RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has approved Tarawih prayers to be held in the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during Ramadan, but to reduce them to 10 raka’ats.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, said the decision was based on King Salman’s keenness to continue holding rituals in both mosques and to harness all means available to help worshippers to perform rites in a safe environment that met all international health standards.
He added that the presidency was deploying all its resources to serve pilgrims and worshippers during Ramadan.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that Tarawih and Qiyaam prayers would be combined with the Isha prayer in all mosques in the Kingdom, and that they do not exceed 30 minutes.
The ministry said the decision was made to reduce the duration that worshippers spend inside mosques and to avoid high rates of infection.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that starting from Ramadan 1, permits for Umrah, prayers and visits to the Two Holy Mosques would be granted to people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, according to availability from the Tawakkalna app.
The ministry also said that Umrah permits may be obtained through hotels surrounding the Grand Mosque during Ramadan.
Authorities said last week that only pilgrims with permits would be allowed to enter the Grand Mosque and perform Umrah prayers during the month and until the end of the pandemic.
The ministry, in coordination with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, said the hotels would be able to issue Umrah permits only, without permits to pray in the Grand Mosque, through the Tawakkalna and Eatmarna apps in accordance with regulatory requirements and approved health protocols.
The ministry said that this was in addition to the previously announced controls and mechanisms for issuing Umrah and prayer permits in the Grand Mosque during Ramadan for those who met the health requirements, so that the services facilitated to pilgrims from both the public and private sectors were a success.
Unauthorized vehicles will not be allowed in the Central Region around Makkah, and visitors must arrive on time or risk losing their time slot.
Children will not be allowed to enter either mosques, nor the courtyards around the mosques.
The ministry called on people to follow the preventive measures to ensure the safety, health and security of those visiting the Grand Mosque.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Khudairi, undersecretary of the Presidency of the Prophet’s Mosque, launched an electronic service to measure the capacity of the mosque and its squares.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman approves Tarawih prayers in Two Holy Mosques
https://arab.news/wpv6e
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman approves Tarawih prayers in Two Holy Mosques
- Umrah permits may be obtained through hotels surrounding the Grand Mosque
- Permits for Umrah, prayers and visits to the Two Holy Mosques will be granted from Ramadan 1
Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
- Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 3,007 food parcels in Pakistan’s Matiari and Thatta districts of Sindh province and the Tank and Torghar districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas, as a part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.
The project aims to provide 147,500 food parcels, each weighing 95 kg and containing essential food for one month.
KSrelief will continue to provide aid to vulnerable people in Pakistan, the SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
- Kingdom’s Dr. Ghazi Binzagr takes on new duties for global exhibition which opens in April
TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr has been appointed the general commissioner for the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The announcement comes as construction on the pavilion enters its final stages in preparation for the Kingdom’s participation in the global exhibition, set to start in April.
Binzagr, who has been ambassador since 2024, will continue his current duties alongside his new responsibilities as the general commissioner, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
He has also served as a member of the Shoura Council for three terms and previously held the position of deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2024.
As ambassador, Binzagr oversees initiatives to boost relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
He also recently contributed to the Saudi-Japanese Business Forum and has been actively engaged in collaborative initiatives in key areas including energy security, technology, trade and investment.
The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka embodies its commitment to international efforts for sustainable human development.
In February of last year, Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to begin constructing their pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka site.
The design reflects the Kingdom’s history, culture and current economic transformation, the SPA reported.
Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
- The plant has been observed to grow on the edge of the Nafud Desert, an indication that it could be propagated to fight desertification, says environmentalist
ARAR: The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, spanning approximately 104,000 sq. km, boasts an aromatic, seasonal and annual plant biodiversity, with lavender emerging as a prominent species.
These plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover, stabilizing soil, and fostering ecotourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Lavender, characterized by its fragrant scent and vibrant purple hue, has been observed on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region.
This emergence highlights the region’s ecological significance and capacity to support diverse plant life.
Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told SPA that the lavender species is Horwoodia dicksoniae.
This annual herbaceous plant features branching stems, typically reaching about 30 centimeters in height, and large, lobed leaves. Its dark lilac flowers, gathered in spike inflorescences, release a distinctive fragrance.
The plant thrives in shallow sandy loam and is valued for its ornamental qualities, making it suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens. Its smooth brown seeds further contribute to its propagation.
Al-Majlad emphasized the positive impact of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative on the region’s ecology.
These initiatives have facilitated afforestation, land reclamation, and the protection of wild areas, contributing to the resurgence of numerous trees and plants, including lavender, within the environmental landscape, he added.
Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.
Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.
Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.
