Saudi Arabia to Launch Compass Program to Boost Knowledge, Cultural Content in Red Sea Fields

The program will run for five days at the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center in the Jeddah Governorate.
The program will run for five days at the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center in the Jeddah Governorate.
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Saudi Arabia to Launch Compass Program to Boost Knowledge, Cultural Content in Red Sea Fields

The program will run for five days at the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center in the Jeddah Governorate.
The program will run for five days at the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center in the Jeddah Governorate.

The Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center, affiliated with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), is set to launch the "Compass" program on July 22.

The program aims to document the region's history and offers interactive summer programs. It boasts a competition to simplify and produce content using innovative means to enrich the knowledge and cultural content of the Red Sea fields.

The program will collaborate with the College of Communication and Media at King Abdulaziz University, the Volunteering and Community Partnership Program "Lenobadir" in the Jeddah Governorate, the Jeddah Historic District Program, and the Saudi Committee for Traditional Games.

The program will run for five days, with daily activities from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Red Sea and West of Saudi Arabia History Center in the Jeddah Governorate.

Winners will receive financial prizes, and participants will be awarded certificates of attendance. Experts and specialists will present specialized guidance sessions in the program. There will also be accompanying activities, such as a folk games competition and a visit to the historic Jeddah area.

The "Compass" program comprises three main tracks. The first focuses on digital production, which includes producing short films, photography, infographic design, and motion graphics. The second focuses on culture and arts, covering folk games, artwork, literary works, souvenirs, handicrafts, and performing arts. The third focuses on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, educational technologies, and information technology.

The program covers a wide range of fields such as history, geography, environmental sciences, language and literature, social and human sciences, marine sciences, communication and media, earth sciences, tourism, natural sciences, architecture and planning, architectural engineering, health, energy and industry, logistics and transportation, supply chains, emerging technologies, intangible heritage, submerged heritage, textiles and fashion, interior design, sports, and many others.

Registration for the program is open.



Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque: An Architectural and Cultural Landmark

The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)
The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)
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Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque: An Architectural and Cultural Landmark

The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)
The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Development of Historical Mosques focuses on preserving and restoring historical mosques across Saudi Arabia while enhancing their architectural integrity and highlighting their cultural and religious significance. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate, exemplifies this effort. Closely tied to the governorate's history, it has served as a center for worship and community gatherings for decades, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Built in 1338 AH during the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, the mosque features traditional Najdi architecture, constructed from mud and stone with a roof made of tamarisk wood and palm fronds. Historically, it hosted Quranic classes and religious lessons.

Originally covering 314 square meters and accommodating around 90 worshippers, the mosque has been renovated to expand its area to 371 square meters and increase capacity to 150 worshippers, with the addition of essential facilities.

The project blends traditional building practices with modern techniques to ensure sustainability while preserving each mosque’s architectural identity. It also engages local heritage specialists under the supervision of Saudi engineers to achieve four key objectives: rehabilitating mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, showcasing the Kingdom's civilizational heritage, and enhancing the cultural significance of historical mosques for future generations.


Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

A royal order has been issued approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts, an independent educational institution headquartered in Riyadh under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

With legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy, the university is dedicated to specialized education in culture and the arts, aiming to cultivate national talent across creative disciplines through advanced academic programs aligned with global best practices and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The royal order authorizes the Minister of Culture to exercise the powers of the Board of Trustees until it is formally established, ensuring the swift completion of organizational procedures to begin operations.

To enhance its academic mission, the university will seek partnerships with prestigious international institutions to exchange expertise and develop high-level educational programs.

This initiative underscores the leadership's commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s position as a regional cultural hub and fostering the growth of its creative industries.


Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
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Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA

In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr, Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity as men follow the Prophetic tradition of adorning themselves for the holiday, creating high demand for new thobes, bishts, and high-quality perfumes such as oud oil and incense, while tailoring shops and specialty retailers work at peak capacity to meet the community’s needs before the Eid morning celebrations, SPA reported.

The classic white thobe remains the most popular choice for Eid morning, often paired with a shemagh and a white bisht to symbolize cultural identity and elegance.

Beyond appearance, these preparations reflect deep-rooted social and religious values, emphasizing gratitude, family visits, and the strengthening of communal ties.