Saudi Shura Speaker Leads Delegation at IPU Assembly in Geneva

The 11th Katara Festival for Arabic Novel continued on Friday and will run until October 19. The festival includes seminars, discussion panels, and book launches, offering a platform for authors, translators, and readers to explore Arabic literature.

One seminar, titled “The Novel and the Aesthetics of Translation,” discussed how storytelling connects with language and culture, and how translation serves as a bridge between different languages. Speakers included novelist Mohamed Suleiman Al Shazly, and translators Sameh Kroum and Kholoud Amr, with Dr. Hanaa Al Bawab moderating the session.

Another session featured writer Abdel Aziz Al Sayed, who discussed his novel “The Carnation Seller”, moderated by journalist Mohamed Dahou.

The festival also hosted a seminar called “The Novel: From Text to Reader: Marketing Mechanisms and the Horizon of Dissemination.” Speakers included novelist Jalal Barjas, marketing specialist Aya Al Zein, and digital marketing expert Jibril Kahlout. The discussion focused on how writers connect with audiences through social media, the role of literary awards in promoting books, and digital marketing strategies for literature.

Another important seminar explored “The Novel and Television Drama in the Gulf: From Written Narration to Spoken Image.” Speakers included Dr. Marzouq Bashir, Mirza Al-Khuwailidi, Rashid Malhas, and Mohammed Al Nashmi, with Dr. Fahd Al Hindal as moderator. The seminar examined how novels are adapted for TV and how storytelling transitions from text to screen.

Alongside the seminars, the Katara Book Fair showcased the latest publications from participating publishers. Katara Publishing House launched “Financial Oversight During Crises” by Dr. Salwa Hamed Al Mulla, which explores the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dar Rosa released several new titles, including “Coffee with a Little Fascism” by Sheikh Nawaf bin Mubarak Al-Thani, a book on digital photography by Abdullah Al Jassim, and “Fresh Thoughts” by Jassim Abdulrahman Al Khouri.

The festival continues to be a key eveSheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council, led the Saudi delegation to the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva. During the assembly, he held several high-level meetings with leaders from Gulf and Arab countries to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and coordination.

Dr. Al Al-Sheikh met with Bahraini Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed Al-Musallam and UAE Federal National Council member Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, who leads the UAE delegation. They discussed ways to enhance joint Gulf parliamentary coordination, exchanged views on the IPU agenda, and addressed regional and international issues of shared interest.

The meetings focused on collaboration between Gulf countries to support legislative efforts, share experiences, and work together on matters affecting the region. The discussions also emphasized the importance of joint actions and dialogue to promote stability, development, and mutual understanding among Gulf states.

Dr. Al Al-Sheikh met with Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) Secretary-General Dr. Ahmed bin Alawi Hafeedh Baabood. They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Saudi Shura Council and the AIPU, aiming to advance joint Arab parliamentary initiatives. The discussions also covered the agenda for the Arab Coordination Group Meeting, which took place alongside the IPU Assembly.

Through these meetings, the Saudi delegation highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to active engagement in regional and international parliamentary work. The discussions focused on promoting legislative collaboration, joint initiatives, and dialogue, ensuring that Arab and Gulf parliamentary bodies can work together effectively on issues of common concern.

The IPU Assembly serves as an important global platform for parliamentarians to discuss international and regional challenges, exchange experiences, and develop strategies for cooperation. By participating in these meetings, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its parliamentary relations with Gulf and Arab countries while contributing to regional coordination and international dialogue.

Dr. Al Al-Sheikh’s meetings demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance legislative cooperation, support joint parliamentary actions, and play an active role in shaping discussions on regional and global issues through diplomacy and dialogue.nt for Arabic literature, providing a space for creativity, learning, and cultural exchange. It allows readers to engage with authors, discover new books, and explore how Arabic novels connect with modern audiences.