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Saudi Culture Minister Crowns Winners of 4th National Cultural Awards

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, intellectuals, writers, artists, and media professionals. SPA
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, intellectuals, writers, artists, and media professionals. SPA
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Saudi Culture Minister Crowns Winners of 4th National Cultural Awards

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, intellectuals, writers, artists, and media professionals. SPA
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, intellectuals, writers, artists, and media professionals. SPA

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan has honored the winners of the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.

The ceremony - held on Monday under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister - was attended by senior officials, intellectuals, writers, artists, and media professionals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prince Badr said: "We welcome the creators and innovators from various cultural sectors at the conclusion of the 2024 National Cultural Awards initiative, which comes under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the supporter and enabler of our cultural sector."

“Our country is experiencing a great cultural renaissance under the umbrella of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and the Ministry of Culture has been keen to adopt a strategy to develop cultural capacities in a comprehensive and integrated journey with partners in various sectors. The National Cultural Awards initiative serves as a supportive and encouraging umbrella for talents and their creativity," he added.

Prince Badr congratulated this year's winners and announced the addition of two new awards, the Cultural Media Award and the Handicrafts Award, to open new avenues for creativity and cultural expression.

Dr. Saad Al-Sowayan received the Cultural Pioneer Award for his significant scientific, literary, and cultural contributions. Writer and artist Diaa Youssef was awarded the Youth Culture Award for her support of culture and young talents.

The Business Owners Award, recognizing support for cultural activities, was given to Badr bin Mohammed Al-Bowardi in acknowledgment of Al-Bowardi family's efforts to preserve cultural heritage.

The International Cultural Excellence Award was presented to the Turquoise Mountain Foundation for its contribution to the protection of cultural heritage and support for artisans. The MBC Group received the Cultural Institutions Award in the private sector track, while King Faisal Foundation (KFF) received the award in the non-profit sector track.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharakh won the National Heritage Award, short story writer and novelist Osamah Al-Muslim won the Literature Award, and Qyadiya Publishing House, specializing in publishing for children, won the Publishing Award.

Dr. Walid Al-Omari received the Translation Award, film director Tawfik Al-Zaidi won the Film Award, and Abadi Al-Johar won the Music Award. Dr. Khalid Azzam received the Architecture and Design Award, Mohammed Al-Tuwaiyan won the Theater and Performing Arts Award, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansouri won the Culinary Arts Award. Taha Al-Sabban received the Visual Arts Award, and Dr. Lailah Al-Bassam won the Fashion Award.

The ceremony marks the culmination of the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture annually to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Saudis from various cultural sectors in the Kingdom.

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Culture

Syrian Culture Minister Applauds Saudi Pavilion at Damascus Book Fair

The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
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Syrian Culture Minister Applauds Saudi Pavilion at Damascus Book Fair

The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA

Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Saleh visited the Kingdom’s pavilion at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair, held from February 6 to 16, where the Kingdom is serving as the Guest of Honor.

He commended the efforts of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in showcasing the rich diversity of the Saudi cultural and literary scene. The pavilion features exhibitions of manuscripts, a Saudi fashion corner, and archaeological replicas, SPA reported.

The minister reviewed the commission's Tarjim translation initiative and Saudi literature comics.

This participation at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair showcases Saudi creativity and fosters cultural dialogue, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of knowledge exchange and cultural leadership.

Culture

Saudi Arabia, Syria Underline Depth of their Cultural Ties

Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Syria Underline Depth of their Cultural Ties

Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Syria underlined the strength of their cultural relationship during high-level meetings held in Damascus on Thursday, on the sidelines of the opening of the Damascus International Book Fair 2026, where the Kingdom is participating as guest of honor.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan at the Conference Palace in the capital.

Earlier the same day, Prince Badr met with his Syrian counterpart, Minister of Culture Mohammad Yassin Saleh, during an official visit to attend the fair. T

he Saudi minister congratulated Syria on hosting the exhibition and expressed his wishes for continued prosperity, progress, and stability for the Syrian government and people.

Both meetings highlighted the depth of cultural relations between the two countries, the importance of expanding joint cultural cooperation across various fields, and the alignment of positions on issues of mutual interest in a way that serves both nations.

The Saudi delegation included senior officials and advisers, among them representatives from the Royal Court, the Ministry of Culture, and the King Abdulaziz Public Library, reflecting broad institutional engagement in the visit.

In the evening, Prince Badr attended the opening ceremony of the fair’s special session, held under the patronage and in the presence of al-Sharaa. The event drew wide official and cultural participation, including Arab ministers, political and intellectual figures, and a distinguished group of writers and cultural figures.

In a post on the X platform, Prince Badr thanked “our brothers in Syria for their generous hospitality and their efforts in organizing the Damascus International Book Fair.”

The minister also inaugurated the Kingdom’s pavilion at the fair in the presence of the Syrian minister of culture and the Qatari minister of culture.

Saudi Arabia’s guest-of-honor participation continues until Feb. 16 and reflects its growing prominence and leadership in the Arab and global cultural landscape.

This participation aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture at the heart of national development, viewing it as a space for dialogue, a bridge for civilizational communication, and a tool for strengthening ties among Arab peoples.

The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is leading the Kingdom’s participation, highlighting the development of the cultural sector and reaffirming the central role of books as carriers of knowledge and awareness.

The Saudi pavilion boasts a comprehensive cultural program featuring intellectual seminars, poetry evenings, a manuscript exhibition, traditional Saudi fashion displays, hospitality corners, archaeological replicas, and performing arts that express the depth of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

On the sidelines of the visit, Prince Badr, accompanied by Minister Saleh, toured the National Museum of Damascus, which houses rare artifacts spanning prehistoric eras, ancient Syrian civilizations, classical and Islamic periods, as well as traditional and modern art.

Culture

UNESCO Honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as Thousands Flock to Al-Ahsa Festival

Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige - SPA
Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige - SPA
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UNESCO Honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as Thousands Flock to Al-Ahsa Festival

Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige - SPA
Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige - SPA

The third edition of Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival is drawing thousands of regional and international visitors to Ibrahim Palace in historic Al-Hofuf.

Organized by the Heritage Commission, this year’s festival celebrates the inscription of the Bisht on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The event showcases Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old tradition of hand-weaving and gold embroidery, a craft passed down through generations of local families, SPA reported.

Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige.

With UNESCO's participation and representatives from six countries, the festival has evolved into a global platform for cultural dialogue, cementing the Bisht’s status as a world-class cultural treasure.