First group of royal guests performs Umrah/node/2580837/saudi-arabia
First group of royal guests performs Umrah
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The first group included 250 prominent Islamic figures from 12 countries, part of a total of 1,000 Umrah performers from 66 countries. (SPA)
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The first group included 250 prominent Islamic figures from 12 countries, part of a total of 1,000 Umrah performers from 66 countries. (SPA)
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The first group included 250 prominent Islamic figures from 12 countries, part of a total of 1,000 Umrah performers from 66 countries. (SPA)
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The first group included 250 prominent Islamic figures from 12 countries, part of a total of 1,000 Umrah performers from 66 countries. (SPA)
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Updated 26 November 2024
Arab News
First group of royal guests performs Umrah
Schedule includes visits to the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, the Revelation Exhibition, meetings with the imam of the Grand Mosque
Group arrived in Madinah where they visited the Prophet’s Mosque and toured other historic sites
Updated 26 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The first group to arrive in the Kingdom through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit has performed Umrah rituals in Makkah.
The program’s organizing committees ensured that the visitors enjoyed excellent services, including upon arrival in Madinah where they were warmly welcomed by officials.
According to participants, the program, which is implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, reflects the Kingdom’s leaders’ dedication to supporting Muslims worldwide.
They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit the Grand Mosque in Makkah and perform Umrah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The first group included 250 prominent Islamic figures from 12 countries, part of a total of 1,000 Umrah performers from 66 countries. The guests will visit in four groups as part of the program.
The schedule includes visits to the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, the Revelation Exhibition, meetings with the imam of the Grand Mosque, and participation in various scientific and cultural programs.
The group arrived in Madinah where they visited the Prophet’s Mosque and toured other historic sites, including the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, the Battle of Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization.
Mysterious pink glow lights up northwest Saudi skies
Updated 17 sec ago
Arab News
JEDDAH: Residents in ’s northwest have been puzzled by the appearance of what some described as a “bright pink circular spot” in the evening sky — with the phenomenon occurring twice in recent weeks.
The latest incident on July 1 left locals searching for an explanation for the “rare and unfamiliar scene,” Saudi Press Agency reported.
Majed Abu Zahrah, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, told SPA that a similar occurrence was recorded on May 13.
“According to the captured images, the spot was clearly illuminated against the dark blue sky … with no accompanying sound or noticeable changes in shape before it began to gradually fade after a few minutes,” he said.
While no official scientific confirmation has yet been issued, Abu Zahrah offered one possible explanation, saying: “This phenomenon could result from vapors of barium, strontium, and ionized oxygen released at high altitudes to study the upper layers of the atmosphere (the ionosphere).”
For science and astronomy enthusiasts around the Kingdom, he further speculated: “In such experiments, the released vapors glow due to the reflection of residual sunlight after sunset at altitudes exceeding 100 km, forming luminous spots in pink, blue, or green, whose shapes are altered by upper atmospheric winds.”
Abu Zahrah said that the spot also may have resulted from debris in the upper atmosphere, such as remnants of a rocket burn or satellite fragments, along with clouds of gases such as helium or hydrogen.
Africa Day celebrations in Riyadh focus on unity, shared growth
Saudi minister outlines $25 billion investment plan and expanded diplomatic presence across the continent
Updated 12 min 20 sec ago
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji has reaffirmed ’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnership with African countries, promoting trade and integration and enhancing consultation and coordination on shared issues.
Speaking at the Africa Day ceremony at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the minister described Africa as a continent of opportunities with natural resources, a young population and renewable potential.
He said African countries were important in Saudi foreign policy, stating: “Africa hosts the largest number of Saudi diplomatic and consular missions, and the Kingdom intends to increase its embassies in Africa to more than 40 in the coming years.”
Artists performing at the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh)
Elkhereiji added that the Kingdom had provided more than $45 billion in support for development and humanitarian projects in 54 African countries, with Saudi aid agency KSrelief alone delivering more than $450 million in assistance across 46 African nations.
Elkhereiji added that the Kingdom’s goal was to invest $25 billion in Africa, secure $10 billion in exports and offer $5 billion in development financing to the continent by 2030.
The event, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” was attended by more than 400 guests, including Saudi officials, diplomats, businesspeople and society members.
The dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Djibouti’s ambassador to , Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, highlighted the day’s symbolic and political importance, calling it a reminder to pursue an Africa based on dignity, fairness, and justice.
Guests at exhibition of the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh)
“It is a day for remembrance, unity, and collective responsibility. We honor our ancestors, recognize our leaders’ vision, and reaffirm our commitment to an African future founded on dignity, equity, and justice,” he said.
He stressed the need for African states to raise their voices in international forums, strengthen pan-African cooperation, and promote youth, indigenous knowledge and cultural identities.
Bamakhrama added: “On its path to development, Africa does not walk alone and relies on the solidarity of its partners, especially . We welcome the resolutions adopted by the -Africa summit held in Riyadh in 2023, which marked a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership.
A guest at exhibition of the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh)
“The Saudi Vision 2030 offers new opportunities to build lasting bridges between our people. Together we can transform this cooperation into a lasting alliance.”
The head of the African Diplomatic Corps and Cameroon’s ambassador to , Iya Tidjani, paid tribute to the vision of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism, who saw African unity as essential for the continent’s development and global standing.
“Sixty-two years ago, when Africa still bore the scars of slavery, colonization, apartheid and discrimination, African heads of state laid the foundations for the Organization of African Unity’s charter, marking a turning point in the quest for independence. Their successors, supported by the African Union, remain committed,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji (center) with Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and ambassador of Djibouti Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama & Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors Iya Tidjani. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh)
“Africa Day, formerly African Freedom Day and later African Liberation Day, originates from the collective resistance of the African people. The 2025 commemoration under the theme of justice for Africans continues this legacy.”
He urged younger generations to draw inspiration from the legacy and work toward the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals of inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
On the sidelines of the reception, Africa’s cultural diversity was highlighted by a handicraft exhibition representing various countries.
Through the celebration, the African Diplomatic Corps aimed to convey solidarity, unity and determination to the international community while calling for dialogue, historical recognition and concrete action for justice for Africans and people of African descent.
Kingdom invests more than $267m to raise awareness of camelids’ role in food security, heritage, sustainability
Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen: Camels are considered a symbol of cultural identity and supporters of rural communities’ sustainability and livelihoods
Updated 22 min 31 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: has concluded its presidency of the International Year of Camelids, an initiative launched by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization to highlight the cultural, social and economic importance of the camel and related species.
The Kingdom used the occasion to raise global awareness and promote research and development related to camelids, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative began under ’s leadership in June last year, in partnership with a coalition of Latin American and Caribbean countries led by Bolivia.
The Food and Agriculture Organization hosted a closing ceremony at its headquarters in Rome, attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, president of World Camelids Sports, with officials, diplomats, and international representatives.
The event recognized camelids’ role in food security, sports, economic development, and cultural heritage, the SPA reported.
The observance highlighted camelids’ environmental, economic, and social value, and aimed to support pastoralist communities globally.
The International Camel Organization also participated in the ceremony. The organization played an active role throughout the year in promoting awareness and support for the camel sector.
Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, the organization’s chairman, said: “Our involvement in the International Year of Camelids has been rooted in our mission to elevate the camel sector on the global stage.
“Camels are considered a symbol of cultural identity and supporters of rural communities’ sustainability and livelihoods.
“We remain committed to supporting their role across all scientific, cultural, sport, economic, and welfare sectors.”
At the ceremony, Ali Alshaikhi, assistant undersecretary for fisheries and livestock wealth at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to recognizing the value of camels.
He said they are a key food source, economic asset, and cultural symbol deserving of greater global attention and investment.
He outlined ’s efforts during its presidency, including holding more than 50 local and international events, providing 15 research grants, and organizing 18 strategic meetings.
The Kingdom also organized 20 international exhibitions, starting at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome and the UN in Geneva, to raise awareness of camels’ vital role in various communities, he added.
Alshaikhi said the initiative strengthened global appreciation for camels and supported their role in food security and economic growth. He added that invested more than SR1 billion ($267 million) in related efforts.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s broader leadership in agriculture and food security, driven by a strategic vision focused on sustainability, innovation, resilient food systems, self-sufficiency, and modern technologies.
RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior has completed departure procedures for Iranian Hajj pilgrims leaving through the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.
This was done following directives from King Salman and based on a recommendation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The aim was to support Iran’s pilgrims amid the current circumstances in their country and provide necessary services until they can safely return home after completing Hajj.
The ministry, through its sectors and affiliated entities, deployed all human and technical resources to facilitate the pilgrims’ movement, the SPA reported.
It coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure smooth and organized transport to the border within an integrated service and security framework.
Alireza Bayat, head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization in Iran, recently praised for assisting the pilgrims, noting the quality organization and services at border crossings and other locations.
He said Iran’s pilgrims were satisfied with the support they had received and for the excellent organization of the Hajj.
Saliha Al-Shahrani, the fashion designer inspired by the landscapes of southern Arabia
Natural landmarks, including the mountains of Asir, inspire fresh take on traditional wear
Designer hopes to open boutique abroad to share Saudi culture with the world
Updated 02 July 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
Makkah: Saudi designer Saliha Al-Shahrani is powerful force in the Kingdom’s fashion world who uses her work to reimagine the rich culture of the country’s south.
Hailing from the mountainous region of Asir, she has forged a unique creative path drawing on local traditions.
Al-Shahrani spoke to Arab News about how her connection to southern Arabia is a natural extension of her identity.
The designer’s deep-rooted bond with Asir led her to reimagine traditional clothing, creating designs that appeal to a wide audience while authentically representing her homeland.
“I merge modernity with authenticity through the use of colors and materials, without ever compromising the spirit of southern attire,” she said.
A cornerstone of her collections is the Asiri dress — known as “al-Muzanad or Al-Mujanab” — a signature piece worn during national celebrations, including Founding Day.
Al-Shahrani particularly enjoys working with velvet, although she uses a range of materials to represent the different climates of Asir.
She said that her designs are inspired by natural landmarks such as Mount Dhirah (the Green Mountain), Jabal Al-Janoub in Asir, and the Sarawat Mountains in Abha.
The designer highlighted her well-known design, Dhirah, inspired by the mountain, which has become a signature piece in her collection.
She said that her participation in international exhibitions has brought positive feedback, with designs garnering widespread acclaim and being embraced by a diverse global audience.
This experience reaffirmed her belief that Saudi heritage has immense artistic value, especially when reimagined with a contemporary perspective and presented with professional finesse.
Al-Shahrani praised ’s Vision 2030 for removing many obstacles, particularly by empowering women, and highlighted the need for continued support of international exhibitions that promote Saudi cultural identity on a global scale.
In a message to aspiring designers, she urged them to break free from convention, move beyond imitation, and carve their own creative paths, adding that success on a global scale begins with thoughtfully crafted local excellence.
Al-Shahrani’s ambition is to launch a boutique in one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, where she can present the heritage of southern to a wider audience.
