Cooling rain pours down on Hajj pilgrims at Mount of Mercy

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Pilgrims in the Arafat area were hit by heavy rain and thunder storms on the second day of Hajj. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
Updated 11 August 2019
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Cooling rain pours down on Hajj pilgrims at Mount of Mercy

  • Civil defense cautioned pilgrims to stay safe and to avoid low ground prone to flooding
  • Pilgrims rejoice at 'sign of mercy' and offer prayers

ARAFAT: Just as the heat became almost too much to bear, thunder cracked, the skies opened and the cooling rain began to fall. Not for nothing is it called the Mount of Mercy.

Streets began to flood within minutes of the showers, leaving muddy puddles and cooling those making their spiritual journey to and from Arafat.

While some rushed for cover, many others ran to the streets to pray.  Pilgrims wept as they raised their hands in worship on the slopes of Mount Arafat. Many had walked there through the pre-dawn darkness.

In Islam, Muslims believe that the their prayers have a higher chance of being answered when it rains.

 

Many pilgrims began to help others in need of shelter and offered clothing for those who were drenched in the rain. 

“This the first time I have come to Hajj, and it’s amazing,” pilgrim Ghada Al-Johar told Arab News. “When it rained, I went out and I cried. Every time when I saw the rain on TV during Hajj in the past I always thought, lucky them.

“One of my friends was here last year and she told me to pray to come, so I did, and here I am, my prayers have been answered.”

More than 2 million Muslims gathered on the sacred hill on Saturday for an intense day of worship and reflection that is the high point of Hajj. Among them was Danyah Bennett, 25, whose mother died only a week after her daughter’s wedding four years ago.

“I feel my mother is with me on Hajj every step of the way,” Danyah told Arab News. “I think about her a lot during Hajj. I wish she was here with me.”

As the pilgrims prayed on Mount Arafat, in Makkah a team of 160 technicians and craftsmen were replacing the Kiswa, the black silk covering for the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque. The ceremony takes place every year on the second day of Hajj.

On Saturday evening the pilgrims moved to Muzdalifah, to prepare for the symbolic stoning of the devil. 

The total number of pilgrims this year is 2,489,406, Saudi statistics chiefs said on Saturday.

The civil defense cautioned pilgrims to stay safe and to avoid low ground prone to flooding and from touching metal objects.

“I feel so happy, I feel as if my Hajj has received more mercy from Allah,” a pilgrim told Arab News in reference to the rain.

* For more pcitures of the rain on the second day of Hajj click here.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss Israel-Iran developments

Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss Israel-Iran developments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Sunday from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They discussed developments in the region and the repercussions of continued Israeli attacks on Iran as well as the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the US in strikes on Sunday morning.

Prince Mohammed affirmed the Kingdom’s position, while calling for all efforts to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.

More to follow...


Alqan Heritage Village: A window into Saudi Arabia’s past

Updated 8 min 34 sec ago
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Alqan Heritage Village: A window into Saudi Arabia’s past

JEDDAH: Near Haql city, located northwest of Tabuk, sits Alqan Heritage Village — one of Saudi Arabia’s most scenic and historic heritage sites. Also known as “The Snow City,” it is a popular destination during winter when the whole area can become covered in snow.

During warmer months, Alqan offers visitors a chance to explore the village’s traditional homes, which are built on raised areas using local sandstone. These structures reflect the region’s unique architectural style and building techniques, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.

The village is located about 170 km from Tabuk city in northern Saudi Arabia, and is surrounded by a stunning landscape of tall mountains and red dunes.

Alqan was built in 1934 by order of King Abdulaziz. It includes 20 houses made from red stone and mud, with palm trunks and fronds used for the roofs. These buildings were once used by the region’s first government employees and public offices.

Today, the village is officially listed in the National Register of Architectural Heritage. The Heritage Commission continues its efforts to document, protect and digitize such historic sites across the Kingdom.

Near the village is the Alqan customs checkpoint, built in 1965. The area is also home to several historical wells that were used to provide water to local communities. Among them is the well of “Abu Al-Alq,” believed to have inspired the village’s name. Others say the name comes from small particles that sometimes appear in the well water.

Perched on a rocky hill, the village was carefully planned by early settlers, who chose the location based on natural features like wind direction, rainfall and privacy. Their thoughtful urban planning shows how well they understood the desert environment.

Alqan is best known for its snowfall, a rare feature in most of Saudi Arabia. Heavy snowstorms were recorded in 1945 and again in 1965, with snow lasting for several days. These events helped shape Alqan’s reputation as a winter retreat.


Saudi art returns to Concentrico festival in Spain

Ithra returns with more Saudi-inspired art for second year at Concentrico International Festival of Architecture and Design.
Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi art returns to Concentrico festival in Spain

  • The installation will be open to the public at Plaza de la Diversidad in Logrono until June 24

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, returns with more Saudi-inspired art for the second year at the Concentrico International Festival of Architecture and Design in Spain.

The installation will be open to the public at Plaza de la Diversidad in Logrono until June 24.

This year, Ithra presents “Rooted in Warmth” by Saudi multimedia artist Raghad Al-Ahmed, alongside a sensory experience, “Summer Blessings,” by Saudi visual narrative studio Nclass.

Raghad Al-Ahmed. (Supplied)

Visitors are encouraged to interact with and even climb the structure to experience the connection between agriculture and community ties to nature.

The installation was created with more than 50 women artisans from Jouf, northern Saudi Arabia, inspired by Al-Ahmed’s roots in the Hejazi community, particularly Taif, where gatherings under tree shade are part of rural life.

The sensory experience “Summer Blessings” complements “Rooted in Warmth” by showcasing the diversity of local fruits and herbs.

Noura Al-Zamil, head of programs at Ithra, said: “We are proud to present Raghad Al-Ahmed’s work at Concentrico. Showcasing it at a leading European design festival reflects Ithra’s ongoing efforts to support creative expression.

“This initiative provides a platform for Saudi artists and artisans to share their work globally, enriching the cultural landscape. ‘Rooted in Warmth,’ combining personal and national identity with contemporary art, will encourage cross-cultural dialogue at the festival,” she added.

After its debut in Spain, “Rooted in Warmth” will be exhibited in Saudi Arabia as part of Tanween 2025 later this year.

Tanween, Ithra’s annual design event, highlights global design excellence and promotes creative innovation.


Raghadan Forest Park attracts summer visitors to Sarawat peaks

Raghadan Forest Park is one of the region’s most prominent ecotourism destinations. (SPA)
Updated 22 June 2025
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Raghadan Forest Park attracts summer visitors to Sarawat peaks

  • Covering about 483,000 sq. meters and rising more than 1,700 meters above sea level, the park offers a mild climate and scenic views

RIYADH: Raghadan Forest Park, which is set on the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains just west of Baha city, is one of the region’s most prominent ecotourism destinations, the Saudi Press Agency recently reported.

Covering about 483,000 sq. meters and rising more than 1,700 meters above sea level, the park offers a mild climate and scenic views.

Located about 4 km from central Baha, it features green spaces, walking paths, shaded seating areas, and various recreational facilities.

The 20,000 sq. meter Bahjat Raghadan Park — a recent development by Baha Municipality — boasts an artificial waterfall, an open-air theater, children’s play areas, and the Lavender Garden, which connects to a central plaza and a 500-meter stone walkway.

Ali Al-Sawat, the Baha region’s governor, told the SPA that Raghadan Forest Park was “a leading environmental and tourism landmark in the region.”

He said this year’s developments included sidewalk upgrades covering 1,470 meters over an area of 3,870 sq. meters; an enhancement of an 11,500 sq. meter section of the park; and a new 230-meter walking path.

The park’s infrastructure supports high visitor volumes, with  384,787 sq. meters of green space, 1,230 parking spaces (including 42 for individuals with disabilities), 14 playgrounds, and 122 restrooms.

Raghadan Forest Park also hosts entertainment and cultural events in the Baha Summer Program to help enrich the experience of visitors while promoting domestic tourism.


Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo attracts a million visitors

Updated 22 June 2025
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Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo attracts a million visitors

  • The full program of events for the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website

The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has welcomed more than a million visitors since opening on April 13.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the pavilion, which the second largest after Japan, is a display of the Kingdom’s culture and heritage. It features more than 700 events, including live performances and dance shows.

The award-winning pavilion shares Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey under Vision 2030, highlighting the kingdom’s innovation and technological modernization. Additionally, the pavilion offers an exciting visitor journey by means of seven immersive rooms and galleries where guests can see up close the Kingdom’s global impact.

“We are honored to mark this significant milestone and the Saudi Arabia pavilion’s success in reaching one million visitors, which underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to showing its transformation under Vision 2030 and inviting the world to experience its heritage and foster cultural exchange,” said Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion.

“As we move towards reaching the next million, the pavilion remains committed to inspiring visitors to learn about Saudi Arabia’s achievements, and we look forward to deepening impact and welcoming the world. Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka embodies our strong relationship with Japan, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.

“As we journey towards Expo 2030 in Riyadh, we will leave a legacy here in Osaka. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a testament to Saudi Arabia’s transformation as a global destination — and we are eager to welcome the world to Saudi Arabia,” he added.

The full program of events for the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is available on the official website.

This article also appears on Arab News Japan