ThePlace: Thaj archeological site dates back to 3rd century
Updated 25 April 2020
Arab News
Thaj archeological site is located about 80 km west of the Jubail Industrial City, in the Eastern Province. It is a small village on the border of Sabkha, known as Thaj Sabkha.
The construction of the city dates back to the Hellenistic period, around the early 3rd century BC.
A research expedition was conducted by the Danish mission in 1968. Another was headed by the Antiquities and Museums Agency at the Ministry of Education from 1982-1983, which revealed the existence of a full-fledged city surrounded by a massive external stone wall.
The length of the wall is 900 meters. There is a central mound where remains of a foundation — walls and houses — are clearly visible. Pottery, glass pieces and decorative items were also discovered.
Soul searching: How astrology and crystals are captivating younger generations
Younger generations are more open to exploring unconventional topics, says astrology enthusiast
Updated 4 sec ago
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: In recent years, young Saudis have been increasingly drawn to astrology and crystals.
Arab News spoke to several Saudis who explained how this trend reflects a deeper desire for self-exploration and healing, particularly among the younger generation, who are navigating an era of rapid change and seeking guidance beyond traditional frameworks.
Young Saudis say that astrology — a system linking the position of planets to personality traits — as well as crystals, which some believe aid in personal healing, have provided avenues for them to explore their identities, face their anxieties and find meaning.
Wedad Bughararah says her whimsical workspace decor creates a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. (Supplied)
Mawadda Al-Surehi, owner of AGAPE & Co., a store in Saudi Arabia, described her journey as a response to a society that she believes often overlooks the well-being of the soul.
“We’re in an era where people are becoming more materialistic, focusing on possessions and forgetting their souls,” she said.
Al-Surehi’s products purportedly support meditation, inner peace and calmness. “Crystals are often underrated and seen only as pretty or aesthetic, but they actually carry a lot of energy and frequency,” she said. “I believe they’re part of our spiritual journey and have been for centuries.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• In a time of rapid change, uncertainty and global challenges, astrology and crystals promise young Saudis a sense of control, comfort and connection.
• Mawadda Al-Surehi predicts that crystals will become a staple in the lives of many Saudis, and are not just a passing trend.
“Crystals work like lemon and honey for the flu,” Al-Surehi said. “They’re for healing the spiritual side of you.”
Kyanite. (Supplied)
She predicted that crystals will become a staple in the lives of many Saudis, and are not just a passing trend.
Salsabil Al-Shajiri spoke about how her initial interest in astrology stemmed from curiosity. “I was interested in learning how these practices had captivated so many people,” she said. While she does not view astrology as an absolute truth, Salsabil appreciates its potential to help people reflect on their characteristics and tendencies, providing insight into relationships and behaviors.
She believes that the popularity of astrology among young Saudis is largely due to a desire for self-exploration. “They seek a way to discover their true selves,” she said, explaining how studying astrology has improved her mental health and perspective on life, helping her progress through personal development with a more positive outlook.
We’re in an era where people are becoming more materialistic, focusing on possessions and forgetting their souls.
Mawadda Al-Surehi, AGAPE & Co. owner
Abeer Ahmed shares a similar sentiment. “At the age of 27, astrology fits naturally and intuitively into my life,” she said. For Ahmed, astrology provides insight into daily life, although she approaches it with a balanced perspective. “I’ve learned through the years to take everything with a grain of salt,” she added, highlighting how she views astrology as a supportive tool rather than a definitive guide.
Labradorite. (Supplied)
Ahmed believes that young Saudis are drawn to astrology because of its fun and mysterious nature. “The idea that we each have a birth chart, unique to us, and can gain insight through studying constellations — that’s so fun,” she said. Younger generations, Abeer said, are more open to exploring unconventional topics. At various points in her life, astrology has provided her with confidence and a sense of direction. However, she cautioned against allowing it to dominate one’s life, highlighting that nothing should replace one’s own inner compass.
For Jomanah Nawaf, an interest in astrology and crystals began in 2018 when she discovered her placement — an aspect of astrology that attributes personality characteristics related to the time of a person’s birth.
Her particular placement of Sagittarius and Jupiter is said to represent a drive for personal freedom, truth and understanding — qualities that Jomanah found “ironically fitting.”
Lapis lazuli. (Supplied)
What started as a casual interest on social media quickly became a daily ritual. “Not a day goes by where I don’t use my astrology knowledge for personal reasons,” Nawaf said, adding that she incorporates astrology into everything from salon appointments to medical decisions.
Nawaf said that social media played a significant role in spreading these practices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when people spent more time online. She likens astrology to a personality test that offers labels to help people understand their experiences. “Astrology helps you understand what’s going on in your life and brings some relief,” she said. For Jomanah, astrology provides a sense of clarity and control in an unpredictable world, helping her navigate challenges with a calm perspective.
Wedad Bughararah was initially drawn to crystals because of their beauty, not necessarily because she believed they held energy. “Just having them around brought a sense of calm,” she said. This sense of peace led her to explore spirituality more deeply, discovering a world that felt both comforting and enlightening.
Bughararah commented on the generational draw to age-old practices. “Most of generation Z is struggling with depression because we don’t see a lot of hope for the future,” she said, adding that these practices provide a beacon of hope in an otherwise unpredictable life.
For some, like Al-Surehi, spirituality is a holistic journey that encompasses mind, body and soul. For others, like Ahmed and Nawaf, astrology serves as a tool for navigating life’s complexities.
In a time of rapid change, uncertainty and global challenges, astrology and crystals promise young Saudis a sense of control, comfort and connection. As Al-Surehi, eloquently puts it: “At the end of the day, you’re a soul inside a body.”
For this generation, spirituality presents itself as both a medicine for the soul and a guide to navigating the complexities of modern life.
A highlight of the exhibition is an immersive recreation of the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation
Updated 17 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Hira Cultural District in Makkah is currently hosting the Revelation Exhibition, drawing visitors from all walks of life.
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to delve into the stories of the prophets, from Adam to Muhammad.
A highlight of the exhibition is an immersive recreation of the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation.
Visitors can go back in time to experience the historic moment through state-of-the-art technology and interactive displays.
The exhibition also features a range of artifacts, including a photographed copy of the Qur’an that belonged to the esteemed companion Uthman ibn Affan, and ancient stone inscriptions bearing verses from the Qur’an.
The Hira Cultural District is a cultural and tourism destination which is committed to enriching the visitor experience.
Its Autumn Vacation series of events offers a diverse range of experiences, including equestrian skills demonstrations, a display of traditional caravans, and engaging challenges.
Tunisian president hosts Saudi investment minister for talks
The meeting, also attended by Saudi ambassador to Tunisia, Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the investment sector
Updated 24 min 50 sec ago
Arab News
TUNIS: Tunisian President Kais Saied received Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and his delegation on Saturday at the Carthage Presidential Palace in Tunis.
The minister passed on greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Saied, along with their well wishes for Tunisia’s ongoing progress, stability, and growth, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saied thanked Saudi Arabia for its leadership in the Arab and Islamic world, underscoring the Kingdom's vital role in fostering regional unity and development, SPA added.
The meeting, also attended by Saudi ambassador to Tunisia, Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the investment sector.
Both parties discussed enhancing economic collaboration and exploring potential opportunities to align the aspirations of their nations in various investment sectors.
An agreement to formalize a memorandum of understanding aimed at encouraging and expanding mutual investments was also discussed.
Saied lauded this move and emphasized that the agreement represented a significant step forward in cementing economic ties and fostering shared development initiatives between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Global leaders at Jeddah conference call for urgent action on antimicrobial resistance
More than 57 ministers, deputy ministers participated in event
Updated 16 November 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Saudi minister of health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, and the president of the International Automobile Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, have urged all countries to develop more effective national action plans to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The primary focus, they said, should be on increasing community awareness of the issue and ensuring sustainable access to essential medicines.
The call was made during a tour of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit following the Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, hosted by the Kingdom in Jeddah from Nov. 15-16.
More than 57 ministers and deputy ministers of health and agriculture participated in the conference which boasted the theme “From Declaration to Implementation” and aimed at developing measures to reduce fatalities from antibiotic-resistant infections, which are projected to reach 10 million annually by 2050 without prompt intervention.
Al-Jalajel emphasized the importance of raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance as a critical element of each state’s action plan. He also highlighted the need for the rational use of antibiotics in both human medicine and food production to mitigate this “silent” and growing epidemic.
He said that the FIA president’s support “strengthens our efforts by encouraging motorsport clubs to collaborate with their governments and public and private institutions in their respective countries to implement our recommendations,” underscoring the significance of the One Health approach in addressing the global challenge.
Ben Sulayem urged 150 motorsport and motorcycle clubs worldwide to support the UN’s international declaration and the outcomes of the Jeddah meeting by advocating for the rational use of medicines and promoting expanded access to the latest treatments and diagnostics.
The World Health Organization’s director general, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed gratitude to the Saudi Ministry of Health and the FIA president for leading the global initiative.
He said: “I am grateful to Saudi Arabia and the FIA for their commitment to addressing the dual challenge of ensuring access to antimicrobials and promoting their responsible use.”
The conference culminated in the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, a critical threat to public health, food security, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the presentation and adoption of the Jeddah Commitments, Al-Jalajel emphasized that they advanced the global AMR agenda with impactful actions, not just for today but for years to come, and said: “It’s time to act.”
He added: “I believe these commitments form the basis of a program that reflects our decisions at the UN. They are critical building blocks for member states and international bodies to take significant action against AMR.”
The Jeddah Commitments help to build upon the political declaration adopted at the 79th UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September, and aim to translate political will into practical, actionable steps.
The Jeddah Commitments include measures on strengthened governance, enhanced surveillance and stewardship, capacity building, research and development, and the promotion of public awareness through educational initiatives.
The commitments further stipulate the creation of a new biotech bridge to boost research, development, and innovation, leveraging biotechnology to address AMR challenges.
Al-Jalajel also announced the establishment of an AMR One Health Learning Hub and a Regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub in Saudi Arabia, aimed at fostering global collaboration and improving access to essential antimicrobials and diagnostics.
He said: “We must continue to grow this coalition of the willing to include a larger community of organizations and individuals that take a stand and act against AMR.” He also announced Nigeria as the host of the Fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on the issue.
He added: “To maintain momentum, we propose a stronger mechanism, the troika system, to drive forward action and implementation through 2025 and 2026 until the fifth ministerial meeting. I look forward to working with Nigeria as the newest member of the troika.”
The troika system — a new mechanism to deepen collaboration between former, current, and future hosts — is a lasting legacy of the Jeddah meeting.
The Jeddah event concluded with a call to action by all member states to uphold their commitments and work toward achieving the 2030 goals outlined in the UNGA Political Declaration on AMR.
45-day event celebrates falconry traditions while fostering economic growth
Updated 16 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcon Club concluded its auction season on Friday night, generating nearly SR6 million ($1.6 million) in sales over a 45-day event, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The auction, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, drew 165 falconers and featured 50 falcons from 30 locations from all over the Kingdom.
The season’s highlight was a peregrine falcon chick from the Al-Dabdaba area in the Hafr Al-Batin governorate, which sold for SR400,000 on the sixth night — the highest price of the event.
To support participants, the club organized a closing ceremony featuring substantial prizes, including two cars and 20 cash awards totaling SR100,000.
“Our efforts align with the leadership’s vision to protect and promote authentic falconry traditions while sustaining it as a hobby,” said club spokesperson, Waleed Al-Taweel.
“This auction preserves our cultural legacy and creates economic opportunities in line with Vision 2030.”
Al-Taweel highlighted the club’s transformation of traditional falconry into a thriving economic sector, with its auction platform now the Kingdom’s largest official falcon marketplace, aligning with Vision 2030’s cultural and economic goals.
“Our ambition is to make Saudi Arabia the premier destination for falcon enthusiasts and breeders,” he said.
He also emphasized the club’s focus on market development and conservation, including regulating falcon trade and protecting endangered species through sales bans and awareness campaigns.
The finale saw three falcons sell for a combined SR367,000. The auction has become a key marketplace for local and international falcon-breeding farms, offering business opportunities for professional falconers and showcasing elite breeds.
The club provides extensive services to falconers, including housing and transporting birds to the auction site. Each sale is broadcast live on television and social media, ensuring competitive bidding, according to SPA.
The event plays a vital role in preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural, economic and historical heritage while supporting falconry activities and developing the local falcon auction market into a global hub. It also aims to regulate the falcon trade in the Kingdom and protect endangered species.
During the club’s first auction in 2020, total sales exceeded SR10 million. The second auction brought SR8.3 million, the third more than SR7 million, and the fourth SR10 million.
