Tech-savvy Qatif grandmother keeps Saudi traditions alive for the social media generation

Tech-savvy Qatif grandmother keeps Saudi traditions alive for the social media generation
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Al-Malak is from Qatif, a municipality in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the oldest cities in the region, with rich history and cultural significance, and is known for its traditions of fish farming, agriculture and date palm cultivation. (Supplied)
Tech-savvy Qatif grandmother keeps Saudi traditions alive for the social media generation
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Al-Malak is from Qatif, a municipality in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the oldest cities in the region, with rich history and cultural significance, and is known for its traditions of fish farming, agriculture and date palm cultivation. (Supplied)
Tech-savvy Qatif grandmother keeps Saudi traditions alive for the social media generation
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Al-Malak is from Qatif, a municipality in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the oldest cities in the region, with rich history and cultural significance, and is known for its traditions of fish farming, agriculture and date palm cultivation. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 October 2024
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Tech-savvy Qatif grandmother keeps Saudi traditions alive for the social media generation

Tech-savvy Qatif grandmother keeps Saudi traditions alive for the social media generation
  • Fatma Al-Malak, 72, creates educational content about local culture and heritage and shares it on Instagram
  • She hopes the younger generations preserve this aspect of their identity, ‘for those who do not have a heritage do not have a history’ 

RIYADH: Dressing in traditional clothing and glistening gold jewelry is the daily norm for Fatma Abdullah Al-Malak, a 72-year-old, tech-savvy Saudi grandmother from Qatif who is working hard to keep the spirit of local culture alive through her social media activity.

She creates educational content about local heritage and traditions, including clothing and cooking, and shares it on Instagram. In one video, for example, she explains the traditional significance of the Alrdah, a cloak or robe that hangs loosely across the shoulders and is worn by women when they leave the house.

In another, she shows how a millstone, a large round stone made of granite or sandstone, is used to grind wheat into flour.

“I hope (people in the local community) get to know this valuable heritage by learning about it and visiting some local museums we have, and that they feel proud of this heritage,” Al-Malak told Arab News.

“I also hope they will preserve it from extinction as it is part of our identity, for those who do not have a heritage do not have a history.”

Although she continues to live a life that is traditional in many respects, Al-Malak has also moved with the times, embracing the potential of social media to share information and ideas.

Her Instagram feed contains colorful images illustrating the cultural heritage and traditions that have been part of her life, including photos of herself in traditional clothing from the region, in particular a Hashemite dress handed down from her grandmother.

“As for clothing, I only incorporate traditional gold pieces into my daily life,” Al-Malak said. “Yes, there is the Hashemite dress that my grandmother wore and my mother inherited it from her. Now I own this dress and I cherish it greatly. I hope my daughters will value it after me.”

Al-Malak is from Qatif, a municipality in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the oldest cities in the region, with rich history and cultural significance, and is known for its traditions of fish farming, agriculture and date palm cultivation.

Her traditional upbringing meant she was surrounded growing up by immediate family, including aunts and uncles. During childhood, she said, her father and grandmother in particular were great sources of inspiration, embodying the wisdom and resilience of the local people.

“(My grandmother) was the foundation of this home and we would gather around her,” Al-Malak said. “She played a role in instilling the qualities of love and affection among us as one family.

“I also learned the love of giving from my father, due to his kind contributions to the community.”

Now Al-Malak is the one teaching her family and caring for them. One of the ways she does this is by cooking traditional dishes, using recipes that were passed down to her through the generations, such as asida, a desert consisting of dough made from wheat flour, topped with honey.

She said her favorite dishes are harees, a hearty, porridge-type meal made from wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb, and Qatifi kebabs, patties of meat mixed with herbs and spices.

Throughout her life in the Eastern Province, Al-Malak said she has witnessed shifting attitudes toward traditions in recent years, and so her goal is to highlight the important need to preserve local culture and heritage.

“All of our culture and traditions mean a lot to me, they are part of our identity,” she said. “Most of the traditions in our community have disappeared and only a few remain that we still practice.

“Moreover, many modern practices that have nothing to do with our community have (been adopted), such as the ghabqa (a late-night meal during Ramadan), bachelor parties and gender-reveal parties.”

Yet there are often more traditional equivalents for celebrating special occasions. For example, one of her favorite rituals occurs when a couple becomes engaged.

“The groom’s family brings bags of almonds and sweets to the bride’s family,” Al-Malak said. “The bride’s family then places them in a large basket and communicates with a woman whose job is to distribute the almonds and sweets to relatives and neighbors, so everyone is informed about the upcoming wedding.

“Also, a few days before the wedding, the women from the bride’s family and her friends go to the springs to bathe and celebrate the bride.”

In years gone by, Al-Malak said a typical day for a mother would be waking at 6 a.m., preparing breakfast for her family, and eating it together.

“The head of the family goes to work, and the children go to the teacher who teaches them reading and writing,” she added.

“The mother cleans the house and prepares lunch ingredients, then goes out to meet her neighbors while they complete some household tasks like sewing clothes or cleaning vegetables.

“She returns home to cook lunch for the family until they all come back and have lunch together. Then she prepares her children and goes out with them to visit relatives.

“Before sunset, they all return home and she prepares a light dinner for them to enjoy together while sharing conversations or watching television. They all go to bed early.”

In addition to her activities on social media, Al-Malak also participates in local events and initiatives to connect with her local community and help preserve its culture.

“I participated, and continue to participate, in many activities and festivals, including the Wahatna Farhana Festival, National Day celebrations, Al-Burah Festival, World Children’s Day at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Hospital, Rural Women’s Day, and various activities related to Al-Itaa Women’s Association in Qatif, among many others,” she said.


Saudi Arabia to host fourth International Conference on Lexicography in October

Saudi Arabia to host fourth International Conference on Lexicography in October
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Saudi Arabia to host fourth International Conference on Lexicography in October

Saudi Arabia to host fourth International Conference on Lexicography in October

RIYADH: The King Salman International Academy for the Arabic Language announced on Thursday that its fourth annual international conference will take place in the first half of October 2025 in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event, held with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, minister of culture, will be themed “The Global Lexicography Industry: Experiences, Efforts, and Prospects.”

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said that the conference would aim to foster collaboration between the academy and linguistic institutions worldwide.

It will serve as a platform for experts to share insights, review successful initiatives in lexicography, and explore ways to modernize dictionary development through emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, he added.

“The conference reflects our commitment to advancing the lexicographic industry by exchanging expertise, implementing technical solutions and addressing key challenges,” Al-Washmi said.

“Our goal is to enhance the development of dictionaries, strengthen their global impact, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting the Arabic language.”

The conference will examine the latest developments in the lexicography industry and highlight major Arabic and international projects, and facilitate knowledge exchange among linguists, language academies and technology experts while exploring Artificial Intelligence-driven advances in dictionary compilation.

Representatives from more than 20 countries are expected to attend.

The event aligns with the academy’s broader mission, which focuses on four key areas: Language planning and policy, linguistic computing, educational programs, and cultural initiatives. Through these efforts, the academy seeks to expand global engagement in Arabic language development and preservation.


Jeddah Water Taxi project officially inaugurated 

Jeddah Water Taxi project officially inaugurated 
Updated 06 March 2025
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Jeddah Water Taxi project officially inaugurated 

Jeddah Water Taxi project officially inaugurated 
  • First phase of the project connects three main areas: the Jeddah Yacht Club, the city’s historic Al-Balad area, and Obhur
  • Mayor Saleh Al-Turki launched the project in a ceremony attended by Rumaih Al-Rumaih, deputy minister of transport and logistics services

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Water Taxi project was officially inaugurated by the city’s mayor on Thursday, the Jeddah Transport Company announced.

The first phase of the project connects three main areas: the Jeddah Yacht Club, the city’s historic Al-Balad area, and Obhur, with potential for future expansion to other locations.

Mayor Saleh Al-Turki launched the project in a ceremony attended by Rumaih Al-Rumaih, deputy minister of transport and logistics services.

Al-Turki expressed his happiness at the launch of the project and told Arab News that the water taxi project “reflects the Kingdom’s vision to strengthen transport infrastructure and provide modern transportation options that ease the movement of citizens, residents, and visitors, while also serving as a strategic addition to tourism and maritime transport in Jeddah in alignment with Vision 2030 initiatives.”

The event was attended by numerous prominent figures, including government officials and heads of organizations and companies related to transportation and logistics.

Yousef Al-Sayegh, CEO of JTC, spoke about the project’s role in enhancing mobility and improving the quality of life in Jeddah.

“The project will enhance safe and efficient marine mobility and contribute to improving the quality of life in Jeddah,” he said.

“In the past, the easiest and fastest route was through the port. Now, with the 2030 vision and the focus on tourism, we wanted to create an engagement leading toward that objective, so we are using air-conditioned water taxis.

“The trial operation of the water taxi is through MACNA, a local project operator, for a limited period to transport passengers between ready and attractive locations with the aim of testing the service, gathering data, and understanding the market.”

Al-Sayegh also highlighted an agreement with the Ministry of Culture for the use of golf carts in Al-Balad, providing transport to and from the port.

For the first phase of the project, there are two boats: one with a capacity of 94 passengers and the other with a capacity of 55 passengers.

A dedicated app has been made available for those wishing to experience the water taxi, with details accessible via the Jeddah Transportation Company app.

The water taxi operates daily from 3:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. during Ramadan, with fares ranging from SR25-50 ($6.60-$13.30) per trip, and children ride for free. Special entry and exit points for people with disabilities are available, with a capacity for up to four wheelchairs.


Saudi Arabia distributes dates and iftar meals in Indonesia, Albania, and Jordan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque’s programs for the distribution of dates and iftar meals launched in Indonesia, Albania, Jordan
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque’s programs for the distribution of dates and iftar meals launched in Indonesia, Albania, Jordan
Updated 06 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia distributes dates and iftar meals in Indonesia, Albania, and Jordan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque’s programs for the distribution of dates and iftar meals launched in Indonesia, Albania, Jordan
  • Ceremony held in Jakarta on Wednesday was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Faisal Al-Amoudi and several officials
  • Similar ceremony was held this week in Tirana, Albania, where five tons of dates will be distributed and 22,000 people are set to benefit from the programs

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ programs for the distribution of dates and iftar meals in Indonesia, Albania, and Jordan this week.

A ceremony held in Jakarta on Wednesday was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Faisal Al-Amoudi and several ministers and heads of Islamic associations and centers in Indonesia.

This year, 56,000 individuals will benefit from the date distribution program, 5,000 will benefit from the iftar program, and 35,000 will receive copies of the Qur’an during Ramadan, Saudi Press Agency reported.

A similar ceremony was held this week in Tirana, Albania, where five tons of dates will be distributed and 22,000 people are set to benefit from the iftar and dates distribution programs.

Iftar and dates distribution programs in Jordan are providing humanitarian assistance to charitable associations, orphanages, and Palestinian and Syrian refugee camps this Ramadan, SPA added.


Tawakkalna app enhances Ramadan worship with top quality services

Tawakkalna app enhances Ramadan worship with top quality services
Updated 06 March 2025
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Tawakkalna app enhances Ramadan worship with top quality services

Tawakkalna app enhances Ramadan worship with top quality services
  • Qur’an reading, prayer times, permits for Umrah, charity donations are among the services provided

RIYADH: The services provided by Saudi Arabia’s Tawakkalna super app are enhancing worship for users during the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The app provides an accurate Qibla direction and updates on the imams leading prayers at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

It has a feature allowing for the reading of the Qur’an, and a prayer timetable for the entire Kingdom.

This includes the times of the adhan or call to prayer, iqamah or when the prayer begins, and sahoor or the breaking of the fast.

Additionally, the app offers Ehsan services, simplifying the process for users to make charitable donations, including to orphans.

Moreover, the app’s Manasik gateway allows users to view and obtain permits for performing Umrah and praying in the Rawdah or Garden area at the Prophet’s Mosque.

The Tawakkalna app offers more than 650 government services within a single, secure and reliable platform, the SPA reported.

The aim is to enhance the quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors, in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan.


Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram

Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram
Updated 06 March 2025
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Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram

Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram

MAKKAH: The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has launched its first trial operation of the ritual of exiting from the state of Ihram after completion of rituals on the courtyard of the Grand Mosque for the first time during the current holy month of Ramadan. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance services for pilgrims and improve the Umrah experience.

The new service allows pilgrims to exit from Ihram after completing the rituals through shaving their head or cutting their hair at five designated locations opposite the Marwa area. These stations can be relocated as needed during periods of high congestion. They are staffed by experienced specialists using fully sterilized equipment, ensuring efficient service delivery while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

The authority is working on developing services within the Two Holy Mosques by introducing many new services while maintaining standards of quality and efficiency to provide a distinguished experience for visitors to the Grand Mosque.

Mohammed Asiri, a Hajj and Umrah affairs specialist and religious researcher, explained that exit from Ihram after completing the Umrah rituals is an essential final step in completing Umrah, where pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair after completing Sa'i between Safa and Marwa.

"This practice follows the Prophetic Sunnah, as Prophet Mohammed instructed his companions to shave or trim their hair after performing Umrah," Asiri noted. He added that men typically prefer complete shaving, while women need only trim a small portion of their hair.

The ritual symbolizes purification and renewal after worship and marks the end of Ihram restrictions that began when pilgrims entered the Miqat.

Fahd Al-Hamidi, who used the service at the Grand Mosque, praised it as "an extension of Saudi Arabia's significant efforts to serve pilgrims from around the world." He explained that the exit from Ihram service is just one of thousands of great services provided by this nation, both people and government, to make the rituals of Umrah performers coupled with ease and simplicity, enriching their experience and providing service to the highest standards.

Al-Hamidi described the exit from Ihram as a joyful moment that brings a sense of relief and spiritual closeness to Allah. He added that this simple procedure carries deep spiritual meanings, symbolizing renewal and purification from sins and beginning a new page full of faith and piety.

"The ritual release is not merely cutting or shaving hair, but a profound spiritual symbol of submission to Allah's commands and the Prophet's Sunnah," Al-Hamidi concluded.

"With these modern solutions like mobile barbershop units, this important final step of Umrah has become more convenient and efficient for pilgrims."