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RIYADH: A platform on wheels has been rolled out to celebrate and promote traditional arts through a tour across the Kingdom’s regions.

The “Craftsman Bus,” an initiative of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, will run until Nov. 23, offering cultural and creative experiences with live performances, interactive activities, parades, creative workshops and community art showcases.

Each weekend, the bus stops at King Faisal Park (Education Park) in Hafr Al-Batin governorate, the historic market in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate, and concludes its journey at the heritage village in Jazan.

The event features live demonstrations by skilled local craftsmen, showcasing traditional arts such as Sadu weaving, hand embroidery, wickerwork, leather tanning, incense making, stone carving and metal crafting to create ornaments and jewelry with a traditional flair.

It offers visitors the opportunity to learn traditional crafts and unleash their creativity through interactive artistic workshops.

The bus travels to selected locations, showcasing performances that highlight the unique cultural heritage of each region.

The journey begins with Samri art in Hafar Al-Batin governorate, continues with Dahha art in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate and concludes with the vibrant Azzawi art in Jazan, bringing traditional performing arts closer to communities.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts is a pioneering institution dedicated to showcasing ��������Ƶ’s national identity and elevating traditional arts on both the local and global stages.

Its mission is to preserve the heritage of these arts, celebrate living treasures and pioneers, and recognize distinguished individuals in the field.

By supporting national talent and encouraging the mastery and development of traditional crafts, the institute is ensuring that the rich legacy of ��������Ƶ’s creative arts remains vibrant, innovative and celebrated for generations to come.

RIYADH: Translation is the “backbone” of ��������Ƶ’s transformation, building bridges with the world, and supporting Vision 2030, an international forum in Riyadh has been told.

The International Translation Forum, which concluded in Riyadh on Saturday, explored how translation can foster cultural exchange, improve global dialogue, and attract investment.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the two-day summit attracted professionals, scholars and industry leaders from around the world.

The forum highlighted translation’s crucial role in building international relations, attracting investment, and promoting Saudi culture worldwide.

It also covered the latest developments in translation, showcased new practices and technologies, and addressed local and international challenges for translators.

Notable speaker Amer Qobti, a Ph.D. candidate at Kent State University in Ohio, emphasized translation’s essential role in the nation’s transformation.

“Translation is actually the backbone of this transformation. The country’s vision is actually built on opening to other cultures, attracting outside interests, and all of these initiatives need translation,” Qobti said.

“Without translation, there is no international dialogue, no contact with other investors to come to ��������Ƶ, and without it, foreign companies won’t explore Saudi culture. I would say for any success in the country’s transformation, translation should be part of it.”

The forum featured over 10 panel discussions, seven “Translation Tales” sessions, and six discussion circles, allowing participants to explore various translation specializations and strategies.

With contributions from over 45 local and international experts, the event highlighted ��������Ƶ’s growing translation industry and its alignment with the Kingdom’s ambition to become a cultural and economic powerhouse.

The Publishing Association, under the Ministry of Culture and the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector, introduced initiatives to support Saudi publishers, launched during the Riyadh International Book Fair in October 2023.

Aimed at Saudi publishing houses, the association seeks to strengthen industry ties, provide essential resources, and advocate best practices in publishing. These initiatives empower local publishers to expand their reach and connect with international markets.

In addition to talks, the forum offered interactive translation experiences and specialized workshops on topics such as “Digital Presence and Translators’ Professional Identity” and “Integrating GenAI into CAT Tools,” equipping participants with practical skills and insights into the latest tech advancements.

A unique feature of the forum was its focus on fostering both competition and collaboration among translation professionals. It aimed to give translators and publishers an opportunity to share insights, engage in high-level discussions, and explore innovative solutions to enhance professional standards.

The forum included an exhibition featuring about 30 entities specializing in translation, showcasing the latest technologies and tools to support the sector.

The exhibition offered opportunities to enhance cooperation and build strategic partnerships with academic institutions, technology companies, and media outlets, aiming to develop and modernize translation methods.