{
  "id": 13456952,
  "title": "Saudi encyclopedia aims to strengthen national identity among children",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/saudi-encyclopedia-aims-to-strengthen-national-identity-among-children",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T15:37:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/saudi-arabia/36nbjrv2k"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Saudi Arabia has released an encyclopedia aimed at helping children develop a strong national identity and access reliable information. Published by the library, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Encyclopedia for Children and Youth sets out to educate young readers about the country's geography, history, customs, and traditions. Spanning nine volumes and tailored for children aged 9 to 15, the encyclopedia covers a wide range of topics such as social patterns, cultural movements, economy, wildlife, tourism, and recreation.\n\nOne of the encyclopedia's key objectives is to provide well-documented information about Saudi Arabia, highlighting its diverse regions, including urban areas, villages, and desert environments. Each environment boasts its own unique way of life, culture, customs, and traditions. The encyclopedia provides a comprehensive illustrated overview of Saudi life, including architectural styles, traditional clothing, crafts, folk medicine, and various social and religious celebrations. By doing so, it aims to foster a sense of belonging among young readers and encourage their participation in the nation's progress on a global stage.\n\nThe encyclopedia also delves into the architectural and building materials used in different regions, showcasing the diversity of Saudi houses and mosques. Additionally, it offers insights into traditional clothing for men, boys, women, and girls, as well as jewelry and various crafts, such as pottery, sword and dagger making, and palm weaving. Moreover, the encyclopedia highlights traditional dances, songs, and celebrations, providing a deep understanding of Saudi heritage and culture.\n\nThe King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, responsible for the project, has been dedicated to the cultural development of Saudi children since its establishment. Over the years, the library has offered a wide range of programs, including stories, competitions, reading workshops, cinema, theater performances, and mobile library services, all designed to engage children and youth in exploring their rich cultural heritage. The encyclopedia was prepared and produced by a team of editors and illustrators, featuring around 1,800 images, 625 illustrations, 100 tables, and 40 geographical maps. The project was overseen by supervisory, scientific, and technical teams, as well as review committees specializing in child and youth psychology and education, ensuring its content is both accurate and engaging.",
  "summary": "King Abdulaziz Public Library has released an encyclopedia to help children develop a strong national identity and access reliable information.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}