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.



Saudi Civil Defense Warns of Heavy Rains across the Kingdom

File photo of worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
File photo of worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi Civil Defense Warns of Heavy Rains across the Kingdom

File photo of worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
File photo of worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

The Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defense urged residents across the Kingdom to exercise caution as thunderstorms and heavy rains are expected to persist until Monday.

Citizens are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid flood-prone areas and valleys, and refrain from swimming in them.
Dust-stirring winds will blow and moderate to heavy rain may fall in Makkah and Riyadh regions, SPA reported.
Moderate to heavy rains are expected in Tabuk, Madinah, Al-Jouf, Northern Borders, Eastern, Hail, Qassim, Al-Baha, and Aseer regions.
Jazan Region will see light to moderate rains, while Najran Region will experience light rainfall.