Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah
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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. (SPA)
Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah
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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. (SPA)
Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah
3 / 5
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. (SPA)
Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah
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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. (SPA)
Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah
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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. (SPA)
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Updated 26 January 2025

Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

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.


British Council introduces AI tool to aid learners of English and provide feedback

British Council introduces AI tool to aid learners of English and provide feedback
Updated 55 min 13 sec ago

British Council introduces AI tool to aid learners of English and provide feedback

British Council introduces AI tool to aid learners of English and provide feedback
  • The AiBC system is described as a support tool for traditional learning, rather than a replacement for teachers and formal lessons
  • Learners can repeat exercises as often as they like and the AI-powered engine provides personalized feedback on grammar, vocabulary, fluency and clarity

RIYADH: The British Council has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered engine that helps people learning English to practice speaking the language, and provides them with real-time feedback.

The system, called AiBC, is described as a support tool designed to work alongside traditional learning rather than a replacement for teachers and formal lessons, offering an additional way for learners to build fluency and confidence between classes.

The organization said AiBC was developed internally by its English-language specialists, drawing on the organization’s 90 years of experience in teaching and assessing the language. Rather than multiple-choice exercises, the system uses simulated conversations designed to reflect real-life scenarios.

“AiBC now brings together our teaching expertise with AI so we can help learners practice life-like conversations, progress, and communicate confidently anytime, anywhere,” said Mark Walker, the British Council’s director of English and exams.

Learners can repeat the AI-powered exercises as often as they like and the engine generates downloadable reports with personalized feedback on grammar, vocabulary, fluency and clarity. The aim was to create a safe, judgment-free space for learners to help reinforce what they cover in class, the organization said.

It describes the system as “human-first,” because teachers and live lessons remain central and the AI functions as an extra layer for practicing, and said it was designed this way because many learners want flexible speaking opportunities outside of formal classroom sessions.

The launch of the system comes after the British Council highlighted research that found almost 80 percent of teachers in the UK had already changed how they design assignments because of AI. The organization said the new engine responds to this shift by using technology to extend the learning experience, rather than attempting to automate it.

The tool will initially be available to existing users of the organization’s online-learning platform. No additional release details or pricing information were immediately available.

The British Council is a UK organization operating in more than 100 countries that specializes in cultural relations and educational opportunities, and is known globally for its English-language teaching and exam programs.