Saudi Heritage Commission Signs Agreement with Japan’s Waseda University for Al-Hawraa Excavation

SPA
SPA
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Saudi Heritage Commission Signs Agreement with Japan’s Waseda University for Al-Hawraa Excavation

SPA
SPA

The Saudi Heritage Commission (HC) signed on Sunday a cooperation agreement with Japan’s Waseda University (WU) to conduct archaeological survey and excavation work at Al-Hawraa site in Umluj Governorate, Tabuk Region, for 5 years.

The signing ceremony took place at the HC headquarters, King Abdulaziz Historical Center. It was attended by the CEO of HC, Dr. Jasser Al-Harbash, and a representative of the WU Comprehensive Research Organization, Dr. Hasegawa So.

The agreement includes the collaboration of the two parties in the survey and excavation at Al-Hawraa archaeological site.

A WU scientific team will participate alongside a counterpart Saudi team in carrying out archaeological survey and excavation work. Students from Japanese universities and scientific institutions will also have the opportunity to participate in the project for training and conducting specialized research, SPA reported.

This agreement is part of the HC's efforts to expand national and international scientific partnerships with universities and scientific institutions inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the purpose of conducting archaeological surveys and excavation work at cultural heritage sites in the Kingdom.

These efforts reflect the Saudi Ministry of Culture's commitment to enhance international cultural exchange and promote Saudi participation and national culture within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.



Culture Ministry Announces Cultural, Knowledge Programs for UAE Reading Month 2025

The programs will feature diverse array of cultural and knowledge-based activities. WAM
The programs will feature diverse array of cultural and knowledge-based activities. WAM
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Culture Ministry Announces Cultural, Knowledge Programs for UAE Reading Month 2025

The programs will feature diverse array of cultural and knowledge-based activities. WAM
The programs will feature diverse array of cultural and knowledge-based activities. WAM

The Ministry of Culture announced that key entities across the UAE will organize a diverse range of cultural and knowledge programs during the UAE Reading Month in March 2025.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance reading habits and individuals' skills, the Emirates News Agecny (WAM) reported.

The initiative reflects the UAE’s long-term vision and the wise leadership's commitment to fostering a culture rooted in science and knowledge, facilitating the necessary infrastructure and environment to create an advanced knowledge-based society, WAM said Wednesday.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at Al Safa Art and Design Library in Dubai, in the presence of Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Shatha Al Mulla, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of National Identity and Arts Sector in the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, Chief Executive Officer of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, Dr. Amal Al Qahtani, Director of School Development and Support Department at the Ministry of Education, Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of Sharjah Book Authority, Asmaa Al Mutawat, Founder and President of Salon Al-Multaqa, and Shaikha Al-Mutairi, Secretary General of the Emirates Writers Union.

The programs will feature diverse array of cultural and knowledge-based activities organized by various ministries, local entities, and public interest associations. Their primary objective is to cultivate reading habits by emphasizing the role of reading in driving sustainable development and enhancing cultural awareness.

“The UAE Reading Month initiative reflects the nation’s long-standing vision to create a highly educated, well-informed society and drive sustainable development. It also signifies the country’s commitment to enhancing cultural awareness among its people,” said Mubarak Al Nakhi.

“The activities organized as part of Reading Month initiative highlight the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to position reading as a pivotal instrument for culture and knowledge development. It further aligns with the ambitious ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ plan, which aims to elevate the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and culture by leveraging reading as a key enabler of this vision.”

He added that “reading Month is a significant intellectual and cultural milestone, and serves as a far-reaching strategic initiative aimed at raising awareness of the role of reading in personal growth and community development.”

Reading Month 2025 will feature a diverse range of activities and events hosted at the Ministry’s Cultural and Creative Centers across the Emirates. These events will include the launch of multiple initiatives by local cultural entities and institutions aimed at fostering a reading culture among all members of society.