Empty roads, crowded malls as Riyadh residents rush for last-minute Eid shopping

Special Empty roads, crowded malls as Riyadh residents rush for last-minute Eid shopping
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The General Entertainment Authority has announced a packed calendar of events for the week-long Eid Al-Fitr holiday. (SPA)
Special Empty roads, crowded malls as Riyadh residents rush for last-minute Eid shopping
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The General Entertainment Authority has announced a packed calendar of events for the week-long Eid Al-Fitr holiday. (SPA)
Special Empty roads, crowded malls as Riyadh residents rush for last-minute Eid shopping
3 / 4
The General Entertainment Authority has announced a packed calendar of events for the week-long Eid Al-Fitr holiday. (SPA)
Special Empty roads, crowded malls as Riyadh residents rush for last-minute Eid shopping
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The General Entertainment Authority has announced a packed calendar of events for the week-long Eid Al-Fitr holiday. (SPA)
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Updated 09 April 2024
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Empty roads, crowded malls as Riyadh residents rush for last-minute Eid shopping

Empty roads, crowded malls as Riyadh residents rush for last-minute Eid shopping
  • Eid celebrations commence on Wednesday, with Eid Al-Fitr prayer to take place across the Kingdom shortly after sunrise
  • GEA has announced a packed calendar of events, from theater to concerts and daily firework displays at locations across the capital

RIYADH: It looked like a tale of two cities on the roads of the Saudi capital on Tuesday morning with offices closed for the Eid Al-Fitr. While many streets wore a deserted look, the shopping malls were bustling with crowds as Riyadh residents rushed for last-minute Eid shopping.

Hanan Al-Harbi, a Riyadh resident, told Arab News: “People along with their children flock to shopping centers for new garments, chocolates and Eid gifts to be shared with the relatives and friends on the joyous occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the most celebratory occasion in the Islamic calendar.

“I have visited some of the shopping malls in the city today and last night, and I found them crowded with people busy doing last minute Eid shopping. The good thing is streets are empty due to Eid Al-Fitr holidays, so the drive is easy and it takes less time to be at the shopping center.”

However, Al-Harbi added that Riyadh will experience more traffic at night as people go out with family and friends on the eve of Eid.

“You will see the Eid spirit here everywhere you go tonight. The streets decorated with colorful lights at night are going to be more busy and everything that is dull during the day will come to life at night for the biggest celebration in the Islamic calendar,” she said.

Manzar Siddiqui’s regular drive to the Aziziah fruits and vegetables market on Tuesday morning was more hassle-free than usual.

“The roads leading to the market were practically empty, and it took me only 15 minutes to drive from my home compared to the usual half an hour,” he said.

However, when he got to the market, the scene was different.

“The fruits and vegetables stalls were moderately busy, and the meat section was packed as people rushed to buy mutton and chicken as it is the Eid Al-Fitr party time. I had to wait for 20 minutes to place my order. On regular days, we just visit the shop and place the order,” said Siddiqui.

For Mahfooz Shaikh, who has just moved to the city, a planned quick visit to the mall turned into a long ordeal.

“I thought it would be empty in the afternoon, and I could get my Eid shopping done quickly, but I think every other person in Riyadh thought the same. It was crowded, and getting a parking spot was a tough task,” he said.

Amid the week-long Eid Al-Fitr holiday to celebrate the festival with zeal and fervor, the General Entertainment Authority has announced a packed calendar of events, from theater to concerts and daily firework displays at locations across the capital.

Tuesday is the final day of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid celebrations commence on Wednesday, with Eid Al-Fitr prayer to take place across the Kingdom shortly after sunrise, and thorough arrangements made to accommodate worshipers for the annual prayer.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has issued directives to hold Eid Al-Fitr prayers 15 minutes after sunrise, in accordance with the Umm Al-Qura calendar.

In a circular, the ministry said that Eid Al-Fitr prayers will be conducted at the designated open prayer grounds, as well as in all mosques except for those adjacent to prayer grounds, ensuring all necessary services, including maintenance, cleaning and operation, are in place so that worshipers can perform their rituals with ease and comfort.


Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon

Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon
Updated 35 sec ago
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Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon

Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon
  • The relief effort is being conducted in cooperation with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage
  • Saudi aid is crucial to supporting families as they confront daily hardships and critical shortages

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is continuing to provide essential food baskets to families in northern Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The relief effort is being conducted in cooperation with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage as part of a campaign initiated under the directives of the Saudi leadership.
The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza remains dire, exacerbated by ongoing hostilities and border closures. Saudi aid is crucial to supporting families as they confront daily hardships and critical shortages.
Meanwhile, the 21st aid plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Saturday, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies.
The aid, handled by KSrelief, will be used to assist the growing number of people displaced by Israeli airstrikes. The UAE, Turkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Romania and France are also sending aid to Lebanon.
Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has implemented more than 3,100 projects worth more than $7.1 billion in 104 countries, in cooperation with local, regional and international partners.


Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers

Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers
Updated 13 min 30 sec ago
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Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers

Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers
  • Participants will include officers from the ministry, other military branches and allied nations

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense will host an international leadership forum for non-commissioned officers in Riyadh later this month, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Taking place with the support of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman from Nov. 18-19 under the theme “Development and Empowerment,” the event will “underscore the role played by non-commissioned officers and promote shared practices in leadership empowerment,” SPA said.

Non-commissioned officers, or NCOs, are military personnel who have risen through the ranks and look after the day-to-day management of military operations, supervise enlisted soldiers and assist commissioned officers.

The forum will also look to facilitate the exchange of leadership experiences and success stories with military counterparts both within and outside the Kingdom.

Organized by NCOs from the Ministry of Defense and overseen by the Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, the forum will feature dialogue sessions focused on topics such as enhancing leadership competency and empowering women within the ministry.

Participants will include officers from the ministry, other military branches and allied nations.

The event will also feature lectures and an exhibition will run alongside the forum, spotlighting the ministry’s development program for leadership roles of non-commissioned officers, as well as highlighting its I’tizaz and Together programs.


Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard
Updated 09 November 2024
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Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

RIYADH: Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, recently visited Harvard University.

Invited by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Kennedy School, the prince spoke about Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Middle East and its efforts to reduce conflicts and promote regional stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

He also spoke to members of the faculty about matters related to research and international relations and addressed members of the Harvard Club of Saudi Arabia, including its president, Abdullah Al-Dosari.

Prince Turki emphasized the importance of the club’s role in supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative through academic and social programs.


Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond

Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond
Updated 09 November 2024
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Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond

Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond
  • Artifacts from Vesuvius eruption on show for first time in Kingdom

RIYADH: The Ancient Kingdoms Festival, being held in AlUla until Nov. 30, is celebrating the rich history of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

The festival combines heritage and culture through a variety of events, including daytime activities, exploratory tours, and night excursions inspired by ancient stories, all guided by specialized teams, Saudi Press Agency reported.

A highlight is an exhibition from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, “Masterpieces of the MANN,” hosted at the Maraya cultural venue.

For the first time in Saudi Arabia, visitors can explore the legacy of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 through artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Roman cities buried under volcanic ash.

Pieces from the renowned Farnese Collection housing ancient Greek and Roman art are also on show.

Other unique experiences include the “Hegra After Dark” event at Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, drone shows, and the Hegra Candlelit Classics series of concerts.

Visitors can also join the “Quest for the Ancient Kingdoms” tour in Wadi Al-Naam, or Valley of the Ostriches, known for its dramatic rock formations.

“The Incense Road Experience” in AlUla’s Old Town offers an immersive journey through narrow alleys lined with traditional mud-brick buildings.

The experience blends live performances and modern technology to tell interactive stories, unveiling archaeological treasures in a captivating mix of past and present.

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples recently joined the commission’s network of cultural partners, aligning with heritage and educational institutions from the UK, France, China, and Italy to collaborate on preserving, studying, and celebrating AlUla’s 20,000-year-old heritage.

Established in 1777, the museum is a prominent landmark in one of Italy’s heritage capitals.

It houses some of Europe’s most treasured cultural artefacts, including exceptionally well-preserved Roman and Greek statues, bronze pieces, mosaics, and other artworks.


‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom
Updated 09 November 2024
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‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

RIYADH: A platform on wheels has been rolled out to celebrate and promote traditional arts through a tour across the Kingdom’s regions.

The “Craftsman Bus,” an initiative of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, will run until Nov. 23, offering cultural and creative experiences with live performances, interactive activities, parades, creative workshops and community art showcases.

Each weekend, the bus stops at King Faisal Park (Education Park) in Hafr Al-Batin governorate, the historic market in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate, and concludes its journey at the heritage village in Jazan.

The event features live demonstrations by skilled local craftsmen, showcasing traditional arts such as Sadu weaving, hand embroidery, wickerwork, leather tanning, incense making, stone carving and metal crafting to create ornaments and jewelry with a traditional flair.

It offers visitors the opportunity to learn traditional crafts and unleash their creativity through interactive artistic workshops.

The bus travels to selected locations, showcasing performances that highlight the unique cultural heritage of each region.

The journey begins with Samri art in Hafar Al-Batin governorate, continues with Dahha art in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate and concludes with the vibrant Azzawi art in Jazan, bringing traditional performing arts closer to communities.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts is a pioneering institution dedicated to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s national identity and elevating traditional arts on both the local and global stages.

Its mission is to preserve the heritage of these arts, celebrate living treasures and pioneers, and recognize distinguished individuals in the field.

By supporting national talent and encouraging the mastery and development of traditional crafts, the institute is ensuring that the rich legacy of Saudi Arabia’s creative arts remains vibrant, innovative and celebrated for generations to come.