In a statement, the ministry said: ‘The deadline for applying to obtain an Umrah visa for those outside the Kingdom is Shawwal 15 in coordination with the Saudi Foreign Ministry’
Updated 06 May 2022
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: The current Umrah season for Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia from outside the Kingdom will end on May 31.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set Shawwal 30, the current Islamic month that follows the holy month of Ramadan and corresponds to May 31 in the Gregorian calendar, as the deadline for overseas Muslims to perform Umrah.
In a statement, the ministry said: “The deadline for applying to obtain an Umrah visa for those outside the Kingdom is Shawwal 15 in coordination with the Saudi Foreign Ministry.”
It pointed out that Umrah visas for foreign visitors could be applied for through approved online platforms, adding that dates for registration and submission for this year’s Hajj would be announced in due course via official channels.
The Kingdom is gearing up to receive Hajj pilgrims from around the world for the first time in two years. The coronavirus pandemic meant that last year’s Hajj was restricted to 60,000 worshippers, all from Saudi Arabia, while numbers were limited to just 1,000 at the peak of the global health crisis in 2020.
In April, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the Kingdom would be increasing this year’s Hajj capacity to 1 million pilgrims as part of the country’s efforts to enable the largest number of Muslims around the world to fulfill their religious duties.
However, the ministry noted that the number of people allowed to visit the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah would be dictated by government health and safety considerations.
Pilgrims would be required to follow preventive measures while performing their Hajj duties, the ministry said, adding that those aged under 65 — according to the Gregorian calendar — would be required to have had full immunization against COVID-19 with an approved vaccine.
Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition
Dammam collection running until Jan. 10 features sculpture, video and imagery
Updated 14 sec ago
Hind AlKhunaizi
DHAHRAN: Visitors are immersing themselves in a vibrant celebration of art as Hussain Alismail unveils his compelling solo exhibition, “W’ard,” at the SASCA Art Gallery in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Launched on Dec. 30 last year and running until Jan. 10, the exhibition is a captivating journey through the artist’s evolving vision.
‘Wa’rd’ series by Hussain Alismail showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques. (Supplied)
In the “W’ard” series, Alismail breaks free from his signature style, which often features bold continuous-line drawings in striking shades of black and red.
Instead, the collection showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Hussain Alismail’s artworks delve into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.
• His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.
Visitors can expect to encounter an array of fascinating works, from collages that fuse imagery, mixed media pieces with texture, three-dimensional sculptures, to dynamic video installations that spark imagination.
Hussain Alismail creates a new piece while visitors watch at his W’ard exhibition in Dammam. (Supplied)
At the heart of Alismail’s work lies the symbol of the rose, a timeless emblem of unity that surpasses differences, inviting connection among visitors.
He said: “For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.”
This cultural reference runs throughout the exhibition, highlighting the themes in Alismail’s artwork.
For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.
Hussain Alismail, Saudi artist
Through his collection, Alismail creates an artistic experience that celebrates unity in the diversity of humanity.
“I see my artwork as a reflection of who I am, but once it’s out in the world, it belongs to everyone to interpret and connect with however they choose,” he told Arab News.
Alismail is not only a gifted artist, but also a committed scholar, having recently relocated to Melbourne, Australia, to pursue a master’s degree in design innovation and technology at RMIT.
His time in academia, which he describes as research-focused, has significantly influenced his art. “I’ve found these skills super useful for my art in this exhibition and they’ll definitely play a bigger role in my upcoming projects.”
Alismail holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in drawing and painting from OCAD University in Toronto, Canada, as well as a bachelor’s degree in creative arts in visual effects and entertainment design from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia.
His academic background enriches his creative practice, fueling his artistic exploration.
Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Alismail delves into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.
His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.
Beyond canvas and paper, Alismail’s artistic skills include photography, videography and digital graphics, allowing him to create stories that invite exploration.
“Medium serves as a platform for discovery. I constantly challenge myself to go deeper into techniques and artistic presentations,” he said.
For the exhibition, Alismail embraced a variety of innovative mediums. “I played around with 3D design, 3D printing, AI generative imagery and various other hands-on mediums,” he said.
Additionally, he aims to create a vibrant experience, expressing his desire that viewers feel “joyful and leave with a smile on their face.”
Inspired by cultural stories around him, Alismail combines personal and community tales in his art, enhancing the diverse narratives he shares.
With an eye toward revitalizing cultural connections, his work fosters an enriched understanding of our shared human experiences.
“What my audience has seen from me before is different from what I’m creating now, and I know it’ll have even more depth down the line.”
Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh
The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah’s development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works
Updated 24 sec ago
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: Two major electrical substations were launched at the Diriyah megaproject in Riyadh on Monday.
The substations will be operated by the Saudi Electricity Company and will speed up the development of projects in the historical area of Diriyah as well as nearby Wadi Safar.
“Today is very special to us,” Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, told Arab News, before underlining the importance of developing infrastructure to be able to complete projects in time for Riyadh Expo 2030.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and the CEO of Saudi Electricity Company, Khalid Alghamdi during the launch of the two substations. (Supplied)
Inzerillo further elaborated on how the project requires sustainable development because it will be serving a large number of people.
The housing project “will cater to 100,000 people who will live, work, recreate, and pray with us every day,” the CEO said. “So, you need all-new, smart-city technology that the Kingdom is leading on.”
The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah’s development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works.
HIGHLIGHT
The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area’s cultural identity.
The second substation, developed by the Saudi Electricity Company through Maetel contracting company, will be one of the main power sources for Wadi Safar.
This will result in a combination of the area’s natural beauty with modern infrastructure, including hospitality assets and sports facilities such as the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, and Wadi Safar golf course.
Also at the event, the acting CEO of SEC, Khalid Al-Ghamdi, expressed his excitement for this significant event and milestone.
“The completion of the bulk substation and the primary substation marks a new era for Diriyah, one that combines advanced infrastructure with our shared vision of creating a sustainable, world-class city,” Al-Ghamdi said.
“We are honored to work with Diriyah Company to bring power solutions that are both reliable and in harmony with Diriyah’s architectural heritage,” he added.
Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s main megaprojects, supported by the Public Investment Fund. The project will eventually have homes for 100,000 people and is aiming to host millions of visits per year by 2030.
The Diriyah project alone contributes $18.6 billion directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and will create 178,000 job opportunities, according to the Diriyah Company.
The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area’s cultural identity.
While the city is a major part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it also has historical importance because Diryiah is the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi aid agency KSrelief sends humanitarian aid to Syria by road and air
60 agency trucks deliver food, shelter materials and medical supplies to meet needs of the Syrian people
Six planes carrying aid from the Kingdom arrive at Damascus International Airport
Updated 9 min 12 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Sixty trucks carrying relief supplies from Saudi Arabia crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria on Monday, as part of a humanitarian effort organized by Saudi aid agency KSrelief.
The trucks contained essential supplies including food, shelter materials and medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Also on Monday, six planes planes carrying aid from the Kingdom arrived at Damascus International Airport.
Jordanian authorities said 600 trucks filled with aid have entered Syria through the Jordanian-Syrian Free Zone since the collapse of President Bashar Assad’s regime on Dec. 8. The director general of the zone, Irfan Khasawneh, told the Jordan News Agency that the flow of goods has remained consistent since then.
The shipments are addressing the needs of the Syrian people for essential items such as food supplies, energy equipment and spare parts for machinery, he added.
Trade is flowing smoothly, with transactions completed promptly and without delays, Khasawneh said, and staff at the zone are ready to handle larger volumes of trucks and goods in the days ahead.
Anti-extremism group Etidal helps Telegram remove 160m items of extremist content in 3 years
Riyadh-based organization says the collaboration has had a significant effect in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts
Platform thanks Etidal, says partnership has been instrumental in efforts to identify and remove harmful content
Updated 24 min 56 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, also known as Etidal, said on Monday that more than 31 million items of extremist content were removed from messaging service Telegram during the final quarter of 2024.
This brought the total number of such items removed from the platform since the start of their partnership in 2021 to more than 160 million, it added.
Etidal, which is based in Riyadh, said international cooperation is important in efforts to address extremist ideologies and counter the global threat posed by terrorist organizations, and that the collaboration with Telegram has had a significant effect in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts.
The platform said it has intensified its efforts to combat extremism since 2022 and expressed its appreciation for the partnership with Etidal, saying it has proved to be instrumental in efforts to identify and remove harmful content.
“There is no place for incitement to violence or terrorist propaganda on Telegram,” it added.
Etidal said it uses advanced technologies to help monitor and analyze extremist content, and detect the deceptive propaganda and tactics used by terrorist organizations in an attempt to evade content removal. It added that its efforts form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to help safeguard societies through an integrated approach, including targeted media campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of extremism.
In addition to its partnership with Telegram, Etidal has established strategic collaborations with other international organizations. In 2021, for example, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the UN Counter-Terrorism Center.
King Faisal Prize to announce 2025 winners on Wednesday
Selection committees start meetings to select winners in Islamic studies, Arabic language & literature, medicine and science
Updated 06 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The names of the King Faisal Prize winners for 2025 will be announced on Jan. 8 in Riyadh.
Ahead of the event, specialized selection committees for the prize’s four categories — Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine and science — convened at the prize’s headquarters starting Monday, the General Secretariat of King Faisal Prize said.
Deliberations will continue through Jan. 8, it added.
The General Secretariat had previously announced the themes for the KFP 2025: Islamic studies focuses on Studies of Archaeology in the Arabian Peninsula, Arabic language and literature explores Studies of Identity in Arabic Literature, medicine highlights Cellular Therapy and Science centers on Physics.
Nominations for the prize are accepted by universities, research centers and scientific institutions, ensuring that nominees meet rigorous criteria.
Candidates must be living, and their work must already be published, intellectually impactful and beneficial to humanity’s progress. Nominations from individuals or political groups are not accepted, the secretariat said.
This year, the selection committees include prominent experts, scholars and specialists from 16 different countries. The evaluation process adheres to the highest standards of integrity.
The announcement of the winners will be made by the General Secretariat on Jan. 8 at 8:00 p.m. during a ceremony at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall in the Al-Faisaliah Center, Riyadh.
The KFP was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979.
