Arabic calligraphy in the spotlight at Saudi King’s Cup final

Photo/SPA
Short Url
Updated 28 November 2020
Follow

Arabic calligraphy in the spotlight at Saudi King’s Cup final

  • The interest is reflected in the major cultural projects that have been set up during King Salman’s reign

RIYADH: Arabic calligraphy took a starring role in the King’s Cup final on Saturday between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
The players had their names written in Arabic on their shirts for the first time in the history of the tournament’s final.
The presence of Arabic calligraphy in the final was an extension of a campaign led by the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports, to Arabize the shirts of local club players in tournaments.
The “Year of Arabic Calligraphy” was launched by the Ministry of Culture to celebrate the art of Arabic calligraphy and enhance its presence in society, with initiatives that highlight the art and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a patron and champion of Arabic calligraphy.
This interest in the Arabic language, its arts and aesthetics is one of the main cultural pillars that the Saudi leadership has paid attention to, especially given its links to the Kingdom’s rich heritage and cultural identity. The interest is reflected in the major cultural projects that have been set up during King Salman’s reign.
The projects are characterized by their diversity and their coverage of all creative channels, including the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and King Salman International Complex for the Arabic Language and the focus on developing books and libraries. 


Saudi Arabia advances education investment through new partnerships

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia advances education investment through new partnerships

  • Riyadh forum sees 12 agreements signed to enhance infrastructure, innovation, capacity building, and public-private collaboration

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan inaugurated the second Education and Training Investment Forum in Riyadh.

The two-day event, which concluded on Monday, was attended by leaders, decision-makers, investors, and experts.

The forum focused on transforming the education sector into a key economic driver, aligned with the Human Capability Development Program and Saudi Vision 2030.

In his speech, Al-Benyan highlighted the support of the Kingdom’s leadership, enabling the ministry to foster partnerships with the private and nonprofit sectors.

This includes launching an investor guide to facilitate foreign investment in education through legislative frameworks ensuring secure returns.

During the forum, 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed between the education ecosystem and various entities, focusing on education investment, training development, capacity building, and innovation.

These agreements aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and improve educational outcomes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The minister also honored outstanding students who excelled in international competitions, including the 2025 WorldSkills Asia and the Seoul International Invention Fair, recognizing their contributions to excellence and innovation.

The forum featured over 1,500 participants, including government leaders, educational institutions, and investors, and included panel discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops on investment strategies in education and successful public-private partnerships.

On the sidelines of the forum, New Murabba, a Public Investment Fund company, signed a memorandum of understanding with Tatweer Buildings Co., a subsidiary of Tatweer Education Holding Co.

The MoU establishes an exploratory collaboration to strengthen educational infrastructure and support community development in downtown Riyadh, the SPA added.

Under the agreement, New Murabba and Tatweer Buildings Co. will share expertise, form strategic partnerships, and co-develop programs to enhance the design, development, and operation of educational and community-focused projects.

The MoU also emphasizes incorporating global best practices in the design and operation of educational spaces, the SPA reported.

Both parties are committed to promoting sustainability by exploring eco-friendly solutions for future facilities and projects.

The collaboration will also provide consultancy and thought leadership to improve the quality and impact of educational initiatives.

The agreement includes exploring economic feasibility studies, supporting innovative public-private partnerships, and driving long-term, high-impact investments in the sector.

Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba, said: “This partnership with Tatweer Buildings Co. reflects our shared vision for shaping world-class educational and community spaces. Together, we aim to deliver projects that are purpose-driven, sustainable, and aligned with Saudi Arabia’s future ambitions.”