DUBAI: Saudi women need not wear the abaya — the loose-fitting, full-length robes symbolic of religious faith — a senior member of the top Muslim clerical body said, another indication of the Kingdom’s efforts toward modernization.
On his radio show named Friday Studio aired on Neda Al-Islam radio station on Friday Feb. 9, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, said Muslim women should dress modestly, but this did not necessitate wearing the abaya.
Friday Studio is a weekly Islamic show that discusses Islamic teachings, answers questions from the audience and issues fatwas by the show’s permanent guest Al-Mutlaq.
“More than 90 percent of pious Muslim women in the Muslim world do not wear abayas,” Sheikh Mutlaq said on Friday. “So we should not force people to wear abayas.”
While not necessarily signalling a change in the law, the statement is the first of its kind from a senior religious figure. It follows the recent pattern of freedoms the Kingdom has been witnessing with the ascent of young Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to power.
Only the government-appointed clerics associated with the Council of Senior Scholars are allowed to issue fatwas, or Islamic legal opinions. Their interpretations of Islamic law form the basis of Saudi Arabia’s legal system.
Saudi women have started wearing more colorful abayas in recent years, the light blues and pinks in stark contrast with the traditional black. Open abayas over long skirts or jeans are also becoming more common in some parts of the country.
The trend marks a major change in the last couple of years. In 2016, a Saudi woman was detained for removing her abaya on a main street in the capital of Riyadh. Local media reported that she was detained after a complaint was filed with the religious police.
The Kingdom has seen an expansion in women’s rights recently, such as the decision passed to allow women to attend mixed public sporting events and the announcement that Saudi Arabia would grant them the right to drive.
These are some of the many changes the country has undergone in recent months, hailed as proof of a new progressive trend in the deeply conservative Muslim Kingdom.
But despite these changes, the gender-segregated nation is criticized for its continued constraints on women. Activists have blasted the country’s guardianship system which requires a male family member to grant permission for a woman to study abroad, travel and other activities.
Long robes not necessary attire for Saudi women — senior cleric
Long robes not necessary attire for Saudi women — senior cleric
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
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
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
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
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.
