Saudi residents find comfort in spiritual aspect of Ramadan

Special Saudi residents find comfort in spiritual aspect of Ramadan
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For those looking to delve deeper into the customs and traditions of Ramadan, Noor Exhibition in Jeddah’s Al-Balad district provides insights into Ramadan practices worldwide. (Ramadan Season)
Special Saudi residents find comfort in spiritual aspect of Ramadan
2 / 3
For those looking to delve deeper into the customs and traditions of Ramadan, Noor Exhibition in Jeddah’s Al-Balad district provides insights into Ramadan practices worldwide. (Ramadan Season)
Special Saudi residents find comfort in spiritual aspect of Ramadan
3 / 3
For those looking to delve deeper into the customs and traditions of Ramadan, Noor Exhibition in Jeddah’s Al-Balad district provides insights into Ramadan practices worldwide. (Ramadan Season)
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Updated 27 March 2024
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Saudi residents find comfort in spiritual aspect of Ramadan

Saudi residents find comfort in spiritual aspect of Ramadan
  • From work and social commitments to worship, residents are finding ways to make time for it all during the holy month
  • Hadeel Jabrti: We host iftar at our house every year, which is a great way to catch up with some of my closest friends and family

RIYADH: In the thick of Ramadan season, Saudi residents are trying to find the balance between their busy social calendars and the spiritual journey of the holy month.

This Ramadan, Nouf Al-Dossari realized that she is more focused spiritually than in previous years, making sure to perform the five daily prayers on time and learning to interpret the Qur’an in both English and Arabic. 

She has balanced out the spiritual aspect of the month by tackling other projects at home. “I have picked up on learning how to write in Arabic, which is something I’m very proud of myself for doing. Coming from a Saudi family and not knowing how to write Arabic wasn’t great, especially as an Arabic speaker, so I finally got down to it,” she told Arab News. 

She has also made her way into the kitchen to help out her mother make iftar and sahoor, calling it an “absolute blessing.” 

Al-Dossari said: “In the past I would not dare to enter the kitchen, but now, I get so excited to create a delicious masterpiece with her,” she said.  

But Ramadan does not come without its own set of challenges. As a content creator, Al-Dossari says it is difficult for her to dedicate mealtimes to her family.  

“I’m called to do shoots during the iftar timing which causes me to miss iftar on most days. The first week, I was so disheartened because I spent it breaking my fast alone,” she explained.

After shuffling her schedule around, prioritizing herself and her family became a promise she has sworn to keep — anything else, like outings and watching Ramadan series, comes after Taraweeh prayers. 

She uses the rest of her time creating Ramadan-related content for her popular Instagram page, @saudiexplorer_, and educating her audience.

She said: “With so much growth on my page, I have both non-Muslim and Muslim viewers who have interest in learning about Islam and it gives me a chance to allow myself to learn as well. 

“This year I focused on supporting home-based business, providing daily reminders, and just being real and being myself. I also refrain from using music for my content so my viewers can enjoy the content,” she said.  

For more traditional jobs, most working hours in Muslim countries are cut down to six hours a day or 30 hours a week, to relieve the stress of commitments and leave more spare time to attend to religious practices. 

“Short office hours allow us to enjoy the spirit of Ramadan easily. Every other street has a mosque in Saudi Arabia, which makes it so easy for one to enjoy their prayers and immerse fully,” Ifrah Mahmoud, an expatriate living in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.  

She said that trips to mosques have been so entertaining on their own that she has not needed to divert attention elsewhere. 

“I can’t wait for the last 10 days in particular where we are supposed to pray even more. It gives us a chance to put a pause to work life and enjoy spirituality,” she said. 

Hadeel Jabrti’s Ramadan strategy consists of planning ahead before the month starts. She has set herself up to read five pages of the Qur’an every prayer, in order to finish the mus’haf by the end of the month, and attend Taraweeh at least three to four times a week.  

“I’m hoping to achieve these goals, and so far, l’m doing well,” she told Arab News. “Since I don’t typically sit still and practice mindfulness, Taraweeh has quickly become the thing I look forward to at the end of the day. I love the aroma of the mosque and getting together and praying in unison.” 

In contrast, their household integrates Ramadan rituals with fun activities.

She said: “We host iftar at our house every year, which is a great way to catch up with some of my closest friends and family … I especially love it when we all get in the kitchen and cook together, chat, bicker, and play around. In my opinion, it really makes it feel like Ramadan.”

Her goal for the month is to remain mindful and make an effort to be careful with words and actions. This also includes mindfulness of consumption, whether it’s food, media, or others.  

She advises others with trouble keeping a balance this Ramadan to create a schedule or routine that allows for flexibility while enabling them to accomplish their goals.


Separated twins, families visit 2034 World Cup exhibit, historic At-Turaif district

Separated twins, families visit 2034 World Cup exhibit, historic At-Turaif district
Updated 43 sec ago
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Separated twins, families visit 2034 World Cup exhibit, historic At-Turaif district

Separated twins, families visit 2034 World Cup exhibit, historic At-Turaif district

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief organized a special visit for conjoined twins who had undergone separation surgeries in the Kingdom, along with their families, to Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid exhibition.

The visit was organizaed on the sidelines of the International Conference on Conjoined Twins, held in Riyadh from Nov. 24-25.

The twins and their families also toured the historic At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture, which reflects Saudi Arabia’s scientific and cultural advances.

At the end of the visit, the twins and their families expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom, represented by KSrelief, for organizing the visit and for the warm hospitality of the Saudi people.


‘The extraordinary has become the ordinary in Saudi Arabia,’ says Middle East expert

‘The extraordinary has become the ordinary in Saudi Arabia,’ says Middle East expert
Updated 6 min 12 sec ago
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‘The extraordinary has become the ordinary in Saudi Arabia,’ says Middle East expert

‘The extraordinary has become the ordinary in Saudi Arabia,’ says Middle East expert
  • Appearing on “Frankly Speaking,” Norman Roule called for more robust media narrative to communicate the Kingdom’s ambition
  • Lauded the role of Ambassadors Michael Ratney and Princess Reema bin Bandar in strengthening bilateral relationship

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s transformation, showcased by world-class entertainment events, AI and green energy investments, and giga-projects, continues to redefine its global image and influence, but according to Middle East expert Norman Roule, more can be done to explain the Kingdom’s ambitions to the world.

On the diplomatic front, the former senior American intelligence officer believes Saudi-US relations will continue to thrive regardless of the administration in Washington and despite the temporary pause caused by the Gaza war.

“Truth be told, I see so much that is extraordinary in Saudi Arabia that the extraordinary has become the ordinary,” he said on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” referring to the star-studded “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” fashion show on Nov. 14 as part of Riyadh Season 2024, which has drawn over 6 million visitors and turned the Saudi capital into a cultural and entertainment hub.

“Saudi Arabia must have what it needs to achieve its vision as a global node of progress, stability, interfaith relationships,” Roule said, noting that the Kingdom “is located in the center of so many pathways of global commerce and social exchange between India and Africa, between Europe and Asia.”

Saudi-French model Amira Al-Zuhair was spotted on the runway of the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab in Riyadh. (Jafer Alsaleh/AN)

Calling for a more robust narrative strategy to dispel misconceptions and showcase Saudi Arabia’s impact, he underscored the importance of investing in media programs similar to “Frankly Speaking” to communicate the Kingdom’s vision “in English to the international community.”

“The world needs more of it, not just to understand what the Kingdom is doing in and of itself, but how those ambitions will shape the global society and the global economy. Understanding Saudi Arabia’s investments in green energy, along with those of the United Arab Emirates. It’s critical to the future of the planet for developing countries — for the Global North and the Global South,” Roule told Katie Jensen, the host of “Frankly Speaking.”

“Understanding how entertainment connects Europe to Asia, how it’s going to shape how people move in the world. That can only be done with more information being put out.”

Roule spoke of Saudi Arabia’s influence on critical issues, such as women’s empowerment and cultural exchange, stating that it can reach well beyond its borders, shaping developments across the region and even other continents. “The role of protecting women’s rights is not just a Saudi issue,” he said, “but I’d like to see Saudi Arabia’s influence touch Afghanistan and Africa.”

Roule also offered an enthusiastic assessment of NEOM — a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil — describing it as a game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s future. The $500 billion futuristic city on the Red Sea is designed to address challenges like population growth and sustainability while leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic location near the Red Sea.

A handout picture shows the design plan for the 500-meter tall parallel structures, known collectively as The Line, in the heart of the Red Sea megacity EOM. (NEOM/AFP)

“NEOM is 90 minutes from Athens and about 60 kilometers from the Suez Canal,” he said, and noted that its vision includes carbon-neutral technologies, transformative trade hubs like Oxagon, and revolutionary urban designs such as The Line.

“So much of this has never been done before anywhere in the world. It will be amazing,” Roule said.

“When people talk about The Line, which is often how NEOM is described in the West, I tell them, first, NEOM is the size of Belgium or Massachusetts,” he said. “Only 5 percent of the territory can be developed. And I think they’ve mapped that about 4 percent.”

Looking ahead, he said: “I have no doubt it’s going to succeed — it will be amazing — but it may not succeed on the schedule that some might hope.”

Roule lauded the work done by the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and the US in their respective capitals to strengthen bilateral relations. “Michael Ratney is not only experienced, a superb Arabist, but he’s someone who has a deep knowledge and understanding and respect for the region,” he said. “He’s exactly the sort of ambassador the United States would hope to have in a position as consequential as this.

Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar and US Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Ratney in Riyadh. (X: @rbalsaud)

“At the same time, you have Saudi Ambassador Reema bint Bandar in Washington, who is extremely capable. She is a national treasure for both of our countries as we look to understand and work together.”

Roule praised the two ambassadors for encouraging American executives to visit Saudi Arabia, saying: “I have been with such executives at some of these meetings. If they’re fresh to the Kingdom, they’re delighted and amazed; if they don’t come often, they’re delighted and amazed.”

Ultimately, he said, “the success that we all hope to achieve is not a business deal; it’s a partnership on the broader ambitions of the Kingdom and the United States for regional stability and progress.”


UN official lauds KSrelief’s landmine work in Yemen

UN official lauds KSrelief’s landmine work in Yemen
Updated 24 November 2024
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UN official lauds KSrelief’s landmine work in Yemen

UN official lauds KSrelief’s landmine work in Yemen
  • The UN official emphasized the importance of continuing such humanitarian projects to achieve stability in Yemen and protect civilians

Riyadh: The UN special envoy’s military adviser to Yemen, Antony Hayward, praised the work carried out by Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s Project Masam to clear landmines in Yemen.

During his visit to the agency’s headquarters in Marib, he said that the project works to protect the lives of civilians and secure large areas of Yemeni territory despite the challenges posed by landmines.

The UN official emphasized the importance of continuing such humanitarian projects to achieve stability in Yemen and protect civilians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Last week, meanwhile, members of Project Masam removed 840 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen, including anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines and unexploded ordnance, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said 470,416 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are responsible for clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of landmines.


Saudi culture minister engages with manga students in Tokyo

Saudi culture minister engages with manga students in Tokyo
Updated 24 November 2024
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Saudi culture minister engages with manga students in Tokyo

Saudi culture minister engages with manga students in Tokyo
  • Prince Badr highlighted the Saudi leadership’s strong commitment to developing human capabilities across various fields

Riyadh: Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met Saudi scholarship students participating in the Manga Industry program in Tokyo.

The program, organized in collaboration between the commission and Manga Productions, a subsidiary of Misk Foundation, aims to develop talented manga artists through professional training rooted in Japanese techniques, the art form’s birthplace.

Prince Badr highlighted the Saudi leadership’s strong commitment to developing human capabilities across various fields, emphasizing the importance of academic and professional training in cultural disciplines.

The meeting was attended by the CEO of the commission, Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of Manga Productions Essam Bukhary and students studying manga art at Kadokawa Contents Academy, a leading Japanese institution for training and recruiting manga talent.

The program offers virtual workshops, intensive training courses and overseas training in Japan. It also includes competitions blending manga with Saudi cultural themes, such as Munjanha, which transforms Arabic proverbs into manga stories; Manga Al-Qaseed, which adapts Arabic poetry; and Manga Al-Ibil, which celebrates the cultural symbolism of camels in Saudi heritage.

More than 1,850 participants have benefited from the program’s virtual workshops, with 115 advancing to intensive training, producing 115 manga stories. Of these, 21 students were selected for advanced training in Japan.


Umrah guests tour Madinah’s historic sites

Umrah guests tour Madinah’s historic sites
Updated 24 November 2024
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Umrah guests tour Madinah’s historic sites

Umrah guests tour Madinah’s historic sites

RIYADH: The first group of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Umrah and Visit toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.

The visit, part of a cultural program by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, aimed to enhance the cultural experience for visitors and Umrah performers in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The pilgrims toured the complex’s technical and administrative departments, learning about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an, preservation efforts, and its translation into multiple languages.

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 over four groups as part of the program.

At the end of the visit, the complex representatives gifted copies of the Holy Qur’an to the guests.

The group also visited the Battle of Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, and the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, learning about this historic turning point in Islam.

The program includes meetings with imams of the Prophet’s Mosque and renowned scholars.

Several guests expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting them, thanking the ministry for the excellent services provided.

Hanafi bin Hamza from Malaysia praised the facilities and expressed joy at visiting the Kingdom. Norasni Binti Muhammad Suh, also from Malaysia, conveyed her gratitude for the program, while Rebuan bin Abdullah thanked the Saudi leadership for the initiative, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Muslims worldwide.

Automaki from Japan called the program outstanding, appreciating the exceptional services and warm hospitality extended by the Saudi leadership.