Saudi aid agency distributes food baskets worldwide
Updated 1 min 42 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, is distributing food baskets worldwide through its Etaam initiative during the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
In Indonesia, KSrelief launched the project at the National Zakat Agency headquarters in Jakarta, aiming to distribute 7,911 food baskets to 47,466 individuals across four regions.
In Kosovo, 8,110 food baskets will be distributed across 30 governorates, benefiting about 40,550 people. The baskets include rice, oil, pasta, sugar and flour.
In Benin, KSrelief launched the Etaam project, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude to the Saudi government.
In Guinea, 7,500 families will receive food baskets in the cities of Conakry, Dubreka, Mamou, Kankan and Nzerekore.
In Mauritania, 7,352 food baskets will be distributed to 44,112 individuals, while in Tajikistan, 7,120 baskets will benefit 35,000 vulnerable individuals across several cities.
In Burkina Faso, KSrelief launched the project in Ouagadougou to distribute 8,400 food baskets to 50,400 people.
Overall, KSrelief plans to distribute 390,109 food baskets across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting more than 2.3 million people at a total cost exceeding SR67 million ($18 million).
New project focuses on restoring degraded lands in Kingdom
Updated 7 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched a project to study and assess degraded sites in Saudi Arabia’s western and southern regions.
Using advanced technology, the project will develop rehabilitation plans aligned with global standards as part of a broader national strategy, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
It focuses on identifying degraded areas and analyzing direct and indirect causes in Makkah, Madinah, Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran.
Tailored plans will be developed to monitor and evaluate land degradation, considering local conditions and national priorities, the SPA added.
The strategy includes short-, medium-, and long-term plans to restore degraded lands using internationally recognized methods.
As a part of the implementation, the center will conduct in-depth assessments with remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems to determine degradation severity.
The project also involves extensive field and lab analyses of soil, vegetation and water, along with economic and social evaluations, the SPA reported.
Practical methodologies and mechanisms will be developed to guide rehabilitation efforts based on prioritized restoration needs.
AI-operated Qur’an-learning project launched in Makkah
Updated 19 min 50 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered project in Makkah, Al-Maqraa, which offers Qur’anic education in 10 languages.
Al-Sudais said Al-Maqraa is a platform, available globally, that integrates modern methods, rigorous methodology, and AI technology, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The platform provides recitation, tajweed or proper pronunciation, and memorization courses under the supervision of qualified teachers.
It includes a Shariah-compliant administrative system for monitoring Qur’anic study circles, detailed analytical reports, stimulating learning environment, flexible enrollment, and an accredited certification system.
The project aims to instill Islamic values in the minds of Qur’an students at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the SPA reported.
Young Saudis and Ramadan: Balancing tradition with modern lifestyles
Updated 04 March 2025
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: As Ramadan unfolds, young Saudis navigate a delicate balance between cherished traditions and modern responsibilities.
While piety remains central to the holy month, social media and the demands of contemporary life have introduced new habits.
Despite these shifts, many remain committed to preserving the spiritual and cultural essence of Ramadan.
For 15-year-old Judy Al-Hassan, this balance comes naturally. “Balancing is easy; my modern lifestyle is almost identical to traditional Ramadan habits,” she said.
Al-Hassan says she has developed a stronger connection to the holy month. “Of course, I have changed, and my spirituality and love for Ramadan has increased more and more.”
Social media has significantly influenced how many young Saudis experience Ramadan. While it provides religious motivation for some, others find that it can be a distraction.
“Young people today use social media extensively, spending most of their time on digital devices,” said Hajar Al-Otaibi.
Despite these shifts, many remain committed to preserving the spiritual and cultural essence of Ramadan. (FILE/GETTY IMAGES)
“This may prevent them from engaging in virtuous practices such as praying at the mosque, reading the Quran, and participating in family gatherings,” she explained.
Al-Hassan acknowledged this impact, saying: “Social media is a double-edged sword. If someone talks about Ramadan spirituality, many people, especially youth, will be influenced positively.
“However, others might describe Ramadan as merely a ‘month of hunger,’ which can make people lose sight of its true spiritual meaning.”
Nourh Al-Otaibi, however, sees social media as a beneficial tool. “Gen Z are more active on social media, which leads to social commitments and raised awareness about Ramadan traditions. They remind and motivate each other.”
Balancing school, work, and social obligations while fasting can be challenging, but young Saudis have adapted.
Hajar sees Ramadan as an opportunity to take up new healthy habits.
“Since Ramadan is a blessed month, I make a greater effort to practice traditional customs more than usual,” she said.
“Year after year, it becomes easier for me to embrace the spirit of Ramadan. I introduce a new habit each year and commit to it, which I truly enjoy.”
Hajar divides her time efficiently. “I complete my work and university tasks early so that I can dedicate the rest of the day to my Ramadan traditions, spending time with my family, and meeting friends if I have time left.”
Wafa Al-Harbi finds balance by structuring her day. “Actually, that’s what makes Ramadan special for me — that I can balance between them so perfectly.
“My personal life, I live it during the day until I finish tarawih. After that, I go to my social life and do any task for my job if there’s one.”
She acknowledges that sleep schedules shift, saying: “During the day, I live my modern lifestyle, and after Maghrib, I switch to real Ramadan. It’s easy and simple for me.”
Nourh credits proper preparation for helping her manage work while fasting. “By adapting, eating well at suhoor, and drinking plenty of water daily, these are the things that help me with working while fasting.”
Despite their busy lives, many young Saudis strive to maintain time-honored Ramadan traditions.
Nourh aims to complete the Qur’an during Ramadan but finds certain traditions more challenging to maintain. (FILE/GETTY IMAGES)
Hajar is committed to reading and memorizing the Qur’an. “One of my key goals is to maintain the habit of reading, contemplating, and memorizing the Qur’an.
“As life gets busier each year, I truly want to hold on to this practice. I also aim to make charity a lifelong habit, donating whenever possible.”
Al-Hassan highlights the importance of family traditions. “Family gatherings, traditional foods, and even old traditional clothing are also important aspects.”
Nourh aims to complete the Qur’an during Ramadan but finds certain traditions more challenging to maintain.
“I’m trying to at least read the holy Qur’an once in Ramadan, and reading it from Fajr to sunrise.
“One tradition that I’m currently struggling with is praying tarawih every day due to my tight schedule, but inshallah, this Ramadan I’ll be able to pray it every day.”
Wafa ensures that she does not overeat at iftar and prioritizes tarawih prayers. “I don’t eat too much on iftar. Even sometimes, I just drink coffee. Praying tarawih is a must for me. I don’t sit long after iftar so I don’t fall asleep and waste my day.”
While young Saudis may have different approaches to balancing Ramadan with modern life, the essence of the holy month remains strong.
Through family traditions, deepening spirituality, and social media, they continue to embrace Ramadan in ways that align with both their faith and evolving lifestyles.
Saudi, Lebanese leaders reaffirm commitment to Taif Agreement and Lebanon’s sovereignty
Leaders stressed supporting the Lebanese army, and calling for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories
Discussions focused on resuming exports, and facilitating Saudi travel to Lebanon
Updated 04 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Leaders of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon emphasized the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation and coordinating positions on regional and international issues, Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Teusday.
Both sides reaffirmed the necessity of fully implementing the Taif Agreement. This agreement, which ended Lebanon’s civil war, was negotiated in Saudi Arabia, in 1989.
They also stressed the importance of ensuring Lebanon's sovereignty over all its territories, restricting weapons to the Lebanese state, and supporting the Lebanese army’s national role - calling for the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from all Lebanese territories.
These points were highlighted in a joint statement issued following the official visit of Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, to Saudi Arabia.
The president was welcomed at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations.
During their talks, both leaders agreed to study obstacles affecting the resumption of exports from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia and procedures to facilitate Saudi travel to Lebanon. They also reaffirmed their commitment to Lebanon's economic recovery and the implementation of reforms aligned with international standards.
President Aoun expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Saudi leaders, and invited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Lebanon.
An official reception ceremony was held at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh for Aoun, who is making his first visit to the Kingdom as Lebanon's head of state.
Senior Saudi and Lebanese officials attended the meeting.
He expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s role in supporting Lebanon’s stability, safety, and the functioning of its institutions, as well as the various forms of assistance provided by Riyadh.
The president and his delegation are scheduled to travel to Cairo on Tuesday to participate in the extraordinary Arab summit.
Aoun, Lebanon’s former army chief, was elected as the country’s 14th president in January, ending a more than two-year power vacuum.
The Lebanese people hope the new president can tackle the country’s economic crisis, and the devastating aftermath of Hezbollah’s 14-month war with Israel, which left vast areas of Lebanon in ruins and killed more than 4,000.
Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders
Reflects the ‘spirit of love, communication,’ reinforces social values
Updated 03 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: During the holy month, the Northern Borders region lights up with one of its standout traditions: the Ramadan bonfire.
These Ramadan gatherings hold a special place in the community, strengthening family and neighborly bonds.
The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)
They provide a space for exchanging stories and experiences about the past, present and future, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the fire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.
FASTFACT
In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the bonfire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.
Karim Al-Dhaidi, another local, said the gatherings are open to everyone, and serve to strengthen social ties. They also connect people with their past, he said.
The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)
Jazaa Marji, board chairman of the Retirees Association in the Northern Borders region, said the Ramadan fire has always been a part of the local heritage.
“We grew up with it, and it brings generations together, offering an opportunity to recall memories and share experiences with the youth,” he said.
“Ramadan is the perfect time to revive such traditions, as they reflect the spirit of love, communication, and the reinforcement of social values between generations.”
Even today, the Ramadan fire remains a tradition at many homes in the Northern Borders region. Residents are keen to revive it during Ramadan nights.
