Young Saudi volunteers step up to serve pilgrims in Makkah, holy sites

Volunteering in Makkah involves a wide range of services, including guiding pilgrims to and from the Grand Mosque, distributing water bottles and free meals, and interpretation for non-Arabic speakers. (SPA)
Volunteering in Makkah involves a wide range of services, including guiding pilgrims to and from the Grand Mosque, distributing water bottles and free meals, and interpretation for non-Arabic speakers. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 14 June 2024
Follow

Young Saudi volunteers step up to serve pilgrims in Makkah, holy sites

Young Saudi volunteers step up to serve pilgrims in Makkah, holy sites
  • Nawaf Khayyat, chairman of the Makkah Guests Association, told Arab News that over 30 associations serve pilgrims

MAKKAH: Each year, large numbers of Saudi youths from all regions of the Kingdom come together to support Hajj pilgrims on their spiritual journey, with a wide range of initiatives ensuring that worshippers are treated as honored guests.

Pilgrims witness the creativity and dedication of the volunteers as they work tirelessly, utilizing their expertise, skills, and talents, alongside the accumulated experience of their supervisors, to deliver high-quality services to worshippers.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is encouraging volunteer activity with the goal of reaching 1 million volunteers by 2030.




Volunteering in Makkah involves a wide range of services, including guiding pilgrims to and from the Grand Mosque, distributing water bottles and free meals, and interpretation for non-Arabic speakers. (SPA)

Volunteering in Makkah involves a wide range of services, including guiding pilgrims to and from the Grand Mosque, airport transportation, distributing water bottles and free meals, translation for non-Arabic speakers, and overseeing all pilgrim services.

Nawaf Khayyat, chairman of the Makkah Guests Association, told Arab News that over 30 associations serve pilgrims.

The association, in its fourth year, has the support of Saudi authorities and provides wide-ranging services to pilgrims. It has launched more than 40 initiatives, with the number volunteers on the national platform rising to more than 1,700.

FASTFACT

Year-round programs focus on training tour guides and qualifying female workers to serve pilgrims during Hajj.

Khayyat said that the focus during this year’s Hajj season is on three key programs. The first, “Qiladah,” aims to educate bus drivers transporting pilgrims with the participation of university academics. The second is an enrichment program designed for tour guides, offering various educational initiatives.

The third program involves cultural guides working with domestic pilgrim companies in cooperation with the Coordination Council for Domestic Pilgrims. This program is developed in partnership with Umm Al-Qura University, the Hajj and Umrah Gift Association, and several other entities. It is designed to equip cultural guides with extensive knowledge and skills for interacting with the pilgrims, with over 200 cultural guides in attendance.

Year-round programs also focus on training tour guides and qualifying female workers to serve pilgrims during Hajj.

Ali Al-Youbi, a member of Al-Houda Charitable Association, said that their activities are centered at Al-Juhfah, a designated location for pilgrims entering a sacred state of Ihram. Preparations began at the end of May to welcome worshippers arriving from King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Over 150 buses, carrying pilgrims from Iraq, Syria, and African countries such as Niger and Nigeria, were received by the association. They provided essential services to pilgrims, including water distribution, refreshments such as coffee and tea, as well as flowers, sun-protective umbrellas, and containers to keep water cool.

Al-Youbi said that the association has constructed a photography gate based on a proposal from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The gate serves to commemorate the memories of arriving pilgrims, and features greetings in English, French, Arabic, and Persian.

During the Hajj season, the association focuses on feeding and providing water to pilgrims in Muzdalifah, Arafat, and Mina, in coordination with the Sqaia and Rvada Committee in Makkah. Their goal is to distribute 1 million water bottles and an equal number of meals over the course of six days. Additionally, they offer guidance and assistance to lost pilgrims.

Many professionals, such as doctors, teachers and engineers, join voluntary associations during Hajj to serve pilgrims in Makkah, attending to their needs, treating health issues, and providing the necessary amenities for a comfortable pilgrimage.

Jameela Al-Hathli, a female volunteer, said that voluntary work in Makkah has its own special character. She has been volunteering for three years, caring for pilgrims, providing gifts, attending to their health, educating them about rituals, and working in tourist guidance.

She said that initiatives designed to serve pilgrims provide round-the-clock care, guidance, and support. This includes answering queries, taking worshippers on tours inside and outside Makkah, and directing and helping them overcome obstacles they may face in the holy sites. Volunteer teams also provided courses in first aid and CPR, she added.

By offering this comprehensive assistance, the initiatives aim to enrich the pilgrimage experience, and extend a helping hand throughout the journey.

Al-Hathli said that voluntary work should come from a place of love and not merely for appearance or recognition. Volunteers focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the pilgrims, ensuring that they feel appreciated and cared for.

To bridge language barriers and showcase authentic Saudi hospitality, the initiatives rely on volunteer translators proficient in various languages. This enables effective communication, and demonstrates the genuine spirit of welcome and hospitality that pilgrims can expect to receive. From the moment they arrive until their departure, pilgrims are accompanied, supported, and treated as honored guests.

 


Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology

Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology

Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology
  • Partnership forms part of vision to create ‘integrated system that supports innovation and creativity among Saudi youth’

RIYADH: Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, which is also known as Misk City, on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with the tech giant Samsung Electronics to cooperate in the sectors of smart city technology, sustainability, and youth empowerment.

Misk City’s CEO David Henry signed the memorandum with the President of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia Hendrick Lee, on the sidelines of the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, which finishes on Tuesday.

Henry said that the partnership with Samsung “represents an important step in line with Misk City’s strategic vision of creating an integrated system that supports innovation and creativity among Saudi youth,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He stressed the importance of working with Samsung “to create a vibrant and innovative environment that presents a unique model for smart cities.” 

Lee said that Samsung’s “cooperation with Misk City represents our unified commitment to leading innovation and sustainability with the aim of developing transformative solutions that enhance urban life and empower future generations in the field of technology, which benefits our communities.” 

The two parties will also collaborate on developing training programs specifically designed to hone the skills of Saudi’s youth to help enhance smart city experiences. These programs will later be hosted and delivered in Misk City, the SPA added.

Samsung Electronics is also considering setting up a showroom in Misk City to showcase its latest artificial intelligence-powered smart technologies, providing visitors with a firsthand experience of smart homes and understanding of future innovations.


Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI

Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI

Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI
  • Wozniak shared his insights on artificial intelligence, creativity, and the importance of ethics in technology
  • Steve Wozniak: The greatest things happen when you take risks

RIYADH: Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple and a pioneer of the modern computing era, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Me, Myself, and AI” at the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh.

Speaking to a packed audience of young Saudis and global tech enthusiasts, Wozniak shared his insights on artificial intelligence, creativity, and the importance of ethics in technology, emphasizing the unique potential of Saudi youth to lead the next wave of innovation. 

The session, part of a larger series focused on innovation, opened with Wozniak reflecting on his journey in shaping the personal computing revolution. He encouraged the audience to embrace risks and challenges as integral to success.

“The greatest things happen when you take risks,” he said. “Even if they fail, we always hear that you learn from your failures. But I think step after step after step, the total number of hours that you have put into doing things, even the risks that don’t come through, they lead up to your own abilities.”

This emphasis on resilience and perseverance resonates with Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to become a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship under Vision 2030.

Addressing the rise of AI and its transformative power, Wozniak highlighted the need for ethical considerations in its development. He explained that while AI can serve as a valuable tool, human oversight remains crucial.

“AI should be like a reporter bringing the information and a human being should be the editor (who) looks at it and decides which of it is important,” he said.

Wozniak also warned about the dangers of misinformation and manipulation in the digital age, calling for greater transparency in AI systems.

He advocated for clear guidelines to ensure that AI-generated content is accurate and trustworthy. “When AI generates information, users should be able to click and see where it came from. Attribution and accuracy are critical for building trust,” he explained.

This call for transparency aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to integrate cutting-edge technologies while ensuring they serve the public good.

Wozniak urged the young audience to approach AI not just as a tool for progress but as a responsibility to humanity, emphasizing the need to create systems that reflect ethical values. 

Throughout the session, Wozniak’s advice to Saudi youth centered on embracing creativity and taking ownership of their ideas. He encouraged them to focus on meaningful projects and hands-on learning, which he believes are essential for fostering innovation. “Whether it’s robotics, AI, or another area of technology, young people should focus on building something meaningful,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a fifth-grade teacher, Wozniak shared how empowering students through project-based learning can unlock their potential. “When students take ownership of a project, they learn skills that go beyond the classroom. They develop critical thinking and creativity, which are key to driving innovation,” he said.

Wozniak also emphasized the importance of creating an environment where students can experiment and explore without fear of failure. 

He ended his session on a personal note, sharing his philosophy on life and success. For him, happiness and positivity take precedence over material accomplishments. “My formula for life is not about accomplishment. It’s about happiness,” he said. “Focus on the positive, that’s the optimistic side. Don’t argue with people … always look for constructive solutions.” 

As the session ended, he urged young innovators to collaborate across disciplines and respect diverse perspectives. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in creating impactful solutions. “Engineering, marketing, and business must work together to create meaningful solutions. No single discipline can succeed alone,” he added.

As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward becoming a global innovation leader, Wozniak’s message to its youth is clear: take risks, stay ethical, and build with purpose.


Young voices at heart of Misk forum

Young voices at heart of Misk forum
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Young voices at heart of Misk forum

Young voices at heart of Misk forum
  • Misk City ‘empowering and investing in youth,’ Misk Foundation CEO says
  • Kadi Al-Khathaam: ‘Reading for me is the light out of any darkness or hesitance’

RIYADH: Misk City is poised to be a transformative hub for young people, blending creativity with opportunity, according to the CEO of the Misk Foundation.

“Misk City is not just a place filled with buildings and roads, it is an exceptional place for an exceptional city,” Badr Al-Bader said on the first day of the Misk Global Forum 2024.

The purpose-built destination was committed to fostering talent and innovation, he said.

The eighth Misk Global Forum is showcasing the foundation’s dedication to engaging young minds.

“With over 150,000 visitors and more than 1,000 speakers from 130 countries, this edition was notable for its youthful demographic,” Al-Bader said.

“This is the largest and smallest in terms of average age. We are proud to see so many young voices contributing to the dialogue.”

This year, Misk City welcomed students from Misk Schools and plans to extend its reach to schools across Riyadh and beyond.

“The city mirrors the youth growing alongside them, day by day. Misk has been empowering and investing in youth, making their support its highest priority,” Al-Bader said.

With the “unwavering support” of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more than 7 million young men and women had benefited from Misk programs, he said.

Kadi Al-Khathaam, the Saudi winner of the 2024 Arab Reading Challenge, was part of the “Leadership in a Future-Led Generation” panel at the forum.

“Reading is a transformation phase and it’s an enlightenment process where I can expand the horizon of my knowledge,” she said.

“Reading for me is the light out of any darkness or hesitance.”

Al-Khathaam said that the ability to communicate effectively allowed individuals to share their insights and experiences with others.

“I read, I discuss, I give the outcome to the world with the best of what I have.”

The crown prince’s advocacy for the education of all Saudi children was a source of inspiration for her, she said.

Saudi Minister of Communication, Information and Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha shared insights on youth-driven leadership and innovation, in line with the forum’s theme of “By Youth For Youth” and commented on Shawn Achor’s book “The Happiness Advantage.”

“We often link happiness with external factors, but we must realize that happiness and ambition are the main drivers of hard work,” he said.

“Let us take it the other way around: If we work with happiness in our hearts, success will follow.”

Al-Swaha shared the story of Dr. Firas Khalil, the first Saudi surgeon to perform heart surgery using AI and robotics.

“This procedure not only reduces recovery times but also saves lives,” he said.

He also spoke about Rayyanah Barnawi, the Kingdom’s first female astronaut.

“Her love and ambition to serve humanity made her the perfect candidate,” he said.

“Nothing is impossible from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the greatest country in the world.”

The forum ends on Tuesday.


Indonesian artist fuses art, technology at Jeddah showcase

Indonesian artist fuses art, technology at Jeddah showcase
The exhibition, by Andry Boy Kurniawan, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate. (SUPPLIED)
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

Indonesian artist fuses art, technology at Jeddah showcase

Indonesian artist fuses art, technology at Jeddah showcase

JEDDAH: Works by an Indonesian artist who blends creativity with technology have been on show at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah.

The exhibition, by Andry Boy Kurniawan, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate and included a talk by the artist in which he explained how he fuses traditional painting techniques with augmented reality.

The exhibition, by Andry Boy Kurniawan, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate. (SUPPLIED)

Based in Yogyakarta, Kurniawan said he drew inspiration from the larger-than-life characters, both real and imagined, that shape modern culture. His style features bulbous-headed figures with small, beady eyes.

Other common elements include gummies and gemstones that reflect the light and add a dynamic, whimsical quality to his art.

The exhibition, by Andry Boy Kurniawan, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate. (SUPPLIED)

The event reflected the advancements in Indonesia’s contemporary art scene and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s emerging role as a hub for creative exchanges.

The consulate said it hoped it would also help foster greater innovation and collaboration between the two countries.


New museums campaign focuses on Saudi heritage

New museums campaign focuses on Saudi heritage
Updated 18 November 2024
Follow

New museums campaign focuses on Saudi heritage

New museums campaign focuses on Saudi heritage
  • To preserve Saudi heritage, the commission announced the development of museums in 11 regions

RIYADH: The Museums Commission launched the “Telling Tomorrow’s Story” campaign on Monday to raise awareness of museums’ role in preserving history, strengthening national identity, and promoting creative expression.

The campaign reflects the commission’s vision, which focuses on innovation, the preservation of cultural treasures, and fostering creativity for future generations.

It features digital content highlighting the commission’s museums and cultural centers, including the National Museum, Al-Masmak Palace Museum, Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax, Diriyah Art Futures, and the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum in Jeddah.

It also introduces future museums, such as the Black Gold Museum in Riyadh and the Red Sea Museum in Jeddah, which will enrich the Kingdom’s cultural landscape.

To preserve Saudi heritage, the commission announced the development of museums in 11 regions: Qassim, Jouf, Asir, Tabuk, Hail, Najran, Arar, Dammam, Makkah, Jazan, and Baha.

The regional museums, under the motto “Our Saudi Story,” will celebrate Saudi history, heritage, and identity, weaving a collective narrative of the Kingdom’s diverse cultural tapestry and rich history.

These museums will offer permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events, becoming inclusive spaces for knowledge, creativity, and community.