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)
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Updated 14 June 2024
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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.

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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.

 


UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops
Updated 03 November 2024
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UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

RIYADH: The UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, supported by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, recently hosted three online workshops.

The workshops were attended by members of the Translating Cultures Lab and researchers with an interest in translating cultures.

The lab unites renowned scholars and early-career Saudi researchers to publish papers on the 2024 theme, “Rethinking Translating Cultures and its Conceptual Framework,” focusing on knowledge transfer and translation in the Global South.

At the workshops researchers presented papers and received feedback from lab members to refine them for publication.

In the first two workshops, six papers were presented, addressing issues in translating cultures, including cultural narratives, religious concepts such as “mahr” in Islam, and humor translation in modern Saudi literature.

Other topics included foreignizing and domesticating Arab culture in translation, translation as knowledge transfer, and translating Plastic Arts into Arabic.

The papers were presented by scholars from King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia), Indira Gandhi National Open University (India), Jagiellonian University (Poland), Mohammed I University Oujda (Morocco), the Catholic University of America (US), and an independent Australian researcher.

The third workshop reviewed papers for an edited volume by the Translating Cultures Lab on the theme of “Rethinking Translating Cultures.”

The UNESCO chair views “translating cultures” as a concept tied to broader debates in the humanities, regarding it as a continuous process involving translation, cross-cultural communication, and knowledge sharing. 


From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors
Updated 03 November 2024
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From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

RIYADH: Riyadh Zoo has added a bird show to its already extensive lineup as part of Riyadh Season 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The zoo offers an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiasts, as well as giving visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn about animal life, environmental care, and conservation awareness.

A farm area has been enhanced to provide interactive activities that promote an understanding of biodiversity and the importance of preserving nature.

One of the highlights is the Croc Cave, where visitors can safely observe crocodiles up close.

At Kangaroo Arena, visitors can enjoy a rare encounter with the Australian marsupials and capture memorable photos.

To enrich the educational experience, the new farm area provides hands-on activities that educate visitors on nature and wildlife conservation.

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving visitors ample time to enjoy its diverse facilities, which span 161,000 square meters and house over 1,400 animals of various species.

A variety of outlets and mobile food trucks offer a wide range of food and beverages, as well as family-friendly seating areas for comfort.

In a move aimed at enhancing inclusivity, Riyadh Season offers free entry to senior citizens aged 60 and older for its entertainment areas.

The initiative was announced by Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, as part of efforts to make the season more accessible to all.

Seniors can enter select areas by showing their Tawakkalna application at designated gates.

The areas included in the offer are Boulevard World, Boulevard Runway, and Wonder Garden, along with the standard free-entry areas such as Riyadh Zoo, Al-Suwaidi Park, and Souq Al-Awaleen. They will also have access to Boulevard City and VIA Riyadh without the need for prior tickets.

However, the offer does not cover events with reserved seating, such as concerts, plays, boxing matches, or special experiences, which require separate ticketing arrangements.

The initiative underscores Riyadh Season’s commitment to ensuring that all segments of society can enjoy its diverse offerings.


Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 03 November 2024
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Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen
  • The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly

Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 636 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included four anti-personnel mines, 36 anti-tank mines and 596 unexploded ordnances, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 468,067 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help the Yemeni people, clearing routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.


Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio hosts reception to celebrate JSDF’s 70th anniversary

Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio hosts reception to celebrate JSDF’s 70th anniversary
Updated 03 November 2024
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Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio hosts reception to celebrate JSDF’s 70th anniversary

Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio hosts reception to celebrate JSDF’s 70th anniversary
  • Ambassador Iwai welcomed the enhanced cooperation in the field of defense and security between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Japan: Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia IWAI Fumio recently hosted a reception at his residence on the occasion of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ (JSDF) 70th anniversary.

H.E. Major General Shallah bin Thaar AlSalmi, Royal Saudi Land Forces, and a number of government officials and diplomats graced the occasion.

During his speech, Ambassador Iwai said the JSDF has now become a very active contributor to the international peace and stability through its participation in the international peace efforts such as counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden and the MFO in the Sinai Peninsula.

Ambassador Iwai welcomed the enhanced cooperation in the field of defense and security between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia particularly after the visit of HRH Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Japan on July 31, 2023.

He mentioned the active communication on possible defense equipment and technology, cooperation on women’s empowerment and defense training and exchange programs.


18th KSrelief plane departs Saudi Arabia carrying vital aid to Lebanon

18th KSrelief plane departs Saudi Arabia carrying vital aid to Lebanon
18th Saudi relief plane departs for Lebanon with essential aid supplies. (SPA)
Updated 03 November 2024
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18th KSrelief plane departs Saudi Arabia carrying vital aid to Lebanon

18th KSrelief plane departs Saudi Arabia carrying vital aid to Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief on Sunday sent an 18th plane to Lebanon carrying food, medical supplies and shelter kits.

The plane departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and landed at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut.

KSrelief chief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah said the initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to helping people and countries in need worldwide.