Hajj: A valuable opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and unity

Worshippers pray at Makkah’s Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site. The Hajj pilgrimage is among the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken by all Muslims with the means at least once in their lives. (AFP)
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Updated 28 June 2023
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Hajj: A valuable opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and unity

  • Saudi Arabia’s increasing openness makes the pilgrimage a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural understanding
  • Message of piety, kindness, virtue and equality spans cultures, connecting all faiths, nations and social classes

DUBAI: Muslims from all around the world arrived in Makkah over the past few weeks ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which began on Monday. Though participation in this holy tradition is strictly restricted to followers of Islam, the increasingly open nature of the Kingdom means that it also offers a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, after profession of faith, prayer, charitable deeds and fasting. It is a highly symbolic act of worship that draws together Muslims from around the globe, irrespective of race, class, culture or nationality, to walk in the footsteps of the many millions who have made the intense spiritual journey before them.

“Hajj is an incredibly special time of the year for us,” Kumail Almusaly, a curator at Ithra, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, who recently co-curated an exhibition on Hijrah (the journey of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Makkah to Madinah), told Arab News.

“It is not just a religious obligation but a chance to come together with millions of Muslims from all over the world in a shared experience of connection and unity in a unique spiritual environment.”




A pilgrim prays atop Mount Arafat. (AFP)

All Muslims are required to complete the five-day Hajj pilgrimage at least once during their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. It is a deeply moving spiritual experience that they believe absolves their sins and brings them closer to God, and it serves to unite the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims.

Through Hajj, Muslims from all walks of life are reminded of the importance of their connection to God and “contributions to humanity,” said Almusaly.

“The pilgrimage represents a fresh start, a chance to clear away any dissonance that may have accumulated over the years and begin anew with a sense of purity and purpose.”

The Arabic word Hajj translates as “to intend a journey,” or the metaphorical idea of continuously striving, even in the face of adversity, to achieve one’s goals.

While the traditions of Hajj are chiefly associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad, who founded the pilgrimage in 632, the year of his death, Muslims believe the Hajj rituals date thousands of years further back, to the time of Abraham.

According to Islamic beliefs, Abraham built the Kaaba, at Allah’s instruction. It is the cubed structure that stands at the heart of Masjid Al-Haram, or the Grand Mosque, in Makkah, which is the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims dressed in white robes walk around the Kaaba during Hajj, offering prayers.




Pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque. (AP)

The Hajj pilgrimage and the rituals associated with it are arduous and demanding. According to the Islamic faith, they reflect the rituals first performed by Abraham, his wife Hajar, and their son Ishmael, and later by the Prophet Muhammad.

Just as Islam, Christianity and Judaism all trace their common roots back to Abraham, so too do they share a common set of values, including faith, compassion and humility, which are also reflected in the core message of Hajj.

Indeed, as the Kingdom increasingly opens up to the outside world, thanks to the social reforms and economic transformation plan under Saudi Vision 2030, Hajj offers a rich opportunity for Saudis, pilgrims from other countries, tourists and foreign residents to celebrate these shared values and acknowledge their common roots.

“Its message is one of faith, compassion, humility and oneness, and it is appreciated by people of all faiths and backgrounds,” said Almusaly.

The places where pilgrims have traveled from and their social status in their home countries are immaterial during Hajj. The belief that resonates with all pilgrims is one of humility and the complete surrender of self-importance.

In the words of the Prophet: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; (none has superiority over another) except by piety and good action.”

The view among pilgrims is that Islamic teachings of piety, kindness, virtue and equality are values that span cultures, connecting all faiths, nations and social classes. Hajj therefore provides opportunities for locals and foreign visitors to the Kingdom to perform and witness acts of charity and generosity.

Rawan Al-Selhi, a Saudi jewelry designer, told Arab News that Hajj is a time when Muslims are reminded to help fellow pilgrims, especially those who have had fewer economic opportunities, “for example by urging the postponement of prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque as much as possible to create more space for pilgrims coming from abroad.”

She added: “Such simple acts have built a different relationship between us, the pilgrims, and visitors. Science has also developed and the means of comfort have evolved, and Saudi Arabia has invested in technology to offer pilgrims an unforgettable pilgrimage trip.”

Al-Selhi, who grew up in Madinah, said her first jewelry collection was inspired by the architecture of the Prophet’s Mosque in the city.

“Madinah is the destination and the first stop for pilgrims and visitors before they leave for Makkah,” she said. “For my generation, our parents try to talk to us about this time, and the importance of prayer and becoming closer to God. It is a time of optimism for the coming year.”

She recalled how her grandfather would help pilgrims and other visitors to the Kingdom during Hajj.

“He would open his home during the month and host others in need of a place to stay,” she said. “This resulted in an exchange of cultures and experiences. Some Saudi families even moved out of their homes to leave them free for pilgrims and visitors from abroad.”




The undated photo shows Saudi designer and visual artist, Nahla Khogeer. (Photo courtesy: Nahla Khogeer)

Nahla Khogeer, a designer and visual artist in Jeddah, said the Hajj pilgrimage has made a deep impression on her work.

“My grandfather, father and uncles all worked as guides during the Hajj and Umrah seasons,” she told Arab News. “The relationship with my father has had a great impact on my interest in the Hajj journey and what I experienced in my childhood.”

Khogeer recalled how she often went with her father to Makkah to watch him work and took photographs of many of the places related to Hajj, from which she created postcards that she gave to pilgrims to take home as mementos of their pilgrimage.

“It is these experiences with my father during Hajj that have inspired my work, especially since he passed away,” she said. “Their memory now lives in my work.”

This year’s Hajj is the first since travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted, and Saudi authorities expect about 2.5 million pilgrims to take part in Hajj this year, one of the largest numbers ever.

Al-Selhi and Almusaly said the Kingdom views Hajj not only as a pillar of the Islamic faith but as an event that unites the Saudi people and, in this new era for the Kingdom, reflects the great social and economic strides the country has taken in recent years, along with its growing openness to the wider world.

“In a world that can often feel divided and disconnected, Hajj serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of coming together in pursuit of the greater good,” said Almusaly. “It is a time of renewal and rejuvenation.”


Diriyah Gate chief highlights city’s vision as a global blueprint for urban and social development

Updated 23 January 2025
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Diriyah Gate chief highlights city’s vision as a global blueprint for urban and social development

  • Talal Kansara said Davos presence focused on showcasing Diriyah’s role in urban development intertwined with authenticity and tradition

DAVOS: Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s Chief Strategic Management Officer Talal Kansara has outlined the city’s ambition to become a model for urban and social transformation, offering a new way of living while preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Kansara emphasized Diriyah’s role in showcasing urban development intertwined with authenticity and tradition.

“I think we have a unique story when it comes to urban transformation, to share with the world and (also) to learn from the rest of the world,” he said. “The area 20 years from now would be one of the best gathering places in the world, something where people can come and be immersed in a different experience, an experience that touches their souls, touches their heart, by providing them something that is authentic.”

Located on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah has undergone significant redevelopment, carefully restoring its mud-brick structures that reflect the Najdi architectural style. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, Diriyah is seen as the birthplace of the Kingdom and a living example of the region’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Marking its WEF debut, Kansara said that Diriyah’s participation at Davos aims to showcase the project’s holistic approach, spanning tourism, hospitality, culture and real estate.

“People would see beyond Diriyah as one of the Kingdom’s giga project, they would see elements of Diriyah that that is part of its DNA,” Kansara said.

With a $50 billion development plan in motion, the project seeks to transform Diriyah into a global hub for history, culture and lifestyle while setting new standards for urban planning.

“We have a case that we want to present to the world when it comes to urban transformation,” Kansara said, “and we (want to) foster the dialog between us and people who have urban transformation and urban economy as one of their priorities.”

He added that Diriyah’s practices can serve as a guide for other cities to design spaces catering to human needs, including both locals and visitors.

“People need to walk, they need to interact, they need to socialize,” Kansara said, “also building an infrastructure and building cities where they are welcoming visitors. The infrastructure is not only meant for the (local) community, (but) also for the visitors, because you don’t want the visitors and the tourists to overrun the infrastructure.”

He said that the world is full of examples “where overtourism is somehow jeopardizing and decreasing the quality of the city, and you can see the community bothered from that in different places.”

Central to Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy, Diriyah is projected to attract 15 million visitors by 2030 and create more than 250,000 jobs. Kansara said that sustainability is integral to the development plan, ensuring the project meets the needs of a growing population and an influx of visitors.

“Sustainability is not an afterthought. Sustainability has been in the (project) DNA since the master plan,” he said.

Kansara also stressed the importance of preserving both the tangible and intangible elements of Saudi heritage, creating a living, organic space rather than a static museum.

“Diriyah is a place where people can live, walk, dine, play, have fun and learn. You would come in a place that’s not a theme park. This is more of an organic place. You’ll see people living as a visitor. You would interact with people who are living, you would interact with people who are studying, interact with people who are working. And that’s a great opportunity for the visitors to have a real touch, the real exposure to the history of the country of Saudi Arabia.”

Visitors to Diriyah’s pavilion at the Saudi House in Davos have been captivated by its unconventional real-estate approach.

“The thing that people admired and that captured their attention is that usually with a conventional real-estate project, you would see skyscrapers, you would see big buildings, you would see metal and glass. And when they came here, they say, ‘OK, we are not seeing this,’” Kansara said.

“We’re using mud bricks for the entire city, the way that we preserve our architectural language, the way we preserve different social and cultural practices and bring it back to life. So it’s not a museum where you see things, but that’s part of the past. No, this is really bringing things from the past and making something that people really engage with for now and in the future.”


Human resource ministry completes rollout of ‘Professional Verification’ service for expat workers in 160 countries

Updated 23 January 2025
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Human resource ministry completes rollout of ‘Professional Verification’ service for expat workers in 160 countries

  • Service aims to give expat workers reliable academic qualifications, experience and skills required by Saudi labor market 
  • Ministry of Human Resources has covered 1,007 professions as part of implementing ‘Professional Verification’ service

RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has completed the final phase of covering all targeted countries that export labor through the “Professional Verification” service within the “Professional Accreditation” program. This initiative aims to enhance the skill levels of the expatriate workforce. The target was achieved by covering 160 countries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This service is in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 195, which aims to ensure that expatriate workers possess reliable academic qualifications, as well as the practical experience and skills required by the Saudi labor market before entering the Kingdom.
The “Professional Verification” service focuses on the competence of workers in high-skill professions, as well as verifying the alignment of academic qualifications with the appropriate level and field of study. This is done in accordance with approved standards, such as the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions and the Saudi Unified Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations. The service is fully automated and is provided through a unified platform for professional verification, following simplified and fast procedures.

The Ministry of Human Resources has covered 1,007 professions as part of the implementation phases of the “Professional Verification” service, targeting all labor-exporting countries worldwide. The Ministry will continue to cover all high-skill professions, which fall within groups 1-3 according to the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions, including engineering and health professions, in coordination with the relevant government authorities.
It is worth noting the fact that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims, through this service, to regulate the labor market, improve the quality of jobs and services within the labor market, and enhance productivity levels.


Saudi FM arrives in Lebanon

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is greeted on arrival in Beirut by Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah BouHabib.
Updated 54 min 12 sec ago
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Saudi FM arrives in Lebanon

  • The foreign minister affirmed Kingdom’s continued support for Lebanon and its people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Lebanon on Thursday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Announced earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the one-day trip marks the first high-ranking Saudi visit to Lebanon since 2015.

Prince Faisal later met with President Joseph Aoun who was elected earlier this month. 

 “We are greatly confident in the ability of... the president and the prime minister to initiate reforms necessary to bolster Lebanon's security, stability and unity,” Prince Faisal said after the meeting. 

The foreign minister also affirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for Lebanon and its people, SPA reported. 

Aoun, whose election ended more than two years without a president, named former International Court of Justice presiding judge Nawaf Salam as prime minister-designate.
He has been tasked with forming a government capable of boosting Lebanon’s faltering economy and rebuilding areas devastated by war.


Saudi authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday

Updated 23 January 2025
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Saudi authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday

  • The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday
  • It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Kingdom with the inclement weather to continue until Monday.

The National Center for Meteorology said in its forecast: “There are chances of moderate to heavy rain in most areas of the Kingdom starting Thursday. Cloudy weather will continue until Monday.”

It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions, the NCM said.

The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday, it added.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense also issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with heavy thunderstorms expected to continue until Monday.

The Makkah and Riyadh regions may experience moderate to heavy rainfall, hailstorms and dust-stirring winds, it said.

Moderate to heavy rain is also forecast for Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, the Eastern Region, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders.

Light to moderate rain may fall in Madinah. Najran and Tabuk may experience light rain showers, it added.

The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions and avoid areas prone to flash flooding, such as valleys.

“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it said.

It also called on the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates through Civil Defense channels as well as the NCM.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and Hajj seasons, the NCM launched training programs for employees of the Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques to enhance precautions against extreme weather phenomena.

 


Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition

Updated 23 January 2025
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Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition

  • Artist’s late father inspired the display
  • Photographs, digital art and videos portray scenes of prayer

RIYADH: An exhibition in Bahrain by Saudi artist Emtethal Al-Awami’s explored themes of memory, nostalgia, and the intersection of past and present.

“101 Hymns” featured photographs, digital art and videos portraying scenes of prayer, providing a rich and visually engaging experience.

Al-Awami, from Qatif, told Arab News the idea for the exhibition was inspired by her late father, whose actions and movements during prayer and tasbih she had observed throughout her life.

“The movement of his fingers between the beads of the prayer rosary and the sound of his voice reflected moments of serenity and reassurance, embodying feelings of forgiveness and harmony,” she said.

“The scene represents a deep connection with the self, offering a person the time to reflect and return to their true essence.”

The prayer rosary, a symbol of spirituality used across different religions and cultures for over 3,000 years, served as a tool to restore calm amidst the chaos and speed of everyday life, added Al-Awami.

“101 Hymns” sought to show how prayer and tasbih become a sanctuary in a world of pressures and challenges, opening the door to tranquility.

“By observing my father, I realized that these moments provide valuable lessons on patience and serenity, as the soft sound of the prayer beads soothes the soul and offers a deep sense of security,” she said.

After taking time to mourn and reflect following her father’s death around 18 months ago, the Saudi artist said she was determined to complete the project and present it in his honor.

“He was my inspiration and my first supporter, and this idea reflects my love and pride for his spiritual journey, which I aspire to share with others through this exhibit,” she told Arab News.

Al-Awami’s journey as an artist began at an early age with a deep fascination for art and its vast possibilities in various forms of expression. She studied art education at King Saud University in Riyadh, graduating in 1996.

“The initial spark of my artistic journey can be traced back to a specific moment of introspection as I observed the world around me — seeing the beauty in everyday life and realizing the power of visual storytelling,” she said.

She added she was inspired to commit to the pursuit of art as a form of synthesis between individual experiences and broader societal themes.

During her journey to becoming a professional artist, Al-Awami experimented with different styles and mediums which allowed her to progress and refine her voice, establishing her own artistic identity.

“I have learned to weave cultural narratives into my work, and my experiments with different styles and ideas enrich my artistic practice, allowing me to tell diverse stories through my art,” she explained.

As a Saudi artist, Al-Awami often highlights cultural narratives shaped by her own experiences. Arabian art is distinguished by its unique disposition, rooted in a rich history of spiritual, cultural and social chronicles, she said: “It embodies a fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary themes, continually reflecting the dynamic nature of Arab identity, resilience, and creativity across generations.”

Al-Awami emphasized the significant development the artistic community has seen in the Arab world, especially in Saudi Arabia.

Marked by increased recognition of contemporary artists and openness to diverse forms of expression, the Kingdom’s art scene is strongly supported by the government under the Ministry of Culture.

“The emergence of new platforms for showcasing art has revitalized the art scene, fostering collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries,” Al-Awami said.

“As a Saudi woman and artist, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to authentically represent my community. This journey requires overcoming challenges, yet it is rewarding to shed light on the arts and demonstrate that creativity and expression are equally important (as STEM) in enriching society.”