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MADINAH: Several development projects for mosques and grand mosques in Madinah were inaugurated on Wednesday by the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, with a total value exceeding SR395 million ($105.3 million).

The Saudi Press Agency reported that this was part of Al-Sheikh’s inspection visit to the ministry’s branch in Madinah, to assess its needs and review the ministry’s projects in the region.

The projects inaugurated by Al-Sheikh included the operation and maintenance of mosques and grand mosques at a cost of more than SR95 million, covering about 90 percent of the mosques in the region, along with the inauguration of the construction of 87 new mosques and grand mosques at a cost exceeding SR282 million.

The minister also inaugurated the Mosque Development Project, which includes building new mosques according to smart and sustainable models, and rehabilitating existing mosques by updating the designs, as well as adding new modern requirements, preparing external areas, carrying out landscaping, and implementing smart regulations.

Al-Sheikh affirmed that these projects are the results of the leadership’s support and dedication to the construction and upkeep of mosques and improvement of services to meet the needs of worshippers and reinforce the noble mission of serving Islam and Muslims.

Al-Sheikh reviewed the progress of work, and the development plans and programs of the ministry’s branches in the region, ensuring they improved efficiency and enhanced the quality of the services provided to citizens, residents and visitors to Madinah.

AL-AHSA: It was a glorious occasion for 200 men and women when they were joined in holy matrimony here on Wednesday.

The mass wedding ceremony was held as a part of the “Taysir 2025” program, under the patronage of Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr.

Prince Saud is also honorary president of the Charity Society for Simplifying Marriage and Family Care of Al-Ahsa, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held at King Faisal University, the ceremony included men and women from towns and cities in Al-Ahsa, and was organized by the charity in partnership with the Sheikh Saleh Al-Rajhi Endowments organization.

Several leading officials, ministers and family members of the couples attended the ceremony.

Prince Saud said he was proud that he could contribute to the stability of family life in the Kingdom, which was the basis of the nation’s prosperity and progress.

In a statement, Sheikh Nasser Al-Naim, chairman of the charity, thanked the Al-Ahsa governor for his ongoing support. He said the organization remains committed to supporting young people.

The attendees watched a film titled “Story of the Emerging Family Home,” a visual presentation on the mass wedding projects supported by Sheikh Saleh Al-Rajhi Endowments organization, followed by a poem.

The ceremony concluded with a chant-based operetta in celebration of the occasion.

Abdul Karim Al-Fadda, director-general of the Sheikh Saleh Al-Rajhi Endowments organization, said the initiative was a part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aim to support social development.