Creation of Academy of Arabic Poetry under Taif University firmed up

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal chairs a meeting in Jeddah with the members of The Academy of Arabic Poetry on Sunday. (SPA)
Updated 16 September 2018
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Creation of Academy of Arabic Poetry under Taif University firmed up

JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal announced the allocation of 10,000 square meters of land within the new Taif project, during a meeting with the board of trustees of the Academy of Arabic Poetry on Sunday.

During a meeting in Jeddah, the governor discussed the updates on the announcement of the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Award for Arabic poetry.

Dr. Hossam bin Abdul Wahab Zaman, director of Taif University, made a presentation about the founding of the academy and its office in the city.

The meeting discussed proposals between the academy and a number of bodies to develop cultural activities, including nurturing literary talents and spreading poetry culture in the region.

The academy, which will operate under the umbrella of Taif University, is a new addition to the existing cultural institutions in the region, in line with Vision 2030.

Taif University intends to boost cultural activities under the supervision of the Makkah governor, with the aim of launching various training programs, workshops, lectures and programs to boost poetry culture in Arab societies.

Poetry has a special place in the history of Arabic language and culture.

Experts believe that modern technology and social media can play an important role in the language flourishing across the world. Present knowledge of Arabic poetry dates from the 6th century, but oral poetry is believed to predate that.

Arabic poetry is categorized into two main types, rhymed or measured, and prose, with the former greatly preceding the latter. 


Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses

Updated 24 January 2026
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Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses

  • Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs

RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.

Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.

More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.

Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.

Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.

He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.

Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.

A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.

Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”

This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.