RIYADH: The historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hotat Bani Tamim, Riyadh, is among the places of worship restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to safeguard Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Established in 1835 and named after the castle of Imam Turki bin Abdullah that once stood on its premises, Al-Qalaah Mosque holds significant historical value, which the project seeks to preserve.

Upon completion, the mosque will cover 625 sq. meters, accommodating up to 180 worshipers, the SPA reported.

Built in the Najdi style, the mosque primarily uses clay, with a construction method involving a clay and hay mixture placed in wooden molds to form brick-like structures.

This technique is known for its economic efficiency compared to other materials, offering advantages such as thermal resistance and maintaining a moderate indoor temperature.

It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, featuring six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim.

Phase two follows the completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA.

The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.

Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.

The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.

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 Saturday.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, 840 packages were distributed across several governorates as part of the Etaam Ramadan project.

KSrelief also provided 190 food packages to Syrian refugees in the town of Shebaa, Lebanon, benefiting 950 people.

In South Africa’s Vereeniging, 400 packages were distributed to families, while 190 parcels went to those in need in southern Lebanon, aiding 900 individuals.

In Tajikistan, KSrelief delivered food packages to 600 families in Baljuvon district.

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 4,050 cartons of dates in Yemen’s Aden governorate, benefiting 24,300 people.