Makkah Grand Mosque Imam: Enormous task to spread moderation in the Muslim world

Spreading moderation in the Muslim world will be an enormous task that will present Islamic scholars with numerous challenges, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Mohammed A-Talib, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah, has said. (Supplied)
Updated 11 April 2018
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Makkah Grand Mosque Imam: Enormous task to spread moderation in the Muslim world

Makkah: Spreading moderation in the Muslim world will be an enormous task that will present Islamic scholars with numerous challenges, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Mohammed A-Talib, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah, has said.

He was addressing the 12th batch of guests of the Program of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Umrah and Hajj.

Al-Talib stressed that the program seeks to build bridges of communication among Islamic scholars around the world in order to discuss thorny issues and challenges facing Islamic nations, and to overcome obstacles to deploying the true Islamic religion.

“A big task rests on our shoulders that is to identify and defend the true status of Islam, which is a religion of peace and teaches us love, peace, brotherhood, equality, humanity, way of life, justice and tolerance,” he added.

Al-Talib emphasized the importance of unifying Muslim ranks to counter the impending dangers so as to avoid disintegration and fragmentation, and instead to embody the concept of Islamic fraternity, which is based on love and honor.

“Our Islamic fraternity which gathers Muslims from the far west to the far east and makes us one secure nation, impels us to cooperate and sense the fraternal tie. We should never allow anyone to penetrate our rank to stoke division, suspicion or disintegration.”

“Islam has been under fire since 1,439 years ago. However, its power increases with new people reverting to Islam each and every day,” Al-Talib said. He noted that the largest Muslim country today in terms of population is Indonesia, which did not witness for 1,400 years any battle on its soil because people there reverted to Islam through trade and commercial dealings or by addressing the intellect.

He reassured the Islamic scholars that Islam cannot be weakened and shall prevail.

Dr. Abdul Hamid Al-Ameen, Head of the Mercy Relief Society in Norway, emphasized the significant role played by Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in caring for Muslims and serving Islam.


Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)
Updated 15 February 2026
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Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

  • Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do

DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.

This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements. 

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)

The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.

The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.

FASTFACTS

• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.

• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.

Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.

Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”

Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema. 

“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.

By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.