JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia faces “great challenges” in preserving its national identity as it keeps up with modern society, the minister of Islamic affairs said Saturday.
Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh told delegates at a conference in Cairo that it was a shared duty to preserve religious constants and national identity.
“This is especially significant as we face great challenges of building the national character that combines preserving authentic national identity and keeping pace with contemporary civil society,” he said.
He was speaking at the 29th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, which was organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf (religious endowments) under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
More than 150 people — including ministers, scientists, intellectuals and professors — took part in the conference.
The Saudi minister stressed it was important for people to actively participate in developing their nation and contributing to its progress and prosperity.
He explained that the process was hard on a practical level as it demanded loyalty and perseverance, “especially amid the unprecedented openness” of traditional and new forms of media and communication.
Al-Asheikh said that Saudi citizens were proud of their identity and protected their nation against any danger because they loved and respected their country and leaders.
“It has also made Saudis respect other peoples who love their countries and prevented them from intervening in their affairs,” he added.
Preserving national identity a challenge: Saudi Arabia's Islamic affairs minister
Preserving national identity a challenge: Saudi Arabia's Islamic affairs minister
- Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh told delegates at a conference in Cairo that it was a shared duty to preserve national identity
- More than 150 people — including ministers, scientists, intellectuals and professors — took part in the conference
Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day with displays, special events
- Nation goes green in show of unity, belonging
- Current design of the flag, which represents unity and sovereignty, was adopted in 1937
RIYADH: A new art exhibition has opened at King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, as the country celebrates Flag Day, which fell on Wednesday.
The event, titled “In Love with Green,” is being held in collaboration with the Saudi Art Association and features 20 fine art paintings inspired by the Saudi flag, as well as other cultural and contemporary images and landmarks.
The current design of the flag, which represents unity and sovereignty, was adopted in 1937. It features the Shahada and a sword symbolizing justice and safety, representing the unification of the Kingdom during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
The exhibition, at the library’s services branch and reading halls on Khurais Road, was opened by the library’s Director General Bandar Al-Mubarak and the association’s board chair Hanaa Al-Shibly.
Visitors can attend from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Elsewhere in the country, public spaces and buildings have become a sea of green for Flag Day.
In Al-Baha, government buildings, squares and main roads were decorated with green lighting and national flags were hoisted in public squares.
It was a similar picture in Makkah, where people celebrated the annual show of pride and belonging against a green backdrop.
In Tabuk, authorities installed more than 7,000 flags along roads, squares and bridges, while the region’s landmarks and tunnels were illuminated with green and white lights.
More than 10,000 Saudi flags were also hoisted in Jazan, where Souk Al-Awalin in Jazan City is set to host a range of events and performances to mark the special occasion.
