RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman will gift 50,060 copies of the Qur’an, in various sizes and translations, to Thailand, which will be delivered in a ceremony in the capital, Bangkok, on Saturday, in the presence of political and Islamic figures, scholars and preachers.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, represented by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, will deliver the copies, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to deliver the gift to Muslims around the world before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, the minister of Islamic affairs and the general supervisor of the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah, expressed his thanks and appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts and their continuous support for all works related to printing, publishing and educating on the Islamic holy book.
He pointed out that this gift is the Kingdom’s lofty message that emanates from its leadership in the Islamic world, which also coincides with the development and distinction of relations between the two countries.
He said this gift was an extension of what Saudi Arabia has previously sent to Thailand in the past years, and coincides with the development of bilateral relations.
He said the Qur’an has been translated in more than 76 languages, and the complex had increased its production rate by more than 100 percent, from 7 million copies annually to 20 million copies annually in high quality.
Al-Alsheikh also said that production until the end of last year had exceeded 345 million copies, of which more than 320 million were distributed as a gift from the Kingdom to Muslims around the world.
Saudi king gifts Thailand over 50,000 copies of Qur’an ahead of Ramadan
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Saudi king gifts Thailand over 50,000 copies of Qur’an ahead of Ramadan
- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs will deliver the copies at a ceremony in Bangkok
Top French chef assists Saudi talent to create gourmet excellence
- Chef Jacques Rolancy seeks to develop skills, ties with Saudi
- Good France initiative working with KSA culinary commission
JEDDAH: The Good France event in Jeddah recently brought together top French chef Jacques Rolancy with rising local talent from the Bunyan Academy, sponsored by the Culinary Arts Commission.
The 23 male and female students who took part on Sunday are all pursuing their associate diplomas in culinary arts at the academy. They are the first group sponsored by the Ministry of Culture’s commission.
Good France, initiated in 2015 by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and renowned chef Alain Ducasse, celebrates the nation’s gastronomy worldwide.
Recognized by UNESCO, the initiative highlights chefs’ skills, local ingredients and the rich heritage of French cuisine, while promoting cultural exchange and international collaboration.
Mohammed Nehad, consul general of France in Jeddah, praised the collaboration. “The participation of Bunyan Academy students tonight shows the strength of Franco-Saudi cooperation in training and culinary arts.
“Their collaboration with chef Jacques Rolancy is a valuable opportunity. They came to assist, to support, and most importantly, to learn from an (award-winning) Meilleur Ouvrier de France.
“This exchange reflects our shared commitment to developing skills, promoting gastronomy and strengthening the ties between our two countries.
“(Good France) is not only a dinner, it is a moment of learning, sharing and cooperation.”
Dareen Saleh, culinary arts instructor at Bunyan Academy, said: “It was an honor for our students to participate in such an event.
“They are at the foundation and intermediate levels of the diploma program, and this was their first industry experience.
“They learned a lot, worked hard, and were genuinely excited. Each one of them did a fantastic job.”
Rolancy, who has worked in some of France’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, including the renowned three-star restaurant Jamin, described his approach.
“I had to balance creating dishes that are both exciting for the guests and manageable for the students. Collaboration with Bunyan Academy was great and very exciting.”
Saudi culinary alumna Arwa Hamad, a 2023 graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, also participated, assisting the chef and mentoring the students.
“It was an honor to work alongside chef Rolancy and Bunyan Academy students.
“This masterclass allowed me to refine my skills and celebrate the role of Saudi chefs who have dedicated themselves to building their careers internationally,” she said.
The event attracted business leaders and French delegates.
