https://arab.news/6q3ww
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone call with Iraq's prime minister on Wednesday.
During the call, Prince Mohammed and Mustafa Al-Kadhimi discussed efforts to stabilize global oil markets and restore balance to them.
They agreed it was important that all member states were fully committed to the OPEC+ agreement.
JEDDAH: Warmth and unity reigned supreme at an iftar organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to celebrate Ramadan.
The event featured organic flavors to highlight the theme of sustainability and brought together a distinguished group of guests including representatives of the Saudi government, diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and leaders from sectors such as business, media and culture.
The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service. He emphasized the strong ties between his country and the Kingdom, particularly in areas like trade, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on “Organic Iftar,” the theme of the evening, and discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.
The iftar featured a variety of dishes representing the rich flavors of India, made using organic ingredients to reflect not only a commitment to health and wellness but also to protect the environment for future generations.
These were supplied by the Agricultural and Processed Foods Products Exports Development Authority and the Indian government, with additional support from local partners like LuLu Group and Siafa Dates.
RIYADH: The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has expanded to include the restoration of Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance.
It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad marked his direction of prayer at the site using bones while en route to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of the Hijra, SPA added.
The renovation will be carried out in the traditional architectural style of Madinah, and will ensure the mosque can accommodate up to 580 worshippers.
The project will use natural materials, including clay, stone, and wood sourced from local trees. Historically built with stone and plastered interior walls, the mosque has undergone multiple architectural changes over the centuries.
A key feature of the restoration will be the use of cut stones of varying sizes, bonded with clay mortar, and palm tree components for roofing, providing both structural support and insulation, SPA reported.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques seeks to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards, ensuring the preservation of historic mosque elements while integrating sustainable development practices.
The restoration efforts are being carried out by Saudi firms specializing in heritage architecture.
Al-Azm Mosque’s updates come as part of a broader initiative, which in its second phase includes the rehabilitation of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.
This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.
Jeddah: Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha highlighted the importance of improving efforts to support comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphans, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He made the remarks on Orphan’s Day in the Islamic world, marked on the 15th of Ramadan each year, to raise global awareness about the hardships faced by orphaned children in the world’s poorest communities.
Taha called for greater efforts to protect and provide for orphans, particularly in disaster-stricken, conflict-affected and climate change-impacted areas, where displacement and refugee crises have left many children vulnerable.
He said that the OIC will remain committed to supporting millions of orphaned and vulnerable children, advocating for their rights and improved support systems, including orphanages, foster care, adoption services, healthcare and education.
Taha highlighted the need for governments, societies and institutions to take action to provide sustainable solutions, the SPA reported.
He underscored Islam’s strong emphasis, through the Qur’an and the Sunnah, on treating orphans with kindness, ensuring their care, education, healthcare and social well-being, safeguarding their rights and providing them with a proper upbringing.
Orphan’s Day was established through a resolution adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during its 40th session in Conakry, Guinea, in December 2013, with the aim of raising awareness about the issues and needs of orphans.
Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
In Romania, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food baskets to families in Bucharest and Constanta as part of its Etaam Ramadan project, along with 250 food baskets in the villages of Al-Hamra and Abu Qudur in the Syrian Arab Republic, and 1,300 food baskets to families affected by floods in various regions of Pakistan.
Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).
KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates to The Gambia and 50 tonnes to Cote d’Ivoire, as well as 2,400 boxes of dates to 15,000 beneficiaries in the Seiyun district of Hadramout governorate, Yemen, as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts.
RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has said.
Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Forecasts say the Makkah and Riyadh regions will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts.
The Madinah, Asir, Hail and Qassim regions can expect moderate to heavy rain, while the Eastern Province will see moderate showers.
Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in Tabuk, Baha, Jazan and Najran.
The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.
