Saudi, Pakistani interior ministers discuss security, anti-drug efforts in Riyadh

RIYADH: The third group of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Umrah and Visit toured several historical and religious sites in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

As part of a cultural program by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the visit aimed to enrich the cultural experience of visitors and Umrah performers in the holy city.

The group, consisting of 250 pilgrims from 18 African countries, visited the Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, and the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, learning about this historic turning point in Islam.

At Quba Mosque, the guests performed prayers and were briefed on its facilities and the ongoing expansion projects designed to increase capacity and enhance services for worshippers.

The guests also learned about the mosque’s historical and religious significance as the first mosque built after the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Madinah.

Additionally, they toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah, where they explored the technical and administrative departments and learned about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an and its translation into multiple languages.

The visit also showcased the complex’s efforts in recording Qur’anic recitations, interpreting its meanings, advancing Qur’anic sciences, and supporting Islamic research and studies.

The guests were introduced to the complex’s written and audio publications, which aim to spread Islamic teachings worldwide. At the end of the tour, representatives of the complex presented copies of the Holy Qur’an to the guests.

This third group is part of a larger initiative to host 1,000 male and female pilgrims from 66 countries this year. After their visit to Madinah, the guests will travel to Makkah to perform Umrah rituals.

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has designated eight spring camping sites in areas of Jouf.

These, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday, are Rahiya, Hadib National Park, Al-Rasif, Al-Yatima, Al-Mahta, Al-Athath, Al-Adhra’, and Laijah National Park.

Popular for wilderness tourism, these sites attract visitors with natural landscapes, early spring blooms such as lavender and buttercup, as well as truffle hunting.

Camping in Jouf is a prominent social winter activity, fostering connections and celebrating the region’s vibrant post-rain spring landscapes, SPA reported.

Local wilderness enthusiast Bilal Al-Khalidi highlighted weekend camping as a cherished pastime, with groups traveling in adventure-ready vehicles and dividing tasks such as transporting tents and cooking equipment.

Once at the site, campers set up tents, prepare Saudi coffee and tea, hike, and collect wild aromatic plants, he said, adding that evenings are dedicated to dinner and overnight stays, while mornings begin with flatbread cooked over charcoal.