LONDON: Fighting corruption is key to Saudi Arabia’s development, a senior World Bank official said as he welcomed the raft of reforms underway in the Kingdom.
Hafez Ghanem, vice president of the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa, told Arab News that anti-corruption drives were important to a country’s future development.
“Fighting corruption is important for development, it is an important part of the Vision 2030,” he said, making reference to the ambitious reform plan spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Areas in which the World Bank has worked with Saudi Arabia include transparency of procurement systems.
“The first step for fighting corruption is to ensure transparency; if you’re going to fight corruption you have to have a transparent system — people should be able to see what is going on. So we work with the government of Saudi Arabia on its budget system to make sure that it is transparent,” he said.
“It is very important also to work on the public procurement system, to make sure (it is run) in a transparent way and also in a competitive way. And there is a level playing field.”
Ghanem said the World Bank had been providing an increasing level of technical assistance in support of the Vision 2030 plan.
“We provide support to the social sectors — education, health, labor, social protection and so on. We provide support to sustainable development and infrastructure support, to economic management and fiscal policy and also we provide support to capacity building to improve accountability and fight corruption.
“From our position this entire Vision 2030 reform program is very ambitious, very dynamic, very important … we at the World Bank are strongly supportive of it.”
Ghanem praised the “exciting” Vision 2030 plan and pointed to the speedy pace of reforms in the Kingdom.
“One important indicator is what we call the ‘Doing Business’ indicators that the World Bank publishes every year and the one that we just published two weeks ago showed that Saudi Arabia is among the top 20 reformers in the world and the second best reformer among high income and G-20 countries,” he said.
“It shows the speed of change which is really commendable. Given from where Saudi Arabia started, that is an amazing outcome.”
The Kingdom has embarked on a wide anti-corruption drive, with 208 individuals having been called in for questioning, as authorities said at least $100 billion of funds have allegedly been misused. Seven of those individuals were later released.
Ghanem declined to comment on ongoing legal proceedings or specific cases in the Kingdom.
World Bank official: Saudi fight against corruption ‘important for development’
World Bank official: Saudi fight against corruption ‘important for development’
How Saudis are balancing work and spirituality during Ramadan
- Extra prayers, family time remain key goals
- Exercising is also a major priority for many
RIYADH: While working hours are shorter, to-do lists are longer during Ramadan —which includes family obligations, additional prayers and enticing cultural events — so it can be difficult to find a steady footing during the holy month.
Several people spoke to Arab News about their experiences and approach to balancing work and spirituality.
Raghad Altamimi, a creative technologist, said the first few days were “a mix of spirituality, calmness, and quality time with family and friends.
“At the same time, it has been quite experimental with finding the right routine that is balanced.”
Altamimi has adjusted her daily routine to waking up an hour before the obligatory morning Fajr prayer.
This is to perform the non-obligatory Qiyam Al-Layl prayer (literally meaning “stand during the night”), enjoy an iced orange juice, and get ready for the day.
“Caffeinated by matcha, I use this time to read, journal or catch up on courses before heading to work around 10 a.m.,” she said.
After work, she prepares for iftar with the family.
They have had a tradition of taking a 10-minute walk together in the neighborhood after breaking their fast, then heading to the gym before calling it a day at around 9 p.m.
“People find my routine unusual, but I’m willing to risk it for my early morning orange juice and matcha intake. However, I often take random naps throughout the day, sometimes in the morning, other times after coming back from work.”
During the month, she plans to delve deeper into religious understandings, like the tafseer, or explanation, of verses of the Qur’an.
“My goal is to read a juz’un (chapter) daily, but with real focus, absorbing its meaning rather than reading just for the sake of finishing.”
Beyond that, she is also keen on refining her behavior, practicing more charitable and kind acts, and hopes to carry this beyond the month.
“The biggest challenge is energy management. By the time you’re home from work, exhaustion kicks in, making it difficult to stay fully engaged in spiritual practices.
“Time is tight, and it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours to balance both commitments.
“The key is to structure your day around what truly matters to you. For me, that’s my early morning routine … For someone else, it might be late-night gatherings or extended prayers.
“There’s no right or wrong schedule but making time for spirituality — no matter how small — can completely transform the way you experience Ramadan. It’s a month of intention, so whatever you do, do it with meaning.”
But some have a more rigid schedule than others. Ali Saqqaf, a nurse, works 12-hour shifts, and does not benefit from the reduction to six hours for other workers.
“Now I’m doing day shifts so I’m getting up at 6 a.m. to be at work at 7 a.m. sharp, working the majority of the time until it’s iftar time.
“I have a mini meal at work then go back home around 8 p.m. There’s little time for the family and myself and then a bigger meal before going to bed — no sahoor for me because if I get back up, I’m not sleeping again.”
His goal is to read the entire Qur’an this month, so he tries to dedicate downtime during his shifts for this purpose.
Sara Teymoor, an entrepreneur and founder of pre-owned fashion company AMUSED, also starts her day at 6 a.m., and her time primarily revolves around her son.
After taking him to school in the morning she completes her own work until it is time to pick him up around 1 p.m.
She fits in more of her work during his afternoon nap, after which she spends more time with him, or exercises. She tries to work out three or four times a week, with a mix of strength training and cardio.
After iftar, and putting him to bed around 8 p.m., she catches up on her prayers and reading, and goes to bed at 10 p.m.
“The goals I’m focusing on this year (are) definitely to make sure that I’m praying on time and looking after my mind and body.
“I haven’t always done that during Ramadan, but this year it’s really important for me since I’ve got so much on my plate: running a business, having a toddler, (managing) the house, family and friends obligations,” she said.
Her advice is to prioritize what is important in life, and she believes that spirituality should be high on everyone’s list — regardless of what that looks like.
“I think since I had a son, I’ve struggled with the feeling that I’ve not been doing enough spiritually, but I also know that raising a child is spiritual work in itself, and being a mom is definitely a spiritual experience and journey.
“I know that God is so understanding and forgiving and doesn’t want to make hardships for us.
“If anything, he wants to give us ease in our lives, so I’m constantly reminded of how merciful he is. That helps me be a lot less hard on myself,” Teymoor said.
Mohammad Al-Lahham, a project manager at JJG, said that fasting becomes easier after the first few days. Like many, he tries to keep a minimal schedule during Ramadan.
After work, he reads until Maghrib and then spends some time in his home recording studio.
“I do happen to be invited a lot for iftar, for social events, book clubs, (by) musicians and other communities here, so day in, day out, I do oblige and go to have iftar with them,” he said.
He hopes to discipline himself more, physically and mentally. “It helps me control my anger, or frustration, and make my words spoken with much control and wisdom, instead of spewing them (out) and hurting those around me.”
“I believe the act of worship (can) raise my level of spirituality, where I am less bothered with earthly problems, and materials.”
His advice to others is to practice discipline as well, which he believes can be achieved through fasting.
KSrelief’s global humanitarian activities continue in Ramadan
- Food, clothing and other support provided to people in Africa, Asia, Mideast by Kingdom’s aid agency
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has continued to distribute food, clothing and other necessities to vulnerable communities across the world during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
In Mauritania, KSrelief distributed 410 boxes of food in the Tiaret district of Nouakchott.
This is a part of the Kingdom’s iftar project which aims to donate 390,109 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan.
In Bangladesh, the aid agency on Saturday distributed 330 food baskets in the Mymensingh district of Dhaka; while in Yemen 2,600 cartons of dates were distributed on Sunday in the Hadhramaut governorate.
In Montenegro, 1,300 boxes containing food were handed out in the Tuzi region for the benefit of about 6,500 individuals, including widows and orphans.
In Burkina Faso, KSrelief distributed on Saturday 1,500 food boxes to families in the cities of Barbe and Yagma, which were also a part of the aid agency’s Ramadan food distribution project.
In South Africa, 450 boxes containing food for iftar were given to families in Johannesburg; while in Albania 150 families each received one aid box for breaking their fast.
In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 600 bags of clothing to needy families in Hargeisa as a part of the 2025 shelter assistance project to support displaced and vulnerable communities.
King Salman arrives in Jeddah
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman travelled from Riyadh to Jeddah on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The king was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz.
He was seen off at King Khalid International Airport by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s project renovates Faydat Athqab Mosque in Hail
- The goal of the initiative is to revitalize historic mosques, restoring their religious, cultural and social significance
RIYADH: The Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, now in its second phase, is focused on renovating many mosques, including Faydat Athqab Mosque in Hail, originally built in 1946, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The goal of the initiative is to revitalize historic mosques, restoring their religious, cultural and social significance.
The project also focuses on preserving Islamic heritage and highlighting the architectural beauty of these mosques through sustainable, eco-friendly renovations that incorporate natural elements.
According to the SPA, the renovation of Faydat Athqab Mosque will honor the region’s traditional architectural style by using mud building techniques and natural materials. Hail’s unique architecture is adapted to the local environment and the hot desert climate, and this renovation aims to preserve that distinctiveness.
The project will maintain all the mosque’s essential features, while enhancing the northern windows to improve air circulation and ensure a cool environment inside.
This renovation is part of the second phase of the project, which includes the restoration of 30 mosques in all 13 regions of the Kingdom. The mosques include six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Medinah, three in Asir, two each in the Eastern Province, Al-Jouf and Jazan, and one each in the Northern Borders Province, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail and Al-Qassim.
The project aims to strike a balance between traditional and modern construction methods, ensuring the sustainability of these historic mosques. It is being executed by Saudi companies specializing in historical structures, with Saudi engineers playing a key role in preserving the authentic architectural identity of each mosque.
The second phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 historic mosques in 10 regions.
Jeddah’s cultural canvas bursts into life for Ramadan Nights at Hayy Jameel
- Guests can also enjoy traditional board games, live music and Ramadan-inspired culinary offerings
- Free and open to all, Ramadan Nights also offers a shopping experience at the cultural markets
JEDDAH: Following the popularity of last year’s program, Ramadan Nights by Art Jameel have returned for a month of cultural celebration at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah.
Running until March 29 from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, it is held under the slogan “Hayy lights up,” and features a range of activities including public programs, craft-inspired bazaars, pop-up eateries, film screenings and hands-on workshops exploring handicrafts, wellness and heritage.
Guests can also enjoy traditional board games, live music and Ramadan-inspired culinary offerings.
Uns Kattan, deputy director and head of learning and research at Art Jameel, said that the debut program last year welcomed more than 40,000 visitors of diverse ages and backgrounds. “This year, we recognize the thirst and passion for the community-focused program and created more opportunities that embody the spirit of togetherness, creativity and cultural exchange,” she said.
“Through a dynamic program that focuses on craft, film and storytelling, we celebrate the holy month by bringing people together in an inspiring and inclusive space that bridges the wide spectrum of creative endeavors under one roof.”
Free and open to all, Ramadan Nights also offers a shopping experience at the cultural markets. One of the highlights of this year’s program was Jebna Al-Eid, which took place from March 2-4, and Ramadaniyat Lavendar, which concluded on March 8. These markets, set across Rukn Hayy, Fenaa Hayy and Saha (the community courtyard), were a blend of local eateries, artisanal products and the sounds of Oud melodies, creating a lively atmosphere.
Ghada Khalid, co-founder of Lavender Events, told Arab News that Ramadaniyat Lavender presents a selection of products, from fashion items such as dresses, abayas and traditional wear, to a diverse food area featuring Mexican, Italian sweets, Uzbekistani cuisine, specialty coffee and desserts.
“This year, we introduced a makeover offer that can be used for Eid. Through this festival, we reach a diverse audience, catering to their needs and helping them experience the true essence of Ramadan,” she said.
Abeer Dahlawi, founder of Muse, an arts, culture and entertainment center, said: “We are here at Ramadan Nights to create an enjoyable experience for everyone, offering traditional games like carrom, chess and dominoes. Our goal is to encourage people to have fun, connect and socialize with one another.”
At the Hayy Markets, curated bazaars showcase a mix of books, fashion, artisanal crafts and design pieces that promote local creativity.
Meanwhile, the pop-up eateries, located at Saha and Rukn Hayy, offer a range of local and fusion-inspired cuisine, featuring notable names such as Aysh Academy, Sofia’s Bistro and Cookie Boo.
Visitors can also enjoy the Hayy Cinema experience, which features screenings of the “My Heritage” short film series. These films tell different stories about World Heritage sites in the Arab region and are screened repeatedly from 10 p.m. onwards.
Kattan highlighted that the special programming throughout the month includes handicraft and cultural workshops, where participants can explore heritage through interactive sessions such as lino-cut printmaking using Hejazi patterns, traditional crafts by local and refugee artisans, and Arabic calligraphy.
There will also be community talks on topics ranging from Jeddah’s history and Ramadan rituals to mental health and healing. These discussions are led by experts and provide both informative and enriching experiences for attendees.
For younger visitors, the Hayy Explorers program offers an interactive experience from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring storytelling, arts and crafts. Meanwhile, the Hayy Arts and Studios section highlights contemporary art with group exhibitions such as “We Saw an Endless Cycle” and “Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine,” as well as open studios and workshops hosted by Jeddah-based creatives.
Dalia Rahman, who was visiting with her friends, said: “The atmosphere here is so welcoming. We came to shop for Eid dresses and found unique designs that aren’t available in regular stores. During Ramadan, I prefer to focus on worship and prayer rather than spending time in malls. This place offers everything in one spot while also celebrating cultural and traditional activities.”
