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DUBAI: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs received his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday.
Adel Al-Jubeir thanked the leadership of Saudi Arabia for making “health and safety a top priority” in the country.
He also thanked those who worked in the medical sector for their efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
RIYADH: A Saudi mission to study the effects of low gravity on the microbiome of the human eye joined the launch of SpaceX’s Fram2 flight on Monday night.
The study by Falak for Space Science and Research will examine the eye’s bacteria and other microorganisms in conditions of microgravity.
A research team collected biological samples of microbial cultures and conducted tests to ensure that the samples could withstand launch conditions and return safely from space.
The project “will contribute to achieving qualitative progress in education and research in space and associated technologies,” Dr. Ayoub Al-Subehi, CEO of Falak, told the Saudi Press Agency ahead of the launch.
The study of the ocular microbiome in space is an emerging research field. This experiment will analyze the growth rates of the microorganisms in space compared to growth rates on Earth.
It will track the genetic and protein changes that may occur as a result of exposure to microgravity.
The experiment also aims to evaluate the ability of microbes to form biofilms, which may increase the risk of infection in space, as well as analyze changes in microbial resistance to antibiotics after exposure to microgravity.
Dr. Wedad bint Saeed Al-Qahtani, a research scientist in the mission, added: “Studying the impact of the space environment on the natural microflora of the eye could provide valuable data on how it responds to microgravity conditions, which could help develop new strategies and protocols to maintain eye health.”
Another one of the mission’s scientists, Prof. Salwa Al-Hazza, stressed the importance of ophthalmological research, saying: “What we are doing today is not limited to sending a scientific experiment into space, but is a fundamental step towards building a deeper understanding of the impact of the space environment on eye health, and we hope that the results will contribute to the development of future medical solutions that enhance eye health care, both in space and on Earth, proudly carrying this Saudi flag and representing an important step in the Kingdom’s commitment to innovate scientifically and enhance its growing role in the global space sector.”
This mission is part of global efforts to study the impact of space on human health and was preceded by similar research that dealt with the effect of microgravity on the intestinal and oral microbiomes.
MAKKAH: An atmosphere of love, diversity, and joy permeates the sacred precincts of the Grand Mosque as pilgrims from across the globe converge to experience Eid in this unique spiritual setting.
The first day of Eid commenced with dawn prayers at the mosque, where throngs of worshippers in white ihram garments — symbolizing unity and detachment from worldly matters — gathered in devotion.
Pilgrims exchanged warm congratulations and prayers, asking Allah to accept their worship and bless them in the coming year.
Following the Eid prayer, jubilation spread throughout Makkah’s streets, which teemed with pilgrims expressing their happiness through prayers and greetings in numerous languages.
This vibrant display embodied the rich cultural diversity that characterizes the Grand Mosque, creating an atmosphere of profound spiritual tranquility.
Many pilgrims took the opportunity to complete their Umrah rituals or circumambulate the Kaaba.
The celebrations included both religious observances and social activities. After prayers and circumambulation, some pilgrims visited other sacred sites like Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light) and the Cave of Hira, while others explored Makkah’s bustling markets to purchase gifts and souvenirs.
These marketplaces pulsed with energy as worshippers bought prayer beads, copies of the Qur’an, oud, and traditional Makkah sweets.
Nasser Bukhari, a clothing merchant in the central district, observed that pilgrims proudly wear attire traditional to their homelands, transforming the Grand Mosque into a living canvas of Islamic diversity.
• Following the Eid prayer pilgrims expressed their joy through prayers and greetings in numerous languages.
• Makkah’s hotels and restaurants thrive during Eid, offering celebratory meals.
• Visitors gather around breakfast tables laden with dates, maamoul cookies, and Saudi coffee, while others seek out popular local dishes.
Some don white jalabiyya dresses, while others appear in vibrantly colored, embroidered traditional garments.
Women often choose colorful abayas adorned with intricate patterns reflecting their cultural heritage, with some combining traditional dress with abayas as a celebration of the joyous occasion.
The city’s hotels and restaurants thrive during Eid, offering special celebratory meals. Visitors gather around breakfast tables laden with dates, maamoul cookies, and Saudi coffee, while others seek out popular local dishes.
Traditional Makkan confections such as laddu, mushabbak, zalabiya, and debyaza are abundant, as pilgrims of all nationalities unite as one family bound by faith.
The humanitarian spirit of Eid is evident throughout the city, with volunteers distributing gifts and sweets to children and providing meals to those in need, while some pilgrims visit hospitals and orphanages bearing gifts and assistance.
The organization is impeccable, with the flow of millions of pilgrims proceeding smoothly and efficiently.
Yahya Noor, Syrian physician
As night falls, the illuminated Grand Mosque creates a breathtaking spectacle. Pilgrims continue their devotions or stroll through the mosque’s courtyards, savoring the atmosphere.
Yahya Noor, a Syrian physician, described the Eid celebrations in the city: “Here in Makkah, Eid extends beyond congratulations and festive foods to encompass charitable works and solidarity.
“Witnessing volunteers distribute gifts and meals to the needy made me feel part of a vast Islamic community that genuinely cares for its members.
“The organization is impeccable, with the flow of millions of pilgrims proceeding smoothly and efficiently,” he continued.
“When I entered the Grand Mosque at Eid dawn, I was moved to tears. Seeing the illuminated Kaaba surrounded by reverent worshippers made me truly appreciate this sacred place’s magnificence.
“The exchange of blessings and the atmosphere of love made me feel as though I were among family.”
MAKKAH: With more pilgrims making the journey to Makkah, a Children’s Club initiative is offering a secure, fun space for youngsters, freeing parents to focus on their rituals.
Childcare centers offering top-notch childcare services are available at the Two Holy Mosques, as well as hotels near the Grand Mosque.
Razan Dahlawi, an adviser to the chairman of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and a key figure overseeing the childcare centers, told Arab News: “The authority established several childcare centers during the holy month of Ramadan this year.
“They operate 24/7 and seek to provide safe childcare services in an enriching environment by utilizing educational and recreational programs that develop children’s capabilities and promote good values.”
According to the authority, children can enjoy a packed schedule, with Qur’an and Athkar lessons, storytelling that informs and sparks imagination, sensory and creative activities, and healthy meals.
These seasonal childcare centers are found in the third Saudi expansion (areas 12-15), facing gates 100 to 104. They welcome boys aged from 18 months to 6 years and girls from 18 months of age to 9 years.
A specialized team of counselors oversees the centers, which include a dining area, a space for visual displays, educational models depicting the landmarks of the Two Holy Mosques and the process of performing the religious duties, as well as private sleeping rooms.
Hotels near the Grand Mosque are stepping up, too, enhancing their own childcare offerings to ensure a level of service that matches their prime location.
Abdullah Hazzazi, assistant front office manager at Dar Al-Tawhid Hotel, said that the Children’s Club “creates a secure and comfortable environment for children, allowing parents to perform Umrah without worrying about their little ones.”
Entertainment and learning are combined under the supervision of childcare professionals, he added.
“The club features entertainment, educational activities, and games that contribute to their development and art workshops suitable for all ages, while also providing healthy meals and comprehensive medical care.
“We make sure to update parents regularly on their children’s well-being, so they can perform the rites with peace of mind,” Hazzazi said.
Hadeel Al-Harbi, Shaza Makkah Hotel’s children’s club manager, said that children are welcomed for up to two hours at a time, with the service free for hotel guests.
“We are keen to offer a variety of activities suitable for different age groups, including educational games, art workshops and entertaining activities that help develop children’s skills and make use of their time there,” she said.
Al-Harbi said that she would encourage all pilgrims to take advantage of the service.
“The club is an ideal solution for families seeking to comfortably and safely perform their rites,” she said.
TAIF: Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar received Eid Al-Fitr well-wishers, including dignitaries, military leaders, directors of government departments, sheikhs, and a group of citizens.
Prince Saud conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
He noted the great efforts and services provided by the Kingdom to the millions of visitors and pilgrims from within the country and around the world who visit the Two Holy Mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 607 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included 561 unexploded ordnances, 21 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines and five explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 486,108 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
