Saudi Arabia, Greece Discuss Strengthening Cultural Relations
Prince Badr welcomed his Greek counterpart to the Kingdom, expressing hope that the visit would offer her insight into the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted historical legacy. He emphasized that the meeting aims to strengthen international cultural exchange between the two countries for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
The two ministers underscored the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation between the Kingdom and Greece and activating the memorandum of understanding on cultural collaboration, signed in July 2022.
They praised the ongoing collaboration between the two nations, highlighted by Greece's participation in the second annual Saudi Crafts Week (Banan) held in Riyadh in November, as well as the participation of Greece's Benaki Museum in the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, currently taking place in Jeddah from January through May.
Both ministers commended the organization of the 'Saudi Cultural Week in Greece,' held last year at the Zappeion Hall in Athens, featuring a special pavilion for the 'Year of the Camel 2024' initiative along with musical and theatrical performances, traditional crafts workshops, culinary arts pavilions, a calligraphy exhibition, a fashion show, Saudi film screenings, and other cultural showcases.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
2 days ago
- Leaders
Almadinah Book Fair Showcases Saudi Literary Talent Through Dedicated Authors' Pavilion
The fourth edition of the Almadinah Book Fair, organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, is shining a spotlight on homegrown literary talent through a special section devoted entirely to Saudi authors. This year's fair features 103 self-published Saudi writers, each presenting their distinctive works in a supportive and professionally curated setting. Designed to nurture creativity and celebrate cultural expression, the section highlights the vibrancy and depth of the Kingdom's literary scene. A flagship initiative of the commission, the authors' pavilion is centrally located within the fair and offered free of charge to participants. In addition to providing the space, the commission actively supports authors by handling marketing and sales logistics, ensuring that all proceeds go directly to the writers. The works on display span diverse genres—from novels and poetry to short stories—capturing the richness of Saudi voices and narratives. By offering a platform for independent authors often overlooked by mainstream publishers, the section strengthens the national publishing ecosystem and amplifies the presence of emerging literary voices. Running daily from 2:00 p.m. to midnight, Almadinah Book Fair offers a dynamic cultural experience, further establishing Madinah as a vital center on the Kingdom's cultural events calendar. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia Unveils Dynamic Pavilion at Muscat International Book Fair 2025 Islamic Affairs Corner at Muscat Book Fair Welcomes Visitors Saudi Arabia Participates in Muscat International Book Fair 2025 Short link : Post Views: 20
Leaders
4 days ago
- Leaders
Manga Productions Signs Deal to Launch ‘Sonic' Game in Middle East
Manga Productions has signed a publishing and distribution agreement with Japanese company Sega to launch the popular game Sonic Racing: Crossworlds for MENA audiences, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The Saudi company will collaborate with Sega to deploy the game in the Middle East and North Africa region. The cooperation will also include invaluable opportunities for Saudi talent to take part in the publishing process, as well as marketing the game. Interestingly, the game offers extensive vehicle customization options when it comes to appearance and performance, as well as items granting special abilities that impact gameplay style. Moreover, it supports online multiplayer, so that players can compete globally, climb leaderboards and earn exclusive rewards. The game features a record-breaking roster of 23 characters, with plans set to expand further through post-launch updates. Such updates will boast characters such as Hatsune Miku, Joker from Persona 5 Royal, Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon, along with popular characters from franchises such as Minecraft and SpongeBob SquarePants, among others. Through more than 70 types of items, players can customize their strategies as each item provides different skills and features. The game supports online multiplayer with a co-op feature, where up to 12 players can compete. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, stated that the company has successfully established strategic partnerships that have played a central role in advancing the creative content industry in the Kingdom and across the region. Related Topics: Manga Productions Boosts Japanese Collaboration for Riyadh Season Japan's Minister Praises Manga Productions Creativity Saudi Manga Productions Premiere 'The Journey' Movie in Chinese Short link : Post Views: 8
Arab News
25-07-2025
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Ithra launches open call for $100,000 art prize
DHAHRAN: Artists across the region are invited to apply for the Ithra Art Prize, with $100,000 up for grabs and the chance to have their work displayed at one of the Middle East's leading cultural institutions. The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) announced the open call for the seventh edition, with the head of the museum calling it one of area's 'most generous and influential' art grants. Artists from across the Arab world can submit their proposals via the Ithra website, with a deadline of Oct. 16. This edition will also, for the first time, recognize five finalists with production grants. Their work, along with the winning commission, will be exhibited at Ithra's headquarters in spring 2026. Launched in 2017, the prize initially focused on Saudi and Saudi-based artists but was expanded in its fourth edition to include contemporary artists of Arab heritage across 22 countries. Farah Abushullaih, Ithra's head of museum, told Arab News it served as 'an open invitation to artists to speak in their own voice.' She said: 'We're looking for proposals that reflect depth, authenticity and a clear vision. What stands out is work that is intellectually grounded and emotionally resonant.' Both new commissions and re-contextualized existing works are accepted, provided they are closely linked to the artist's ongoing research and creative trajectory. Applicants must be aged 18 or older and of Arab heritage or residing in one of the 22 Arab countries. Both individual artists and collectives may apply. 'The prize is about expanding the region's cultural conversations through bold, original ideas. Ithra is committed to supporting them every step of the way, from conception to creation and beyond,' said Abushullaih. The Ithra Art Prize has played a pivotal role in advancing contemporary art from the region since its inception. Past winners have displayed their works at leading cultural events including Art Dubai, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and the AlUla Arts Festival. Abushullaih said: 'Ithra continually evolves its programs to reflect the changing artistic landscape and needs of the Kingdom and the region. In the case of the Ithra Art Prize, this goes beyond funding; we offer a platform for dialogue, critical thinking and meaningful cultural exchange.' She added sustaining this impact was an ongoing commitment. 'It requires long-term investment in artists' development, authentic community engagement and creating opportunities for works to resonate, both locally and globally. We want Ithra to be a meeting place for cultures to interact, share, and grow,' she said. Looking ahead, Ithra is already in discussions to present the winner's work beyond Dhahran. 'Partnerships and collaborations have always been central to how we develop our programs and extend the reach of the artists we support,' said Abushullaih. 'We are in dialogue with institutions based in Saudi Arabia and internationally to explore ways for the seventh edition of the prize to be seen by a wider audience and experienced in new contexts beyond Ithra.'
