Najran’s Al-Tharwa Mountain reveals stories of early Islamic art
Najran’s Al-Tharwa Mountain reveals stories of early Islamic art/node/2599332/saudi-arabia
Najran’s Al-Tharwa Mountain reveals stories of early Islamic art
The rocks preserve rare Islamic inscriptions that serve as a historic record reflecting the ancient past and the richness of the Islamic civilization. (SPA)
Najran’s Al-Tharwa Mountain reveals stories of early Islamic art
Rocks preserve rare Islamic inscriptions
Updated 1 min ago
SPA
RIYADH: Hidden in the creek of Al-Tharwa Mountain, south of King Fahd Park in the Najran region, lies a living archive that tells the story of early Islamic art.
The mountain’s rocky features abound with prominent archaeological evidence of Islamic calligraphy in its earliest stages.
The rocks preserve rare Islamic inscriptions that serve as a historic record reflecting the ancient past and the richness of the Islamic civilization.
These inscriptions represent the precision and beauty of early Islamic art and calligraphy, revealing a significant transitional phase in the history of Arabic art and scripts.
This transforms Al-Tharwa Mountain into an open-air museum which narrates chapters from the beginnings of Islamic civilization.
Dr. Salem bin Ahmad bin Tairan, professor of Semitic languages, ancient writings, and archaeology at King Saud University, said: “Islamic inscriptions are an important and fundamental source for studying Islamic history and civilization.
“Najran abounds with a large number of such inscriptions dating back to the early Islamic period.
“Through the archaeological survey of inscriptions and ancient writings in the region, more than 200 Kufic Islamic inscriptions have been identified and documented across several sites, most notably Al-Tharwa Mountain in Saqam, south of Wadi Najran, where 33 Islamic inscriptions were found, 26 of which belong to members of a single family.”
Although these inscriptions are undated, the style of the script and the names of the individuals mentioned indicate that they date back to the second and third centuries AH.
Most of these inscriptions contain religious phrases and prayers, expressing belief in death, trust in God, monotheism, and blessings upon the Prophet, along with the signatures of their authors.
Abdullah Al-Suqour, a member of the Najran Tourist Club and a certified tour guide, explained that Al-Tharwa Mountain is considered an important archaeological and tourism landmark because of the historic evidence it contains, confirming the significance of early Islamic inscriptions which are distinguished by their beauty, organization, and precise linguistic structures.
He noted that among these inscriptions are some written by women, who engraved their names on the mountain’s rocks in commemorative and religious phrases — a sign of a civilized period in which education spread to all segments of society.
Al-Suqour added that Al-Tharwa Mountain is a prominent cultural destination which holds a rich cultural heritage of early Islamic inscriptions.
These archaeological treasures adorn the mountain, standing as some of the rarest evidence of the early development of engraving and Islamic calligraphy in the southern Arabian Peninsula.
President of the French Agency for AlUla Development Jean-Yves Le Drian praised the strong friendship and strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and France and their steady development
Updated 17 sec ago
SPA
RIYADH: The Saudi Embassy in France, in partnership with the Francophone Business Forum, hosted a seminar on Saudi Vision 2030, showcasing its achievements and partnerships.
The event coincided with the release of the ninth annual Saudi Vision 2030 report and drew ambassadors, French officials, media representatives, business leaders and consultants, the SPA reported on Friday.
Saudi Ambassador to France and the Principality of Monaco Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili began the seminar with a welcoming speech, followed by an overview of the ninth annual Saudi Vision 2030 report.
He emphasized the report’s updated information, key achievements and the strong performance of its indicators.
These indicators have surpassed most targets in national programs and strategies — notably in human resource development, women’s empowerment, infrastructure development, technology localization, sustainable development and environmental protection.
He also spoke about Saudi-French cooperation and partnership under Saudi Vision 2030 and their joint efforts to enhance regional and international security and stability.
President of Francophone Business Forum Steve Gentili delivered a speech on the growing partnerships in business, technology and the financial sector, as well as mutual investments and the attractive business environment in Saudi Arabia.
President of the French Agency for AlUla Development Jean-Yves Le Drian praised the strong friendship and strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and France and their steady development.
He provided an overview of the AlUla Development Project, a major initiative under Saudi Vision 2030, and discussed its success across all stages.
The exhibition represents an extension of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s vision, which embraces support for creative expression in all its manifestations and seeks to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a cultural hub
Updated 23 sec ago
SPA
RIYADH: The inaugural MADE Design Forum, organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, began on Thursday in Jeddah, within the Islamic Arts Biennale Cultural Program building, in the West Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport.
The forum, which will run until May 4, is a celebration of the design industry, opening a lively space where the lines of art, engineering and crafts intersect, SPA reported.
Every corner of the forum incites the eye to contemplate and stimulates the mind to question. (SPA)
It brings together an elite group of designers, artists and independent makers from the Arab world and beyond, to showcase works that pulse with the spirit of experimentation and redefine the relationship between humans and materials.
Visitors wander among pieces that carry stories in their details: Furniture woven with memory, ceramics that speak silence, textiles that weave the future and vital materials that draw from nature and return to it.
Every corner of the forum incites the eye to contemplate and stimulates the mind to question. (SPA)
Every corner of the forum incites the eye to contemplate and stimulates the mind to question, SPA reported.
MADE opens the doors of thought through lectures, workshops and dialogue sessions that delve into the depths of design in terms of values, connotations and ethical practices.
It raises questions about the meaning of innovation, the role of crafts in shaping identity and the position of the designer as a cultural actor in a changing era, SPA reported.
The exhibition represents an extension of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s vision, which embraces support for creative expression in all its manifestations and seeks to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a cultural hub that pulsates with dialogue, embraces creators and exports beauty to the world with authentic Saudi vocabulary and a universal spirit.
Arthur praised the Kingdom for introducing regulations governing the use of AI, particularly its model for ethical adoption
Updated 32 sec ago
SPA
UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General Lydia Arthur recently visited the headquarters of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the International Centre for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh.
Arthur was briefed on the SDAIA’s efforts in the sector, and the support the Kingdom provides to the UNESCO-affiliated ICAIRE to carry out its international missions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Arthur praised the Kingdom for introducing regulations governing the use of AI, particularly its model for ethical adoption. She said the Kingdom’s model should be adopted more widely at a global level.
During the visit, she reviewed the work of the ICAIRE center and its international efforts to promote responsible uses, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The ICAIRE organization seeks to advance research and ethics through international cooperation, champion awareness, nurture skills development, and provide policy advice, according to its website.
Asir education department launches literacy campaign
The campaign is strategically designed to activate continuing education programs by engaging target populations in their own communities
Updated 38 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The General Administration of Education in Asir region has launched a campaign titled “We Reach You for a Society Without Illiteracy,” aiming to reach beneficiaries in remote areas and villages.
Asir’s Education Director-General Fahd Aqala emphasized that the initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to elevate education levels and eradicate illiteracy.
It supports social and economic development while advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s comprehensive education goals, he added.
The campaign is strategically designed to activate continuing education programs by engaging target populations in their own communities.
Aqala stated that the directorate has mobilized resources to maximize the campaign’s reach.
He said literacy represents more than education — it serves as a fundamental cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development.
According to Aqala, continuing education programs in the region served over 11,414 male and female learners in 2024 at 263 centers and evening schools.
Thai festival brings eruption of color and music to Riyadh
Event is a celebration of the strong and growing friendship between our countries and our people, says Thailand’s envoy
Updated 02 May 2025
Tamara Aboalsaud
RIYADH: The Thai Festival in the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter celebrates both Thailand’s rich culture and its blossoming friendship with Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh was chosen as one of six flagship cities around the world to hold the festival, alongside Washington DC, Beijing, New Delhi, Hanoi, and Paris.
The cutting of the ribbon marks the inauguration of the Thai Festival in one of six flagship cities, Riyadh. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
At a press conference prior to the festival, which is open to the public May 2 and 3, Thailand’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Darm Boontham said: “This is a proud moment for us and a great opportunity to share the rich tradition and modern creativity of Thailand with our Saudi friends.”
The festival comes at a significant time, three years since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
HIGHLIGHTS
• This year’s theme is ‘The Pulse of Tradition, The Pulse of Tomorrow,’ reflecting Thailand’s pride in its culture and its commitment to innovation and creativity.
• The ministers of culture for Thailand and Saudi Arabia — Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Prince Badr bin Abdullah Al-Saud — attended the event.
“This event is a celebration of the strong and growing friendship between our countries and our people,” Boontham continued.
Booths showcasing Thai products and services at the Thai Festival at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
This year’s theme is “The Pulse of Tradition, The Pulse of Tomorrow,” reflecting Thailand’s pride in its culture and its commitment to innovation and creativity.
The festival features several exhibitions of Thai products and services, including handicrafts from local communities in Thailand, live demonstrations, health and wellness products, eco-tourism, and Thai cuisine.
Muythai demonstration at the Thai Festival in Riyadh. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
It also includes a live cooking show by a celebrity Thai chef, screenings of several beloved Thai movies followed by Q&A sessions, a musical and cultural performance, a Muay Thai boxing demonstration, a fashion show by Thai designers, and a Khon performance.
Khon, a traditional masked dramatic art that features music and dance as well as ritual, literary, and handicraft components, is included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, Boontham said.
Booths showcasing Thai products and services at the Thai Festival at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
“We invite everyone, Saudi nationals, residents and all friends of Thailand to join us for this unique celebration, to enjoy the science of sound and taste of Thailand and to continue building a warm and lasting friendship between our two great nations.”
The festival was organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Thailand’s private and public sectors, including Thai supply chain company SGC International’s Riyadh division, with the support of Saudi and Thai private companies.
Fashion show by Thai Designers at the Thai Festival in Riyadh. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
The ministers of culture for Thailand and Saudi Arabia — Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Prince Badr bin Abdullah Al-Saud — attended the event.
The objective of the festival goes beyond tourism, the ambassador said, it is intended to promote everything Thailand can offer in terms of creative economy, innovation, and how Thailand can tap into Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s green initiative.
Thai minister of culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol speaks at the Thai Festival in Riyadh. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
Boontham also confirmed plans to create Thai AirAsia X, a new low-cost airline from Thailand that should operate flights from Riyadh to Bangkok “very soon,” he said.
According to Boontham, the largest developing areas of cooperation between the two nations are economy, trade, and investment.
Thai ambassador to Saudi Arabia Darm Boontham inaugurates the Thai Festival at the Cultural Palace. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
Over the last three years, the volume of trade has increased by an average of 25 percent and the ambassador is confident that “all the necessary mechanisms” are in place to support further growth.
In 2024, trade reached a value of $8.8 billion and the hope is that in two years that number will reach $10 billion, he added.
Booths showcasing Thai products and services at the Thai Festival at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
Boontham cited SGC International, a Thai company known for construction materials that is now expanding into petrochemicals, food, and food processing as a sign of promising investment in Saudi Arabia.
Technology sharing, in areas including green consumption technology, is “quite prevalent” and shows promise, he added.
Interactive booths showing live demonstarions of handicraft at the Thai Festival in Riyadh. (Photo by Huda Bashattah)
Tourism is another large area of cooperation. Last year, around 230,000 Saudi tourists visited Thailand, and 13,000 Thai tourists visited Saudi Arabia; both numbers are expected to grow in coming years, the ambassador noted.
According to Boontham, “many Thai students” are coming to pursue their studies in Saudi as well, and Thailand is working hard to encourage more Saudis to study in Thailand.
In hospitality education, especially, “Thailand has a lot to offer Saudi students,” Boontham said. In 2024, 50 individuals from Saudi Arabia went to train in Thai hotels and institutions.
