OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
Hissein Brahim Taha urges need to ensure rights to foster care, education, healthcare
Updated 31 min 1 sec ago
Arab News
Jeddah: Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha highlighted the importance of improving efforts to support comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphans, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He made the remarks on Orphan’s Day in the Islamic world, marked on the 15th of Ramadan each year, to raise global awareness about the hardships faced by orphaned children in the world’s poorest communities.
Taha called for greater efforts to protect and provide for orphans, particularly in disaster-stricken, conflict-affected and climate change-impacted areas, where displacement and refugee crises have left many children vulnerable.
He said that the OIC will remain committed to supporting millions of orphaned and vulnerable children, advocating for their rights and improved support systems, including orphanages, foster care, adoption services, healthcare and education.
Taha highlighted the need for governments, societies and institutions to take action to provide sustainable solutions, the SPA reported.
He underscored Islam’s strong emphasis, through the Qur’an and the Sunnah, on treating orphans with kindness, ensuring their care, education, healthcare and social well-being, safeguarding their rights and providing them with a proper upbringing.
Orphan’s Day was established through a resolution adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during its 40th session in Conakry, Guinea, in December 2013, with the aim of raising awareness about the issues and needs of orphans.
KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people
KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts
Updated 49 sec ago
Arab News
Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
In Romania, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food baskets to families in Bucharest and Constanta as part of its Etaam Ramadan project, along with 250 food baskets in the villages of Al-Hamra and Abu Qudur in the Syrian Arab Republic, and 1,300 food baskets to families affected by floods in various regions of Pakistan.
Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).
KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates to The Gambia and 50 tonnes to Cote d’Ivoire, as well as 2,400 boxes of dates to 15,000 beneficiaries in the Seiyun district of Hadramout governorate, Yemen, as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts.
Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday
Updated 19 min 30 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has said.
Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Forecasts say the Makkah and Riyadh regions will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts.
The Madinah, Asir, Hail and Qassim regions can expect moderate to heavy rain, while the Eastern Province will see moderate showers.
Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in Tabuk, Baha, Jazan and Najran.
The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 23,865 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 16,644 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,896 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,325 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,432 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 67 percent were Ethiopian, 29 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 97 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 13 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
How climate change is disrupting the Earth’s water cycle
Flash floods worldwide have claimed lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed infrastructure, with global warming seen as a key driver
Land-use changes, like deforestation and urbanization, increase water run-off, altering rainfall patterns and water distribution
Updated 15 March 2025
Tamara Aboalsaud
RIYADH: From Argentina and South Sudan to Spain, Indonesia, and even Saudi Arabia, recent episodes of flash flooding around the world have cost numerous lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed infrastructure.
What is causing this flurry of flash flooding? Many factors come into play, from poor urban planning to improper resource management, but some argue the major culprit is climate change.
“Numerous environmental factors affect the water cycle, but temperature is perhaps the most important one,” Hylke Beck, assistant professor of earth science and engineering at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, told Arab News.
“Earth’s water cycle is all about movement. Water is constantly shifting between the ocean, land, and atmosphere,” Beck continued. Water rises as it evaporates, after which it cools, condenses into clouds, and then falls as rain or snow. Some of that water runs off into rivers and oceans, some infiltrates the ground, becoming groundwater, and some is taken up by plants.
“It’s a continuous cycle that keeps water moving and sustains us and other organisms,” Beck explained.
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But what role does temperature play in the process? Warmer air holds more moisture. For every degree the planet warms up, the atmosphere can store approximately seven percent more water.
This extra moisture means that, when conditions are suitable, storms have a larger water supply to work with, resulting in heavier rainfall.
The Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology states that from 1979 to 2019, Saudi Arabia’s climate has warmed by 2.1 degrees Celsius — almost three times the global average.
Vehicles are submerged in water following flash floods in the holy city of Makkah on May 9, 2014. (AFP)
At the other end of the extreme, shifts in the water cycle have also led to more droughts, since higher temperatures also accelerate water evaporation, meaning more moisture is “pulled” from the ground at a faster rate. This dries out soil and makes droughts worse if there is not enough rain to replace it.
Longer dry spells and less frequent but heavier rainfall discourages crop growth and can lead to desertification.
In the Kingdom, stronger winds and drier soil causes more frequent and harsher sandstorms, harming the country’s agriculture and air quality. Air pollution can also change how clouds form and impact the amount of rainfall.
“In some places, increased evaporation can lead to more rainfall, but not necessarily where it’s needed,” said Beck. “Some regions get soaked, while others dry out even more.”
Sprinklers irrigate a rice field in Mishkhab in Iraq's Najaf province on July 8, 2024, as four consecutive years of drought and declining rainfall have strangled rice production in the country. (AFP/File)
Depending on where and how the moisture moves, warming can intensify both extreme rainfall and drying.
Changes in land also play an important role. Cutting down trees reduces transpiration, the urbanization of cities increases run-off, and damming rivers changes the direction of water flow.
Then there are also natural factors which can exacerbate man-made influences.
“Large-scale climate patterns like El Nino and La Nina (alter) where rain falls and for how long,” said Beck.
Both of those patterns are part of a natural cycle called El Nino-Southern Oscillation, El Nino is the phase in which the Pacific Ocean’s surface becomes warmer than usual. La Nina is the phase in which they are cooler. Both lead to changes in global weather, causing heavier rainfall in some areas and dryer conditions in others.
“Climate change is essentially throwing the whole system out of balance,” said Beck. “The result is more extremes — wetter wet seasons, drier dry seasons, and more unpredictable weather generally.”
Beck added that organizations like World Weather Attribution do crucial work in the field of climate monitoring by analyzing how climate change influences extreme events and how human activities shape the Earth’s water cycle.
Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates Ramadan with Biennale Nights
Held at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz Airport, the event offers visitors a cultural and spiritual experience
Updated 15 March 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has unveiled Biennale Nights, a special Ramadan program at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah.
Held at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, the event runs until May 25, offering visitors a cultural and spiritual experience that celebrates the holy month while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich Islamic heritage.
Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)
During Ramadan, visitors can take part in workshops featuring Arabic calligraphy and traditional craftsmanship, as well as interactive experiences exploring the artistic expressions associated with the holy month.
Sharing his experience, Ahmed Ramadan told Arab News: “This was my first time visiting the Islamic Arts Biennale, but I had planned to go for a while. When they announced the Ramadan events, I got even more excited. I feel that there is a strong connection between Ramadan activities and Islamic arts. I came with a group of friends, and we found many activities that suited young people.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Guests can explore an array of international cuisines, indulge in specialty delicacies like dates, honey and chocolates, and enjoy traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.
• The market also features henna art, storytelling sessions for children and game wagons, creating an engaging atmosphere for families.
He added: “We played some group games, enjoyed a variety of food, including traditional Saudi dishes and Ramadan sweets popular in the western region. Honestly, it was a wonderful experience.
The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a global platform for dialogue and exploration of Islamic arts. (Supplied)
“The timing, in the middle of Ramadan, was ideal, after the initial days of the month, which are usually packed with family gatherings and invitations. It was a great opportunity for my friends and me to come together in such a unique place.”
Running from March 6-15, the Ramadan Market welcomes visitors daily from 8 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., offering a vibrant mix of activities and attractions.
Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)
Guests can explore an array of international cuisines, indulge in specialty delicacies like dates, honey and chocolates, and enjoy traditional beverages such as Karak and Arabic coffee.
The market also features henna art, storytelling sessions for children and game wagons, creating an engaging atmosphere for families.
Under the warm glow of Ramadan nights, visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah come together to celebrate faith, art, and tradition. (Supplied)
Adding to the festive spirit, live music and cultural performances take place, while visitors can find unique Ramadan-themed gifts at the Biennale Design Store.
For many, the Ramadan Market has been a memorable experience.
Walaa Ali, a visitor from Jeddah, said: “The venue offered a diverse range of activities specifically designed for the holy month of Ramadan. What made these activities special was how well they aligned with the spirit of the month, covering various disciplines and formats — some were workshops, others were entertainment spaces and some featured food.”
Rowa Haddad from Makkah said: “I found it to be the perfect place to visit with my family. The venue offers a variety of activities that cater to all family members, and what makes it even more special is the spiritual Islamic theme that fits both the location and the essence of this holy month. That’s why visiting this place was an excellent choice for us.”
In partnership with the Red Sea Film Foundation, the biennale also presents a curated selection of film screenings, delving into themes of resilience, faith and identity from across the Islamic world.
These experiences offer visitors a meaningful way to engage with art, culture and heritage, blending traditional Islamic aesthetics with contemporary artistic expression.
The Ramadan Market offers iftar and suhoor options, including curated iftar menus for pre-booked gatherings featuring dishes inspired by Saudi and Middle Eastern cuisines.
The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as a global platform for dialogue and exploration of Islamic arts. It is held at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, an award-winning architectural site that has long served as a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah.
The first biennale welcomed more than 600,000 visitors, and the second expands on this success with an even richer program.
The Ramadan events are open to all biennale visitors. Registration is available through the official website at biennale.org.sa.