cooperation in the cultural field.

It also brings together literature, publishing, and translation officials from local and international institutions and companies with readers and those interested in books and publications.

The event has a program that includes several qualitative cultural events, dialogue platforms, interactive lectures, poetry evenings, and cultural and artistic seminars.

It also hosts several arts, reading, writing, and publishing seminars, workshops on bookmaking and translation, activities for children, and other accompanying programs.

The most prominent Arab and international publishing houses and Arab and international writers, authors, and intellectuals participate in the exhibition.

During ten days, the exhibition is set to celebrate the Tunisian cultural and artistic presence through many literary events with the participation of several Tunisian writers, authors, and poets.

Tunisian Minister of Cultural Affairs Hayat Guermazi confirmed that the Riyadh International Book Fair provides an opportunity to enhance cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

Guermazi told Asharq Al-Awsat that there would be 17 Tunisian publishers, adding that Tunisian cultural and artistic presence at the event is an outstanding opportunity for the intellectuals of the two countries to discuss humanitarian issues through literature and thought.

The Minister explained that her country's participation would include seminars and meetings on Tunisian literature, translation, the experience of Tunisian theater, criticism, enlightenment thought, and other topics.

In addition, there will be various workshops and literary and poetry events with the participation of Tunisian intellectuals and writers with a special booth dedicated to introducing the digital cultural economy.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, Tunisian cinema will celebrate its centenary and Zied Gharsa will perform at a concert.

There will also be the Tunisian Night at the al-Ahmar Theater at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, where Saber al-Rubai, Latifa, and Olfa bin Ramadan will be in concert on Oct. 1.

The Saudi ambassador to Tunis, Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Sager, said that choosing Tunisia as a guest of honor for the Fair confirms the country's cultural position.

The diplomat told Asharq Al-Awsat that Tunisia is an addition to the exhibition through the prepared program, the participating delegation, and the diverse content to include all aspects of cultural activity.



Diriyah Company Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Construction Safety Lesson

Diriyah Company Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Construction Safety Lesson
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Diriyah Company Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Construction Safety Lesson

Diriyah Company Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Construction Safety Lesson

Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest construction safety lesson, with the participation of 2,864 workers in Diriyah's Wadi Safar development. The record was achieved in collaboration with Al-Rashid Trading & Contracting Company (RTCC).

In a statement, Diriyah Company said the World Record certification ceremony was held at its head office on Monday.

The 30-minute safety lesson, conducted by a single safety instructor, focused on the "Top Five Critical Safety Hazards in the Construction Industry." The lesson highlighted the importance of safe working practices and personal responsibility by touching on key health and safety measures directly relevant to their daily tasks on-site and is part of a broader commitment to safety training.

Ongoing assessments will be conducted on-site, and additional training will be provided by Diriyah Company's Occupational Health, Safety, & Security program.

To accommodate the scale of the exercise, a dedicated outdoor venue with a specially designed stage was constructed, creating an environment conducive to learning while supporting the official record attempt. A structured entry and exit system using special gates was implemented to measure participation and uphold the integrity of the record attempt. This method provided a precise number of attendees, ensuring compliance with the record requirements.

Through this initiative, Diriyah Company not only set a new benchmark in construction safety training but also reinforced its solid commitment to workers' well-being.

Group CEO of Diriyah Company Jerry Inzerillo said: "This new world record, in which Diriyah's project staff gathered in Wadi Safar, one of Diriyah Company's masterplans covering an area of over 62 sq km, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety and our goal of ensuring everyone returns home safely to their families."

"Our health and safety management system goes above and beyond to ensure and protect the welfare of employees, contractors, and on-site teams working across the Diriyah project," he added.

Diriyah Company upholds the highest safety standards across its construction and development sites, reinforced by regular training sessions for both internal teams and external contractors.

To date, Diriyah Company has achieved a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.015 for ongoing infrastructure projects.

Wadi Safar, one of Diriyah Company's masterplans, is an exclusive sanctuary of refinement and well-being built from a rich cultural heritage. It features a range of exclusive residential options and internationally renowned hospitality, retail, and leisure venues.

In July 2024, a $2.13 billion joint venture construction contract was awarded for the development of the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club, Wadi Safar, and world-class hotels Aman Wadi Safar, Six Senses Wadi Safar, The Chedi Wadi Safar, and the Faena Wadi Safar.

Wadi Safar is also the location for the prestigious Royal Golf Club, Wadi Safar, and the 27-hole signature championship golf course designed by golf legend Greg Norman.