JEDDAH: Five mosques in Asir have been added to the first phase of a SR50 million ($13 million) project to restore historic places of worship in the Kingdom.
The mosques have been added to the “Mohammed bin Salman project for Developing Historical Mosques” project, which includes 30 historic mosques in 10 of the Kingdom’s regions.
The historic Asir mosques will be restored and renovated so that they can receive worshippers again.
They have been abandoned in recent years as worshippers became used to visiting modern mosques in the light of urban development in the Kingdom. Some older mosques have been neglected and destroyed despite their historical value.
The historic Al-Mudfat in Abha is one of the mosques included on the list of buildings to be restored. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Asmari, a 100-year-old resident, said that he had served and supervised the mosque’s services 40 years ago and ascertained that according to some books, the mosque was built 400 years ago.
Al-Asmari said that the mosque consisted of a musalla that was six meters wide and 20 meters long, standing on five pillars of juniper trees; 92 branches of juniper trees were used to cover the ceilings.
The musalla has an entrance on the southern side, and an outdoor guest room with an old minaret where the muezzin stands. The lake was removed during previous restoration works and replaced by a modern water tank, he said.
Saudi resident Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Asmari said that the mosque is characterized by the ablution spaces, like the rest of the area’s historic mosques.
The second mosque to be renovated is the archaeological Sadreid Mosque in the north of Al-Namas governorate. The mosque’s features are very similar to those of the rest of the mosques in the area, but it is characterized by historic inscriptions. Saudi resident Mansoor bin Saad Al-Aajlan said that these inscriptions show that it is one of the oldest mosques in the Arabian Peninsula, built in 728, according to credible historical sources.
The Al-Sarou is the third mosque that will be renovated in Asir. Residents said that the history of the mosque remains unknown but that it is very old.
The Aaqisa Mosque in the old village of Asir is also on the list. This mosque is situated near an old fortress and houses and is considered to be very old, according to information from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).
The mosque occupies an area of 72 square meters with an outdoor space and a lake for ablution.
Al-Nusb Historic Mosque, the fifth on the list, is situated in the center of Abha city.
A local resident, Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Moufarreh, said that the mosque was built in 1744 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Moufarreh and later restored in 1841 by his grandson Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Moufarreh, and again in 1897 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Moufarreh.
Five historic mosques to be restored in Asir province
Five historic mosques to be restored in Asir province
- Abdullah bin Ali Al-Asmari, a 100-year-old resident, said that he had served and supervised the mosque’s services 40 years ago and ascertained that according to some books, the mosque was built 400 years ago
Saudi Foreign Ministry expresses condolences to Azerbaijan after deadly plane crash
- Kingdom extends sympathies to victims’ families
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the plane crash in Aktau, western Kazakhstan, on Wednesday.
The Kingdom also extended its sympathies to the government and people of Azerbaijan, wishing a swift recovery to the injured, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
On Wednesday morning, a passenger plane traveling from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near Aktau, western Kazakhstan, with 62 passengers and five crew members on board.
Later, Kazakh authorities announced that 28 people had survived and that Azerbaijan Airlines had operated the plane.
Unverified video footage circulating on social media platforms appeared to show the plane bursting into flames as it struck the ground, with thick black smoke rising afterward.
Bahrain’s king receives Saudi minister of state in Manama
- King Hamad conveyed greetings to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
RIYADH: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz in Manama on Wednesday.
Prince Turki conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
King Hamad, who welcomed Prince Turki and his delegation at Al-Safriya Palace, highlighted the strong ties between Riyadh and Manama, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
King Hamad also conveyed his greetings to King Salman and the crown prince, the SPA added.
Makkah developing smart solutions to counter natural disasters
- Plan includes improving efficiency and operational capabilities of the city’s control room
RIYADH: Makkah municipality is planning to develop several artificial-intelligence and other smart solutions to help mitigate natural disasters, particularly flooding, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The municipality recently signed an agreement with a specialist company to develop these technical solutions, which includes improving the efficiency and operational capabilities of the city’s control room.
In addition, the plan is to enhance governance frameworks that support quality and sustainability goals, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives within the city.
Key features of this collaboration include the development of a smart system for infrastructure monitoring. The Makkah region has experienced heavy rainfall regularly this year.
By improving service efficiency, boosting infrastructure safety, and leveraging technology, the city aims to significantly enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the SPA reported.
Earlier this year the municipality expanded e-services and applications, and developed the city’s infrastructure with multi-level parking lots, and technology-operated facilities.
As a result, Makkah is now ranked 52nd in the global Smart City Index, fifth in the Arab world, and second in the Kingdom after Riyadh.
All these services are contributing to a sustainable urban environment in Makkah, according to the municipality.
Makkah’s new developments are also aimed at enhancing services for the increasing number of pilgrims and visitors traveling to the holy city.
Digital clinic to open new horizons for autism care in Saudi Arabia
- Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Farhan Al-Saud: ‘This is just the beginning of our plans’
RIYADH: Following the success of the Taif Aziz Caravan for people with autism, the Society of Autism Families is gearing up for the launch of the Kingdom’s first digital clinic powered by a team of experts, doctors, and specialists.
The Taif Aziz Caravan was the first of its kind to travel across Saudi Arabia. Launched by the Society of Autism Families in June 2023, it offered integrated healthcare services to those with autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as specialized medical consultations and free services.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Taif Aziz Caravan raised awareness about early detection of autism spectrum disorder.
The convoy lasted nearly four months, covering about 12,000 km and visiting 53 cities in the Kingdom. The initiative earned the Society of Autism Families the International Excellence Award in Corporate Social Responsibility in London recently.
Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Farhan Al-Saud, chairman of the organization, told Arab News: “This award holds immense importance for social work worldwide. Winning it for our innovative Taif Aziz Caravan project is a well-deserved recognition of the association's exceptional community contributions.”
Introducing the digital clinic project, he said: “Our work is ongoing and boundless, driven by a passionate commitment to serve.”
He went on to say that the Digital Autism Clinic will provide rehabilitative, medical, and therapeutic services to people with autism across the Kingdom. “This is just the beginning of our plans for greater advancements in this field, God willing.”
The organization’s digital platform allows beneficiaries to easily register and access all available services.
“No pioneering project is without its challenges. However, we tackle these obstacles with well-established strategies and meticulous planning,” Prince Saud said, noting that despite challenges, the convoy achieved its goal within a short timeframe, ensuring the necessary support, and conducting comprehensive social and psychological assessments.
“Awareness empowers society to embrace diversity and enhances the quality of life for everyone. Community understanding is fundamental to supporting individuals with autism effectively,” he added.
The association actively promotes awareness through various initiatives and projects, “as we recognize the significant impact of community awareness about autism spectrum disorder and its profound effect on various areas of life,” the chairman said.
Noting the collaborative efforts taking place in the Kingdom to uplift communities, Prince Saud said: “In Saudi Arabia, collaboration between institutions from all sectors — governmental, private, and nonprofit — is a hallmark of our approach to achieving collective progress.
“I take this opportunity to thank our partners across these sectors for their unwavering support. Together, we achieve both impact and development.”
The Society of Autism Families raises awareness through various initiatives, including high-quality media productions such as the play “Sala 4” in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the world’s first 3D series on autism, under the supervision of a team of specialists, as well as the production of the first song in the world featuring people with autism, among other initiatives.
“Continuous presence and active participation in major events, exhibitions, and conferences, along with social media platforms, are key mechanisms for highlighting inspiring real-life stories and advocating for change,” Prince Saud added.
According to the association's website, autism spectrum disorder refers to a collection of conditions marked by difficulties in social skills, repetitive behaviors, and non-verbal communication, alongside unique strengths and differences.
The site explains that autism is not a single condition but a spectrum of diverse types, shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which influence each individual in a distinct way.
The term “spectrum” highlights the vast diversity in the challenges and strengths each child with this disorder may exhibit. While the most noticeable traits typically emerge between the ages of two and three, in some instances, early diagnosis can occur as young as 18 months.
The WHO reported that one in every 160 children worldwide is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Riyadh symposium explores challenges in theater training
- This year’s festival features 20 performances selected by experts, reflecting the diversity of Saudi theater and its developmental initiatives
RIYADH: The Riyadh Theater Festival, organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, is being held at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University until Dec. 26.
A dialogue symposium at the festival explored challenges and opportunities in theatrical training in the Arab world, focusing on issues such as limited specialized programs, financial constraints, and cultural barriers.
Participants emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between Arab countries to support training, research, and the role of theater in education and public awareness, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The symposium also highlighted the importance of innovative educational programs that foster skill development and produce tangible results in the performing arts.
Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of the commission, called the festival a cornerstone for advancing theater in the Kingdom and raising public awareness of the performing arts.
This year’s festival features 20 performances selected by experts, reflecting the diversity of Saudi theater and its developmental initiatives.
It supports Saudi talent and enhances the Kingdom’s presence on regional and international stages. The event will conclude with awards for outstanding performers.
