Makkah imam meets Islamic leaders in Africa

Makkah imam meets Islamic leaders in Africa
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The visit was part of a program by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs that organizes international visits for imams of the Two Holy Mosques. (SPA)
Makkah imam meets Islamic leaders in Africa
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The visit was part of a program by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs that organizes international visits for imams of the Two Holy Mosques. (SPA)
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Updated 16 September 2024
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Makkah imam meets Islamic leaders in Africa

Makkah imam meets Islamic leaders in Africa
  • Al-Dosari discussed the virtues of Islamic teachings and Saudi Arabia’s role in serving Islam

RIYADH: Sheikh Yasser Al-Dosari, imam of the Grand Mosque, visited South Africa and met leaders of Islamic associations, scholars, preachers and students.

His visit was part of a program by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs that organizes international visits for imams of the Two Holy Mosques, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Al-Dosari discussed the virtues of Islamic teachings, Saudi Arabia’s role in serving Islam, promoting moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

He emphasized the importance of Muslims embodying the true message of Islam through actions, morals and kind treatment of others.

Al-Dosari also highlighted the role of Islamic associations in protecting youth from radicalism and educating them about their faith.

He attended the 14th National Qur’an Memorization Competition at Nurul Islam Masjid in Lenasia, where nine male and seven female winners received prizes totaling SR200,000 ($53,000).

In his speech, Al-Dosari stressed that the Qur’an is the foundation of the Muslim nation, a source of pride and guidance.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to supporting Qur’an reciters and promoting its memorization, recitation and teaching.


Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
  • Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 3,007 food parcels in Pakistan’s Matiari and Thatta districts of Sindh province and the Tank and Torghar districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas, as a part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.

The project aims to provide 147,500 food parcels, each weighing 95 kg and containing essential food for one month.

KSrelief will continue to provide aid to vulnerable people in Pakistan, the SPA reported.


Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
  • Kingdom’s Dr. Ghazi Binzagr takes on new duties for global exhibition which opens in April

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr has been appointed the general commissioner for the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

The announcement comes as construction on the pavilion enters its final stages in preparation for the Kingdom’s participation in the global exhibition, set to start in April.

Binzagr, who has been ambassador since 2024, will continue his current duties alongside his new responsibilities as the general commissioner, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

He has also served as a member of the Shoura Council for three terms and previously held the position of deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2024.

As ambassador, Binzagr oversees initiatives to boost relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He also recently contributed to the Saudi-Japanese Business Forum and has been actively engaged in collaborative initiatives in key areas including energy security, technology, trade and investment.

The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka embodies its commitment to international efforts for sustainable human development.

In February of last year, Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to begin constructing their pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka site.

The design reflects the Kingdom’s history, culture and current economic transformation, the SPA reported.


Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
Updated 16 January 2025
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Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
  • The plant has been observed to grow on the edge of the Nafud Desert, an indication that it could be propagated to fight desertification, says environmentalist

ARAR: The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, spanning approximately 104,000 sq. km, boasts an aromatic, seasonal and annual plant biodiversity, with lavender emerging as a prominent species.

These plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover, stabilizing soil, and fostering ecotourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Lavender, characterized by its fragrant scent and vibrant purple hue, has been observed on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region.

This emergence highlights the region’s ecological significance and capacity to support diverse plant life.

Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told SPA that the lavender species is Horwoodia dicksoniae.

This annual herbaceous plant features branching stems, typically reaching about 30 centimeters in height, and large, lobed leaves. Its dark lilac flowers, gathered in spike inflorescences, release a distinctive fragrance.

The plant thrives in shallow sandy loam and is valued for its ornamental qualities, making it suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens. Its smooth brown seeds further contribute to its propagation.

Al-Majlad emphasized the positive impact of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative on the region’s ecology.

These initiatives have facilitated afforestation, land reclamation, and the protection of wild areas, contributing to the resurgence of numerous trees and plants, including lavender, within the environmental landscape, he added.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.


Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Updated 16 January 2025
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Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.

Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.