https://arab.news/jr49f
JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday with his accompanying delegation.
Prince Saud bin Meshaal bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Makkah Region, welcomed Sharif at King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Saudi Ambassador to Islamabad Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki also attended the reception alongside other senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received congratulatory messages from the leaders of Islamic countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Eid Al-Fitr, which will begin on Sunday after an announcement from the Supreme Court on Saturday, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is a time of joy, reflection and unity for Muslims around the world.
Among those who sent greetings were King Abdullah II of Jordan, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
The king and crown prince expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the messages and wished for “continued prosperity, security and stability for the Islamic nation, asking God Almighty to bless the occasion with goodness and peace,” the report said.
JEDDAH: Being in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan is a distinct cultural experience, providing non-Muslims with an opportunity to learn more about Islam and its traditions.
Brazilian teacher Talita Schneider Pereira moved to Riyadh in 2023 and says she has found inspiration in the warmth of a community that has welcomed her with open arms.
Speaking to Arab News about her second Ramadan in the Kingdom, Pereira said: “Even though fasting is not something I practice — coming from a different faith and cultural background — I try to take this month as a time for reflection and spiritual connection.”
Pereira was born in Sao Lourenco do Sul, a city located near the border with Uruguay in southern Brazil with 50,000 inhabitants. At the age of 27, she moved to Spain to pursue a master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language.
“I have always been very curious, and in Spain, where there is a significant Muslim community, I had learned about Ramadan before moving here,” Pereira told Arab News. “I know it is a sacred month for Muslims; a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, during which it is believed that the gates of hell are closed, and those of heaven are open. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, the most important aspect is the spiritual connection and the desire to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah.
“For me, it is a period I approach with complete normalcy, and perhaps that is why I do not find it difficult. It is true that schedules change and that the logistics of shopping or certain other activities are affected, but this is nothing compared to the profound significance of this month for Muslims. I try to embrace the experience and adapt to the country’s rhythms.”
This year, Pereira decided to wear the hijab at work to connect with her colleagues and students.
She said it is “wonderful” to see her students’ excitement when they talk about what Ramadan means to them.
“Their eyes light up as they share their traditions and beliefs. Even though I am not Muslim, hearing the call to prayer encourages me to engage in my own conversations with God more frequently,” she said.
Describing her own experience of the month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, she said: “When night falls, Riyadh transforms completely. It is as if the city changes clothes: the lights beautifully illuminate the monuments, the streets fill with people, and restaurants and malls remain bustling until late into the night. I am still amazed to see supermarkets open until 1 a.m. and shopping centers packed with people at midnight.”
As a teacher, the main challenge for Pereira is refraining from drinking water during classes. “It is not forbidden, but, out of respect for my Muslim students, I choose not to do it. Talking so much throughout the day often leaves my mouth very dry, which can be uncomfortable,” she said. “However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the beauty of experiencing this season.”
Although she has spent only two years so far in the Kingdom, Pereira already has special memories she will cherish.
“On my last birthday, my colleagues from the Arabic department organized a small surprise party for me. I believe this says a lot about the hospitality and warmth of Muslim women, who welcome us with open arms just as we are. That gesture touched me deeply, making me feel a genuine and sincere affection,” she said.
And Pereira added that she looks forward to joining in the fasting at some point in the future. “I believe it is an experience worth trying, both spiritually and physically,” she said.
RIYADH/JEDDAH: The crescent moon for the Hijri month of Shawwal has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of the month of Ramadan, the Saudi Supreme Court said on Saturday.
Eid Al-Fitr — the annual Islamic celebration that runs for the first five days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Hijri calendar — begins on Sunday, March 30.
The Eid Al-Fitr prayer will take place across the Kingdom on Sunday shortly after sunrise.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh has instructed the ministry’s branches that the prayer will be held in all designated Eid prayer areas and all mosques — except those adjacent to Eid prayer areas, as residents will use their local Eid prayer areas instead — and that all necessary preparations must be made, including maintenance and cleaning, to ensure a comfortable and tranquil experience.
There are currently 19,887 mosques and prayer areas in the Kingdom.
Riyadh resident Maher Aldossary shared his excitement for Eid. “The joy of Eid is already in the air. We are saying goodbye to the blessed days of Ramadan and eagerly welcoming Eid with open hearts,” he said.
“Families are busy preparing new clothes, collecting fancy chocolates, and making sure everything is set for the celebrations and breakfast feast. The streets are alive with hustle and bustle, and you can feel the excitement everywhere,” Aldossary added.
Samar Alwan, who is spending the final days of Ramadan in Istanbul, is cherishing the remainder of the holy month while eagerly anticipating Eid.
“Ramadan in Istanbul has been truly special, and part of me wishes it could last just one more day,” Alwan said.
“But now, the excitement for Eid is building. The streets are filled with lights, the markets are bustling, and everyone is getting ready, buying gifts, preparing sweets, and planning gatherings. It’s a beautiful time of joy and togetherness.”
Sami Hijazi, a teacher from Jeddah, shared how he and his family are fully immersed in Eid preparations.
“We have already taken down our Ramadan decorations and started setting up for Eid. The house is buzzing with activity, getting new clothes ironed, preparing delicious treats for the kids, and making sure everything is perfect,” Hijazi said.
“The anticipation is so high, and now we’re just waiting for the official announcement. No matter when it comes, we are ready to celebrate with full hearts.”
Earlier, on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, and called on anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.
Ramadan began on March 1.
RIYADH: The sweets and chocolate market is growing, driven by rising consumer demand for diverse options, high chocolate demand and special Eid Al-Fitr promotions that boost sales.
According to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Kingdom’s chocolate imports exceeded 123 million kg in 2024, reflecting increased demand, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The UAE, the UK, Jordan, Egypt and Turkiye are among the main countries from which the Kingdom imports chocolate, offering a variety of products to meet consumer expectations.
Shops are eager to offer a wide range of locally manufactured and imported sweets and chocolates. Consumers buy in large quantities, as chocolates are a key part of Eid celebrations.
Prices vary based on the type, origin, packaging and serving plates. Local sweets range from SR30 ($8) to SR150 per kg, including candies, toffee, biscuits and chocolates.
The authority attributed price stability to abundant production and low manufacturing costs, though imported sweets, especially from Europe and the East, are pricier. Pure or dark chocolate with special fillings can cost up to SR300 per kg.
RIYADH/JEDDAH: The crescent moon for the Hijri month of Shawwal has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of the month of Ramadan, the Saudi Supreme Court said on Saturday.
Eid Al-Fitr — the annual Islamic celebration that runs for the first five days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Hijri calendar — begins on Sunday, March 30.
The Eid Al-Fitr prayer will take place across the Kingdom on Sunday shortly after sunrise.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh has instructed the ministry’s branches that the prayer will be held in all designated Eid prayer areas and all mosques — except those adjacent to Eid prayer areas, as residents will use their local Eid prayer areas instead — and that all necessary preparations must be made, including maintenance and cleaning, to ensure a comfortable and tranquil experience.
There are currently 19,887 mosques and prayer areas in the Kingdom.
Riyadh resident Maher Aldossary shared his excitement for Eid. “The joy of Eid is already in the air. We are saying goodbye to the blessed days of Ramadan and eagerly welcoming Eid with open hearts,” he said.
“Families are busy preparing new clothes, collecting fancy chocolates, and making sure everything is set for the celebrations and breakfast feast. The streets are alive with hustle and bustle, and you can feel the excitement everywhere," Aldossary added.
Samar Alwan, who is spending the final days of Ramadan in Istanbul, is cherishing the remainder of the holy month while eagerly anticipating Eid.
“Ramadan in Istanbul has been truly special, and part of me wishes it could last just one more day,” Alwan said.
“But now, the excitement for Eid is building. The streets are filled with lights, the markets are bustling, and everyone is getting ready, buying gifts, preparing sweets, and planning gatherings. It’s a beautiful time of joy and togetherness.”
Sami Hijazi, a teacher from Jeddah, shared how he and his family are fully immersed in Eid preparations.
“We have already taken down our Ramadan decorations and started setting up for Eid. The house is buzzing with activity, getting new clothes ironed, preparing delicious treats for the kids, and making sure everything is perfect,” Hijazi said.
“The anticipation is so high, and now we’re just waiting for the official announcement. No matter when it comes, we are ready to celebrate with full hearts.”
Earlier, on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, and called on anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.
Ramadan began on March 1.
