Saudi Arabia spends $133m on maintaining more than 6,000 mosques

Saudi Arabia spends $133m on maintaining more than 6,000 mosques
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These comprehensive efforts demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers have clean, comfortable, and well-maintained mosques throughout the Kingdom. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia spends $133m on maintaining more than 6,000 mosques
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These comprehensive efforts demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers have clean, comfortable, and well-maintained mosques throughout the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Updated 19 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia spends $133m on maintaining more than 6,000 mosques

Saudi Arabia spends $133m on maintaining more than 6,000 mosques
  • In the first half of 2024, the ministry carried out maintenance, cleaning, restoration, and furnishing projects at 6,153 mosques
  • The majority of these efforts were aimed at maintenance efforts at more than 5,300 mosques

RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has completed work on more than 6,000 mosques across the Kingdom so far this year.

In the first half of 2024, the ministry carried out maintenance, cleaning, restoration, and furnishing projects at 6,153 mosques, with a combined investment of nearly SR500 million ($133 million), the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The majority of these efforts were aimed at maintenance efforts at more than 5,300 mosques, costing SR362 million ($96 million).

Modernization of air conditioning systems at major pilgrimage sites, including the mosques of Miqat Al-Juhfah, Al-Taneem, and Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram, was undertaken as part of refurbishment works, at a cost of SR15 million ($3.9 million).

Three mosques were fully restored, and an administrative building was constructed, for SR13.5 million ($3.5 million), according to SPA.

To improve energy efficiency, the ministry implemented glass partition projects at 683 mosques, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in electricity consumption.

Furthermore, 66 mosques were furnished, covering a total area of 56,761 square meters, at a cost of SR6.8 million ($1.8 million).

The ministry also allocated over SR30 million ($7.9 million) for the maintenance of four affiliated buildings.

These comprehensive efforts demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers have clean, comfortable, and well-maintained mosques throughout the Kingdom.


Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture

Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture
Updated 22 December 2024
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Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture

Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture
  • This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University

Jeddah: The Jeddah Historic District Program of the Ministry of Culture recently hosted a delegation of students from Harvard University, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The students were given a tour of the Jeddah Historic District, known as Al-Balad, highlighting its distinctive architectural, cultural and economic landmarks.

They also participated in activities commemorating World Arabic Language Day, which further enhanced their understanding of the area’s rich heritage.

This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and economic development to their peers, the SPA reported.

The Jeddah Historic District Program plays a crucial role in revitalizing the area through community engagement, economic development and sustainable urban planning.

By transforming historic Jeddah into a vibrant environment for living and working, the program aims to establish it as a global heritage and tourist destination.


Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 22 December 2024
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Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen

Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 570 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included two anti-personnel mines, 50 anti-tank mines, 508 unexploded ordnances and 10 explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 473,258 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.

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.


Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth

Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth
Updated 22 December 2024
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Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth

Riyadh forum explores reading’s role in growth

RIYADH: The Reading Forum, organized by the Libraries Commission, recently concluded at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.

The forum featured dialogue sessions and workshops attracting reading and culture enthusiasts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Discussions covered novels as artistic expressions that reflect culture and history, foster critical thinking, and the role of narration in promoting cross-cultural dialogue.

Participants highlighted reading and research as tools for personal growth, lifelong learning, and effective content creation.

They emphasized the importance of translation in cultural exchange and global copyright, the SPA reported.

Sessions explored instilling a love for reading in youth through collaboration between families, schools and society, as well as leadership in literary trends and the impact of genres on critical thinking.

The event set out to position reading as a foundation of progress, celebrating Saudi, Arab and global literary talent while fostering a culture of knowledge and intellectual growth.


Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures

Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures
Updated 22 December 2024
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Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures

Riyadh festival explores role of theater in shaping intellectual, artistic futures

RIYADH: The Riyadh Theater Festival is hosting a series of cultural discussions and theatrical performances distinguished by intellectual depth and artistic excellence.

Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the festival is being held at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University until Dec. 26.

A seminar on contemporary theater in the Arab world explored the intersection of creativity and sustainability, bringing together an elite group of theater thinkers and creators.

One of the festival’s participants, Kamal Al-Alawi from Tunisia, reviewed the evolution of theater, tracing its journey from the Greek era through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the time of Emile Zola, which marked a qualitative shift and revolution in impressionism.

Among the intellectuals and theater experts, Lina Abiad from Lebanon discussed ways to improve theatrical production and modernize it using contemporary methodologies.

The commission’s CEO, Sultan Al-Bazie, described the festival as a cornerstone for advancing theatrical movement in the Kingdom and increasing public awareness of the performing arts.

This year’s event features 20 performances, selected by a committee of experts, reflecting the diversity of theatrical arts in the Kingdom and its intellectual and developmental programs.

The festival underscores the commission’s commitment to supporting the performing arts and Saudi talent, aiming for a strong presence on regional and international stages. It will conclude with a presentation of awards to distinguished performers.


Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold

Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold
Updated 22 December 2024
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Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold

Jeddah Book Fair wraps up with 450,000 books sold
  • The event hosted workshops, seminars, panel discussions and book signings led by experts in literature, arts and sports

Jeddah: The Jeddah Book Fair concluded on Saturday, attracting thousands of visitors with local and international booksellers.

Held from Dec. 12-21 under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair featured more than 450 pavilions and showcased works from 1,000 publishing houses across 22 countries.

Mohammed Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, said that the fair displayed nearly 400,000 titles, selling more than 450,000 books in various genres.

The event hosted workshops, seminars, panel discussions and book signings led by experts in literature, arts and sports.

A dedicated children’s section featured animation, educational books and advanced learning tools.

One pavilion highlighted the cultural significance of camels, using modern technology to explore their history, types, and related poetry.

Arabic manga publications targeting youth were also a key attraction, alongside interactive displays and models of famous characters, offering a blend of entertainment and education.