JEDDAH: Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, the newly appointed editor in chief of Arab News, said yesterday that the English daily would focus on developing its content and taking the voice of Saudis and other Arabs to the outside world.
“Arab News’ long history and its huge asset of experience and reputation will certainly enable the paper to play a pivotal role in the Arab media,” said Al-Harthi, who took charge as new editor in chief of the paper yesterday.
Al-Harthi, who holds a master’s degree in international journalism from UK’s City University and has over 20 years' experience in the media, said Arab News would also focus on encouraging and exchanging thoughts through the new media.
Prince Faisal bin Salman, chairman of Saudi Research and Marketing Group, announced Al-Harthi’s appointment on Friday as part of SRMG’s new vision to achieve its strategic goals. The prince said Al-Harthi would continue in his present position as editor in chief of Sayidaty women’s magazine in Arabic and English.
Al-Harthi thanked Prince Faisal, and members of SRMG boards of directors and trustees for vesting their confidence in him through this appointment. He also thanked Abdulwahab Al-Faiz, CEO of Nashr Company and former editor in chief of Arab News, for his contributions in strengthening the newspaper.
Al-Harthi, who has a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering, began his career at Asharq Al-Awsat international Arabic daily published from London before joining Arab News in 1992 as a correspondent.
He has also worked as a visiting journalist at The Financial Times in London. In 2002, he won a Gulf Excellence Award in Journalism. Two years later he was named editor in chief of Sayidaty and Al Jamila magazines. He also supervised the shifting of the two magazines to Dubai Media Center.
Al-Harthi has played a leading role in the efforts to bring out a number of specialized issues of Sayidaty such as Sayidaty Décor, Sayidaty and Your Children, and Sayidaty for Education. He also supervised the establishment of Sayidaty magazine in English.
A founding member of the Arab Youth Leaders Forum at Davos Middle East conference, Al-Harthi was also a member of Gulf 2000 project at Columbia University in New York. He holds memberships of the Journalists Union in the UK and WAN-IFRA, a world association of journalists and news publishers.
Al-Harthi: Arab News to take voice of Arabs to the world
Al-Harthi: Arab News to take voice of Arabs to the world
AlUla revives Tantora Ceremony, reaffirming cultural tradition
- Event is cornerstone of intangible heritage
ALULA: The historic Tantora Ceremony will be revived in AlUla Old Town on Monday, reaffirming one of the region’s most distinctive cultural traditions while also being a cornerstone of its intangible heritage.
The Tantora is a sundial that residents once relied on to mark the start of the agricultural season and the arrival of Al-Marba’aniyah, a key winter period, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This year’s ceremony forms part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage and make it a part of contemporary public life.
The program features a range of activities highlighting the Tantora’s historic role and enduring significance. Visitors can expect traditional performances, artisan showcases, and sessions that explore how the Tantora was used, alongside demonstrations that evoke everyday life in AlUla’s past.
The event will deepen public understanding of the Tantora as one of AlUla’s most notable expressions of intangible heritage. By revisiting its connection to seasonal change, winter’s onset and agricultural preparation, the ceremony will shed light on the rhythms that once shaped life in the region.
Reviving the Tantora Ceremony reflects the commission’s commitment to encourage community participation and connect younger generations with AlUla’s historic legacy, the SPA added.
The commission said the celebration underscored AlUla’s dedication to protecting its assets and enhancing their role in sustainable development, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its core pillars of quality of life and balanced national growth.
The Winter at Tantora Festival runs until Jan. 10, and attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.
In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.
