Makkah governor receives Italian Consul General in Jeddah

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal received Italian Consul General Elisabetta Martini in Jeddah. (SPA)
Updated 22 November 2018
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Makkah governor receives Italian Consul General in Jeddah

  • She called on the governor to bid farewell after completing her diplomatic assignment in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal received Italian Consul General Elisabetta Martini in Jeddah on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest.

According to the Italian Consulate’s Twitter account, she called on the governor to bid farewell after completing her diplomatic assignment in Jeddah.

Earlier, Martini described Saudi Arabia as “a very powerful country in terms of natural resources, in terms of being a regional power, a country that maintains the regional balance in the Middle East.”

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini had some warm words for Saudi Arabia after meeting with the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Italy Prince Faisal bin Sattam.

“Saudi Arabia is an element of stability and reliability both in bilateral relations and as an actor in the more general Middle Eastern chessboard. My intention is to relaunch the collaboration between the two countries to resume a constructive dialogue, not only in terms of security but in all economic, commercial and cultural sectors,” he said.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.