Return of British pilgrims gladdens UK consul general in Jeddah

British Consul General Seif Usher, Naveed Mohammed, the British Army’s liaison officer, and his team members. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 21 April 2022
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Return of British pilgrims gladdens UK consul general in Jeddah

  • Saudi Arabia, UK have a long-standing friendship, strong bilateral ties, and enjoy economic, religious cooperation

MAKKAH: The UK’s consul general said he was pleased about the return of British pilgrims to Saudi Arabia’s holy sites following a two-year absence because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that 1 million pilgrims, including those from overseas, would be allowed to perform Hajj.

For the past two years, Hajj and Umrah have been limited to those in Saudi Arabia.

The UK’s Consul General, Seif Usher, who spoke to Arab News at an iftar in Makkah, welcomed the ministry’s decision because British Muslims could once again experience religious rituals in Saudi Arabia.

“It’s very good to be back in Makkah after some time,” he said. “Mashallah, the haram is very busy. As we see, pilgrims returned to the Kingdom from the United Kingdom. The opening of the e-visa, in particular, has allowed many thousands of British pilgrims to come to Makkah and visit Madinah, come here, and perform Umrah typically during Ramadan.

“Certainly before COVID-19, we would expect tens of thousands of British nationals coming to Makkah during Ramadan. So, inshallah, we shall see increasing numbers of pilgrims from the United Kingdom coming to Makkah.”

The previous iftar hosted by the consul general was in 2019.




British Consul-General in Jeddah Seifeldin Usher. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Saudi Arabia and the UK have a long-standing friendship, strong bilateral ties, and enjoy cooperation on economic and cultural fronts. But there is also religious cooperation.

“In the United Kingdom, we have more than two-and-a-half million Muslims or around 5 percent of the population. So, there are many tens of thousands of Muslims who travel to Saudi Arabia every year. Typically, pilgrims coming for Umrah, there’ll be more than 100,000 per year. For Hajj pilgrims, there will be more than 25,000.

“So, the numbers are significant. The role of Saudi Arabia in receiving the pilgrims, and taking care of them while they are here, is hugely important and is greatly valued both by the pilgrims themselves and us in terms of the British government. So, we’re very grateful for all the work of the authorities every year and inshallah we shall see an increase as we go forward now after the very difficult years of COVID.”

In 2019, over 130,000 British pilgrims performed Hajj and Umrah. But the last two Hajj seasons witnessed an unprecedented drop in the number of international pilgrims because of travel restrictions and other lockdown measures in Saudi Arabia and around the world.

Usher said he did not know how many British pilgrims would come for this Hajj season, but he estimated there would be between 8,000 and 10,000.

“We’re waiting to hear what the formal announcement is from the Saudi authorities, and we look forward to welcoming British pilgrims here in Makkah in the summer.”

The role of Saudi Arabia in receiving the pilgrims, and taking care of them while they are here, is hugely important and is greatly valued both by the pilgrims themselves and us in terms of the British government.

Seif Usher, UK’s Consul General

Usher, who converted to Islam 25 years ago, has worked in Sudan, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria.

His first Ramadan in Saudi Arabia was in 2019, although he arrived in the country in Sept. 2018 to supervise the Hajj journey for British pilgrims.

This year will be his fourth living in Saudi Arabia.

“Ramadan is the most special time of year I think, for all Muslims. It’s a month where we can find some spiritual peace. We can enjoy going to the mosque for Tarawih prayers, and it’s particularly special when we have the opportunity to do so in Makkah.

“So I feel very blessed that I have that opportunity. It’s been a return to normality somewhat after the difficult years of COVID, Alhamdulillah, and it’s very good to be here.”

Monday’s iftar hosted members of the UK’s armed forces who were performing Umrah.

Naveed Mohammed, the British Army’s liaison officer for improving links with British Muslim communities, traveled to Saudi Arabia with 10 other Muslims for Umrah.

He told Arab News: “The standard of care and the organization I have seen is exceptional. Our host in the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces looked after us very well. When we walk around, we have tours of the various sites in Makkah and Jeddah. All we can see is the highest standard of organization, the highest standard of preparation, and how Saudi authorities are looking after all pilgrims.

“It doesn’t matter if somebody has come from one part of the world or somebody has come from another part of the world. Everyone gets treated like a guest, which is wonderful to see.”


Soprano Saira Peter on creating Sufi opera, blending cultures in first visit to Saudi Arabia

Saira Peter performed at the Arab News headquarters in Riyadh alongside her husband and fellow musician Stephen Smith. (AN Photo
Updated 1 min 14 sec ago
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Soprano Saira Peter on creating Sufi opera, blending cultures in first visit to Saudi Arabia

  • Innovative performer praises Kingdom’s music scene
  • Saudis have ‘great rhythm and tempo,’ singer says

RIYADH: British-Pakistani soprano Saira Peter has captivated on the world stage, made history by becoming the world’s first Sufi opera singer, and even received praise from King Charles III for her recording of the British national anthem.

After hearing about Saudi Arabia’s changes in recent years, Peter decided to explore the country’s arts and culture scene herself. In Riyadh, she spoke to Arab News about her musical journey, her upcoming Sufi opera project, and her impressions of Saudi Arabia.

“It’s so wonderful to see how your country is growing and (how) you are embracing the advanced technology,” she said.

When I discovered that I could sing, I decided for myself that I would use music to serve people, to spread the message of peace and reconciliation around the world.

Saira Peter, British-Pakistani soprano

“You’re having so many events around you. And it’s quite enormous and very interesting to see the musical events as well. I met some people and I told them that I’m an opera singer…

“The way I saw Saudi people, their reaction towards music, it’s unbelievable. You have such a great rhythm and tempo inside you.”

The London-based singer, who is the director of NJ Arts London where she also gives lessons, has starred on many stages across the globe, often performing with her husband, musician Stephen Smith, and has an extensive discography that features music in 17 languages.

In 2019 she received an award for Best Music Performance at Islamabad Art Fest, Pakistan’s largest international arts event.

But her acclaimed career was no surprise: Music was part of her life from childhood and she grew up listening to classical music in her household.

Peter admired the likes of Benjamin Britten, Mozart, Beethoven, and Arabic and Eastern singers like Umm Kulthum, but doing her first master’s in physical chemistry really helped her understand the intricacies of music.

Peter said: “In Greek history they used to put music into science and into arts as well. All the notes are composed of different frequencies and each and every note has specific frequencies, which is actually science, which is physics.

“Music is everywhere in the world, even if you hear the sea breeze or when the wind blows. Everything is music.”

But only after receiving her second master’s in history from Queen Mary University of London, and delving deeper into Islamic and Western histories, did she decide to pursue a professional career in music.

She said: “I think music is very important; it’s a language. You can express your emotions, you can express your thoughts, in a very mild way. And you can communicate to the whole world.

“My passion and my vision when I sing, I think, is how I can serve my audience and how I can deliver the message of peace and reconciliation to my audience.”

Reflecting her aim to bring people together, the soprano’s genre of Sufi opera aims to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western classical music.

Peter said: “Fusion means that when you blend two cultures, two musical genres together, when they come together, they should celebrate each other. They should, also, enhance the beauty of what they already contain.”

She is currently working with her team in London to develop the first full-scale opera of this kind, titled “Marvi’s Tears.” Inspired by the ancient Indus Valley Civilization in what is now Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, the story follows a teenage girl, Marvi, and her brave journey in bringing justice to her village.

The opera recently underwent a workshop at Oxford University with renowned British composer Paul Knight, who is also Peter’s vocal coach, and director Johnny Danziger. It is set to be staged in 2025.

Peter said: “The opera is a very unique kind of opera, because it’s a blend of two worlds which are, you know, Western classical and Eastern classical. So if you sing Western classical, there are certain things you are not allowed to do when you sing. For example, you are not allowed to sing in portamento, which is a sliding note.

“Arab singers are wonderful in sliding notes and they have quarter tones and all these vibratos, which are beautiful.”

Considering her ethnic background, Peter’s vantage point is her ability to utilize her voice on both ends of the spectrum — and everywhere in between. This discovery was made by her coach, Knight.

Peter said: “He said ‘You have a very unique kind of vocal force that you can sing both Western classical and Eastern classical without changing the quality of the sound.’

“Because I’m from the East, I have that kind of DNA, that kind of sound.”

During her stay in Riyadh Peter performed a few arias to a small group of Saudis in a home setting, where she was met with claps and cheers. She said: “I never had this kind of experience and response from any audience. Of course I love all my audiences, but here it was very different, and I was so moved.

“It was overwhelming because they were in tears and they were appreciating me with all their heart.”

As Saudi Arabia orchestrates a notable cultural shift, opera is slowly gaining ground and blending with its rich musical heritage, marking a new chapter in its artistic evolution, most recently demonstrated by the staging of the first Saudi opera “Zarqa Al-Yamama” back in April.

While the soprano believes there is no shortcut to hard work and training, she offers a piece of advice to aspiring artists and professionals.

She said: “You need to know what your vision is, and your goal for life. If you have a message, then it becomes whatever you do, whether you want to become a singer or scientist or dramatic artist, you first need to search within yourself.

“When I discovered that I could sing, I decided for myself that I would use music to serve people, to spread the message of peace and reconciliation around the world.”

 


Rock art in Harrat is testament to ancient life, cultural exchange

Updated 1 min 27 sec ago
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Rock art in Harrat is testament to ancient life, cultural exchange

  • Archaeological surveys conducted by the Heritage Commission have revealed a wealth of rock art and inscriptions dating back to various periods, including Thamudic, Nabataean, Lihyanite, and Islamic

RIYADH: The Harrat region, south of Tabuk, is a treasure trove of ancient history, boasting a remarkable collection of rock art that provides a fascinating glimpse into past civilizations, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.

The rugged volcanic landscape served as a canvas for ancient inhabitants, who expressed their beliefs, experiences, and social interactions through intricate engravings and paintings.

Ancient carvings near Tabuk depict scenes of hunting and daily life, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants. (SPA)

Depictions of hunting scenes, made using simple tools, offer a window into the daily lives of the early inhabitants of these areas, the SPA report noted.

Rock art also provides a record of the fauna that once lived in the region, including oryx, gazelles, and even tigers.

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Dual-script inscriptions from the 5th century, discovered in Alqan village, highlight the evolution of language and the enduring artistic spirit of the Tabuk area.

Moreover, numerous engravings feature symbolic and abstract motifs, likely carrying religious or cultural significance and reflecting the tribal identities of the area’s ancient societies.

Ancient carvings near Tabuk depict scenes of hunting and daily life, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants. (SPA)

These rock art sites underscore the historical significance of the Tabuk region as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange.

Located at the intersection of ancient trade routes, Tabuk served as a vital link between the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring civilizations, including those of ancient Egypt, the Levant, Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean, and Asia.

Archaeological surveys conducted by the Heritage Commission have revealed a wealth of rock art and inscriptions dating back to various periods, including Thamudic, Nabataean, Lihyanite, and Islamic.

A recent discovery in the village of Alqan — “dual-line” inscriptions dating back to the fifth century — has provided valuable new insights.

These inscriptions, featuring both Thamudic and early Arabic scripts, offer compelling evidence of the continuity of writing traditions in the region and the ongoing evolution of language.

 


Interior minister receives Kazakhstan ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Updated 28 sec ago
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Interior minister receives Kazakhstan ambassador to Saudi Arabia

  • They discussed cooperation between the Kingdom and the Arab League, as well as various developments in the Arab world

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif received Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom Madiyar Menilbekov in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit met Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Matar, the permanent representative of the Kingdom to the Arab League, in Cairo on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between the Kingdom and the Arab League, as well as various developments in the Arab world.

 


Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Israeli settlers for storming courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque

View from the Mount of the Olives shows the old city walls of Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock mosque in the Aqsa complex.
Updated 29 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Israeli settlers for storming courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque

  • Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry also renewed its denunciation of continued Israeli violations of international law and repeated attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Sunday Israeli settlers for storming the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israel’s security forces.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry also renewed its denunciation of continued Israeli violations of international law and repeated attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Kingdom affirmed its categorical rejection of anything that affects the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites.

It also called on the international community to hold Israeli authorities accountable for their serious and ongoing violations against Islamic holy sites and innocent civilians in Palestine.

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Syrian conjoined twins arrive in Saudi Arabia for medical assessment

Updated 29 December 2024
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Syrian conjoined twins arrive in Saudi Arabia for medical assessment

RIYADH: Syrian conjoined twins Celine and Eleen Abdulmoneim Alshibli, along with their family, arrived in Riyadh on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The twins and their parents were invited to the Kingdom upon directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, SPA added.

The twins travelled from Lebanon aboard a medical evacuation aircraft provided by the Saudi Ministry of Defense.

They are scheduled to undergo a comprehensive series of medical evaluations at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh, and these assessments will determine the feasibility of performing a separation surgery.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the supervisor-general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief and head of the surgical and multidisciplinary team, thanked the Kingdom’s leadership for the humanitarian initiative.

“This act underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to humanitarian values and its globally recognized medical expertise,” Al-Rabeeah said. He also highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts in providing medical, humanitarian and relief support worldwide.

The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, established in 1990, has under the management of Al-Rabeeah separated dozens of conjoined twins from countries around the world.

The family of the twins thanked the Saudi leadership, government and citizens for the warm hospitality and support extended to them since their arrival. They also expressed their trust in the capabilities of the Saudi surgical team, renowned for their expertise in handling similarly complex medical cases.