Dr. Afnan bint Abdullah Al-Shuaiby, Director General of international Relations at the Ministry of Culture

Updated 24 May 2019
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Dr. Afnan bint Abdullah Al-Shuaiby, Director General of international Relations at the Ministry of Culture

Dr. Afnan bint Abdullah Al-Shuaiby was appointed Director General of International Relations at the Ministry of Culture early this year.

Before her role at the ministry, Al-Shuaiby worked in business. She is a member of the board of directors of the London-based Arab International Women’s Forum.

Previously, Al-Shuaibi was the secretary-general and CEO of the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in London, where she was the first woman to assume this position. Al-Shuaibi served as CEO of the ABCC for 11 years, between 2007 and 2018.

Prior to this, she was an adviser to the president of the US-Saudi Arabian Business Council in Washington D.C. between 1998 and 2007.

Al-Shuaiby holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from King Saud University in Riyadh, a master’s degree in educational administration from the American University in Washington D.C., and a Ph.D. in leadership administration from George Washington University.

Recently, Al-Shuaiby met Dr. Khaled Manzlawi, deputy permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN, during her representation of the Saudi delegation participating in a meeting of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Manzlawi praised the efforts being exerted by the Ministry of Culture to highlight the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. They reviewed the ministry’s vision and programs aimed at developing the Saudi cultural and heritage sector.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 48 min 8 sec ago
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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.