Launch of Makkah Route Initiative at Karachi airport aims to facilitate Hajj pilgrims’ journey: official
Al-Yahya said the introduction of a mobile counter-verification device is streamlining procedures for beneficiaries of the initiative
Updated 13 May 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The launch of the Makkah Route Initiative at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport aims to facilitate pilgrims’ journeys, the Director-General of Passports Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya has said.
Speaking during Sunday’s launch of the initiative at the airport, Al-Yahya said the introduction of a mobile counter-verification device, equipped with AI and innovative digital solutions, is streamlining procedures for beneficiaries of the initiative.
The initiative was launched in 2019 and 11 airports across seven countries are currently participating, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries.
As part of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is also issued in the pilgrim’s country.
The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that health requirements are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage will be coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements.
Pilgrims will be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner agencies will transport their luggage separately.
Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion
Competition winners to display their work at Saudi Cup exhibition
Techniques include hand embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork
Updated 10 sec ago
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: A fusion of tradition and innovation stole the spotlight at the Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion competition on Sunday, where local designers used age-old techniques to craft high-fashion pieces.
Held at Mansard Hotel – The Gallery in Riyadh, the event celebrated 10 winners whose designs honored the Kingdom’s rich cultural identity through embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork, and even 3D printing.
First-place winner Rand Al-Saif’s design, ‘Saudiya,’ is inspired by the desert landscapes of Hijaz and Tihama. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, highlighted the initiative’s role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend.
• ‘Sidrat Najd’ by Maha Al-Qahtani is an ethereal gown that integrates sidr fruit kernels, covered with silver leaves and Swarovski crystals.
“The ‘Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion’ initiative is a program designed to promote traditional Saudi attire within the contemporary fashion industry.
“It emphasizes Saudi cultural heritage, enhances and preserves Saudi cultural identity, and fosters local talent in creative design,” he told Arab News.
Second-place winner Maha Al-Qahtani stands next to her design, “Sidrat Najd,” a gown inspired by the sidr tree. The piece incorporates sustainability by using sidr fruit kernels wrapped in silver and adorned with Swarovski crystals. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
Cakmak added: “By emphasizing Saudi culture at the forefront of the competition, we were able to foster creative talent to create new designs showcasing the vast heritage of Saudi in alignment with the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Year of Handicrafts.’”
Rand Al-Saif’s winning design, “Saudiya,” is a five-piece ensemble showcasing intricate hand embroidery, natural dyeing, and traditional leatherwork — techniques deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia history.
“My design, ‘Saudiya,’ is inspired by the desert of Hijaz and Tihama,” Al-Saif said.
In second place was “Sidrat Najd” by Maha Al-Qahtani. Her ethereal gown integrates sidr fruit kernels, covered with silver leaves and Swarovski crystals.
“The name of my design is ‘Sidrat Najd,’ inspired by the sidr tree, which holds deep cultural significance in Saudi heritage,” she explained.
Third was “Bride of the Arabian Peninsula” by Ghaida Majdali, who took a bold and innovative approach.
“The fabric was worked on for 350 hours of hand embroidery, without any machine. The skirt is made of metal with 3D printing, covered in natural camel leather,” she said.
Ukrainian child finds hope in KSrelief prosthetics center
The prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation center reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in international humanitarian work
Updated 19 sec ago
SPA
RIYADH: When Matilda, an 8-year-old Ukrainian girl confined to a wheelchair, visited a prosthetic limbs center in Poland affiliated with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, it was with hope for the future.
Before the war in Ukraine, Matilda was like any other child, full of life and laughter, playing in the alleys of her village. However, in an instant, her life changed irrevocably. The war tragically resulted in the amputation of both her legs below the knees. This sudden transformation from an active, energetic child to one facing an uncertain future was devastating.
Matilda’s parents were struck with shock and despair as their daughter faced a life-altering loss of mobility, unable to walk, play, or even sit comfortably. The sudden change weighed heavily on her physical and mental health.
The specialized team provided crucial psychological support, helping her accept her new body and build her self-confidence. (SPA)
Overwhelmed by financial burdens and uncertainty, the family found a glimmer of hope when KSrelief announced its prosthetic limbs program, offering rehabilitation services to victims of war and disaster.
Matilda’s parents learned about this vital program, targeting those affected by the war in Ukraine residing in Poland. Upon learning that the Polish Ministry of Health had included their daughter on the list of eligible amputees, they finally saw a glimmer of hope.
Her journey to regain her life began with a complex logistical process that brought her to the prosthetics center in Poland. Greeted by the warm smiles of the medical team, she felt hope that the pain would soon begin to subside. A comprehensive medical assessment was conducted, and a detailed medical file was created, outlining a personalized treatment plan that considered Matilda’s physical and psychological needs.
FASTFACT
Ukrainian child Matilda has a chance at a better future with KSrelief’s prosthetic limbs program that offers rehabilitation services to victims of war and disaster.
This plan carefully assessed the level and type of amputation, the characteristics of the remaining limbs, and most importantly, Matilda’s goals, expectations, and desires. The Saudi medical team reassured Matilda, explaining the journey ahead and emphasizing that this center was more than just a medical facility; it was a place dedicated to restoring lives.
Before the prosthetic limbs were fitted, Matilda underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program focused on strengthening her muscles, improving her balance, and alleviating the pain associated with the amputation.
Matilda’s journey with the prosthetics center, managed by a team of dedicated Saudi specialists, marked the beginning of her recovery. The multidisciplinary team included orthopedic and rehabilitation doctors, prosthetic limb specialists, and experienced physiotherapists. The team also included dedicated volunteers who provide essential support services, including logistics and organizing activities within the rehabilitation centers.
In Matilda’s case, the specialized team determined the final measurements and selected the appropriate materials for her prosthetics based on her individual needs and condition. After the manufacturing process was complete, Matilda entered a pre-installation rehabilitation phase. The team also provided invaluable guidance on coping with the amputation and adapting to the changes in her body and life.
After weeks of evaluation and rehabilitation, the day Matilda had been eagerly anticipating, yet also dreading, finally arrived. With the assistance of the team, she stood for the first time with both prosthetic limbs in place. Step by step, she began the journey of regaining her balance, learning to walk again, and reclaiming the life she thought she had lost.
The specialized team also provided crucial psychological support, helping her accept her new body and build her self-confidence. They diligently trained her on how to use her prosthetic limbs in everyday activities, from walking and running to playing games.
Matilda underwent regular follow-up sessions to ensure a smooth transition and adaptation to her new life with the prosthetics. Gradually, she regained her independence, no longer reliant on others for assistance.
The prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation center reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in international humanitarian work. Recognizing the critical importance of alleviating human suffering and enabling individuals to live dignified lives, the Kingdom, through KSrelief, implements and expands humanitarian and relief projects.
The center prioritizes localizing and improving prosthetic limb services and rehabilitation programs, while also building the capacities of local health institutions to ensure the sustainability of these vital services.
KSrelief adopts a meticulous approach to selecting and classifying beneficiaries for the prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation program. The selection process relies on lists of amputation patients provided by the Ministry of Health in the respective countries where the project is implemented.
Priority is given to amputation patients resulting from direct war injuries, mines, or the remnants of war, encompassing all age groups, children under the age of 18 suffering from motor disabilities due to amputation or congenital deformities, and other categories, such as individuals injured in traffic accidents or those affected by various diseases.
The program empowers target groups by providing them with the opportunity to reintegrate into society and engage in various activities independently. This enhances their economic, social, and psychological well-being. Through its four centers, the program offers free, high-quality services to beneficiaries in countries in critical need, including Yemen, Syria, those affected by the earthquake in Turkiye, and those impacted by the Ukrainian war in Poland.
Since its inception in 2020 through 2024, the program has provided services to over 109,000 beneficiaries, delivering 298,999 free, high-quality services. Moreover, 10,851 modern prosthetic and orthotic limbs were manufactured and fitted. Notably, 98,612 beneficiaries received rehabilitation services.
According to program statistics, female beneficiaries constituted 33 percent, while males comprised 67 percent. Approximately 24 percent of cases stemmed from pathological injuries, while a significant 76 percent resulted from war injuries, including those caused by mines, war remnants, and unexploded ordnance.
Today, Matilda is no longer the little girl who entered the center confined to a wheelchair. She has transformed into a confident young girl walking independently, her eyes filled with hope as she embraces the future.
Matilda’s story is one among countless others that exemplify KSrelief’s commitment to embodying the Kingdom’s message of support for people in need, wherever they may be.
Saudi deputy minister meets Korean official in Muscat
They reviewed bilateral cooperation on various issues
Updated 24 sec ago
Arab News
MUSCAT: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Korea’s special representative for the Indo-Pacific, at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on Monday.
During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation on various issues. They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts to address them, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the governor of Jeddah, received Kuwait’s Consul General in Jeddah Yousef Al-Tunaib on Monday.
During their meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The reserve’s development authority seeks to breed wild hares and reintroduce them into their natural habitats through conservation programs
Updated 36 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Wild hares are among the many species of wildlife found in the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, where they thrive in areas with essential plants for survival and adapt to various environments.
The gestation period for a female wild hare lasts about 40 days, and she can give birth to four to 12 young per litter, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Wild hares are characterized by their long, thin bodies, and their fur ranges in color from gray to reddish-brown. Their sharp eyesight and keen sense of smell allow them to detect danger and quickly escape predators, the SPA added.
The reserve’s development authority seeks to breed wild hares and reintroduce them into their natural habitats through conservation programs.
As the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East, the reserve spans 130,700 sq. km across four administrative regions: Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk. The reserve features diverse habitats, terrains, and unique geographic formations.
Recently, it earned several international environmental certifications. It was listed on the Green List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, becoming the first Saudi reserve to achieve this recognition.
The plan focuses on enhancing the spiritual significance of the holy month by highlighting its virtues and reinforcing the sacred status of the Grand Mosque in Makkah
Updated 40 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, launched the operational plan for Ramadan, in Makkah.
The plan focuses on enhancing the spiritual significance of the holy month by highlighting its virtues and reinforcing the sacred status of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It aims to provide an enriched religious experience for visitors and pilgrims through high-quality services and innovative programs.
The strategy is designed to ensure a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience while maintaining institutional excellence, the SPA added.
Al-Sudais said that the plan includes a series of initiatives aimed at increasing worshippers’ religious and cultural engagement.
More than 120 scientific, intellectual and guidance programs have been introduced to deepen visitors’ understanding of Ramadan’s spiritual value.
The plan also features 10 enriching pathways to support the experience of those visiting the Two Holy Mosques during the holy month.
