King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates
A total of 168 male and female students were honored. (SPA)
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Updated 13 sec ago
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King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language held a ceremony in Riyadh recently to celebrate the graduation of the second group of non-native speakers from the Abjad Center.

A total of 168 male and female students were honored after fulfilling all the program’s requirements, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said the Abjad Center offers a learning experience designed to equip non-native speakers with strong and effective communication skills.

Al-Washmi added that the program reflects the refinement of the academy’s educational model, reinforcing its role as a leading scientific authority on the Arabic language.

The initiative amplifies the academy’s educational and cultural impact in line with the objectives of the nation’s Human Capability Development Program, he said.


Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration
Updated 9 sec ago
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Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration
  • The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub

MADINAH: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and the Royal Commission for AlUla have formalized a collaboration agreement to enhance cultural exchange and establish a framework to broaden global understanding of northern Arabia’s ancient civilizations and cultural legacy.

The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub. Rooted in mutual dedication to cultural preservation and celebration, the collaboration will unlock new research opportunities and deepen insights into ancient Kingdom artistry, with special focus on the Dadanite civilization.

Experts will conduct joint initiatives in art conservation, historic research, archaeological exploration, and scientific analysis. The institutions will collaborate on exhibitions and artifact exchanges, bringing cultural treasures to international audiences.

Professional development programs covering exhibition curation, research methodologies, narrative development, and museum operations will enhance expertise among staff at AlUla’s museums and the Smithsonian.


Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting
Updated 3 min 4 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

RIYADH: The Kingdom, represented by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, took part in the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, held on Thursday via video conferencing.

Nazaha President Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous expressed his thanks to the association’s president and Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, Danny Woo, for organizing the meeting and for the association’s efforts to promote international cooperation in combating corruption.

He added that the Kingdom, represented by Nazaha, has paid significant attention to strengthening international partnerships in the fields of combating corruption and protecting integrity, and these efforts have resulted in a number of tangible achievements.

Al-Kahmous said that the Kingdom believes in the pivotal role played by the association in solidifying the principles of transparency and facilitating the exchange of expertise, knowledge and experiences.


Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital

Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital
Updated 10 min 49 sec ago
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Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital

Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital

If you are looking for an authentic taste of Japanese curry in Riyadh, look no further than Kokoro.

Nestled in Al-Yasmeen district, this cozy restaurant has made its way from Alkhobar and quickly captured the hearts of curry enthusiasts.

On entering Kokoro, you are transported into a minimalist Japanese setting that feels like stepping into a traditional home. The ambiance is warm and inviting, enhanced by the friendly staff who make you feel at home.

Kokoro specializes in Japanese curry, offering a delightful departure from the more common Indian curry. The menu features a variety of options, including chicken, shrimp, and beef curry. You will love the Kokoro Special, designed for two at a reasonable price of SR51 (about $14).

The curry here is distinctively good, offering a distinctive flavor profile. The spice levels range from 0 to 5.

You might start with some appetizers. The gyoza dumplings are a standout. They are perfectly cooked and flavorful, while the sweet potatoes are decent but don’t quite impress. For the main course, you might indulge in the chicken Katsu curry, which is crispy and juicy, and never disappoints.

The service is impressively fast.

Kokoro can get quite busy, so downloading the Requeue app to manage your wait time is recommended. While the line can be long, the food is undoubtedly worth it. You also must try both the shrimp and chicken Katsu; each dish is flavorful and well-spiced.

The vibrant flavors and cozy atmosphere here make it a memorable dining experience. If you are in Riyadh and craving Japanese curry, Kokoro is a must-visit.


Royal Commission highlights new and improved services for Hajj pilgrims

Royal Commission highlights new and improved services for Hajj pilgrims
Updated 21 min 52 sec ago
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Royal Commission highlights new and improved services for Hajj pilgrims

Royal Commission highlights new and improved services for Hajj pilgrims
  • Upgrades include enhanced bus network with 400 vehicles, plus 170,000 sq. m. pedestrian area with rubber flooring and 10,000 trees for shade
  • Healthcare provisions include a fully equipped hospital in the Mina valley with a capacity of 200 beds

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia stands ready to serve the pilgrims who have started to arrive in the country for this year’s Hajj, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites said on Thursday. It follows the development and enhancement of infrastructure in Makkah, Mina and Muzdalifah, including several transport and healthcare projects, it added.

Pedestrian sidewalks and shaded tracks in central of Makkah have been improved, and prayer yards have been expanded to accommodate Hajj crowds, the commission said.

Makkah’s bus network will operate with enhanced services during the period of the pilgrimage, with 400 buses serving 12 routes, 431 stops and four central bus stations.

A 170,000-square-meter pedestrian area in Muzdalifah, a key pilgrimage site southeast of Makkah, has been upgraded with rubber flooring and 10,000 trees to provide shade and reduce the effects of heat on pilgrims.

Healthcare provisions include a fully equipped hospital with a capacity of 200 beds in Mina, a remote valley, also southeast of Makkah, where pilgrims spend the night in tents before performing a Hajj ritual the next day.

The commission has also provided two-story tents to increase the accommodation for pilgrims spending the night in the valley, along with as multistory toilet facilities and electric-scooter services serving three routes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition, the commission has set up 71 emergency centers at various locations in Mina, as well as rest areas, shaded spots and 400 chilled water stations.

Hajj is expected to begin on June 4 and continue until June 9.


Taif rose farmers bid farewell to their most treasured harvest as season ends

Taif rose farmers bid farewell to their most treasured harvest as season ends
Updated 27 min 36 sec ago
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Taif rose farmers bid farewell to their most treasured harvest as season ends

Taif rose farmers bid farewell to their most treasured harvest as season ends
  • Rose oil used in perfumes is exported to markets across Europe and the Gulf
  • Rain poses threat to rose harvest as prices surge to SR1,800 ($480) per bottle

TAIF: As the Taif rose season comes to an end, the region’s farmers are reflecting on the challenges they have faced this year.

The season is one of the area’s most important agricultural and tourism events, marking the arrival of spring as rose farms across the highlands of Al-Hada, Al-Shafa and Taif’s terraced fields are transformed into breathtaking pink landscapes with intoxicating scents.

As it draws to a close, farmers work tirelessly to harvest the final blooms, while distillation plants extract the last precious drops of rose oil — each bottle of which is made from around 12,000 roses and can fetch prices up to SR1,800 ($480).

Despite weather-related challenges affecting yields, the Taif rose has preserved its renowned status.

Nestled among the towering mountains is the Taif Rose Terraces Farm, managed by Abdullah Al-Talhi. Speaking to Arab News, he discussed the current state of rose farming and its economic value, highlighting the impact of rainfall during the “dormant” period which negatively affected both the harvest and prices.

Rose season has a precise cycle which starts with pruning. If it rains during the following 40 days — a natural dormant period — the roses are at risk, as this phase requires dry weather for proper blooming.

Al-Talhi said the unexpected wet weather had provided this year’s biggest challenge, disrupting the plants’ natural rhythm, weakening the buds and causing them to bloom prematurely. This means a shorter flowering window and a faster decline in overall production.

“The rose season is like a gold harvest for farmers,” Al-Talhi said. “But when rain falls at the wrong time, the losses can be twofold.”

The lower yield significantly drove up the price of Taif rose oil, with a bottle reaching SR1,800 — an increase of SR600 on last year’s price.

Al-Talhi said any unplanned climate shift posed a serious threat to such delicate agriculture and stressed the importance of protecting this symbol of regional culture: “The Taif rose is a reflection of who we are,” he told Arab News.

Hamid Al-Sufyani, who owns one of Al-Shafa’s historic rose farms, highlighted the growing global prestige of Taif rose products, which are used in the creation of some of the world’s most luxurious perfumes and exported to markets across Europe and the Gulf.

“Demand for Taif rose oil increases year after year,” he said. “It’s regarded as one of the purest and most valuable essential oils in the world. Just one bottle requires nearly 12,000 roses, each hand-picked with care.”

Al-Sufyani said the Taif rose was used to represent the city at international exhibitions and agricultural fairs.

“I’ve personally participated in events abroad and witnessed firsthand how the name ‘Taif’ is immediately associated with roses by enthusiasts around the world,” he explained.

“That reputation wasn’t built overnight; it’s the result of years of dedication by farmers and the continued support of various organizations.”

He emphasized that sustaining this reputation required not only consistent quality but also the need to stay up to date with advancements in distillation, preservation and marketing, and urged government institutions to increase their support for farmers, given the Taif rose’s cultural and economic importance.