JEDDAH: Saudi travelers planning summer vacations have been urged to show caution in their choice of destination, with many opting for new locations following recent travel bans.
As Muslims across the globe will celebrate the Eid Al-Adha holiday on July 20, many residents of the Kingdom made plans to vacation in Dubai as well as other cities in the UAE and nearby areas.
However, on Saturday, the Ministry of Interior issued a travel ban to and from three countries, including the UAE, forcing many to cancel bookings.
Although people are searching for new vacation destinations, travel agents are advising against all but essential international travel.
“We recommend people avoid travel unless it’s absolutely necessary,” said Yousef A. from One World Travel Agency said. “People should especially avoid countries with more severe variants of COVID-19, such as the UAE.”
He encouraged Saudis and residents to enjoy their holidays locally.
“A lot of what people are chasing in Dubai, for example, is provided here in the Kingdom. There are many different activities, including 24-hour cinemas, hiking and camping events, cruises, boat trips, concerts and safaris,” he said. “It’s also safer to stay in Saudi.”
Yousef said that clients already vacationing in the UAE, as well as those traveling for business, “are now stuck because of the ban.”
Mohammed Khaled, from the Luxuria travel agency, sympathizes with those who want to vacation outside the Kingdom.
“I have too many clients telling me that they’re beginning to feel confined and a bit suffocated,” he said.
“I can understand the need for a break from your environment and a change in routine. However, people should still travel smart by being cautious and avoiding countries with high numbers of coronavirus cases.”
Among those traveling for the Hajj holiday is Jeddah resident Basma Hassoubah, 23, who is heading to Portugal — a destination her family frequently visits.
“Portugal has become like a second home to us — we go there whenever we can,” she said. “We haven’t been there since 2019 due to the pandemic. I’ve really missed it.”
Hassoubah said that she needed a break from work and her surroundings.
“Living out of Saudi for over four years, then being under lockdown for more than a year was overwhelming. On top of that, work has been hectic, so that has further fueled my urge to have a vacation and recharge.”
Hassoubah said that she is excited, but also apprehensive, at the prospect of holidaying in Portugal.
“It’s very scary. Portugal doesn’t have a good handle on cases like Saudi does, so I am nervous. I will be avoiding Lisbon and any other hotspots and, of course, I will have to be extra careful, more so than I am here.”
Yara Mohammed, 27, from Jeddah, is planning a trip to Italy. “Although it will be really nice to go with my family and have a break from everything, I’m still terrified of being stuck in Italy the same way people in the UAE are stuck,” she said.
“My family travels to Italy often, and we like discovering new islands or places — Sardinia was on our list this time.”
However, Mohammed said that if flights to Italy or other parts of Europe are suspended, she will not feel disappointed.
“I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and the ban could be a blessing in disguise. Besides, I would rather be safe than sorry, and these travel bans are meant to prevent the spread of the stronger variants.”
Saudis urged to ‘travel smart’ during Eid Al-Adha vacation
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Saudis urged to ‘travel smart’ during Eid Al-Adha vacation
- Residents seek new horizons after UAE ban leaves holiday plans up in the air
Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
- Event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth
- Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility
RIYADH: The Social Responsibility Association in Riyadh organized the second Social Responsibility Forum to integrate efforts across sectors to support sustainable development and Vision 2030.
The event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth.
It aimed to strengthen the role of companies in fostering this culture and contributing to societal, economic, and environmental development, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility.
He highlighted the complementary roles of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in creating a positive impact on society and the economy, while promoting a culture of giving.
Abdullah Al-Muhanna, CEO of the association, noted its commitment to building effective partnerships and spreading social responsibility.
He said that the occasion serves as an opportunity to instil values of generosity and solidarity, while enhancing institutional contributions to community service.
Statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development show that the percentage of major companies implementing social responsibility programs increased from 30 percent in 2019 to 65 percent by the end of 2023.
The forum featured two panel discussions on the role of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in activating social responsibility.
The discussions also covered national experiences, governance of community work, and ways to instill a culture of social engagement among future generations.
Additionally, the forum addressed methods for measuring social responsibility outcomes and adopting impactful programs.
During the event, the Princess Al-Anoud Charity Foundation was honored for its contributions to community initiatives and sustainable development.
Several institutions, private sector entities, and individuals were also recognized for their work.
This year’s Saudi Social Responsibility Day, under the theme “We Commit to Our Social Responsibility,” reaffirmed the role of all entities in fostering a culture of generosity and citizenship.
The event is vital for entrenching the culture of giving and enhancing collaboration across sectors, contributing to sustainable development and raising awareness of commitments toward individuals and institutions.
Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
- Initiative provides developers with guidelines for architectural styles
- Guidelines inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity
RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has started the next phase of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map rollout in Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir, and Makkah following its official launch earlier this month.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi Al-Hashani detailed the next steps and outlined the robust coordination efforts underway to ensure the project’s success.
Al-Hashani emphasized the long preparation behind the initiative: “The architectural map of Saudi Arabia is really a project that has been in the (works) for over two years, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”
The ministry, he said, is concentrating on building awareness and preparing the industry for the upcoming rollout.
“The immediate step now that we have launched is really to kind of heighten awareness and start training some of the architects (to) launch in the four cities that were announced, at Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir (and) Makkah.”
Saudi Architecture provides developers across the Kingdom with guidelines for building styles.
The Characters Map introduces 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity through its built environment.
The long-term vision of the project is to create more walkable and sustainable cities.
“We are working on broader strategy to kind of develop the five, 10, 15-minute cities in Saudi Arabia, where you can go to work, do your basic needs with a walkable distance,” he said.
Al-Hashani stressed that training architects is crucial for smooth implementation. He noted the extensive groundwork already laid out before the public launch.
“We have a massive program ongoing, starting with the communication that we are doing now … this has the training started way before the launch, so to make sure that we hit the ground running. The efforts are significant.”
He also highlighted the technical and digital support behind the initiative. “There (are) the digital tools in place that have been implemented already, part of the Balady platform. And of course, the ongoing communications with … the municipalities, and of course, our partners, the regional development authorities,” he added.
Addressing the evolution of design influences, Al-Hashani explained how previous examples have informed the current codes. He remarked on the role that pioneering projects played in shaping the national approach.
“Any successful example of (an) architectural design guideline was taken into account in developing these codes … our designs (are) inspired somewhat by Diriyah … but mostly it’s more covering the entire area of the central region.”
Looking ahead, he confirmed that implementation is already visible on the ground.
He added that the rollout is set to accelerate, with numerous examples expected in the near future: “There will be many examples in the coming 12 months … of these guidelines being implemented on the ground.”
To ensure a uniform application of the new design codes, the ministry has integrated the guidelines into its licensing process. Al-Hashani explained how digital enforcement plays a key role.
“Balady platform already has kind of a geospatial element in it, where each zone is already linked to the license that is issued. So, if you apply for a license in Taif, then the guidelines will come up as the requirements that you will have to (adhere to) in terms of design.”
Public engagement and outreach are also essential components of the initiative. Al-Hashani underscored the breadth of the ministry’s reach through its extensive municipal network.
“The municipal sector is the largest sector in Saudi Arabia … that has access and reach to the citizen.
“You deal with the with us on a daily basis, even without you knowing. We have for instance 285 (municipalities). We have 17 amanahs (administrative divisions). We are present everywhere in Saudi Arabia.”
He further emphasized the role of workshops and stakeholder meetings as vital tools for ensuring that all parties are aligned with the new standards.
“More importantly (are) the kind of the workshops that we have with key stakeholders in (these) structures such as the architectural firms, the big developers, and of course, the giga projects.”
Looking to the future, Al-Hashani touched on the broader strategic goals that underpin the initiative.
He explained that success will not only be measured by the immediate application of design guidelines but also by their impact on urban planning, with “major (key performance indicators).”
With integrated digital tools, targeted training, and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map aims to redefine urban development across the Kingdom while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage.
KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
In the Syrian Arab Republic, 389 food packages were distributed to families in need in Homs governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan project. KSrelief also distributed 160 parcels in Al-Dumayr, Rif Dimashq governorate.
In Yemen, 594 food baskets were provided to vulnerable groups in Shabwah governorate, benefiting 4,158 people.
In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,200 packages to impoverished families in Baidoa, benefiting 7,200 people.
Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).
Additionally, KSrelief distributed 2,812 cartons of dates in Tal Shihab, Daraa governorate, Syria, benefiting 2,812 families.
The Saudi aid agency also provided 630 food baskets in Port Sudan, benefiting 3,561 impoverished and displaced people.
Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers
MAKKAH: A cardiac team at King Abdullah Medical City, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, performed a three-hour emergency open-heart surgery to save the life of a 59-year-old Iraqi Umrah pilgrim suffering from a severe coronary artery clot.
After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he was quickly weaned off ventilators and made a steady recovery, stabilizing his condition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The case highlights King Abdullah Medical City’s ability to provide exceptional specialized care for Umrah and other pilgrims, the SPA added.
Meanwhile, the cardiac catheterization team at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, also part of the Makkah Health Cluster, saved the life of an 86-year-old Libyan Umrah pilgrim who suffered a heart attack and required urgent intervention.
The hospital’s heart center is fully equipped for such cases, with highly qualified medical teams committed to delivering advanced healthcare in line with the highest standards, according to the SPA.
The team at Al-Noor also treated a 68-year-old Egyptian woman performing Umrah, through a cardiac catheterization procedure on her right coronary artery.
The patient arrived at the emergency department with severe chest pain, low blood pressure, and a weak pulse, the SPA reported. Examinations revealed a blocked coronary artery and a heart attack, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Saudi Arabia prepares mosques for Eid Al-Fitr prayer
- The ministry has made extensive preparations to ensure mosques and open-air areas are ready for worshippers
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh has instructed ministry branches throughout the Kingdom to hold the Eid Al-Fitr prayer in all designated prayer areas.
The ministry has made extensive preparations to ensure mosques and open-air areas are ready for worshippers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The prayer will be held in all mosques, except those near Eid prayer areas or rarely used for Eid prayers in some villages, where residents will use local prayer areas.
The directives include early preparations to ensure maintenance, cleanliness and service availability at prayer areas for a peaceful experience.
The Eid prayer throughout the Kingdom will take place 15 minutes after sunrise, based on the Umm Al-Qura calendar, the SPA reported.
The Kingdom has 19,887 mosques and prayer areas, all prepared to provide a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Cleaning and sterilization protocols have been implemented to maintain hygiene in these sacred spaces, according to the SPA.
Comprehensive maintenance has been performed on electrical systems, air conditioning, and audio equipment to ensure optimal comfort during prayers.
