JEDDAH: The Haramain Express Train has run a successful trip from King Abdullah City in Rabigh to Madinah at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (kph).
The project — which will connect Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah’s airport and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh — will be completed by the end of 2017, said the chairman of the Public Transport Authority, Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, who is also acting head of the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO).
Al-Rumaih noted the support of the General Investment Fund (GIF), which financed and facilitated the implementation of the project.
He thanked Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman for their support during the different stages of the project.
The electric railway will be 450 km long. Trains will run between Makkah and Madinah in two hours, and are projected to serve 60 million passengers annually.
High-speed Haramain train tested successfully at 300 kph
High-speed Haramain train tested successfully at 300 kph
Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram
MAKKAH: Five stations have been set up in the courtyard of Makkah’s Grand Mosque for pilgrims to have their heads shaved in the Islamic practice of exiting from the state of ihram.
The new service allows pilgrims to shave their head or cut their hair at designated locations.
The initiative was introduced for the first time this Ramadan by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
These stations can be relocated as needed during periods of high congestion and are staffed by experienced specialists using sterilized equipment.
Mohammed Asiri, a Hajj and Umrah affairs specialist and religious researcher, said that exiting 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 the Sa’i walk between the hills of 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 said.
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, or boundary, where ihram is required.
Fahd Al-Hamidi, who used the service at the Grand Mosque, said the initiative was “an extension of Saudi Arabia’s significant efforts to serve pilgrims from around the world.”
He said that the service is just one of thousands provided by Saudi Arabia to simplify the rituals of Umrah performers.
Al-Hamidi described the exit from ihram as a joyful moment that brings a sense of relief and spiritual closeness to Allah.
He said that this simple procedure carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing renewal and purification from sins and beginning a new page full of faith and piety.
The ritual is “a profound spiritual symbol of submission to Allah’s commands and the Prophet’s Sunnah,” Al-Hamidi said.
“With these modern solutions, like mobile barbershop units, this important final step of Umrah has become more convenient and efficient for pilgrims.”
Sandstorm hits Riyadh, moderate to heavy rain forecast for parts of Saudi Arabia
- Road safety authority and Saudi Highway Security warned motorists to exercise caution due to poor visibility caused by the dust storm
- Rain and snow may also fall in parts of Jazan, Aseer and Tabuk regions
RIYADH: A sandstorm hit Riyadh and its outskirts on Thursday, enveloping the skyline in dust clouds and hampering visibility, while moderate to heavy rains were forecast for several regions of the Kingdom.
The road safety authority and Saudi Highway Security warned motorists to exercise caution due to poor visibility caused by the dust storm.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense advised residents to avoid going to sandy locations to avoid accidents during the sandstorm, and also called for caution and for people to follow instructions issued as a result of weather conditions in parts of the Kingdom.
Widespread dust storms were also predicted in several parts of the Kingdom.
The forecast by the National Center for Meteorology on Thursday said dust-stirring winds will blow and moderate to heavy rain and hail may fall in parts of Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, Al-Jouf, as well as the Eastern and Northern Borders regions.
Rain and snow may also fall in parts of Jazan, Aseer and Tabuk regions, it said.
Winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 15-50 kph in the northern and central parts, and southwesterly to southeasterly at speeds of 20-42 kph in the south.
Waves may range from half a meter to more than two meters, and the Red Sea will be calm to choppy, according to the forecast by the NCM.
Winds in the Arabian Gulf will be easterly to northeasterly, reaching 20-50 kph. Waves may range from a meter to more than two meters, and the sea will be relatively calm to choppy.
Restoration of Qalaa Mosque in Madinah enhances Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage
- Restoration taking place under Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Development of Historic Mosques
- The Initiative aims to enhance the Islamic heritage of the Kingdom as the land where the Qur’an was revealed
RIYADH: The historic Qalaa Mosque in the town of Al-Hinakiyah, northeast of Madinah, is among the places of worship undergoing restoration as part of a national project.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques focuses on preserving the building, which is over a century old, in Madinah’s historical architectural style, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The initiative aims to enhance the Islamic heritage of the Kingdom as the land where the Qur’an was revealed, and the location of the Two Holy Mosques.
The project will expand the mosque’s area from 181 sq. meters to 263 sq. meters to accommodate 171 worshippers. The mosque was previously unused, the SPA added.
The renovation will include the use of natural materials including clay and local wood, to ensure the mosque returns to its original form.
It will preserve the unique building techniques that are adapted to the local environment and hot desert climate.
The crown prince’s project aims to balance traditional and modern construction standards to ensure the sustainability of historic mosques, the SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the work.
Phase two of the crown prince’s project follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions across the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Tours Japan is in Tokyo this weekend
Saudi Arabia Tours Japan is a series of pre-event displays for Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, which will open on April 13 — the Saudi Arabia Pavilion there is expected to be a highlight of the expo.
More than 700 live performances and events are planned for the duration of the expo, promising a diverse and exciting journey into the rich culture and history of Saudi Arabia through fashion, dance, music and more.
The pavilion features seven interactive rooms that take visitors on an engaging and immersive journey to discover Saudi Arabia’s history, transformation, and impact on the world.
Leading up to the expo, Saudi Arabia Tours Japan events have been held at seven locations around the country. This weekend it will be in Tokyo. Admission is free, allowing people to experience the culture and history of Saudi Arabia and get an insight into the spectacular Saudi pavilion at the upcoming expo.
Visitors can enjoy authentic coffee and tea imported from Saudi Arabia, and sweets made with dates. There will also be a cooking demonstration to show how to prepare kleija, a much-loved dessert in Saudi Arabia. Kleija is a baked confection filled with date syrup.
Additionally, there will be live performances using traditional instruments inspired by Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage.
The majlis, a vibrantly decorated replica of a Saudi Arabian reception room, provides a relaxing space to enjoy traditional music.
This event highlights the deep cultural ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia and demonstrates that the two cultures are closer than one might think.
Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah
- Hira project provides immersive experience of Islamic history, Qur’anic heritage
- The museum is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the holy Qur’an
MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the Holy Qur’an Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District.
Developed under the supervision of and with support from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, the museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors.
It is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the Qur’an and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the journey of Qur’anic transcription and its preservation through history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District is a focal point for those keen to experience the spirit and history of Makkah. Centered on Mount Hira, where the first revelation descended, it includes various facilities designed to enhance the religious and educational experience.
Among them is the Revelation Exhibition, which offers an interactive portrayal of the descent of revelation, and another that allows visitors to ascend to Hira Cave which was the scene of the revelation.
Among the artifacts on display are a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and several ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses.
The project also incorporates the Saudi Coffee Museum, the Cultural Library and Hira Park.
The Holy Qur’an Museum will remain open throughout Ramadan.
