Ithra Center to Host iRead Program Finals with Nobel Laureates, Amidst Middle Eastern Tensions and Saudi Innovations
King Abdulaziz Center hosts iRead closing ceremony with Nobel laureates; Saudi Arabia's innovations highlighted at Riyadh Book Fair.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture will host the closing ceremony of the ninth iRead program on Oct. 11-12 at the Ithra Center in Dhahran, featuring 10 contestants from seven Arab nations competing for the Reader of the Year title. Notable attendees include Nobel laureates Dr. Abdulrazak Gurnah and Olga Tokarczuk, with events including literary discussions and book signings.
American author Walter Isaacson praised Saudi Arabia’s advancements in renewable energy and entrepreneurship at the Riyadh International Book Fair, where he highlighted the Kingdom's innovation in solar energy. The fair, held from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5 at King Saud University, features over 200 activities and has Qatar as the guest of honor.
Meanwhile, the Yemeni government condemned Israeli airstrikes on the Houthi-held city of Hodeidah, describing them as a violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and international norms. These strikes resulted in four deaths and 40 injuries, coinciding with Houthi ballistic missile attacks on Israel, purportedly in support of Palestine.
In another development, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the possibility of deploying ground troops against Hezbollah in Lebanon, following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. The escalating conflict has resulted in continuous cross-border fire and air raids, with at least 558 casualties since September 23.
Moving to South Asia, a Pakistani court denied bail to imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in a graft case. Facing over 150 cases since his 2022 ousting, Khan alleges conspiracies behind his legal woes and the couple remains in separate cells at Adiala prison awaiting their October 2 indictment.
Finally, Millennium Hotels and Resorts is negotiating expansion in Saudi Arabia, aiming to enter Riyadh and other key cities. The company plans to diversify into the resort market and introduce additional brands, including a new Copthorne hotel in Jeddah, while also supporting the Saudization program to enhance the authentic Saudi experience for visitors.
American author Walter Isaacson praised Saudi Arabia’s advancements in renewable energy and entrepreneurship at the Riyadh International Book Fair, where he highlighted the Kingdom's innovation in solar energy. The fair, held from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5 at King Saud University, features over 200 activities and has Qatar as the guest of honor.
Meanwhile, the Yemeni government condemned Israeli airstrikes on the Houthi-held city of Hodeidah, describing them as a violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and international norms. These strikes resulted in four deaths and 40 injuries, coinciding with Houthi ballistic missile attacks on Israel, purportedly in support of Palestine.
In another development, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the possibility of deploying ground troops against Hezbollah in Lebanon, following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. The escalating conflict has resulted in continuous cross-border fire and air raids, with at least 558 casualties since September 23.
Moving to South Asia, a Pakistani court denied bail to imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in a graft case. Facing over 150 cases since his 2022 ousting, Khan alleges conspiracies behind his legal woes and the couple remains in separate cells at Adiala prison awaiting their October 2 indictment.
Finally, Millennium Hotels and Resorts is negotiating expansion in Saudi Arabia, aiming to enter Riyadh and other key cities. The company plans to diversify into the resort market and introduce additional brands, including a new Copthorne hotel in Jeddah, while also supporting the Saudization program to enhance the authentic Saudi experience for visitors.
