RIYADH: The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, an affiliate of the University of Oxford, is planning to organize the Saudi-funded Scientific Chairs 3rd Forum.
The forum will be held in cooperation with the King Salman Center for the Arab Peninsula History and Civilizations Studies, an affiliate of the Riyadh-based King Saud University (KSU), the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Sibaiee, supervisor of the King Salman Center for the Arab Peninsula History and Civilizations Studies, said his organization had received an offer from Oxford University to host the forum.
He said the offer came after the previous forum, which was successfully held at the KSU with the attendance of 22 chairs and centers from renowned US, European and Asian universities.
Oxford is interested in hosting the forum because it is convinced of the importance of such scientific events in the documentation of historical information, Al-Sibaiee added.
He added: “It’s also in recognition of the KSU’s scientific status, and the exchange of experience with scientific incubators in the world.”
Al-Sibaiee pointed out that the request of Oxford to establish this scientific forum confirms the positive results that attracted the attention of scientists during the first and second meetings organized by the KSU.
It is also a recognition of the “prominent role played by the Kingdom in support of scientific incubators wherever they exist.”
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies was established in 1985 to provide a meeting point between Islamic and Western learning.
Through good scholarship, it promotes a more informed understanding of Islam, its culture and civilization and commitment to the advancement of academic excellence in teaching as well as in research.
Oxford University plans to organize Saudi-funded Scientific Chairs Forum
Oxford University plans to organize Saudi-funded Scientific Chairs Forum
Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region
- To develop future ‘cultural architects,’ says CEO Khaled Al-Baz
- ‘Nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and sense of belonging’
BURAIDAH: The Qassim Children’s Theater Festival opened on Tuesday bringing together professionals from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
The event is being held under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Qassim, at the Science Center in Unaizah governorate.
It has been Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Association and executed by the Unaizah Theater Association, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Running until Jan. 31, it features shows, panel discussions, as well as training workshops to develop children’s theater and strengthen professional skills in the field.
Khaled Al-Baz, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Association, told the SPA the festival forms part of a broader strategy to position children’s theater as a distinct cultural sector.
“Children today constitute genuine audiences — tomorrow’s cultural architects,” Al-Baz said.
Ahmed Al-Humaimidi, president of the Unaizah Theater Association, said it was an investment in young people, noting that it extends beyond performances to include cultural and educational programming.
He said the initiative aims to nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and a sense of belonging, while also identifying emerging talent and encouraging knowledge exchange among theater practitioners.
“Our association recognizes children’s theater as foundational to cultivating aware, creative character,” he said.
The festival serves as both an artistic showcase and a platform for professional dialogue, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding cultural landscape and growing focus on children’s theater as an educational and cultural tool, the SPA noted.
This occurs alongside support for signature initiatives and performing arts promotion as quality-of-life enhancement.
