JEDDAH: An exhibition in Madinah, organized by the General Presidency of the Prophet’s Mosque, is showcasing the mosque’s expansions since its establishment by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“The exhibition, in the southern part of the mosque, highlights its expansions throughout history with 50 paintings, photographs, presentations, models and documentaries in Arabic and English,” said Faez Al-Faez, the exhibition’s director.
“The exhibition also includes copies of manuscripts, a model of the Prophet’s ring, photos of his letters and 200-year-old Qur’ans,” he added.
“The exhibition includes the most important books about Madinah, and a hall where visitors are shown a 20-minute video about the stages during which the mosque witnessed expansions since the prophet’s era,” Al-Faez said.
“The Prophet Muhammad was the first to expand the mosque in 628, followed by Caliph Omar bin Al-Khattab in 638. The mosque was later expanded in the years 651, 710, 778, 782, 1483, 1849 and 1861,” he added.
“During the Saudi era, the mosque witnessed a great expansion during the reign of King Abdul Aziz in 1953,” Al-Faez said.
“The expansions and development projects continued until King Salman ordered the completion of the expansion of the eastern and western sides in 2015,” he added.
“King Salman’s interest in this matter reflects the attention and keenness of the kings of Saudi Arabia to serve the visitors of Madinah, especially those visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, which holds a special place in the hearts of all Muslims,” Al-Faez said.
“The mosque’s ongoing expansion is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to provide as many pilgrims as possible with the opportunity to easily perform their rituals,” he added.
Those wishing to see the exhibition must send a request confirming the date of the visit, which can be from Sunday to Thursday.
Visitors praised the details of the mosque’s construction and expansions, and commended the Kingdom’s constant efforts since the reign of its founder King Abdul Aziz to take care of and expand the mosque.
Exhibition showcases expansions of Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
Exhibition showcases expansions of Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
- During the Saudi era, the mosque witnessed a great expansion during the reign of King Abdul Aziz in 1953
- The mosque’s ongoing expansion is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to provide as many pilgrims as possible with the opportunity to easily perform their rituals
Hayy Cinema hosting classic movie program for children in Jeddah
- The program includes twice daily screenings of classic Arab cartoons that have left a lasting impression on viewers and a complementary range of artistic activities inspired by the films
JEDDAH: Hayy Cinema in Jeddah is running an entertainment program that provides an interactive experience to evoke childhood memories and strengthen cultural bonds between generations.
The program includes twice daily screenings of classic Arab cartoons that have left a lasting impression on viewers and a complementary range of artistic activities inspired by the films.
Hayy Cinema, which is an Art Jameel initiative, provides a unique approach to film presentation. Its facilities include a 168-seat theater, private screening room, multimedia library and an educational exhibition, all designed with architectural inspiration drawn from the history of Gulf cinema.
The children’s program runs until Sunday.
Falcon breeders auction to be launched in August
- The season will start with the International Falcon Breeders Auction, running from Aug. 5-25, showcasing top local and international falcon farms
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club has announced its schedule for the current year, featuring six major events spanning a total of 122 days in Malham, north of Riyadh, and other venues across the Kingdom.
The event is designed to engage a broad audience interested in falconry, hunting and related cultural traditions.
The season will start with the International Falcon Breeders Auction, running from Aug. 5-25, showcasing top local and international falcon farms.
The Saudi Falcons Club Auction will run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, serving as a key platform for presenting top local falcons and providing a reliable economic avenue for falconers.
The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, the largest of its kind in the region, will take place from Oct. 2-11. It will feature exhibitors from both within and outside the Kingdom, showcasing the latest equipment and supplies for falconry, hunting, travel, weapons and outdoor adventures.
Saudi transport officials conduct more than 317,000 inspections in June
- Makkah region reported the highest number of offenses at 21,000, followed by Riyadh at 13,000, Eastern Region at 4,508, and Madinah at 3,557
RIYADH: The Saudi Transport General Authority carried out more than 317,000 inspections covering land, sea, and rail transport activities across the Kingdom in June, identifying 51,143 offenses.
Of these, 27,756 were detected through field inspections and 23,387 through automated monitoring, while all efforts involved collaboration with relevant authorities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Compliance rates were robust, with land transport achieving 94 percent compliance and maritime transport recording an impressive 99 percent. These figures highlight licensees’ strong adherence to the rules and regulations.
Makkah region reported the highest number of offenses at 21,000, followed by Riyadh at 13,000, Eastern Region at 4,508, and Madinah at 3,557. Qassim recorded 1,914 violations, Tabuk 1,316, and Aseer 1,073, while the remaining violations were from other parts of the Kingdom.
Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo
- Visited in the company of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.
TOKYO: Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Akishino visited Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Thursday, in the company of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.
“We were deeply honored by the visit of their Imperial Highnesses,” Binzagr told Arab News Japan. “It was a beautiful visit.”
He noted how much the pair had enjoyed the music of the oud, which was being played as the imperial guests entered the courtyard of the pavilion and which echoed throughout the building owing to the design of the walls and corridors to amplify the sound.
“The imperial couple also enjoyed Saudi coffee and (a selection of various) dates,” Binzagr said, adding that the variety and color of Saudi dates is influenced by the minerals in the soil of each region where they are grown in the Kingdom.
Binzagr said they had discussed the similarities in the cultures of Saudi Arabia and Japan, adding that despite appearing different, they shared a deep pride in their heritage and history, and both countries' ability to link the East and West.
He added that Japan is authentic with what it has but is also able to blend it with foriegn best practices with its great openness. Binzagr said that he believes this makes for something very special that Saudi Arabia also shares with Japan.
“We both value our roots and connectivity, and we both seek to celebrate balance in everything we do,” he said.
At the pavilion, the imperial couple viewed the plan for Riyadh Expo 2030 and indicated they were keen to visit at that time or even before, Binzagr said.
“We are keenly looking forward to more visits between members of Japan’s Imperial Family and members of our Royal Family of Saudi Arabia,” Binzagr added.
”Such visits add a special dimension to an already special relationship.”
Buraidah’s blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative
BURAIDAH: Those hoping to escape the scorching Saudi summer heat can head to Buraidah, where its farms have become a favored summer destination.
Buraidah, about 360 kilometers northwest of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region, is a place for those seeking calm, comfort and a distinctive leisure experience.
“This rising popularity stems from ongoing efforts to transform these farms into integrated tourist attractions that cater both to families and individuals, offering an authentic experience with a modern touch,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.
These farms stand out for their natural beauty and the balance they strike between simplicity and contemporary features.
Visitors can step away from the pace of city life and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by lush greenery. The experience is supported by restaurants serving traditional and international dishes, cafes with authentic design and stalls selling local produce. There are family seating areas aplenty, children’s play zones and a variety of nature-based activities.
Ali Mohammed Al-Waili, who is from the Najran region, expressed his admiration of the unique tourism diversity found in the Qassim region. He praised the rural farms that have become an attractive, offering a fully immersive natural experience that reflects the authenticity and agricultural richness of the area.
He pointed out that the farms spread across the region’s governorates provide a well-rounded family tourism experience, featuring traditional seating areas, authentic local cuisine, and a variety of agricultural and recreational activities suited for all age groups.
Another visitor, Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, noted that rural farms have become a top family destination during the summer holiday because they meet visitors’ needs and offer a range of services that ensure an enjoyable time in a natural and safe environment.
The rising interest in this form of domestic tourism points to a clear shift in public preference toward nature and stillness. Better infrastructure and improved service quality are reinforcing the role of rural farms as a top option for day trips and short breaks.
According to the SPA, the growing interest in domestic tourism and nature helps to support the local economy and achieve sustainable development — aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve quality of life, diversify income sources, and enhance the balance between people and the environment.
