RIYADH: The village of Rijal Alma has finalized its submission for the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is now awaiting the arrival of experts from the UN International Organization for Culture, Arts and Heritage.
The importance of the historical and archaeological village lies in its cultural depth and prominence in trade and architectural arts, represented in tall fortresses that combine beauty and expertise. The space is exploited in a remarkable way, where eight blocks rise on a small surface, forming a united bloc with various fluctuating heights, reaching six floors at times, meticulously decorated from the inside and the outside.
Visitors can reach the village of Rijal via several roads, the most important of which is Aqabat Sama, linking Abha and Rijal Alma through the famous tourist Sawda Center in Saudi Arabia. There are also two other roads leading to Rijal, linking it to the province of Muhayil Asir and the Hobail leading to Ad-Darb province in the Jazan region.
The researcher Mohammed Hassan Gharib wrote about the history of the village and its development. He pointed out that “the evidence of civilization is depicted in buildings, roads, reserves, agricultural planning, wells, crowded cemeteries and in what has been revealed in terms of underground houses in valleys and coal in one of the 30-meter-deep wells dating back to 1375 AH in the neighborhood of Asla. This gives definitive indications of settlement and human presence in the village before the 10th Hijri century and depicts the stages of growth and prosperity.”
Gharib confirmed that the old commercial dimension of the village was the most famous in the region: “The traders in this region reached far regions and the sailboats that they used to rent to transport goods from Aden, Hodeidah and Habashah (Ethiopia) remained in the Red Sea, loaded with products and goods they bought from these areas, which made them an important economic power.” He added that the Rijal village has remained for a period of time, the destination for traveling traders coming from the ports of the Red Sea, especially from its local and foreign trade centers, and it also remained the favorite destination for those coming from Jeddah, Qunfudah and Qahma, Jazan, Hodeidah, Aden, and some of the east coast countries on the African continent like Djibouti, Massawa and Ethiopia.
Gharib said that the goods sold in the shops of the village at that time were Indian, Egyptian, Yemeni, European and African commodities. They even used to sell products from East Asia, such as from Japan and China. Some of them used to mix many trades together, such as food, grains, household items, spices, perfumes, jewelry and others.
The Rijal village has undergone various stages of development including an open theater that extends over an area of 615 square meters, and can accommodate about 1,000 people.
Documenting the heritage of the Alma province started while establishing one of the oldest museums in the Kingdom: The “Alma Museum of Heritage” in 1985, in one of the fortresses of the village. This museum has 2,800 pieces distributed in 12 rooms, each devoted for a particular type of heritage such as agricultural tools, clothes, jewels, old cooking utensils and accessories, ancient education tools and many other aspects related to ancient life, in addition to some rare manuscripts.
Gharib said: “The museum was created in 1405 AH upon the initiative of the people of the province to preserve the heritage of the region. Al-Alwan fort was chosen to be renovated in the Rijal village and it is one of the largest fortresses. The villagers in Rijal collected old artifacts donated by the people, and women in the village have also contributed to this work, under the supervision of Alma artist Fatima Ali Abu Qahas. Many women donated their old jewelry and adornments. The work at the museum was completed and then inaugurated by Prince Khaled in Asir in 1407 AH. The museum has become a cultural touristic hub since then.”
Rijal Alma: Saudi village with a long history prepares for international exposure
Rijal Alma: Saudi village with a long history prepares for international exposure
- Indications suggest presence of human settlement at the site before 10th Hijri
Kingdom launches first mobile stroke unit for Hajj
- Initiative aims to save lives with rapid on-site stroke care during pilgrimage
MAKKAH: In a healthcare milestone for pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has deployed a mobile stroke unit for the first time at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during this year’s Hajj.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Harthi, an emergency medicine consultant and executive director of Ajyad Hospital, told Arab News that the unit was a state-of-the-art ambulance designed specifically for stroke cases, aiming to reduce the time between symptom onset and treatment — without the need for hospital transport.
“The unit can quickly access difficult locations and provide immediate care on-site, improving recovery and saving lives,” he said.
It is equipped with a CT scanner, an intravenous contrast system and clot-dissolving medications. A remote communication system with high-speed internet and a 360-degree camera allows consultants to monitor patients in real time from anywhere.
The team at the mobile stroke unit comprises a neurologist, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, emergency nurse, radiologist and paramedic.
The unit is the result of a collaboration between Health Holding Co., via the Makkah Health Cluster, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, with support from the Ministry of Health.
Al-Harthi said that the unit was designed to treat one patient at a time, with diagnosis and treatment typically completed within 15 minutes. It has already proven effective in several cases.
He shared an example of a 60-year-old Ugandan pilgrim who recently arrived at Al-Haram Emergency Hospital with slurred speech and one-sided weakness. The pilgrim had collapsed inside the Grand Mosque due to a hemorrhage, prompting an immediate response.
The patient was transferred to the mobile unit, where imaging was done and clot-dissolving treatment was administered. His condition improved within minutes.
“The patient was later moved to King Abdulaziz Hospital for intensive care, and within two days he showed remarkable recovery and expressed a desire to continue his pilgrimage,” Al-Harthi said. “This highlights the importance of timely intervention in preserving brain function.”
He praised the Ministry of Health and the Makkah Health Cluster for introducing this advanced technology during Hajj, crediting its success to strong coordination among government agencies.
The unit was deployed to Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital on Tuesday as part of a broader strategy to ensure top-quality medical care for pilgrims, allowing them to complete their rituals safely and comfortably.
Every year, tens of thousands of Hajj pilgrims benefit from services provided by health centers and hospitals at the holy sites.
Saudi Arabia deploys about 50,000 healthcare and other professionals to work 24 hours a day during Islam’s most important gathering.
Minister of endowments thanks Saudi Arabia for caring for Syrian pilgrims
- Syrian minister of endowments conveyed President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s greetings to the Saudi leadership
- An estimated 22,500 Syrians have embarked on the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday
LONDON: Syrian Minister of Endowments Muhammad Abu Al-Khair Shukri praised Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and care for pilgrims during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, in Makkah on Wednesday.
An estimated 22,500 Syrians embarked on the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday, which ends on June 9.
Shukri emphasized the importance of cooperation to help pilgrims perform their rituals smoothly during Hajj, reaffirming Syrian pilgrims’ commitment to following Saudi instructions and regulations.
The minister conveyed President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s greetings to the Saudi leadership. Al-Sharaa spoke this week with Syrian pilgrims in Makkah during a video call and asked them to act as “messengers of Syria” and show a good example during the Hajj.
Al-Rabiah expressed hope for stability and tranquility in Syria, according to the SANA news agency.
Defense Ministry launches first mobile field hospital at holy sites
- Wards have 50-bed capacity, pharmacy, surgical room
- Aim is to ensure pilgrims perform Hajj in ‘good health’
RIYADH: The Ministry of Defense has launched a mobile field hospital for the first time at the holy sites to boost healthcare services during the Hajj.
The hospital will provide comprehensive and high-quality medical services, the ministry said on Wednesday.
“The Joint Forces Command has harnessed all facilities and health services to ensure that the guests of God perform the Hajj pilgrimage with ease (and) in good health,” the ministry added.
The state-of-the-art facility comprises 29 trailers and 26 modules that house hospital components, including the main entrance, connecting corridors, emergency exits, and essential services.
It includes inpatient wards with a 50-bed capacity, fully equipped pharmacy, radiology unit, medical laboratory, and specialized clinics.
It also features a surgical operating room with a recovery and sterilization wing, intensive care and observation units, and an emergency department.
The hospital reflects the vital role of the Ministry of Defense in serving pilgrims and boosting the health infrastructure at the holy sites, the ministry added.
The ministry’s General Directorate for Health Services said Tuesday it is ready to implement an integrated medical plan to support the Ministry of Health.
This plan encompasses 36 health centers across the holy sites, with a combined capacity of more than 1,000 beds.
There are 1,791 health and administrative personnel deployed at fixed and field hospitals, emergency centers, and specialized clinics in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
Saudi Red Crescent conducts air evacuation in Arafat as part of Hajj preparedness efforts
- Operation was launched after an emergency call was received by the SRCA’s central operations room
ARAFAT: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority carried out an emergency air medical evacuation in Arafat on Wednesday, as part of its broader efforts to enhance readiness during the Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The operation was launched after an emergency call was received by the SRCA’s central operations room.
Ground and air ambulance teams were immediately dispatched to the scene in coordination with relevant health authorities, SPA added.
The patient was stabilized on-site and transported by medical evacuation aircraft to a designated hospital, following direct coordination with the hospital’s medical team and the provision of all necessary medical details.
SRCA spokesman Dr. Taimur Shukrullah Jan said the mission was part of a broader integrated system designed to improve emergency response across the holy sites.
He noted that medical evacuation aircraft are crucial in reducing response times, particularly in areas of high population density or restricted mobility.
“The authority is harnessing all its human and technical resources to serve pilgrims, in line with its humanitarian and national mission,” Jan said. “Our ground and air ambulance teams are operating around the clock to deliver urgent care where and when it’s needed.”
The SRCA’s air ambulance service for the Hajj season comprises 11 aircraft deployed across 13 strategic landing sites in Makkah and the holy sites.
More than 120 trained personnel are working to ensure rapid intervention and high-quality emergency services for pilgrims, SPA reported.
Pilgrims receive gifts reflecting Saudi culture
MAKKAH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, known as Wrth, has welcomed pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia via land, sea, and air with gifts inspired by traditional Saudi arts.
This initiative, in collaboration with the Pilgrim Awareness Center and Saudia airline, aims to enrich pilgrims’ experience culturally and intellectually, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Pilgrims received prayer rugs adorned by Arabic calligraphy and medallions featuring traditional inscriptions reflecting Saudi cultural values.
Accompanying the gifts were informational cards about Hajj rituals, provided by the Pilgrim Awareness Center.
Gifts were distributed at key entry points, including King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port, and the Hajj dispatching control center on Hijrah Road.
Wrth’s participation aligns with its mission to raise awareness of traditional arts and offer a unique pilgrim experience during the Kingdom’s Year of Handicrafts.
The initiative highlights national identity and strengthens the global presence of traditional Saudi arts, the SPA reported.
The royal institute recently completed a billboard project along Hijrah Road between Makkah and Madinah, in collaboration with the Roads General Authority.
The billboards feature designs inspired by traditional motifs and crafts such as weaving, reflecting the national identity. These showcase the beauty of local arts and regional patterns and aim to enrich pilgrims’ cultural experience and promote heritage tourism.
