Symphony of colors as pilgrims mark Eid in Makkah

Symphony of colors as pilgrims mark Eid in Makkah
Worshippers perform Eid Al-Fitr prayers in the Grand Mosque in Makkah last year. (X/theholymosques)
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Updated 10 April 2024
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Symphony of colors as pilgrims mark Eid in Makkah

Symphony of colors as pilgrims mark Eid in Makkah
  • Pilgrims in the holy city of Makkah don their best outfits to celebrate
  • Pilgrims from all corners of the globe showcase diversity of Muslim community 

MAKKAH: During Eid Al-Fitr, pilgrims in the holy city of Makkah don their best outfits to celebrate, transforming areas of the Grand Mosque into a bright symphony of colors that showcase the diversity of the Muslim community.

Adorned in elegant attire, pilgrims from all corners of the globe share in the joyous atmosphere, each embracing their unique heritage as they celebrate Eid with fellow visitors.




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Arwa Al-Harbi, a hotel employee, drew attention to the growing fascination with Saudi culture among visitors and pilgrims, spurred by the Kingdom’s increasing openness to the world.

“Visitors now eagerly inquire about traditional Saudi attire like the mishlah and the occasions for wearing the iconic white and red ghutra, appreciating the sophistication and heritage behind these garments,” she said.




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Dispelling misconceptions perpetuated by media portrayals, Al-Harbi praises the beauty and elegance of Saudi attire.

“Gulf youths are frequently depicted disheveled in television dramas and films, perpetuating a stereotype ingrained in the minds of many observers. Yet, on closer inspection, these notions are found to be erroneous, with visitors acknowledging the sophistication, elegance, and charm of Saudi attire. This serves to reaffirm the authentic image of Arab youth,” she said.




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Al-Harbi said that the diverse array of clothing styles showcased in Makkah during Eid adds to the festive ambiance, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a beacon of cultural diversity and Islamic unity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Eid in Makkah reinforces the city’s reputation as a beacon of cultural diversity and Islamic unity, says local.

• Ahmed Mohammed, an Indian pilgrim, shared his excitement at being in Makkah and delighted in the sight of diverse clothing styles.

“This sends a powerful message to the world: Despite the variety in attire, Muslims represent a cultured community with diverse cultural and civilizational backgrounds,” she said.




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Saad Al-Joudi, a specialist researcher in Makkah affairs, emphasized the distinguished status of Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities in Islam.

“Set apart from all others worldwide, Makkah and Madinah serve as spiritual havens and pilgrimage destinations for Muslims across every continent,” he said.

Pilgrims resound Eid takbirs through Makkah’s streets, pathways, and bustling markets, infusing the air with joy and jubilation.

Saad Al-Joudi, Makkah researcher

“Pilgrims eagerly await the opportunity to visit and spend their holidays in these cities, considering it the ultimate fulfillment of their spiritual aspirations.”

He added that during Eid festivities “one witnesses the grandeur of these holy cities, as pilgrims resound Eid takbirs through Makkah’s streets, pathways, and bustling markets, infusing the air with joy and jubilation. They even exchange traditional Eid sweets, bringing a taste of home to their fellow pilgrims from distant lands.”




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Al-Joudi said that retail outlets have geared up to cater to all the clothing needs of pilgrims, be it during the sacred month of Ramadan or the festive occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

“This underscores the robust purchasing power exhibited by pilgrims during Eid Al-Fitr, as they eagerly seek out items unavailable in their home countries,” he said.

“Furthermore, it highlights the resilience and diversity of the Saudi market and its swift responsiveness to the requests of pilgrims hailing from various corners of the globe.”

Ahmed Mohammed, an Indian pilgrim, shared his excitement at being in Makkah, saying that he looked forward to celebrating Eid Al-Fitr alongside fellow Muslims who have come to the holy city from around the world.

Amid the festivities, he delights in the sight of diverse clothing styles, particularly favoring the traditional Indian attire, including the Indian turban and customary dress.

This sentiment found resonance with Taqi Al-Din from Nigeria, who shared how Africans embrace vivid, striking colors for formal occasions, intricately embroidered to make a lasting impression.

 


Saudi crown prince invites leaders of GCC, Jordan, and Egypt for informal meeting in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 28 min 27 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince invites leaders of GCC, Jordan, and Egypt for informal meeting in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The informal gathering follows similar meetings that have been held periodically for many years between the leaders of GCC countries, Jordan, and Egypt

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has invited the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Egypt for a meeting in Riyadh on Friday, an official source stated on Thursday.

The informal gathering follows similar meetings that have been held periodically for many years between the leaders of GCC countries, Jordan, and Egypt, enhancing cooperation and coordination.

“Joint Arab action and any relevant decisions will be included in the agenda of the upcoming Extraordinary Arab Summit, which will be held in Egypt” on March 4, the source added.


Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity

Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity
Updated 20 February 2025
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Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity

Kingdom’s civil aviation authority launches integrated digital platform, new brand identity
  • Aim is to improve operational efficiency, transparency and GACA’s regulatory role

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority has launched a new integrated digital platform and brand identity.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation’s changes, which includes an updated website, was announced at its headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The new platform, named Ajwaa, provides all civil aviation services, ensuring quick and efficient access for users and creates a fully digital environment for stakeholders, the SPA reported.

The aim is to improve operational efficiency, transparency, and GACA’s regulatory role, the report stated.
 

The event was attended by Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s transport minister and chairman of GACA’s board, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, president of GACA, vice presidents, CEOs, and other officials.

Al-Duailej said the slogan for the Ajwaa platform is “Together for New Horizons.”


Geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve

Geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve
Updated 20 February 2025
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Geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve

Geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve
  • Al-Urumah mountains have caves, rock columns, stone bridges
  • Rock formations record past environmental, climatic changes

RIYADH: The King Khalid Royal Reserve is one of the nation’s most captivating areas with rock formations sculpted over thousands of years by natural erosion and fluctuating climatic conditions.

Formerly known as the Al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve is less than an hour’s drive from the city center.

Among the main geological features in the reserve are the Al-Urumah mountains, known for their striking natural caves, rock columns, and stone bridges.
 

With the arrival of winter and cooler temperatures, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. (SPA)

Stretching over 700 km, the dramatic landscape provides an ideal destination for photography and adventure enthusiasts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

These landscapes hold a geological record that reveals the environmental and climatic changes the region has experienced over time.

In winter, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism, the SPA reported.

 


Trump thanks crown prince for holding Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Trump thanks crown prince for holding Russia-Ukraine peace talks
Updated 20 February 2025
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Trump thanks crown prince for holding Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Trump thanks crown prince for holding Russia-Ukraine peace talks
  • US president praises Kingdom for ‘great job’ in hosting talks
  • War would not have started ‘if I was president,’ Trump says

RIYADH: US President Donald Trump has praised Saudi Arabia for a “great job” in hosting Russia-Ukraine peace talks, and thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating the discussions in Riyadh.

Trump, speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Future Investment Initiative Institute Summit in Miami, which runs until Feb. 21, said he hopes that a ceasefire could be achieved soon.

Trump said the conflict, which began three years ago this month, would not have started had he been president.

He said Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky “talked the US into spending $350 billion to go into a war that could not be won, that never had to start and never would have started if I was president.”

Senior US and Russian officials attended the meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting was attended by senior Saudi Arabia officials, but no Ukraine representatives.

Trump said that Zelensky could have attended the discussions in Riyadh had he wanted to do so.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two sides agreed broadly to pursue three goals: to restore staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks, and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.

In his wide-ranging speech, Trump touched on efforts to cut government waste and boost energy production, as well as his foreign policy objectives.

Dignitaries included Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US.

Also in attendance was billionaire Elon Musk, who heads a new US federal entity — the Department of Government Efficiency — meant to cut wasteful expenditure.


Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends

Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends
Updated 20 February 2025
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Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends

Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends
  • Secretary-general says event marked 4 years of progress

AMMAN: The Digital Cooperation Organization signed numerous memorandums of understanding during its fourth general assembly in Amman, which concluded on Wednesday.

The memorandums were signed between the DCO and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Sultanate of Oman and 500 Global.

A statement of intent was also signed between the DCO and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.

The signings came after a delegation from the DCO visited Jordan’s Prime Minister Jaafar Abdel Fattah Hassan.

Sami Smeirat, the Jordanian minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, and the chairman of the DCO Council, said that Jordan’s presidency of the organization in 2024 had demonstrated the country’s ability to lead global efforts toward building an inclusive digital economy.

He said: “Throughout this year we have launched ambitious initiatives, strengthened public-private partnerships, and laid solid foundations to empower youth and women in the technology sector.”

Smeirat spoke of the 2025 presidency, which was handed to Kuwait.

He said: “We hand over the presidency to our brothers in the State of Kuwait. We reaffirm Jordan’s commitment to remaining an active partner in achieving the organization’s goals. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to realize our shared vision: a digital world marked by prosperity and fairness for all.”

Deemah Al-Yahya, the secretary-general of the DCO, said that the general assembly marked four years of progress for the organization.

The secretary-general highlighted DCO’s upcoming ambitions, adding: “While we have achieved much over the past four years, there is still important work ahead to drive digital economic growth for all.”

Wednesday’s event featured panels and discussions with leading experts from across the world.

The DCO was founded in November 2020 and currently has 16 nations as members, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer and partner organizations.