Saudi Arabia welcomes all Muslim pilgrims: Hajj minister

Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Mohammed Salih Bentin.(SPA)
Updated 31 May 2019
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Saudi Arabia welcomes all Muslim pilgrims: Hajj minister

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia welcomes any Muslim pilgrims from all over the world without discrimination, said Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Mohammed Salih Bentin.

The Kingdom is ready to provide facilities and services to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquillity, he added.

On Tuesday, King Salman inaugurated the Guests of God Service Program, which features more than 130 initiatives. 

The program aims to offer the finest services at all levels, and manage Saudi archaeological and cultural sites to enrich pilgrims’ experience.

Bentin praised the cooperation of the various bodies concerned with Hajj and pilgrims’ affairs, and their keenness to facilitate their access to the Two Holy Mosques and their movement between the holy sites. 


Homes, businesses in Jeddah compete to capture spirit of Ramadan

Updated 06 March 2025
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Homes, businesses in Jeddah compete to capture spirit of Ramadan

  • The scheme invites the public to create a memorable Ramadan experience, sparking creativity with diverse decorations
  • Winners of the competition will be announced after Ramadan

JEDDAH: Homes and businesses in Jeddah will capture the festive spirit of Ramadan as part of a decoration competition launched by the city’s municipality.

The scheme to decorate the facades of homes and shops was launched in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority.

It invites the public to create a memorable Ramadan experience, sparking creativity with diverse decorations — from colorful lanterns and Islamic designs to twinkling lights — and adding unique charm to the festive atmosphere.

Mohammed Al-Bugami, the spokesperson of Jeddah Municipality, told Arab News that the competition will recognize the efforts that residents, restaurants, cafes and shops put into their festive lights and ornaments.

“The Ramadan Home and Shop Decoration Competition is a great opportunity to showcase the spirit of the holy month and bring joy and happiness to the community,” he said.

“Ramadan has a special place in the hearts of Muslims and is a time for reflection, worship and social interaction,” he added. “By decorating homes and shops, everyone can participate in creating a festive environment that expresses the values ​​of generosity and hospitality.”

The scheme is a celebration of the holy month and reflects Jeddah’s commitment to its society, Al-Bugami said.

The competition invites Jeddah residents to decorate their homes and highlight the Ramadan atmosphere through creative designs that reflect the spirit of the holy month.

Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, the use of heritage elements, lighting and environmental sustainability.

Winners of the competition will be announced after Ramadan.


Saudi foreign trade authority chief meets Rwanda’s ambassador

Updated 06 March 2025
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Saudi foreign trade authority chief meets Rwanda’s ambassador

Mohammed Abdul Jabbar, acting governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, met with Rwanda's Ambassador to the Kingdome Segore Kayihura in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the officials discussed ways to enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries, the Embassy of Rwanda in the Kingdom wrote in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeirmet with the recently appointed Ambassador of Egypt to the Kingdom Ihab Abu Sarea in Riyadh, wishing him success in his new role, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.


Baha’s stone building craft thriving as local artisans embrace heritage

Updated 06 March 2025
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Baha’s stone building craft thriving as local artisans embrace heritage

  • Building using stone, a cornerstone of the region’s heritage, remains integral to Baha’s cultural fabric, with locals working to adapt the practice to meet contemporary demands

RIYADH: The natural environment profoundly shapes the architectural heritage of Saudi Arabia’s Baha region, where the traditional craft of stone building has thrived for generations, with local artisans skillfully utilizing the region’s abundant stones and trees.

Building using stone, a cornerstone of the region’s heritage, remains integral to Baha’s cultural fabric, with locals working to adapt the practice to meet contemporary demands, a Saudi Press Agency report highlighted.

Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, a seasoned builder in Baha, highlighted the labor-intensive nature of the building process, which lasts several months and involves using various types of stones, including cornerstones, long stones and the supporting Al-Mateen or Al-Dahr stones, which are essential for erecting a room.

Saleh Al-Zahrani, another local builder, highlighted the process of finishing a building with mud plastering, using juniper trees for doors and windows, and embellishing them with decorative carvings. The houses are further adorned with white quartz stones, creating a distinct look.

The architectural similarities among buildings in Baha are notable. Dwellings are closely arranged, and villages feature narrow streets and a central square for social activities.


Online registration for itikaf at Two Holy Mosques begins

Worshippers pray at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. (@AlharamainSA)
Updated 05 March 2025
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Online registration for itikaf at Two Holy Mosques begins

  • Itikaf is the act of remaining in seclusion at a mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan
  • An applicant must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the Kingdom, or hold valid residency status

RIYADH: Authorities are now accepting online applications for itikaf at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque.

Itikaf is the act of remaining in seclusion at a mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan. While doing so, individuals devote themselves to the worship of God during what Muslims consider to be the best 10 nights of the year.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque urged those who wish to perform the ritual to choose a mosque, submit an application, watch an awareness video to familiarize themselves with the service, and review the conditions that must be fulfilled during the period of seclusion, which runs from Ramadan 20 until the end of the Isha prayer on the night before Eid Al-Fitr.

An applicant must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the Kingdom, or hold valid residency status. Itikaf permits are free and registration requests can be submitted at eserv.wmn.gov.sa.


US-Saudi ties celebrated at 249th Independence Day event in Jeddah

Updated 05 March 2025
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US-Saudi ties celebrated at 249th Independence Day event in Jeddah

JEDDAH: The US Consulate General in Jeddah marked the 249th US Independence Day with its annual celebration, themed “Celebrating 80 Years of the Vision of President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz: Shaping the Future Together.”

The event highlighted the long-standing US-Saudi partnership, focusing on business, innovation, and future collaboration.

Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia Alison Dilworth and Consul General Ali Lejlic welcomed Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi as the guest of honor.

It was attended by Fareed Al-Shehri, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Makkah region, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests from various regions of the Kingdom.

Dilworth emphasized that the historic 1945 meeting between President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz established a deep and lasting friendship that continues to strengthen US-Saudi relations today.

The event featured an American Business Expo, showcasing US companies’ contributions to Saudi Arabia’s economic development, particularly in healthcare and infrastructure, aligned with Vision 2030.