JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, announced the success of the health plans for this year’s Hajj season and confirmed that there were no outbreaks or threats to public health, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
In a statement delivered from the Command and Control Center in Mina, Al-Jalajel said: “With the great support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the follow-up of the crown prince and prime minister, I am pleased to announce the success of this year’s Hajj health plans and the absence of any outbreaks or threats to public health, witnessing the return of this seasons’ pilgrim numbers to what they were before the pandemic.”
The health minister praised the role played by the Supreme Hajj Committee, headed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, minister of interior, in overcoming all health challenges, extending his thanks to the Ministry of Interior for the effective contribution in implementing the health plans.
He also expressed appreciation for the tireless follow-up of Prince Khalid bin Faisal, governor of Makkah and chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, Prince Badr bin Sultan, deputy governor of Makkah and vice chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, and the Makkah Principality, which had an impact on achieving this success.
The minister attributed the success of the plans to the “integration among all government agencies and early preparedness for the Hajj season.”
Al-Jalajel said that based on the keenness of King Salman, “more than 354 health care facilities had been prepared to serve pilgrims, with help from more than 36,000 health cadres from all health sectors, supported by more than 7,600 volunteers.”
He added that more than 400,000 pilgrims had received health care services during this year’s annual pilgrimage, of which 50 underwent open heart surgery, 800 received cardiac catheters, and more than 1,600 had dialysis sessions.
Virtual health consultations through Seha Virtual Hospital, which uses the latest innovative technologies to provide specialized services and support health facilities in the Kingdom, were provided for 4,000 pilgrims, and 8,000 were treated for heat stress.
Al-Jalajel thanked all the sectors that cooperated in raising the health awareness of pilgrims and providing services to them, wishing them a happy return journey to their countries.
Saudi health minister confirms success of Hajj health plans, no outbreaks recorded
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Saudi health minister confirms success of Hajj health plans, no outbreaks recorded
- More than 400,000 pilgrims had received health care services during this year’s annual pilgrimage
Peace and pottery: women-only workshops in Riyadh a haven for creativity and wellness
- Terracotta Studio in Riyadh offers courses for all abilities
- ‘The turnout has been tremendous,’ owner Ghada Al-Malki says
RIYADH: Terracotta Studio, a women-only pottery space, is shaping more than just clay. Run by Ghada Al-Malki, the venue offers women the chance to explore pottery as both an art form and a therapeutic escape.
Al-Malki said her experience studying psychology helped her to see the benefits of handicrafts, which she described as “a form of therapy.”
Her interest in crafting began with beading but later expanded to pottery.
“When I worked with beads, I felt: Wow! So I thought I must learn another craft. I learned pottery and once I did I opened the studio.”
I thought people needed to experience what I went through and see how pottery helps release negative energy, which is what we need in today’s world.
Ghada Al-Malki
It was that feeling of excitement and exhilaration that she wanted to share.
“I thought people needed to experience what I went through and see how pottery helps release negative energy, which is what we need in today’s world.”
Located in the Al-Yasmin district of northern Riyadh, Terracotta Studio offers a variety of pottery workshops for all abilities.
“The studio is exclusively for women, so they can feel comfortable,” Al-Malki said.
“We have pottery workshops where I teach them how to make cups, plates, or paint the pieces we’ve made. Painting itself is an art.”
She said the response she had received was beyond her expectations.
“Honestly, I was really surprised … The turnout has been tremendous, which shows that we really need a space to release our energy.”
She said some of her customers had even said they had been sleeping better after attending her classes.
“The most satisfying part of running this studio is when a customer leaves happy and comes back to tell me: ‘Ghada, thank you, I really enjoyed it.’
“Sometimes people contact me later and say: ‘Ghada, I truly felt like I had the best sleep in a long time; I feel much more relaxed.’ That feeling wipes away all the exhaustion at the end of the day.”
While the studio might be great at helping her clients to unwind, running it was not always easy, Al-Malki said.
“The biggest issue we face is real estate. Rental prices are high and raw materials are not available in Saudi Arabia, so they are expensive for us. But, thank God, we try to manage the challenges as much as we can.”
Al-Malki said she hoped to expand the studio’s offerings in the future.
“I aim to create spaces specifically for children. You cannot imagine how much children need this craft and playing with clay.”
As well as its regular workshops, Terracotta Studio hosts exhibitions where students can display their work.
Volunteers bring color to Jeddah fruit and vegetable market
- Abdul Rahman Al-Ghamdi, the operational manager of Jeddah Central Market Co., told Arab News that the initiative should improve both the appearance of main floors and public areas
JEDDAH: In a bid to add a splash of color to the walkways of Jeddah’s central fruit and vegetable market, local people volunteered for the Saudi Fingerprints initiative, held from Sept. 17-19.
The initiative, a collaboration between Jeddah Central Market Co., the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Hatan volunteering team, aims to improve the local urban landscape.
Abdul Rahman Al-Ghamdi, the operational manager of Jeddah Central Market Co., told Arab News that the initiative should improve both the appearance of main floors and public areas.
“The initiative was a clear message to all visitors, vendors and customers to beautify the pathways of Jeddah’s vegetable and fruit market.
“The activity is a reflection of the deep societal awareness to revive the old areas of the market and turn them into vivid and eye-catching artistic projects in a creative manner.
“It is part of the company’s projects donated to the community that contribute to stimulating creativity and supporting local volunteers, and encouraging families to return to the place in its new attire,” he said.
Art is important for establishing a unique and culturally active place.
Moslah Al-Olayani, Director of the fruit and vegetable market
Attendees watched young volunteers transform the market with paint over the course of the three-day event, which was open to the public.
Al-Ghamdi revealed that more than 200 volunteers took part in the project.
“Art is important for establishing a unique and culturally active place,” said Moslah Al-Olayani, director of the fruit and vegetable market.
“Public art is as important to our district as appealing storefronts, green spaces, and fine stalls. The coloring of the sidewalks of the market brings beauty to our community, and this initiative comes as part of the ministry’s strategy to enhance community engagement, empower creatives, and improve the public landscape.
“Art can help shape a place and this piece has helped revamp the market’s pathway into an exciting experience for residents and visitors coming to the vegetable and fruit market.
“(The) vegetable and fruit market is an old and very crowded place in Jeddah, we wanted to improve the quality of life for all with our support for Saudi volunteers.”
Faisal bin Fahad, the executive manager of Hatan volunteering team, told Arab News that staff volunteers joined the Saudi Fingerprints initiative together to get their hands dirty and add a bright touch to the place.
“The activity is a reflection of the deep societal awareness to keep the vegetable and fruit market in looks neat for the customers and vendors who are spending most of their time there,” he said.
“On behalf of my volunteering team, we are very proud to be part of such a great initiative which will benefit our city.”
Asked about how the market’s new look, Hamdan Al-Mutairi, a vegetable vendor who has been working at the market for the last 10 years, said: “It really looks nice and the market looks different. When you walk in, it really catches your eye.”
Saudi Border Guards in Asir foil attempts to smuggle 180 kg of qat
- The authorities ask citizens and residents to report all information regarding drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of Saudi Arabia
ABHA: Saudi Border Guards in Al-Raboah, Asir, have foiled an attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat. Preliminary procedures have been completed and the seized drug handed to the authorities.
Patrols in Al-Daer, Jazan, have also thwarted attempts to smuggle 7,300 amphetamine pills and 8,600 tablets subject to medical circulation regulations. Preliminary procedures have been completed and the seized narcotics handed to the authorities.
Further patrols in Al-Daer foiled an attempt to smuggle 230 kg of qat. Preliminary procedures have again been completed and the seized drug handed to authorities.
The authorities ask citizens and residents to report all information regarding drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. People can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control by calling 995.
Saudi ministry holds intensive course for imams in Indonesia
- The initiative is part of the ministry’s endeavors to organize Shariah courses for preachers and imams to help spread the message and values of Islam while developing the skills of religious figures
PADANG: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the religious mission of the Saudi Embassy in Indonesia, held its fourth intensive course for imams, sermon givers, preachers, and heads of educational and Islamic institutions in Padang, West Sumatra.
The three-day course, organized by the religious mission in collaboration with the Islamic foundation Yayasan Dar El-Iman Padang, targets 450 male and female participants.
The initiative is part of the ministry’s endeavors to organize Shariah courses for preachers and imams to help spread the message and values of Islam while developing the skills of religious figures.
In his address, Mohammed Elvi Syam, head of the Yayasan Dar El-Iman Padang Foundation, expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government and people for their significant care for Muslims worldwide, especially in Indonesia.
He also commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance for its services to the Muslim community.
King Abdulaziz University stages second film festival
- Bajunaid said that the festival’s objectives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the strategic goals of the Saudi Film Commission, by developing students’ skills in filmmaking and fostering connections between filmmakers and producers
JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz University has announced the launch of the second Student Film Festival, from Dec. 4 to Dec. 5 at King Faisal Hall for Conferences.
The festival aims to foster student creativity in filmmaking, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the industry.
Ayman Naji Bajunaid, dean of the College of Communication and Media, said that the upgraded festival was designed to establish a cultural and artistic platform that nurtured talent from Saudi universities, strengthened interaction and collaboration among students, and built bridges between academic filmmakers and producers. This initiative would also contribute to highlighting and deepening Saudi cultural identity.
Bajunaid said that the festival’s objectives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the strategic goals of the Saudi Film Commission, by developing students’ skills in filmmaking and fostering connections between filmmakers and producers. The festival also aims to encourage academic and cultural engagement.
He said that while the previous festival was limited to King Abdulaziz University students, this year’s expanded version invited participation from students across Saudi universities.
The expansion is part of the festival’s broader goal of attracting and motivating talented students, creating a dynamic and competitive learning environment that inspires creativity.
