Rain lashes parts of Saudi Arabia with warnings of thunderstorms and hail

Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
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Updated 12 January 2025
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Rain lashes parts of Saudi Arabia with warnings of thunderstorms and hail

Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. (SPA)
  • Overcast skies dominated the day in the capital Riyadh, which recorded moderate rainfall in the morning
  • The weather office also warned of potential near-zero visibility and flooding in some areas

RIYADH: Rain fell on parts of Saudi Arabia early on Sunday, with officials forecasting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds.

Overcast skies dominated the day in the capital Riyadh, which recorded moderate rainfall in the morning.

The National Center of Meteorology forecast strong winds, hail and thunderstorms, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The weather office also warned of potential near-zero visibility and flooding in some areas.

In the southern Jazan region, heavy rain was reported earlier in the day, affecting Jazan City for Basic and Transformative Industries, as well as the governorates of Ad-Darb, Beesh and the Farasan Islands.

The center issued alerts for Jazan, warning of thunderstorms, high waves and strong winds in the region.

Areas including Sabya, Abu Arish, Al-Harith, Ad-Dayer, Fifa, and Harub were highlighted in the advisory.

Residents were cautioned about the risk of reduced visibility and localized flooding in affected areas.

Earlier this week, parts of Saudi Arabia, including Asir, Makkah, and Madinah regions, experienced similar weather conditions.

Thunderstorms coupled with heavy rain caused temporary disruptions in traffic and daily activities.

The authorities issued several warnings during that period, urging residents to stay vigilant, especially in flood-prone areas.

The rainfall is caused by seasonal weather changes affecting parts of the Kingdom.

The Jazan region, in particular, often experiences heavy rains at this time of year, which can result in flash floods and other related challenges.

Authorities in Riyadh and Jazan have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly for motorists navigating slippery roads and areas prone to water accumulation.

Emergency response teams are on high alert to address any incidents caused by the adverse weather.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to follow updates and warnings issued by the center to ensure their safety as weather conditions develop.


Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event

Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event
Updated 52 min 41 sec ago
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Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event

Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event
  • Riyadh gathering highlights new opportunities, fosters Saudi cultural entrepreneurship

Riyadh: The Cultural Development Fund hosted the third annual Storytellers event in Riyadh, bringing together key officials, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs and creators from various cultural fields.

The gathering is part of the fund’s efforts to strengthen connections, explore new opportunities and support the sector’s momentum, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It featured a keynote by the fund’s CEO, Majed Al-Hugail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, behind the CHEFPreneur program — one of the initiatives supported by the fund.

The program equips aspiring chefs with culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills to launch their own projects and establish competitive businesses.

The gathering also celebrated 42 graduates of the program who had completed their training.

In line with its commitment to supporting enabled projects, the fund showcased several beneficiary projects, allowing guests to experience their creative offerings firsthand.

The event featured cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests took part in traditional crafts like prayer bead-making and henna art, while a special art exhibition showcased works by visual artist and craftswoman Naifah Al-Shahrani.

Inspired by the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the exhibition honored the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia with vibrant colors and intricate details.

The event aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector and nonprofit organizations to drive sustainable growth in the cultural sector, contributing to economic development and enhancing quality of life.

Nawaf Al-Owain, the fund’s marketing and communication executive director, told Arab News: “This annual gathering is part of the fund’s efforts to foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders and sustain the cultural sector’s momentum.

“It also reflects the fund’s role as a key financial enabler and its commitment to empowering creatives and cultural entrepreneurship.”

He added: “Now in its third year, the event has become a cornerstone of the fund’s outreach efforts, establishing a platform that unites creatives, entrepreneurs and influencers to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and explore collaboration opportunities across cultural and financial sectors.

“By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the fund aims to promote partnerships that drive growth and sustainability in the cultural sector.”


Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style

Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style
Updated 22 March 2025
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Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style

Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style

RIYADH: The historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hotat Bani Tamim, Riyadh, is among the places of worship restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to safeguard Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Established in 1835 and named after the castle of Imam Turki bin Abdullah that once stood on its premises, Al-Qalaah Mosque holds significant historical value, which the project seeks to preserve.

Upon completion, the mosque will cover 625 sq. meters, accommodating up to 180 worshipers, the SPA reported.

Built in the Najdi style, the mosque primarily uses clay, with a construction method involving a clay and hay mixture placed in wooden molds to form brick-like structures.

This technique is known for its economic efficiency compared to other materials, offering advantages such as thermal resistance and maintaining a moderate indoor temperature.

It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, featuring six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim.

Phase two follows the completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA.

The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.

Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.

The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.


Kingdom arrests 25,150 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 25,150 illegals in one week
Updated 22 March 2025
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Kingdom arrests 25,150 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 25,150 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 25,150 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 17,886 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,247 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,017 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,553 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 69 percent were Ethiopian, 28 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 63 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 36 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
Updated 22 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, 840 packages were distributed across several governorates as part of the Etaam Ramadan project.

KSrelief also provided 190 food packages to Syrian refugees in the town of Shebaa, Lebanon, benefiting 950 people.

In South Africa’s Vereeniging, 400 packages were distributed to families, while 190 parcels went to those in need in southern Lebanon, aiding 900 individuals.

In Tajikistan, KSrelief delivered food packages to 600 families in Baljuvon district.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 4,050 cartons of dates in Yemen’s Aden governorate, benefiting 24,300 people.


Worshippers urged to follow crowd guidelines in Makkah

Worshippers urged to follow crowd guidelines in Makkah
Updated 22 March 2025
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Worshippers urged to follow crowd guidelines in Makkah

Worshippers urged to follow crowd guidelines in Makkah

MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, urged worshippers to cooperate with authorities in managing crowd flow in Makkah.

He emphasized avoiding congestion and adhering to guidelines to ensure safety and security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

After Isha prayer at the Grand Mosque, Al-Sudais spoke about Ramadan’s last 10 nights, urging Muslims to take them seriously and recognize the significance of Laylat Al-Qadr.

He stressed seizing this opportunity for good deeds, highlighting the period’s great significance in Ramadan, the SPA reported.

Al-Sudais praised the leadership’s dedication to the Two Holy Mosques and the services provided to visitors.