Milky Way stargazing event to explore AlUla’s wonders
The gathering will engage AlUla residents, visitors, astronomy enthusiasts and space researchers in an interactive experience, including field observation sessions and scientific discussions led by members of the AlUla Astronomy Club
Updated 26 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The AlUla Manara team is organizing a stargazing event on Monday evening to explore AlUla’s wonders and observe the Milky Way during one of the best viewing periods of the month.
The iconic Arch Rock will host the event as part of a year-round series of activities aimed at enhancing community awareness of astronomy, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The gathering will engage AlUla residents, visitors, astronomy enthusiasts and space researchers in an interactive experience, including field observation sessions and scientific discussions led by members of the AlUla Astronomy Club.
Such initiatives help foster a scientific culture and encourage community interest in cosmic discoveries, the SPA added.
Participants will have the opportunity to witness the Milky Way firsthand, track various astronomical phenomena such as meteor showers and observe the North Star.
The event promises a captivating visual experience in a natural setting free from light pollution, blending contemplation with the joy of stargazing.
The initiative is part of the AlUla Manara team’s efforts to support educational pathways and scientific exploration, while promoting community events related to science and discovery, in line with Vision 2030 goals for innovation and the diversification of cultural and tourism experiences.
Jeddah Book Fair set to showcase rising Saudi literary scene
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops
Updated 09 December 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is preparing to host the Jeddah Book Fair from Dec. 11 to 20 at Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries across 400 booths.
Held under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair is part of the commission’s “Saudi Reads” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
Jeddah Book Fair’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage. (Supplied/@saudibookfairs)
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, CEO of the commission, said the Jeddah Book Fair reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to cultural development and the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s literature, publishing and translation sector.
He highlighted the fair’s interactive programs for publishers, authors, translators and the public, which are designed to enhance content quality, support creative development and foster knowledge partnerships.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Jeddah Book Fair seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
• It will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
• The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers.
The event also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural hub attracting major publishers, content creators and investors.
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops. A dedicated children’s zone will feature literary and entertainment activities tailored to young visitors, along with competitions to inspire reading and creativity.
The fair will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
Book-signing stations will give readers the chance to meet their favorite authors, while cultural organizations, community groups and universities will present their latest publications and initiatives.
A manga and anime zone will highlight collectibles from the genre, alongside specialized books. A discounted books section will also be available to promote wider access to reading.
The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers, where hundreds of titles across literary and cultural fields will be showcased, underscoring the fair’s role in nurturing local talent and enriching the Kingdom’s evolving literary scene.
