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Saudi Arabia’s GEA Chairman Launches Website of Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh. SPA
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh. SPA
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Saudi Arabia’s GEA Chairman Launches Website of Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh. SPA
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh. SPA

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh inaugurated on Sunday the website for the “Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature” in a ceremony held in Riyadh.

This marks the first award by the GEA aimed at transforming literary works into cinematic productions.

“We were delighted three days ago to announce that Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan will sponsor this award as part of a significant agreement between the GEA and the ministry,” said Alalshikh in his speech at the ceremony.

He emphasized that the website will serve as a comprehensive repository of Arabic novels, screenplays, and related content, aligning with the large-scale productions underway across the Arab world, particularly in the Kingdom.

Regarding the Golden Pen Forum, Alalshikh stated that it will be a special gathering place for writers with free membership. He added that there will be specific criteria for selecting beneficiary members, making it a vibrant focal point throughout the year in the Arab world.

Chairman of the Golden Pen Award Dr. Saad Al-Bazei announced the main phases of the award during a press conference held on the sidelines of the official launch.

He explained that the submission period for literary works will open on the website on September 15 and continue until September 30. The longlist will be announced on November 30, with the shortlist following on December 30.

The winners will be announced, and the awards will be presented at a major ceremony scheduled for February 2025, with the attendance of a distinguished group of writers, intellectuals, filmmakers, and celebrities.

Al-Bazei outlined the six award categories: major awards for novels and screenplays, best-translated novel, best Arab publisher, and the People's Choice Award, with a total prize value of $740,000. He further detailed that for the major awards and screenplay categories, the first-place prize will consist of $100,000 and a film production; the second-place prize, $50,000 and a film production; and the third-place prize, $30,000.

The novel categories will include eight awards, each worth $25,000, covering Best Thriller Novel, Best Mystery and Crime Novel, Best Romance Novel, Best Fantasy Novel, Best Comedy Novel, Best Historical Novel, Best Horror Novel, and Best Realistic Novel.

Al-Bazei also highlighted that the Best Translated Novel will receive a $100,000 prize; the Best Arab Publisher will be awarded $50,000, and the People's Choice Award will be valued at $30,000. Voting for the People's Choice Award will open on the award’s website at a later date.

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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
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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.