JEDDAH: Iranian judicial authorities have held a hotel in the northeastern city of Mashhad responsible for the June incident in which 32 Saudi nationals were affected and four children died after inhaling toxic fumes in the hotel room.
The hotel has been ordered to pay blood money for the Saudi children.
The children were Deema Al-Fakher, 13, her brother Hassan Abdul Ghani, 3, and two babies — Haidar Ali Qassim and Hassan Ali Al-Awami.
Abdul Ghani Al-Fakher and his wife are receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of a local hospital.
Abdullah Al-Hamrani, Saudi consul general in Mashhad, said the Iranian judicial inquiry has confirmed that the four children died of poisoning.
The tragedy struck the families from Qatif who were staying in the hotel rooms on the fourth floor. The authorities also ordered the hotel to compensate the injured.
Saudi kids’ deaths: Iran hotel to pay blood money
Saudi kids’ deaths: Iran hotel to pay blood money
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.
