Saudis are finding new ways to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr despite a 24-hour curfew

Saudis shop at a mall in Riyadh on Friday. This year shopping centers lacked the usual hustle and bustle due to the preventive measures taken to check the spread of coronavirus disease. (AFP)
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Updated 24 May 2020
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Saudis are finding new ways to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr despite a 24-hour curfew

  • This year’s Eid has been met with quiet streets, closed salons and no lengthy queues outside chocolate stores

JEDDAH: Families across Saudi Arabia are ringing in Eid Al-Fitr celebrations in seclusion — with none of the fast-paced hustle and bustle of what is usually the busiest night of the year — amid a 24-hour curfew in the Kingdom.

This year’s Eid Al-Fitr has been met with quiet streets, closed salons and barbershops, and no lengthy queues outside chocolate stores.

Saudi authorities announced few weeks ago that a 24-hour curfew would be imposed across the Kingdom during the five-day national holiday (May 23-27) to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Each year, Eid celebrations begin as soon as the new moon is first sighted, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, according to the Islamic calendar.

That night is the busiest of the year, with crowded streets, and malls and shopping centers full of last-minute shoppers in search of dresses, shoes and accessories. Sweets shops are packed, and barbershops and salons work all night serving customers who want to look their best on the first day of Eid.

This year’s Eid lacks the Eid prayer assembly, as the coronavirus pandemic has forced mosques around Saudi Arabia to close. A recent announcement will allow Eid chants to be called from neighborhood mosques and the Saudi grand mufti has said Muslims can perform Eid Al-Fitr prayers at home.

Jana Bashraheel, a 19-year-old university student, will be doing just that, listening and repeating the Eid chants heard from nearby mosques with her family, as her mother suggested.

A normal Eid day would start with a bath, putting on clean new clothes, eating a small snack to demonstrate the end of the fasting month, and then attending prayer with the family at the mosque, where people meet with neighbors, relatives, and friends and greet them with “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid).

Eid Al-Fitr literally means “festival of breaking the fast” and Eid Al-Fitr is exactly that — the breakfast meal is essential on the first day, therefore it is a perfect time for family reunions, usually at the home of the eldest member of the family.

“I will miss having breakfast on the first day of Eid with friends and family,” said Bashraheel.

Families normally exchange home visits while children run around wearing their new clothes after enjoying loads of chocolates and Eidiyah (money given to children as a gift).

Other families would choose to go to a restaurant, while residents of coastal cities such as Jeddah make sure to visit the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • To check the spread of COVID-19, Saudi authorities announced few weeks ago that a 24-hour curfew would be imposed during Eid holidays.
  • This year’s Eid lacks the Eid prayer assembly, as the coronavirus pandemic has forced mosques around Saudi Arabia to close.
  • A recent announcement will allow Eid chants to be called from neighborhood mosques and the Saudi grand mufti has said Muslims can perform Eid Al-Fitr prayers at home.
  • Due to curfew, people are making homemade gift baskets and hanging decorations to celebrate the event.

However, with none of these celebrations possible during the pandemic, Eid has been left paralyzed by the virus.

As a result, families have been innovating to make sure this year’s Eid does not end in disappointment.

An endless number of posts and messages spread via social media on how to spend a unique Eid in quarantine have been circulating in recent days. These range from suggestions on homemade gift baskets and hanging decorations, to games and even homemade pinatas.

However, for some people, this Eid is a unique experience that could be more interesting than the usual celebrations.

Amal Al-Thobaiti, from Jeddah, said: “I have never been this thoughtful about Eid before. It is my first time putting this much effort into it, but with the current depressing crisis we couldn’t allow it to get gloomier.”

Al-Thobaiti, with her family, made Eid decorations by hand, prepared a varied breakfast menu, and ordered Eid chocolates online.

“I also ordered gifts for the family online, and got myself new pajamas — it’s the first time for me doing all this and it feels like the first Eid ever,” she said. “I wanted to compensate for not being able to go to the sea or dine in a restaurant as usual.”

Shayma’a Al-Sheikh also made plans to play board games, watch movies and dig into old family albums.

She is remaining optimistic, saying that “the most important thing for me is my family, so long as I’m with them, it’ll be fine.”

Malak from Riyadh is having a similar experience, preparing simple celebration arrangements with her siblings.

 

“I feel, as a family, that we became more excited than usual this year, because we are focusing on creating real Eid vibes at home in lockdown instead of directing our focus on our appearances and the way we are dressed up,” she told Arab News.

“My siblings made gifts to send to relatives who we won’t be able to visit due to the lockdown,” she added.

Although the lockdown has not affected her routine much, Malak said that she is struggling to avoid boredom and being obsessed about cleanliness, “which is quite depressing.”

Abdullah Al-Muhsin’s only plan is to enjoy and document his new Eid outfit. “My friend and I will dress up for Eid and have a photo session on the roof,” he told Arab News. 

Hadeel Ezmirli, a 30-year-old florist, said that in keeping up with the tradition of buying new clothes, she shopped online.

“I believe that buying new things will change our mood in a good way. I want to at least feel the vibe of Eid, even though I will be home.

“I don’t think that people should just not celebrate Eid because of the lockdown. I will just celebrate Eid in a different way than usual.”

The lockdown and suspension of flights have also had an impact on non-Saudis living in the Kingdom who used to travel home to celebrate such important occasions with their families.

Hamza Kindy, a Bahraini national living alone and working in Riyadh, had to stay in Saudi Arabia because of his job.

However, he also planned to enjoy Eid, saying: “I am delaying completing the anime series I’m currently watching until Eid, and I have to say I’m barely remaining patient.”

Mojahed Jbarat, a Jordanian national living and working in Alkhobar, said: “My wife, our two-year-old daughter and I will celebrate Eid at home and we will make kaak (Palestinian date ring cookies).”

Mohsin, who was able to return to the family’s house in Najran before the travel curfew was imposed, said: “Although there won’t be the usual Eid prayer, we will enjoy our reunion as a family like every Eid.”


Makkah royal commission showcases city’s cultural, tourist offerings at World Travel Market

Updated 9 sec ago
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Makkah royal commission showcases city’s cultural, tourist offerings at World Travel Market

  • Saudi minister of tourism speaks of Kingdom’s investment in sector

LONDON: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites this week showcased key projects that highlight the Saudi city’s rich cultural and historical significance, as part of the Saudi delegation at the World Travel Market 2024 in London.

Major initiatives featured by the RCMC included the Hira Cultural District, the Revelation Exhibition, the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, and the Institute of Manuscripts and Revival of Islamic Heritage.

The RCMC pavilion also provided insights into major infrastructure developments, such as Makkah’s public transportation system.

This system, with 12 bus routes covering all neighborhoods, is designed to ensure seamless, reliable travel and improve the quality of life for both residents and visiting pilgrims.

This year’s World Travel Market event, which finished on Thursday, also saw Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi minister of tourism and chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, launch the Kingdom’s participation with the Saudi Land Pavilion.

The pavilion included the Visit Saudi exhibition, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year and supported by more than 70 partners in the sector, including destinations, hotels, airlines and travel companies.

Al-Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing tourist destination globally, seeks to solidify its leadership in world tourism, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals by highlighting unique destinations, new projects, and significant investment opportunities.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia is the largest global investor in the tourism sector.”


Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

Updated 22 min 54 sec ago
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Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

  • She became the youngest certified instructor at the age of just 11
  • Assere now tutors students of all ages

MAKKAH: After qualifying at just 11 years old, Reman Assere officially became Saudi Arabia’s youngest calligraphy instructor.

Her journey started in fifth grade, sparked by a school activity. She began with basic exercises but, with continuous practice and self-learning through platforms such as YouTube, she steadily refined her skills.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Her ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy, believed to be the earliest example of a universal style of Arabic calligraphy. Once qualified, she was registered on the Ministry of Culture’s official platform, Al-Khattat.

What truly set her apart and caught people’s attention was her relentless dedication to learning. Even during vacations, she practiced tirelessly, seeking out special events and connecting with other calligraphers.

FASTFACT

Reman Assere’s ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy.

Now aged 15, Assere told Arab News that her professional training was carried out under the guidance Shurooq Al-Harbi. She also highlighted the pivotal role played in her development by Prof. Siraj Al-Omari, whose ongoing support and encouragement were instrumental.

Today, Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style.

Reman Assere

However, her journey has been far from easy. A lack of calligraphy institutes in her native region of Abha posed considerable challenges and meant she had to rely on online courses or travel to other cities.

It was worth it, however. Her numerous awards include first place in the 2023 Cultural Skills Competition and the Ministry of Education’s National Olympiad for Arabic Calligraphy. She has also demonstrated her talents at prominent events, such as the Layalina Festival in Wadi Al-Dawasir and the Abha Shopping and Entertainment Festival.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Assere has also led courses at the Holy Mosque Library in Makkah and organized calligraphy workshops in schools.

Today, she is recognized as one of the most influential trainers in Arabic calligraphy, teaching across all age groups. She takes pride in seeing her students compete in calligraphy competitions, a testament to the success of her approach and teaching methods.

Reman Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style. (Supplied)

Even in an age of rapid technological advancements, Assere is confident that calligraphy’s unique beauty will endure. She believes the future is bright for students and trainees, as the art of calligraphy continues to inspire and cultivate creativity.

She explained how the beauty of Arabic calligraphy is in the balance and harmony of its letters, with fluid lines that interlace. For Assere, Arabic calligraphy not only captures the essence and grace of the Arabic language, but it also allows the writer to convey thoughts and emotions.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. Rooted in precise geometric principles, Arabic calligraphy achieves a harmonious visual balance, allowing for flexibility in letter formation, overlapping designs, and intricate decorative motifs.

Assere said: “The beauty of Arabic calligraphy extends beyond writing; it is a visual art that enhances both artworks and decorations. Over time, it has become a cultural symbol that embodies Arab and Islamic identity.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

  • The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities

CAIRO: The Saudi pavilion at the World Urban Forum in Cairo this week hosted a series of workshops and bilateral meetings on the Kingdom’s strategies and projects in comprehensive urban planning.

The Saudi presence also underlined the positive effect of these strategies on achieving sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

Through representatives and officials of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and more than 30 national entities, the Saudi pavilion showed the Kingdom’s efforts to adopt and expand comprehensive urban planning practices focused on sustainability, and apply the requirement to study environmental impact in municipal and investment projects.

The meetings highlighted the concept of smart municipalities aimed at improving the quality of municipal services in Saudi regions and adopting modern technologies and enhanced municipal regulations for smart city policies, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies and data in improving the quality of life.

The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported, in addition to urban landscape development projects and visual distortion treatment projects.

 

 


Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

  • Two discussed ongoing efforts to address the issues in Gaza and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone on Friday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on Gaza and Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the issues there, SPA added.

In a separate call on Friday with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Blinken stressed the need to stop the fighting in Sudan and the need to support efforts to form a civilian government, the State Department said.

Blinken also discussed the need to expand humanitarian access to Sudan and thanked the UAE for its provision of aid for Gaza and Lebanon, according to a State Department statement.


Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim

  • Saudi Health Minister’s visit marked the inauguration of several healthcare projects, including 54 initiatives valued at more than SR 448 million ($119.4 million)

BURAIDAH: Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel visited Qassim to review several healthcare projects designed to enhance the quality, efficiency and accessibility of medical services for residents.

These initiatives align with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to foster a “vibrant society” enjoying a healthy and prosperous life, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

His visit marked the inauguration of several healthcare projects, including 54 initiatives valued at more than SR 448 million ($119.4 million). Among these were key projects under the Qassim Health Cluster, such as the dental center in Unaizah, along with community-supported initiatives worth nearly SR102 million.

Highlights included the Prince Faisal bin Mishaal Fertility Center in Buraidah, the Abdullah Saleh Al-Othaim Diabetes Treatment Center at Al-Rass General Hospital, the Al-Rajhi Bank Cardiac Catheterization Center, and several other specialized healthcare facilities.