Grand mufti of Saudi Arabia warns against Hajj without permit/node/2525931/saudi-arabia
Grand mufti of Saudi Arabia warns against Hajj without permit
The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh called on all Hajj pilgrims to adhere to controls and procedures to ensure their safety. (File/SPA)
Grand mufti of Saudi Arabia warns against Hajj without permit
Call for pilgrims to strictly adhere to security and official instructions
Updated 07 June 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Asheikh has called on all Hajj pilgrims to strictly adhere to security and official instructions by obtaining a Hajj permit and the vaccinations required by the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The grand mufti, who is also the chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and head of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Fatwa, said that pilgrims were not allowed to go to Hajj without a permit.
He said: “The wise leadership and the state have enacted regulations and instructions aimed at facilitating and arranging the reception of pilgrims, providing them with all means of comfort, and helping them to perform rituals with ease and reassurance.
“These services require adherence to them and care for them to ensure the safety of everyone, and other purposes.”
He added that the Kingdom’s government had spared no effort in achieving its lofty goals in the service of Islam and Muslims, the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.
He said the Kingdom’s leadership and people were honored by serving the Two Holy Mosques, but that “this requires full compliance with all official instructions received regarding organizing the Hajj, including obtaining a permit and also obtaining vaccinations.”
He urged pilgrims to invest their time during the days of Hajj in devotion to God through supplication and worship, and called on them to adhere to controls and procedures to ensure their safety and security.
How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s deserts
Conservation efforts and nature reserves are helping the Kingdom’s native desert flora make a strong comeback
Desert wildflowers like Zahrah and Zamlouq symbolize resilience, blooming in some of the world’s harshest environments
Updated 53 min 49 sec ago
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s landscapes are brightened each year by a dazzling array of wildflowers that bring bursts of color and life to its deserts and valleys.
Among the most iconic are Bassia eriophora, Senecio glaucus (locally known as Zamlouq), and Tribulus omanense (commonly called Zahrah). These species are celebrated not only for their natural beauty but also for their ecological, historical, and cultural significance.
In the Northern Borders Province, the desert is seasonally transformed into a living canvas by the arrival of Zamlouq, one of the region’s most striking wildflowers. Once near extinction, this annual herbaceous plant is now enjoying a revival.
Also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, Zamlouq germinates rapidly after rainfall and can grow up to 20 centimeters tall. It is easily recognized by its elongated, strap-like leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that enrich the desert with vibrant color.
Zamlouq emits a distinctive, aromatic fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies, playing a vital role in pollination and supporting ecological balance.
Zamlouq, also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, not only provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife but also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. (SPA)
It typically blooms from late winter into spring, carpeting the desert floor with natural ground cover that boosts soil fertility and provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife. It also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion — especially in open desert areas.
“This annual herb thrives in sandy plains and open rangelands, blooming in spring,” Ghalia Aljeddani, associate professor of plant ecology at the University of Jeddah’s Department of Environmental Sciences, told Arab News.
“It serves as valuable forage for livestock and contributes to soil stabilization and ecological beautification.”
Another native species creating a breathtaking spectacle during the blooming season is the Ramth shrub (Haloxylon salicornicum), particularly in the valleys of the Northern Borders, such as Wadi Arar and its tributaries. Recent thunderstorms and rainfall have triggered renewed floral activity in these regions.
Ramth is a perennial, evergreen shrub known for both its ecological and pastoral value. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of nature reserves, have helped restore this once-declining species and expand Saudi Arabia’s green cover.
Ramth (Haloxylon salicornicum), a perennial desert shrub, thrives across the Arabian Peninsula under harsh desert conditions. (SPA photo)
Highly valued by herders as a key “Hamad” (palatable pasture shrub), Ramth typically grows to around 1 meter tall and can spread across several square meters. Its scale-like, tubular leaves retain moisture, allowing it to thrive in extreme desert conditions.
When protected from grazing, Ramth demonstrates a remarkable capacity to regenerate. In mid-summer, its foliage produces tiny granules of pure white sugar — a unique feature in its ecological profile.
Ramth is “commonly used as camel forage and firewood,” said Aljeddani.
“It is also a natural source of salt for camels and has uses in cleaning products and some medicinal applications. Its ability to thrive in saline and arid environments makes it a promising solution for combating desertification.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• More than 800 types of wildflowers have been recorded across the Arabian Peninsula.
• After rainfall, the deserts, rocky mountains and gravel plains burst into life with greenery.
• Despite their relatively small sizes, wildflowers in Saudi Arabia are remarkably resilient.
• Bedouin have long used wild plants to treat infections and for health-boosting properties.
Among the diverse Tribulus species found across the Arabian Peninsula, Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage.
This trailing plant thrives in loose sands and high desert dunes and can grow up to 80 centimeters tall, adding a dramatic splash of color to otherwise barren terrain. Belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, Zahrah is distinguished by its star-shaped flowers with five delicate petals and its spiny seed capsules.
Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — is a creeping annual plant from the (Zygophyllaceae) family, distinguished by clover-like compound leaves and bright yellow flowers. (SPA photo)
Tribulus omanense stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage. (SPA photo)
Its deep green, pinnate leaves and sprawling stems enhance its ornamental appeal, while its winter bloom transforms the desert into a radiant sea of yellow. Zahrah serves as an important food source for desert ungulates like gazelles and oryx, as well as for domesticated animals.
Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Zahrah is exceptionally adapted to harsh conditions, tolerating extreme heat, drought, and sandy soils. Its water-saving mechanisms make it indispensable to desert ecosystems.
Beyond its ecological value, Tribulus omanense is revered as a symbol of endurance and vitality — mirroring the resilience of the desert and the spirit of the people who call it home.
The Arnebia decumbens plant, a seasonal wildflower that flourishes in the Kingdom's Northern Borders region during spring, serves as a vital food source for wildlife and livestock and contributes to ecological balance and soil stabilization in sandy areas. (SPA)
Yet environmental pressures such as climate change, overgrazing, and urban expansion threaten the resurgence of these plants. Authorities are working to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving native vegetation to preserve biodiversity and protect the Kingdom’s natural heritage.
These measures will help maintain ecological balance without excessive strain on water resources, enhance natural resistance to drought and desertification, and support the development of resilient and sustainable ecosystems.
“These wildflowers are not merely natural adornments of the land,” said Aljeddani. “They play vital environmental, cultural, and economic roles and significantly contribute to national initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability.”
The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures
Updated 23 May 2025
SPA
JEDDAH: Passport to the World, which is taking place in Jeddah until May 24, is offering visitors an immersive look at Sudan’s cultural heritage through live folk performances, traditional dances, and interactive workshops that highlight customs, celebrations, and community rituals.
The event also features a food corner serving authentic Sudanese dishes, desserts, and traditional drinks that reflect the country’s hospitality.
Guests are also given an opportunity to wear traditional Sudanese clothing and explore the meanings behind its regional colors and patterns.
Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the event supports efforts to showcase the cultural diversity of expatriate communities in the Kingdom while promoting values of coexistence through interactive cultural programming.
The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures.
The Sudanese showcase is its conclusion and has attracted strong public interest. A previous edition in Alkhobar was also well received.
Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait
Guidelines adopted at meeting of GCC’s ministers
Updated 23 May 2025
SPA
KUWAIT CITY: Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail has concluded his official visit to Kuwait, during which he headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 23rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s housing ministers, which included participation from the relevant ministers of member states and was attended by the secretary-general of the GCC.
Several technical guidelines were adopted at the meeting, most notably the Value Engineering Guide for GCC Housing Projects, which was prepared by Riyadh as a step to enhance spending efficiency while improving the quality of outcomes in Gulf housing schemes.
Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee holds talks on Gaza with French foreign minister in Paris
Delegation includes Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Jordanian and Egyptian counterparts Ayman Safadi and Badr Abdelatty
Discussions focus on coordinated international efforts to end war in Gaza, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid and halt ongoing Israeli violations
Updated 23 May 2025
Arab News
PARIS: Senior members of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee held talks with French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris on Friday about the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip and efforts to advance peace in the region.
The delegation that visited the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs was led by the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and included his Jordanian and Egyptian counterparts Ayman Safadi and Badr Abdelatty.
Their discussions with Barrot focused on coordinated international efforts to end the war in Gaza, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, and halt ongoing violations by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people and the occupied territories, breaches that have been described as contraventions of international law and humanitarian norms, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also talked about ways in which joint diplomatic action might be intensified to promote a just and lasting peace, with an emphasis on the implementation of a two-state solution in line with international resolutions.
Other topics included the preparations for a high-level international conference on the two-state solution, which is scheduled to take place at the UN headquarters in New York in June and will be jointly chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
Saudi fund unveils handicraft investment accelerators
Nama’ initiative launched in partnership with Ministry of Culture and Quality of Life Program
Updated 23 May 2025
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: Nama’ Accelerators, a pioneering initiative to foster the growth of cultural enterprises, has been launched by the Saudi Cultural Development Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Quality of Life Program.
The project, featuring a comprehensive training and development program, will include several sector-specific tracks. The first of these is the flagship handicrafts track, with the aim of amplifying the economic, social and creative impact of the 2025 — Year of Handicrafts initiative.
It targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand across 11 diverse fields within the sector, including pottery, textiles and woodworking.
Benefits on offer include specialized training in modern craft techniques, intensive workshops on marketing and business management, and improved market access both locally and internationally. It also provides financial incentives to support sustainable growth and expansion.
Through this inaugural track, Nama’ Accelerators intends to transform the Kingdom’s rich artisanal heritage into sustainable economic ventures that foster community development, encourage innovation within the handicraft industries and enrich the national identity.
The Cultural Development Fund seeks to advance the handicrafts sector by maximizing its economic and social impact, fostering innovation across its diverse fields, and cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that nurtures creativity and growth.
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Quality of Life Program — a key component of Saudi Vision 2030—has unveiled “Nama’ Accelerators.” (Supplied)
Nama’ Accelerators represents a strategic milestone in the fund’s ambition to position itself as the financial center of excellence for the cultural sector. As a key financial enabler for entrepreneurs and enterprises, it fuels the sustainable and profitable growth of their ventures.
The initiative also strengthens the fund’s collaboration with key players across the cultural ecosystem, supporting its continued progress toward fulfilling the objectives of the National Culture Strategy within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework.
Khalid Al-Baker, CEO of the Quality of Life Program, told Arab News: “Promoting and sustaining national culture hinges on transforming the cultural sector into an economically productive industry. This transformation involves expanding cultural offerings — including cultural days, events, and activities — and streamlining the permit issuance process for cultural projects.”
He added that, as part of the Quality of Life Program’s efforts to fulfill Vision 2030’s objectives: “We have implemented programs targeting these key pathways, including the launch of Nama’ Accelerators.”
Nama’ Accelerators will actively elevate the role of handicrafts in society, transforming them from museum artifacts into a vibrant, economically sustainable sector. The initiative promotes creativity and innovation while safeguarding a living cultural heritage for current and future generations, Al-Baker said.
