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RIYADH: ����ֱ��, led by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, is taking part in the Seoul International Book Fair and the Beijing International Book Fair, both being held from June 18 to 22.

The Kingdom inaugurated its pavilion at the Seoul International Book Fair 2025 on Wednesday at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in the South Korean capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Commission CEO Abdullatif Abdulaziz Al-Wasel said ����ֱ��’s participation reflects its growing presence in global cultural events.

He said the initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering partnerships with international publishing houses and building cultural bridges.

The Saudi delegation includes representatives from the King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahd National Library, the Publishing Association, and local publishing houses, as well as the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, and Nashir publishing and distribution company.

KSGAAL Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Washmi said the fair provides a platform for engaging with those interested in the Arabic language and culture. It also offers an opportunity to underscore ����ֱ��’s efforts to support the Arabic language and promote its use in academic and technical fields.

The academy is presenting a selection of its latest publications and introducing visitors to its digital platforms and initiatives for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, compiling dictionaries, and developing linguistic resources to support Arabic digital content.

The Saudi pavilion is also at the Beijing International Book Fair 2025, which kicked off at the China National Convention and Exhibition Center on Wednesday.

The book fair is part of 2025 being celebrated as Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, reflecting the strength of bilateral relations built on decades of friendship and cooperation and embodying both countries’ aspirations to enhance cultural and intellectual exchanges between their peoples.

During the five-day book fair, the Saudi pavilion presents a diverse literary and cultural program that reflects the growing momentum of the Saudi cultural scene, displaying the Kingdom’s evolving creative and intellectual landscape.

The pavilion reflects a spirit of cultural dialogue and openness, making the exhibition a key international platform to present Saudi initiatives in the book sector while deepening literary and cultural relations with intellectual figures and global publishing houses.

MAKKAH: Amr Al-Maddah, undersecretary for Hajj and Umrah services at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has launched the inaugural Ekram Excellence Award for Hajj season 2025.

The award recognizes top-performing hospitality centers affiliated with Ekram Al-Dayf, a division of Ashraqat company serving Arab pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Adnan Saleh Al-Shehri, adviser for excellence and awards at Ekram Al-Dayf, said the initiative aims to inspire excellence in administration and operations.

It seeks to deliver high-quality, sustainable services in line with Vision 2030, the ministry’s goals, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and Ekram Al-Dayf’s strategy.

The award honors outstanding centers, promotes a culture of quality and commitment, and encourages compliance with service standards.

It also aims to boost competition among providers, improve performance indicators, and support innovation, according to the SPA.

The initiative further promotes social responsibility, volunteerism, and enhances the overall pilgrim experience. It aligns with the ministry’s broader efforts to raise hospitality standards and ensure an exceptional Hajj journey.