Local News
Ahmed Al-Mulla is a twin of life between two sentences.
On the morning of May 25, 1961, the poet Ahmed Mohammed Al-Mulla was born in the Al-Kut neighborhood of Al-Hofuf. His mother was Aisha bint Hussein
On the morning of the twenty-fifth of May 1961, the poet Ahmed Muhammad Al-Mulla was born in the Al-Kut neighborhood of Al-Hofuf. His mother, Aisha bint Hussein Al-Arfaj, was from a lineage of distinguished families in Al-Ahsa, and his father, Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman Al-Mulla, belonged to families of knowledge and scholars whose homes were constantly visited by people seeking knowledge and having their needs met.
The poet child was always told by his mother that he was the first child in his family to be born in the hospital, while his three brothers who preceded him in life were born at home. She used to call the day of his birth the great Eid, which coincided with the eleventh of Dhu al-Hijjah in the year 1380 AH.
It was as if he was placed in the category of distinction from a young age, and this category grew with him little by little as life took him down the paths of poetry. He inherited from his father, as most sons inherit from their fathers in Al-Ahsa, a love for the palm tree. He learned from him how to embrace it as a mother embraces her child! How to listen with his keen senses to its roots in the soil! His father's stories and tales about it were like the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, as he remembers that the distance extending from their house, located on the western side of Al-Kut neighborhood, to their palm tree, "Al-Mukhaibari," located on the main road leading to Al-Mansoura village, holding his father's hand back and forth, was the life of the palm tree that was planted in his soul and heart, until the media figure Abdullah Al-Maghlouth said about him in an interview, "Whoever looks at the features of the poet Ahmed Al-Mulla will be certain that he came out of the womb of a palm tree. His brown eyes are dates, his mouth is a pit, and his limbs are tender branches.".
What a description that alerts us to a poem written by the poet in 2007 entitled “Al-Ahsa is my song and its palm trees have been abandoned by the farmers,” in which he recalls the times of childhood and youth and captures the longing whose waters used to flow from its bubbling springs, and recalls that life that used to ripen quickly on the palm trees and their branches, and remembers the rituals and topography of the places: “…broad times and the palm tree in this island is the mother and father and the refuge, the home and livelihood, the shade and the roof…the basket of bread and the flame of the loaf, the grandmother’s box and the bride’s kohl, the gift of the first fruits and the gold of the baskets, the shepherds’ staff and the wood of the axe.”.
As the young poet grew up in the alleyways of Hofuf and studied at its formal schools, such as Al-Fath Elementary School, his senses were awakened to the call of poetry. And how could they not be? He found himself surrounded by a world of books, whether at his father's house or at the home of his uncle, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mulla, who had established the first commercial library in Al-Ahsa. This greatly encouraged his adventure in reading. But there was another, more compelling reason that drew him even closer to poetry, one he often mentioned: his fascination and wonder at the characters he encountered in his neighborhood, whom he labeled as mad simply because their behavior didn't conform to public taste. The poem "Uwaymir... The Fire Needs an Owner," included in his collection (It's About to Happen, Followed by The Sleeper's Mirror), is but a fleeting glimpse into the effects of this fascination.
This spark of wonder grew within him like a small seedling in a field prepared for planting, and it later taught him that poetry can only be grasped when it lies dormant or hidden behind appearances. Listen to him say: “For example, when I listen to Farid al-Atrash’s songs in the height of summer, I suddenly feel a shiver, a sharp tremor of cold.” It is as if he realized early on that rebelling against the conformity of appearances leads him to the truth of poetry, and this truth, for him, is nothing but a game like the games he played throughout his life since childhood. Whenever he mastered one game, he would escape to another. When the game of poetry caught up with him, he was afraid to master it, lest he escape from it. He says in the poem “The Game of Poetry” from the collection (Beware of Dying Before You), p. 122: “I abandoned everything, and poetry pursued me panting. I fled from it… and its bite caught me, a decrepit old man. I neglected it out of fear and doubt about my own fate…”.
That is why I write it, and quickly throw it from my hand with faults that I cannot remedy. Thorns have grown in my fingers for fear that I will do well at what I do and he will abandon me for another game.
Therefore, during this early awakening that opened the doors of his life, he began to take steps in every direction, as if searching for the meaning that would give his life its greatest value. The first stage in this search began with his university studies in Riyadh, when it was called King Saud University, Riyadh University, where he studied sociology and graduated in 1983. It was there that he began to find his way to poetry, writing his first attempts at traditional verse, encouraged by his classmates. However, driven by a spirit of rebellion and a constant search for uniqueness, he left his job at King Faisal University, located between Al-Ahsa and Dammam, in 1994 after spending more than ten years there. During this decade between his graduation and leaving his job, his poetic transformations began to emerge as he started writing prose poetry. This coincided with his entry into the world of journalism, contributing to Al-Youm newspaper on cultural and literary matters, and later becoming editor-in-chief of Al-Riyadhi newspaper.
The publication of his first poetry collection, "A Shadow That Breaks," by the Arab Institute for Studies in 1995, was nothing less than the announcement of the emergence of a poet destined to occupy a leading position in our literary scene, his poetic wellspring flowing ceaselessly for decades to come. The secret to this flow seems to lie in his vitality, energy, and loving, hopeful embrace of life, despite its arduous paths, ensuring its uninterrupted flow.
Therefore, his subsequent poetry collections, following his first, were as follows: (Light and Inclined Like Oblivion) published by Dar Al-Jadeed – Beirut 1997; (An Arrow Whispers My Name) published by Dar Al-Kawkab and Riad El-Rayyes – 2005; (Exercises of the Beast) published by Dar Al-Ghawoun 2010; (Our Girls Wrote Us) published by the Riyadh Literary Club and the Arab Cultural Center 2013; (A Distinctive Mark) published by Dar Mas’a 2014; (The Air Is Long and the Earth Is Short) published by Dar Madarek 2014; (How Beautiful Are My Mistakes) published by Dar Masarat 2016; (Beware of Letting Him Die Before You) published by Dar Manshourat Al-Mutawassit 2018; (It Is About to Happen, Followed by the Mirror of the Sleeper) published by Dar Miskiliani 2020; (What a Terrible Day) published by Kalimat Group 2024. We may not be wrong in asserting that this aspect is complemented by another facet of the poet's life, namely his passion for cultural work and the achievements he established. He has managed the Saudi Film Festival since 2008, and it continues to this day. Also, through his management of the Dammam branch of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, he established the House of Music and the House of Poetry Festival, whose first edition opened on March 28, 2015. This passion for cinema and visual arts is also evident in his poetic work, as we will see in the following discussion.
But without a doubt, such a creative and influential figure in our creative and literary scene will not have a biography devoid of awards and honors, and the Muhammad Al-Thubaiti Award for Creativity, which our poet received in its second session in 2015, is nothing but evidence of this excellence and contribution.
Al-Mulla's poetry has been a twin to life since his first publication, "A Shadow That Shrinks," and his poetry never ceases to flow. No sooner does it take its first steps than it leaps ahead with agility and an unbridled desire into a more expansive and open space. He writes poetry as one who engages in a race where the only track is his own days, striving to catch up and reclaim his life. Nothing hinders him, nothing deters him. He believes in poetry as a refuge against the predatory birds of life. Yet, he doesn't close his windows or doors; passersby are many at his threshold, as if he were the estuary where all rivers converge. We listen to him when he says in the poem "I Erase Death" from the collection "Exercises of the Beast," page 156, addressing one of them: "...that's why you must avoid black clothes. My absence is enough for me. Don't close a window we opened together, or open a door we passed through. Don't plunge me into sorrow, and don't forget my love for life.".
But the hardships of life, which serve as a reference point for Ahmed Al-Mulla's writing, exact a painful toll on his life itself, while simultaneously providing him with the impetus for his poetic sensibility. In his poem "I Push My Life Towards the Water" from the collection (It's About to Happen), page 45, he says: "My life exhausted me when I wrote it. It kept floundering before me, adrift on a shallow shore. No trick could help me bring it back to where whales dive and disappear playfully in the oceans. It pains me to see it wallowing and puffing at the mud, and whenever it tries to return with the waves, it digs its own grave with words that choke me and spit me out.".
Local News
Saudi Healthcare Forum 2026: Transforming the Health Sector and Vision 2030
Riyadh is hosting the Saudi Healthcare Model 2026 Forum to discuss the future of the health sector, with the participation of international experts and within the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host the “Saudi Healthcare Model Forum 2026,” the Kingdom’s premier healthcare event, which will be held on February 10th and 11th under the theme “Making an Impact.” The forum is held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Health, Mr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Health Holding Company, and will bring together leading minds and experts in the healthcare field.
Historical background: A key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030
This forum is being organized within the context of the comprehensive national transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030. The "Health Sector Transformation Program" is one of the Vision's most important programs, aiming to restructure the sector into a comprehensive, efficient, and integrated healthcare system. This transformation relies on shifting from a treatment-based model of care to one that focuses on prevention and promotes public health, prioritizing the health of individuals and the community. The establishment of the Health Holding Company and the 20 health clusters across the Kingdom represent the practical application of this transformation, with the goal of increasing operational efficiency and facilitating access to high-quality healthcare services.
The importance of the forum and its expected impact
The forum holds strategic importance as a vital platform for discussing the present and future of the Saudi healthcare model. Locally, it aims to unify the visions of over 3,000 national healthcare professionals from various health clusters and the public and private sectors, ensuring the consistent and effective implementation of the model across the Kingdom. Regionally, the forum reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in healthcare development in the region and opens avenues for exchanging expertise with neighboring countries striving to develop their healthcare systems. Internationally, the presence of over 25 international speakers and 85 global participating entities reflects the world's interest in the Saudi healthcare transformation, making it a platform for sharing global best practices and developing sustainable solutions to shared health challenges.
Key themes and enriching scientific sessions
The forum, organized by Health Holding Company, will feature more than 25 panel discussions and scientific sessions, focusing on four main themes: health governance and policies, innovation and artificial intelligence, financing and sustainability, and population health and accessibility. These sessions aim to translate strategic visions into measurable health impact and highlight the role of the model in enhancing individual quality of life.
The agenda for the first day includes vital topics such as “Designing Systems That Contribute to Saving Lives and Enhancing Quality of Life”, “Practical Financing and Incentives for Care Models”, “Digital Transformation in Healthcare”, and “Digital Innovations and Integration with Artificial Intelligence”.
The second day focuses on discussing health learning systems and their role in managing population health risks, the challenges of building an integrated digital system, the role of artificial intelligence in supporting the workforce, as well as strategies to accelerate the implementation of the healthcare model and effectively manage chronic diseases.
It is worth mentioning that this forum represents a unique opportunity for leaders, decision-makers, investors and health experts to exchange knowledge and build quality partnerships, in order to serve the objectives of the health sector transformation program and the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030.
Local News
Hadeer Abdel-Razek: Appealing the prison sentence and the challenges of digital evidence
Blogger Hadeer Abdel-Razek is appealing her prison sentence for posting content. Her defense focuses on the lack of conclusive digital evidence, raising questions about cybercrime laws.
The Cairo Economic Court of Appeals has set April 19th as the date for a crucial hearing on the appeal filed by Egyptian blogger Hadeer Abdel Razek and her ex-husband, Mohamed Alaa, known as "Otaka," against their prison sentence and fine. This case stems from charges related to publishing content online and via the Telegram application, based on Article 25 of the Cybercrime Law No. 175 of 2018, in addition to other charges included in the indictment.
Background of the case and its general context
This case is part of a series of similar cases in Egypt in recent years targeting content creators and social media influencers. These cases often rely on vague legal provisions such as “violating the principles and values of the Egyptian family” or “offending public morals,” as stipulated in the Cybercrime Law. These trials have sparked widespread debate about the limits of freedom of expression in the digital sphere and the balance between protecting societal values and preserving personal rights and privacy.
Pillars of defense and challenges of digital proof
Dr. Hani Sameh, the lawyer representing blogger Hadeer Abdel-Razek, explained that the appeal is based on fundamental grounds that cast doubt on the "principle of attribution," meaning the very attribution of the act to the defendant. The defense emphasized that the case file lacks any conclusive technical evidence proving that the defendant was the one who published or managed the channel or account attributed to her, leaving the central question of the case without a definitive technical answer: "Who published? And who managed?".
The defense added that what was presented as “digital evidence” suffered from serious flaws that undermined its legal value. The chain of evidence began with a civilian informant who downloaded the videos onto his personal phone, then transferred them to a flash drive and submitted them to the authorities. This process was carried out without following established digital forensics procedures, such as creating a digital fingerprint (hash) of the original content or a forensic image, which opens the door to potential manipulation of the content through deletion or addition, and breaks the secure “chain of possession” of the digital evidence.
Procedural flaws and integrity of evidence
The defense also maintained that there was a procedural flaw, which it described as "extremely serious," as the investigation revealed that a "third clip" had been added to the storage device after the official seal had been opened. This action, the defense argued, compromised the integrity of the evidence and weakened its admissibility as proof of guilt. The defense further pointed out that the official technical report did not prove that the defendants had "directly uploaded" the clips to the Telegram application, but rather only identified a "screenshot and an external link" to content that was hosted on another platform and subsequently deleted. This, the defense argued, creates a fundamental contradiction between the wording of the indictment and what the technical examination revealed. In addition, the defense noted a chronological inconsistency in the dates of the incident, which further casts doubt on the accuracy of the evidence.
The importance and expected impact of the issue
This case is particularly significant because it highlights the challenges facing justice in the digital age. The appeal ruling is expected to have a major impact on the future of similar cases, potentially establishing stricter standards for the admissibility of digital evidence in courts and emphasizing the need to adhere to forensic technical protocols to ensure the integrity and non-tampering of evidence. Attorney Hani Sameh concluded his argument by asserting that the core issue is a “leak and invasion of privacy,” making the defendants victims of a grave violation of their constitutional rights, not perpetrators.
Local News
The Two Holy Mosques' plan for Ramadan 1447: Details and new strategic objectives
The Presidency of Religious Affairs announced its operational plan for Ramadan 1447 AH in the Two Holy Mosques, which includes 7 goals and 100 initiatives to enhance the spiritual experience of visitors and serve millions of pilgrims.
The General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina announced its comprehensive operational plan for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, a proactive step aimed at creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere to welcome millions of pilgrims and visitors from around the world. This plan embodies the global religious mission of the Two Holy Mosques and represents a concerted effort to enhance the spiritual experience of visitors and disseminate the tolerant message of Islam, based on moderation and balance.
Historical context and the importance of preparing for Ramadan
The month of Ramadan holds a special place for Muslims, as the number of pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina increases dramatically during this time to perform Umrah, visit the holy sites, and pray. For decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently dedicated all its material and human resources to serving the pilgrims and continuously developing its services. The annual operational plans are the culmination of extensive experience in crowd management and the provision of religious, guidance, and humanitarian services, reflecting the paramount importance the Saudi leadership places on the care of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.
Strategic goals and integrated vision
His Excellency the President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Sheikh Professor Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, explained that the plan was meticulously prepared to meet the religious, guidance, and educational needs of visitors, taking into account their diverse cultures and languages. The plan is based on seven key strategic objectives, including enhancing and enriching the visitor experience, disseminating and teaching the Holy Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah, and solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leader in the Islamic world in serving the Two Holy Mosques. It also aims to achieve leadership in translation and language services, develop human resources, and leverage the latest technologies and digital transformation to strengthen communication with Muslims worldwide.
Operational pathways and quality initiatives
To achieve these goals, seven strategic programs will be activated, operating across ten integrated operational tracks. These tracks encompass scientific and outreach aspects, fieldwork, media coverage, translation, and a dedicated track for the Women's Affairs Department to serve female visitors. Tracks have also been allocated for digital transformation and artificial intelligence, as well as enrichment and volunteer programs. The plan includes launching 100 high-quality operational initiatives, most notably innovative projects such as the "Hidayah Hackathon," the "Hidayah Center," and the "Ijlal Exhibition," in addition to launching digital platforms and smart applications to facilitate access to services for beneficiaries. A key feature of the plan is the expansion of simultaneous translation services for sermons and lessons to include more than 40 international languages.
Expected impact and contemporary media message
This plan is expected to have a wide-ranging positive impact. Domestically, it will ensure a safe and convenient environment for millions of pilgrims. Internationally, it will enhance the Kingdom's civilized image and its efforts in serving Islam and Muslims. In this context, Dr. Salem bin Ali Arijah, Supervisor of Media and Communication, emphasized that the media strategy will focus on transforming initiatives into inspiring human stories and highlighting religious services in a contemporary media style that reaches the world with credibility and professionalism, in close cooperation with local and international media outlets. The plan will be implemented by a fully integrated team of more than 850 qualified personnel to ensure the highest levels of service are provided to the pilgrims during the holy month.
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