CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission said that the Kingdom’s involvement aims to showcase a range of programs
Updated 48 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia inaugurated its pavilion at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, held from March 31 to April 3 at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Center in Bologna, Italy.
Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, said that the Kingdom’s involvement aims to showcase a range of programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He added that these efforts focus on developing the publishing industry, fostering cultural engagement, supporting Saudi publishers and literary agents globally, and highlighting the Kingdom’s rich intellectual heritage and literary output.
Al-Wasel added that the fair provides a valuable platform for Saudi publishers to connect and exchange knowledge with international counterparts.
The Kingdom’s pavilion includes participation from cultural entities such as the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahd National Library and the Publishing Association.
The King Salman academy is showcasing its efforts to enhance the global presence of the Arabic language and support Arabic content in cultural and academic fields, the SPA reported.
The academy is presenting its latest publications, highlighting its contributions to linguistic and knowledge-based content development, as well as its projects in language planning, policy, computational linguistics, education and cultural initiatives.
KSrelief supports thousands in Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon
Updated 7 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food, clothing and shelter packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 1,900 food baskets to vulnerable and displaced families in Ad-Damir, a city in River Nile State, benefiting 11,400 people.
In Somalia, the aid agency provided 500 clothing bags, 100 shelter kits and 70 tents in Hargeisa, aiding 4,020 people.
In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 1,048 food baskets in Beirut and Arsal, assisting 5,240 individuals.
The efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian initiatives to support affected communities worldwide.
Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,389 projects worth nearly $7.9 billion in 106 countries, working with 309 local, regional, and international partners.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps applauds Saudi Arabia for successful Umrah season
More than 122 million visits to Islam’s holiest mosques during Ramadan
Updated 42 min 39 sec ago
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama on Tuesday praised Saudi Arabia for its hosting of the Umrah season amid elaborate arrangements and assistance provided to worshipers in the holy cities.
Bamakhrama told Arab News: “I congratulate the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the success of the Umrah season in the month of Ramadan, and the huge number visits to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
“More than 122 million people, pilgrims, visitors and worshipers paid a visit during the holy month of Ramadan to the Two Holy Mosques. All of them performed their rituals and worship with humility and tranquility, amid cleanliness and safety. The movement of the masses was organized smoothly and securely,” said the envoy.
“All of this would not have been achieved without the grace and mercy of Allah, and then the keenness and interest of the government of Saudi Arabia in serving the Two Holy Mosques and the holy lands in the most perfect manner,” he added.
“I pray to Allah to perpetuate these efforts and bless them and those who all were involved in making it a successful Umrah season,” he said.
More than 122 million people visited Islam’s two holiest mosques in Saudi Arabia during the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan that ended on Saturday, with the Eid Al-Fitr celebration beginning Sunday.
A total of 122,286,712 visitors were received at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during Ramadan, the CEO of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Ghazi Al-Shahrani, said.
Al-Shahrani added that the number of Umrah performers reached 16,558,241, while worshipers totaled 75,573,928 at the Grand Mosque and 30,154,543 at the Prophet’s Mosque.
He extended heartfelt congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support for the Umrah season and on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.
Al-Shahrani also expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to serving the guests of Allah, praying that their efforts be rewarded.
Saudi study on human eye microbiome joins SpaceX launch
The study by Falak for Space Science and Research will examine the eye’s bacteria and other microorganisms in conditions of microgravity
Updated 01 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: A Saudi mission to study the effects of low gravity on the microbiome of the human eye joined the launch of SpaceX’s Fram2 flight on Monday night.
The study by Falak for Space Science and Research will examine the eye’s bacteria and other microorganisms in conditions of microgravity.
A research team collected biological samples of microbial cultures and conducted tests to ensure that the samples could withstand launch conditions and return safely from space.
The project “will contribute to achieving qualitative progress in education and research in space and associated technologies,” Dr. Ayoub Al-Subehi, CEO of Falak, told the Saudi Press Agency ahead of the launch.
The study of the ocular microbiome in space is an emerging research field. This experiment will analyze the growth rates of the microorganisms in space compared to growth rates on Earth.
It will track the genetic and protein changes that may occur as a result of exposure to microgravity.
The experiment also aims to evaluate the ability of microbes to form biofilms, which may increase the risk of infection in space, as well as analyze changes in microbial resistance to antibiotics after exposure to microgravity.
Dr. Wedad bint Saeed Al-Qahtani, a research scientist in the mission, added: “Studying the impact of the space environment on the natural microflora of the eye could provide valuable data on how it responds to microgravity conditions, which could help develop new strategies and protocols to maintain eye health.”
Another one of the mission’s scientists, Prof. Salwa Al-Hazza, stressed the importance of ophthalmological research, saying: “What we are doing today is not limited to sending a scientific experiment into space, but is a fundamental step towards building a deeper understanding of the impact of the space environment on eye health, and we hope that the results will contribute to the development of future medical solutions that enhance eye health care, both in space and on Earth, proudly carrying this Saudi flag and representing an important step in the Kingdom’s commitment to innovate scientifically and enhance its growing role in the global space sector.”
This mission is part of global efforts to study the impact of space on human health and was preceded by similar research that dealt with the effect of microgravity on the intestinal and oral microbiomes.
Unity in diversity among global pilgrims celebrating Eid in Makkah
Worshippers relish the festive spirit of the holy city on the first day of Eid
Throngs of pilgrims complete their Umrah rituals at Grand Mosque
Updated 31 March 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: An atmosphere of love, diversity, and joy permeates the sacred precincts of the Grand Mosque as pilgrims from across the globe converge to experience Eid in this unique spiritual setting.
The first day of Eid commenced with dawn prayers at the mosque, where throngs of worshippers in white ihram garments — symbolizing unity and detachment from worldly matters — gathered in devotion.
Pilgrims exchanged warm congratulations and prayers, asking Allah to accept their worship and bless them in the coming year.
Throngs of worshippers gathered at the Grand Mosque to celebrate Eid and perform Umrah rituals. (Supplied)
Following the Eid prayer, jubilation spread throughout Makkah’s streets, which teemed with pilgrims expressing their happiness through prayers and greetings in numerous languages.
This vibrant display embodied the rich cultural diversity that characterizes the Grand Mosque, creating an atmosphere of profound spiritual tranquility.
Many pilgrims took the opportunity to complete their Umrah rituals or circumambulate the Kaaba.
A vibrant display embodied the Grand Mosque's rich cultural diversity, creating a serene spiritual atmosphere. (Supplied)
The celebrations included both religious observances and social activities. After prayers and circumambulation, some pilgrims visited other sacred sites like Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light) and the Cave of Hira, while others explored Makkah’s bustling markets to purchase gifts and souvenirs.
These marketplaces pulsed with energy as worshippers bought prayer beads, copies of the Qur’an, oud, and traditional Makkah sweets.
Nasser Bukhari, a clothing merchant in the central district, observed that pilgrims proudly wear attire traditional to their homelands, transforming the Grand Mosque into a living canvas of Islamic diversity.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Following the Eid prayer pilgrims expressed their joy through prayers and greetings in numerous languages.
• Makkah’s hotels and restaurants thrive during Eid, offering celebratory meals.
• Visitors gather around breakfast tables laden with dates, maamoul cookies, and Saudi coffee, while others seek out popular local dishes.
Some don white jalabiyya dresses, while others appear in vibrantly colored, embroidered traditional garments.
Women often choose colorful abayas adorned with intricate patterns reflecting their cultural heritage, with some combining traditional dress with abayas as a celebration of the joyous occasion.
The celebrations included both religious observances and social activities. (Supplied)
The city’s hotels and restaurants thrive during Eid, offering special celebratory meals. Visitors gather around breakfast tables laden with dates, maamoul cookies, and Saudi coffee, while others seek out popular local dishes.
Traditional Makkan confections such as laddu, mushabbak, zalabiya, and debyaza are abundant, as pilgrims of all nationalities unite as one family bound by faith.
The humanitarian spirit of Eid is evident throughout the city, with volunteers distributing gifts and sweets to children and providing meals to those in need, while some pilgrims visit hospitals and orphanages bearing gifts and assistance.
The organization is impeccable, with the flow of millions of pilgrims proceeding smoothly and efficiently.
Yahya Noor, Syrian physician
As night falls, the illuminated Grand Mosque creates a breathtaking spectacle. Pilgrims continue their devotions or stroll through the mosque’s courtyards, savoring the atmosphere.
Yahya Noor, a Syrian physician, described the Eid celebrations in the city: “Here in Makkah, Eid extends beyond congratulations and festive foods to encompass charitable works and solidarity.
“Witnessing volunteers distribute gifts and meals to the needy made me feel part of a vast Islamic community that genuinely cares for its members.
“The organization is impeccable, with the flow of millions of pilgrims proceeding smoothly and efficiently,” he continued.
“When I entered the Grand Mosque at Eid dawn, I was moved to tears. Seeing the illuminated Kaaba surrounded by reverent worshippers made me truly appreciate this sacred place’s magnificence.
“The exchange of blessings and the atmosphere of love made me feel as though I were among family.”
Saudi authorities are spearheading efforts to provide top-tier childcare services for worshippers
Updated 31 March 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: With more pilgrims making the journey to Makkah, a Children’s Club initiative is offering a secure, fun space for youngsters, freeing parents to focus on their rituals.
Childcare centers offering top-notch childcare services are available at the Two Holy Mosques, as well as hotels near the Grand Mosque.
Razan Dahlawi, an adviser to the chairman of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and a key figure overseeing the childcare centers, told Arab News: “The authority established several childcare centers during the holy month of Ramadan this year.
Childcare centers offering top notch childcare services are available at the Two Holy Mosques, as
well as nearby hotels. (SPA)
“They operate 24/7 and seek to provide safe childcare services in an enriching environment by utilizing educational and recreational programs that develop children’s capabilities and promote good values.”
According to the authority, children can enjoy a packed schedule, with Qur’an and Athkar lessons, storytelling that informs and sparks imagination, sensory and creative activities, and healthy meals.
These seasonal childcare centers are found in the third Saudi expansion (areas 12-15), facing gates 100 to 104. They welcome boys aged from 18 months to 6 years and girls from 18 months of age to 9 years.
“They operate 24/7 and seek to provide safe childcare services in an enriching environment by utilizing educational and recreational programs that develop children’s capabilities and promote good values.” (SPA)
A specialized team of counselors oversees the centers, which include a dining area, a space for visual displays, educational models depicting the landmarks of the Two Holy Mosques and the process of performing the religious duties, as well as private sleeping rooms.
Hotels near the Grand Mosque are stepping up, too, enhancing their own childcare offerings to ensure a level of service that matches their prime location.
Abdullah Hazzazi, assistant front office manager at Dar Al-Tawhid Hotel, said that the Children’s Club “creates a secure and comfortable environment for children, allowing parents to perform Umrah without worrying about their little ones.”
Entertainment and learning are combined under the supervision of childcare professionals, he added.
“The club features entertainment, educational activities, and games that contribute to their development and art workshops suitable for all ages, while also providing healthy meals and comprehensive medical care.
“We make sure to update parents regularly on their children’s well-being, so they can perform the rites with peace of mind,” Hazzazi said.
Hadeel Al-Harbi, Shaza Makkah Hotel’s children’s club manager, said that children are welcomed for up to two hours at a time, with the service free for hotel guests.
“We are keen to offer a variety of activities suitable for different age groups, including educational games, art workshops and entertaining activities that help develop children’s skills and make use of their time there,” she said.
Al-Harbi said that she would encourage all pilgrims to take advantage of the service.
“The club is an ideal solution for families seeking to comfortably and safely perform their rites,” she said.
