'Unexpired Dreams'…Quiet Writing that Celebrates Meaning

'Unexpired Dreams'…Quiet Writing that Celebrates Meaning
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'Unexpired Dreams'…Quiet Writing that Celebrates Meaning

'Unexpired Dreams'…Quiet Writing that Celebrates Meaning

A new book entitled "Unexpired Dreams…Describing Us" by Moroccan author and journalist Abdul Aziz Kokas includes a number of articles of political-journalistic analysis in the form of opinion pieces. Most of these articles were published as editorials in weekly publications.

"Unexpired Dreams…Describing Us" has been released by "Al Nawras Publications."

Kokas has dedicated it to his readers with whom he shared "the dream". In the first chapter of his new book, the author writes: "I was meant to write in the cursed newspapers instead of the blessed ones. These writings reflect this direction, which has never been a choice, but a moral journalistic commitment that embraces the dreams of an ambitious, motivated generation seeking freedom, justice, and democracy".

Kokas spoke about a "thread of organized positions and causes that preoccupy the public," stressing that publishing these articles today is not a heroic move that seeks praise".

Speaking about the book, Mohammad al-Sassy, a politician and researcher, said: "Kokas is a creative writer, not just a journalist. He has practiced journalism with a creative style. He is a good writer, smart journalist, funny, wise, enlightened, good listener, politically educated, always present in his writings and analyses that provid a great reference for politicians who want to understand the proceedings of the political life".

"When you read Kokas's writings, you notice a mix of creativity and critical observation of news, and fact analysis", al-Sassy said.

For his part, Writer Abdul Kader al-Shawi said: "Kokas doesn't rush events, but observes and analyzes them. His book is characterized with a quiet writing style that celebrates the meaning more than the appearance, and the content more than positions and conditions".

Critic Zahra al-A'sly saw that "Kokas has always been ornery. His journalistic writings have always reached a critical level because he has insisted on defending the values of freedom and democracy. His writings provide a mix of pleasure and utility".

"Unexpired Dreams…Describing Us" includes 50 articles and many titles to which Kokas added many popular proverbs, and quotes of politicians, authors, and intellects.

In one of his articles about the Moroccan people, he used a quote by William Shakespeare: "Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once".

He also used another quote by Mahmoud Darwish: "If we want to. We will become a people, if we want to, when we learn that we are not angels, and that evil is not the prerogative of others. We will become a people when we respect the right, and the wrong!"

According to Kokas, the texts featured in his new book were written between 1996 and 2002, and will be released in successive parts. The author said he didn't select them based on their chronology or topics, but chose what is still applicable among them, so the reader feels like "they were written today".

In an article entitled "Paper cats", Kokas connects the analysis to an unexpired dream, and writes: "We miss this decisive moment that needs noble statesmen. We miss the strategic spirit of Abdul Rahim Bou Abid, and the Sufi spirit of A'lal al-Fassi, the impulsiveness of Mahdi Bin Baraka, and the national spirit of al-Yusufi. With those names, we felt that politics is a mass identity. Those and many others like them prioritized the future and interests of Morocco far from the greediness of political groups. They headed parties and acted like statesmen with independent ideas, and a wise anticipative vision."



Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture
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Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport have announced the year 2029 as the official Saudi-UK Year of Culture, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday. The announcement follows an official visit by Britain’s Prince William to Saudi Arabia this week.

For nearly a century, formal relations between Saudi Arabia and the UK and Northern Ireland have evolved into a multifaceted international relationship that has expanded across culture, education, and innovation, reflecting shared values and a mutual commitment to long-term cooperation.

In recent years, cultural exchange has emerged as a cornerstone of Saudi-British relations, driven by joint initiatives in heritage conservation, visual and culinary arts, architecture, and higher education.

This ongoing expansion of cultural exchange lays the foundation for the Saudi-UK Year of Culture 2029, a year-long program celebrating creative dialogue and the shared heritage of Saudi Arabia and the UK, while deepening cultural ties for generations to come. It will also be a great opportunity for young people in both countries to connect in new ways.

Supported by Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Kingdom’s continued promotion of cultural innovation and creativity, the Saudi-UK Year of Culture 2029 will be an important milestone for both countries.


Prince William Visits Historic, Natural Sites in AlUla Accompanied by Saudi Culture Minister

The visit reflects the depth of Saudi-British relations and their growing cooperation in culture, arts, environmental sustainability, and human capability development. (SPA)
The visit reflects the depth of Saudi-British relations and their growing cooperation in culture, arts, environmental sustainability, and human capability development. (SPA)
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Prince William Visits Historic, Natural Sites in AlUla Accompanied by Saudi Culture Minister

The visit reflects the depth of Saudi-British relations and their growing cooperation in culture, arts, environmental sustainability, and human capability development. (SPA)
The visit reflects the depth of Saudi-British relations and their growing cooperation in culture, arts, environmental sustainability, and human capability development. (SPA)

Britain’s Prince William visited a number of historic, natural, and cultural sites in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, accompanied by Saudi Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

The visit reflects the depth of Saudi-British relations and their growing cooperation in culture, arts, environmental sustainability, and human capability development, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

During his tour, Prince William reviewed a number of environmental initiatives at Sharaan Nature Reserve, including ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation efforts. He was briefed on programs to rehabilitate natural habitats, restore ecological balance, and reintroduce species such as the Arabian oryx and mountain ibex, contributing to long-term goals for the recovery of the Arabian leopard in its natural environment.

He received an overview of the history of AlUla Old Town and the Incense Road, and the role of culture and arts as a bridge for cultural exchange between the two countries. The visit included viewing artworks at AlUla Arts Festival 2026.

Prince William met with Saudi youths participating in joint cultural programs and initiatives between the two countries. The visit also featured a tour of AlUla Oasis Cultural District.

The visit highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership between the Royal Commission for AlUla and British cultural institutions within an organized framework of cooperation encompassing cultural, educational, and environmental entities, supporting balanced and sustainable development in AlUla and reinforcing its status as a global destination for heritage, culture, and nature.


Workshop Held to Develop Cultural Heritage Documentation, Digital Archiving Guide in Saudi Arabia

The workshop brought together representatives from relevant cultural entities, along with stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. SPA
The workshop brought together representatives from relevant cultural entities, along with stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. SPA
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Workshop Held to Develop Cultural Heritage Documentation, Digital Archiving Guide in Saudi Arabia

The workshop brought together representatives from relevant cultural entities, along with stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. SPA
The workshop brought together representatives from relevant cultural entities, along with stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Culture organized a specialized workshop to review and develop the third edition of the Cultural Heritage Documentation and Digital Archiving Guide in the Kingdom.

The workshop brought together representatives from relevant cultural entities, along with stakeholders, experts, and practitioners, as part of the center’s efforts to standardize methodologies for documenting and archiving cultural heritage and to enhance institutional practices for managing national cultural memory.

The workshop forms part of the Ministry of Culture’s ongoing efforts to establish national standard frameworks for the management and digital documentation of cultural heritage, strengthen integration among entities, and equip practitioners with the necessary tools and methodologies.

These efforts reinforce the role of the Saudi cultural memory center in preserving the Kingdom’s cultural memory and support the objectives of the National Culture Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030.