Mina, June 04, 2025, SPA — Minister of Media and Saudi Press Agency (SPA) board Chairman Salman Al-Dossary on Wednesday launched the Saudi Photos Platform (cc.spa.gov.sa), developed by SPA. The platform provides free access to verified images that can be used and shared under the Creative Commons license (CC BY-SA 4.0). The launch took place during the minister’s visit to the second edition annual Hajj Media Hub, held at the Makkah Chamber for Exhibitions and Events Center, in the presence of representatives from local and international media outlets. SPA acting President Ali Alzaid stated that the platform reflects SPA’s approach to expanding the use of its visual archive and enabling content creators worldwide to access and use it freely within a regulated framework that protects rights and encourages creativity. He noted that launching the platform from Makkah carries symbolic significance, reflecting the city’s role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s message to the world. He also affirmed that the platform represents a step toward strengthening the Kingdom’s visual presence in the digital space. The platform offers high-resolution images, organized by category and accompanied by details on the occasion and publication date. It is regularly updated to document local events and is fully supported in both Arabic and English. The project is part of SPA’s ongoing digital transformation plans, focusing on modern publishing tools and broader partnerships with users and media organizations. https://spa.gov.sa/N2334469

Madinah June 4, 2025 – SPA, The “Rouh Al-Madinah” platform, supervised by the Madinah Region Development Authority, has released the second digital issue of its interactive monthly magazine. The magazine aims to enrich the experience of visitors and residents in Madinah by highlighting cultural and tourism events, and by offering informative content that showcases the city’s rich urban and heritage diversity. This issue focuses on the most notable tourism events that took place in Madinah during May 2025, covering cultural activities, entertainment shows, and community initiatives held across the city—reflecting its growing tourism momentum and its rising role as a vibrant travel destination. The issue also offers suggestions for exploring Madinah in June 2025 through an interactive tourism guide featuring key historical sites, natural trails, and cultural centers, along with program and activity recommendations suitable for families and visitors of all ages. This release aligns with the platform’s ongoing efforts to promote Madinah’s cultural depth and tourism variety through modern digital content that blends accurate information with attractive design and interactivity. You can read the issue here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/45e47e7d79.html For more information, visit the Rouh Al-Madinah platform: https://visitmadinahsa.com/sa-en Or the Madinah Region Development Authority website: https://www.mda.gov.sa/ Source

The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award has announced on Sunday the winners of its 19th edition, recognising the exceptional contributions of four distinguished Arab writers and thinkers in their respective fields. The winners include Iraqi poet Hamid Said who claimed the Poetry Award, while Iraqi novelist Inaam Kachachi was awarded the Short Story, Novel and Drama Award. The Literary Studies and Criticism award was awarded to Moroccan critic Hamid Lahmadi, while Tunisian thinker Abdeljalil Al Tamimi was honoured with the Humanities and Future Studies Award. Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, said that the award’s judging committee selected this group of distinguished Arab writers and thinkers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their respective fields and for their works that have enriched literature and culture across the Arab world. The Secretary-General stated: “After extensive deliberations among the the 19th edition’s jury members, it was decided to award the Poetry Award to poet Hamid Said for the coherence of his poetic journey and his deep engagement with both Arab and global cultural heritage. His work reflects a profound awareness of the evolution of Arabic poetry, capturing its interconnected artistic and historical dimensions.” He added that Hamid Said’s poetry draws its substance and aesthetic from a life marked by both pain and hope, coupled with a deep understanding of the challenges of the era—culminating in a poignant and evocative body of work that echoes the nation’s aspirations for a more beautiful and just future. The jury awarded the Short Story, Novel and Drama Prize to Iraqi novelist Inaam Kachachi in recognition of her distinguished literary work, which skillfully weaves together documentary and narrative elements. Her writing explores complex themes such as identity, exile, alienation, psychological fragmentation, and nostalgia—offering a rediscovery of the […]

Riyadh – The Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission has released a new scholarly publication titled “Philosophy and the Quality of Life”, highlighting key research papers presented at the Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2024. The publication includes selected academic papers by researchers from Saudi Arabia and around the world. It explores the connection between philosophy and quality of life from diverse intellectual perspectives, reflecting the richness of discussions and the variety of thought presented at the conference. This release is part of the Commission’s efforts to document the outcomes of the conference and promote philosophy as a vital part of public discourse, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance cultural and intellectual engagement. Source: The Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission

Madinah June 4, 2025 – SPA, The “Rouh Al-Madinah” platform, supervised by the Madinah Region Development Authority, has released the second digital issue of its interactive monthly magazine. The magazine aims to enrich the experience of visitors and residents in Madinah by highlighting cultural and tourism events, and by offering informative content that showcases the city’s rich urban and heritage diversity. This issue focuses on the most notable tourism events that took place in Madinah during May 2025, covering cultural activities, entertainment shows, and community initiatives held across the city—reflecting its growing tourism momentum and its rising role as a vibrant travel destination. The issue also offers suggestions for exploring Madinah in June 2025 through an interactive tourism guide featuring key historical sites, natural trails, and cultural centers, along with program and activity recommendations suitable for families and visitors of all ages. This release aligns with the platform’s ongoing efforts to promote Madinah’s cultural depth and tourism variety through modern digital content that blends accurate information with attractive design and interactivity. You can read the issue here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/45e47e7d79.html For more information, visit the Rouh Al-Madinah platform: https://visitmadinahsa.com/sa-en Or the Madinah Region Development Authority website: https://www.mda.gov.sa/ Source