Saudi brand showcases heritage to pilgrims

Designers Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry. Pilgrims can choose from a collection of traditional costumes. (Supplied)
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Designers Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry. Pilgrims can choose from a collection of traditional costumes. (Supplied)
Saudi brand showcases heritage to pilgrims
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Tent setup built in Arafat. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 June 2024
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Saudi brand showcases heritage to pilgrims

Designers Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry. Pilgrims can choose from a collection of traditional costumes. (Supplied)
  • Initiative to help ‘foster cultural understanding and appreciation’

JEDDAH: Almugasap, a Saudi fashion label, has launched a traditional costume experience in the Arafat and Mina areas, giving pilgrims the chance to wear authentic Saudi attire from all regions of the Kingdom.

The initiative, which includes instant photo printing, was installed prior to the start of the pilgrimage to showcase Saudi heritage to international guests.

Pilgrims could choose from a diverse collection of traditional costumes for both men and women, designed under the supervision of renowned Saudi designers Arief Alsherif and Sari Salem Hariry.  




“Wearing a traditional Saudi thobe with the shemagh and other accessories was a powerful way to experience a new culture,” said Mansour Ali from Malaysia. (Supplied)

“By showcasing the beauty of Saudi traditional clothing, we hope to foster cultural understanding and appreciation,” said Salem Hariry.

Through the intricate craftsmanship of traditional clothing, Almugasap is creating a vibrant mosaic of Saudi heritage that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the Kingdom and also serves as a bridge to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Almugasap is creating a vibrant mosaic of Saudi heritage that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the Kingdom.

• The designers are exploring new silhouettes, experimenting with vibrant color palettes, and prioritizing sustainable fabrics and production methods.

“Each thread and design element in our traditional costumes tells a story of the past, present, and future, inviting pilgrims and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the beauty and essence of Saudi culture,” Alsherif said.




With new silhouettes, vibrant color palettes, and sustainable fabrics and production methods, the designers bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. (Supplied)

“By offering this unique experience, we hope to ignite a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the traditions that define us, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the cultural identity that unites us all.”

The designers bridge the gap between tradition and modernity by exploring new silhouettes, experimenting with vibrant color palettes, and prioritizing sustainable fabrics and production methods.

Almugasap also partnered with Mashariq, the Southeast Asian pilgrims company, to hold a ceremony to celebrate the arrival of groups from 16 countries. The event was attended by diplomatic figures, officials from Hajj offices in the participating countries, and specialists in Hajj and Umrah affairs.

“Wearing a traditional Saudi thobe with the shemagh and other accessories was a powerful way to experience a new culture,” said Mansour Ali from Malaysia. “It felt like stepping into a symbol of unity and respect for the people of this land.”

 


Saudi crown prince receives Germany’s president at Al-Yamamah Palace

Saudi crown prince receives Germany’s president at Al-Yamamah Palace
Updated 15 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives Germany’s president at Al-Yamamah Palace

Saudi crown prince receives Germany’s president at Al-Yamamah Palace

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Al-Yamamah Palace on Monday. 

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Makkah trials hydrogen-powered buses to promote clean energy, sustainability

Makkah trials hydrogen-powered buses to promote clean energy, sustainability
Updated 20 min 8 sec ago
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Makkah trials hydrogen-powered buses to promote clean energy, sustainability

Makkah trials hydrogen-powered buses to promote clean energy, sustainability
  • Scheme is part of a MoU between the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites and the Ministry of Energy to implement a pilot project for hydrogen fuel cell buses on designated routes
  • Aims to explore hydrogen applications in transportation, gain commercial and technical expertise, and gather insights for potential future expansion

RIYADH: The second trial of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus has been launched in Makkah.

It is overseen by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the Transport General Authority, the General Directorate of Civil Defense and the General Department of Traffic.

The scheme is part of a memorandum of understanding between the commission and the ministry to implement a pilot project for hydrogen fuel cell buses on designated routes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aims to explore hydrogen applications in transportation, gain commercial and technical expertise, and gather insights for potential future expansion. It also seeks to raise public awareness of hydrogen technology.

Through the initiative, the commission aims to introduce clean energy-based transportation solutions, enhancing quality of life in alignment with Vision 2030’s goals to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

The project also seeks to improve services for pilgrims and Umrah performers, enhancing their experience at the holy sites, the SPA reported.

The hydrogen bus trial is integrated into the Makkah Bus Project, with an operational plan ensuring security and safety. This includes running buses along the designated route and deploying a mobile hydrogen fueling station.

An evaluation of the trial will focus on efficiency, performance, operational sustainability, cost-effectiveness and passenger comfort, ensuring Makkah’s public transportation system evolves into a more sustainable service.


Interim president of Syrian Arab Republic visits SDAIA headquarters

Interim president of Syrian Arab Republic visits SDAIA headquarters
Updated 03 February 2025
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Interim president of Syrian Arab Republic visits SDAIA headquarters

Interim president of Syrian Arab Republic visits SDAIA headquarters
  • Syrian leader tours facilities in Riyadh

RIYADH: Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the interim president of the Syrian Arab Republic, has visited the headquarters of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Al-Sharaa was received upon his arrival by the Minister of State Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban; the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha; Majed Al-Mazyed, the governor of the National Cyber Security Authority; and Suhail Abanmi, the governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

Al-Sharaa toured SDAIA’s facilities, led by the President of the SDAIA Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi.

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Alghamdi highlighted the technological advancements and efforts made by Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Vision 2030, to make the Kingdom a global center for artificial intelligence technologies.

He also spoke about the Kingdom’s efforts to optimize data usage, including the Tawakkalna application that provides a unified platform for government services.

The National Cybersecurity Authority and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority also delivered presentations.

Established in 2019 by royal decree, the SDAIA is an independent government agency that focuses on AI and big data.

On his first visit to the Kingdom since taking office, Al-Sharaa met Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday and the parties discussed ways to support the security and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic.

They also discussed ways to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries, and reviewed developments in the region more broadly.

The leader of the Syrian Arab Republic then traveled to Jeddah on Monday before heading to Makkah to perform Umrah.

The Saudi Press Agency shared photographs of Al-Sharaa wearing Ihram clothing, garments worn by Muslims during pilgrimage.


Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs hold second strategic meeting in Tokyo

Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs hold second strategic meeting in Tokyo
Updated 03 February 2025
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Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs hold second strategic meeting in Tokyo

Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs hold second strategic meeting in Tokyo
  • Ministers sign pacts on strategic partnership, visa waivers for the two countries’ diplomats and officials
  • Iwaya said he was looking forward to further collaboration between the two nations’ private and public sectors

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday said Osaka Expo 2025 was an “important opportunity” to strengthen collaboration between Japan and the Kingdom. 

At the second Japan-Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministerial Level Strategic Dialogue meeting in Tokyo, Prince Faisal met with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. 

The two officials discussed collaboration and “working together for a better future.” 

Prince Faisal also emphasized that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the two nations’ diplomatic relations.

The two officials signed a memorandum of understanding on the strategic partnership, and visa waivers for the two countries’ diplomats and officials. 

Iwaya said he was looking forward to further collaboration between the two nations’ private and public sectors. 

Japan wants to work with Saudi Arabia to help achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, added Iwaya.


Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 03 February 2025
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Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 732 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 11 anti-personnel mines, 31 anti-tank mines, 685 unexploded ordnances and five explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 480,526 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.