First day-care center for young children opens at Makkah Grand Mosque to create ease for pilgrims

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For some pilgrims, bringing their offspring along is an important step to include them in religious practices from an early age. (SPA)
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Updated 02 July 2023
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First day-care center for young children opens at Makkah Grand Mosque to create ease for pilgrims

  • Free nursery for children named “Child Care Center” was opened this year within Grand Mosque's courtyard
  • For some pilgrims, leaving children behind is not an option, as they may not have family or trusted caregivers

MINA: Each year, thousands of pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj with their children in tow, making it a familiar experience for the tiny Muslims, and adding a layer of challenge for the parents.

Pilgrims come for Hajj and Umrah from all over the world, and often pour their life’s savings into completing the fifth pillar of Islam. The reasons some bring their children along vary.

For some, leaving children behind is not an option, as they may not have family or trusted caregivers.

For others, bringing their offspring along is an important step to include them in religious practices from an early age, and have a pivotal, formative memory and experience to share with them.

With nearly 2 million pilgrims packing at the holy sites for Hajj, it can be challenging for parents, scouts and security on the ground to create a comfortable environment for children.

Amal Salama, a consultant in family medicine in Dammam who was in Mina, said: “I do not recommend that parents bring their children with them to Hajj. They will be walking for long distances which will be difficult for them. They also distract their parents from focusing on performing their rituals.

“If possible, parents should leave their children in a safe place before coming to Hajj, since it is only five days until they reunite with them,” she added.

To create ease for pilgrims, a free nursery for children named “Child Care Center” in the Grand Mosque opened within the mosque’s courtyard this year.

The initiative was launched by the Development Committee of the Two Holy Mosques, led by the Royal Commission for the Holy City of Makkah and the Holy Sites, with funding from the General Authority for Awqaf and contributions from all government and security sectors operating in the Grand Mosque.

It is the first child care center in the mosque to offer 24-hour services for pilgrims to help them perform their rituals in comfort and serenity. Only the first three hours are free.

The center includes three rooms and each contains games for various age groups. 

The rooms are considered safe and secure spaces for children to wait while their parents or family members complete their Hajj or Umrah rituals.


Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city

Updated 03 April 2025
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Riyadh Metro on its way to reshaping the city

  • Some passengers praise affordability, design, while others believe it needs more speed, transfer routes, and reduced transfer times
  • Newly opened Qasr Al-Hokm Station is a key addition to the metro network, strategically located in Riyadh’s historic district

RIYADH: Riyadh Metro is rapidly reshaping the city’s public transportation landscape, providing residents and visitors with an efficient and cost-effective alternative to private cars and ride-hailing services. 

As the metro expands, its social and economic impacts are becoming more evident, from easing traffic congestion to influencing real estate trends. 

The newly opened Qasr Al-Hokm Station is a key addition to the metro network, strategically located in Riyadh’s historic district. It provides easy access to government buildings, cultural landmarks, and bustling markets, making it a crucial hub for commuters and visitors alike. 

To understand the metro’s impact firsthand, several passengers shared their experiences at Qasr Al-Hokm Station, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of using Riyadh’s latest public transport system.

For many residents, the affordability and ease of use make the metro an attractive alternative to private transportation. Menna Ali, a frequent rider, praised its cost-effectiveness: “It’s much easier to use, much cheaper than other transportation options. And you don’t have to stick in the traffic, and I’m happy with it.”

The metro is also helping to cut travel times for many commuters. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, who regularly visits the area, noted how much simpler his commute has become. “I frequently visit this area, and I used to struggle to get here. Now, it takes me about 20 minutes from my residence to reach this place. Honestly, it’s excellent — saving time, reducing stress, and avoiding traffic. It’s truly great.”

However, while the metro is convenient for some, others note that it can be time-consuming, particularly when multiple transfers are required. Haifa Al-Marhum highlighted this challenge: “Honestly, it takes time — I have to go from one station to another and so on. So in terms of time, no, it does take a while.

“In terms of saving money, it definitely helps — whether for transportation, fuel, or for those who have a car or don’t. It’s a real money-saver, and on top of that, it helps avoid traffic,” she added.

While the metro provides financial relief for many commuters, its speed remains a concern. During peak hours, the overall travel time can be comparable to driving in heavy traffic, raising questions about whether it truly offers a faster alternative. Although it eliminates some of the stress of car travel and reduces fuel costs, the metro’s slower pace may not be ideal for those in a hurry.

Passengers at Qasr Al-Hokm Station also praised the metro’s accessibility, well-placed signage, and helpful staff. Fahad Hussain noted how easy it is to navigate the system. “The staff here make everything easy in terms of assistance and explaining locations. Everything is simple, and we haven’t faced any difficulties so far. Plus, the signs are available everywhere.”

The metro’s modern design and efficiency have also impressed international visitors. Georgii Korshunov, a traveler from Russia, described the system as futuristic, comparing it to Moscow’s extensive metro network. Meanwhile, Kate Pirogova, highlighted its user-friendly layout. “I like Riyadh Metro, it’s very modern, very simple to navigate.” 

To further encourage public transport adoption, authorities have introduced a free Uber ride initiative, allowing passengers to activate a voucher through the Uber app for complimentary rides within 3 km of any metro station. This initiative aims to address the “last-mile problem” by providing seamless connections between metro stations and final destinations, making public transport a more viable option for daily commutes. 

The metro’s influence extends beyond daily commutes; it is also shaping real estate trends in Riyadh. Landlords and real estate agents are increasingly promoting properties by emphasizing their proximity to metro stations, signaling a growing demand for metro-accessible housing.

This trend is common in global metropolitan areas, where transit-oriented developments often lead to increased property values and higher rental demand. As Riyadh continues to expand its metro network, neighborhoods near stations may see a surge in desirability and investment potential. 

The Riyadh Metro represents a major shift in the city’s transportation culture, gradually reducing reliance on private vehicles and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable urban mobility. By offering an affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative, the metro is paving the way for a more connected and accessible city.

However, the metro still faces challenges in terms of speed and efficiency, particularly for those who are accustomed to faster car travel, even in traffic. While its affordability and reliability are strong advantages, future enhancements — such as faster trains, express routes, or reduced transfer times — may be key to convincing more residents to make the permanent switch to public transport.


Authorities foil drug trafficking across Kingdom

Updated 03 April 2025
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Authorities foil drug trafficking across Kingdom

  • Suspects arrested in multiple regions as authorities tighten grip on drug trade

Riyadh: Saudi authorities carried out multiple drug-related arrests across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

Border Guard land patrols in the Halat Ammar sector of the Tabuk region foiled the smuggling of 352,275 amphetamine pills.

In Asir’s Al-Raboah sector, authorities arrested two Ethiopians with 50 kg of qat, while another operation led to the arrest of four Ethiopians smuggling 120 kg of qat.

In Jazan’s Al-Dayer sector, an Ethiopian was caught with 155,400 regulated tablets, and another smuggling attempt involving 995 kg of qat was thwarted.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested a Pakistani resident in Riyadh with 6.5 kg of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu.

Two citizens were arrested in the Hail region with 16,132 amphetamine tablets and 7.5 kg of hashish.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed, and all seized items were transferred to the relevant bodies.

Authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be submitted, in strict confidence, to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.


KSrelief provides urgent medical, food assistance to crisis-hit regions worldwide

Updated 03 April 2025
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KSrelief provides urgent medical, food assistance to crisis-hit regions worldwide

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, is providing humanitarian assistance to assist some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

In Yemen, KSrelief delivered the fourth batch of dialysis solutions and supplies for kidney patients in Al-Mukalla district of Hadramout governorate.

Hadramout Assistant Deputy Gov. Fahmi Badhawi highlighted the importance of the supplies and expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its support for Yemen’s healthcare sector and humanitarian efforts.

The scheme is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts through KSrelief to provide healthcare services to patients and the injured, while improving Yemen’s medical sector, the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, KSrelief delivered food baskets to 155 families in Sahnaya town, Rif Dimashq governorate in the Syrian Arab Republic, benefiting 769 people. The agency also provided clothing parcels to 140 families in Aleppo governorate.

In Lebanon, KSrelief provided food baskets to 828 families in Western Bekaa, Akkar and Dannieh, and 467 food baskets in Beirut, benefiting 2,335 people.

In Sudan, KSrelief handed out 2,000 food baskets to displaced and needy families in Berber locality, River Nile State, benefiting 12,811 people, and 800 food baskets in Jebeit, Red Sea State, benefiting 4,720 people.

Since launching in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,389 projects worth almost $7.9 billion in 106 countries, partnering with more than 300 local, regional and international organizations.

A recent KSrelief report shows the countries and territories benefiting the most from the agency’s projects: Yemen ($4.5 billion), Palestine ($514 million), Syria ($479 million), Somalia ($235 million) and other countries totaling $929 million.

Programs cover food security, early recovery, water sanitation and hygiene, health, camp coordination, education, protection, emergency aid, nutrition, and logistics and telecommunications.


Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Monday

Updated 03 April 2025
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Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Monday

  • The directorate indicated that moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Tabuk, Madinah, Jouf, Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Hail, Qassim, Baha and Asir regions

Riyadh: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms and heavy rains are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense. 

Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

According to the report, there will be dust-stirring winds, and moderate to heavy rain may fall in the Makkah and Riyadh regions.

The directorate indicated that moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Tabuk, Madinah, Jouf, Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Hail, Qassim, Baha and Asir regions.

The Jazan region will see light to moderate rain, while the Najran region will experience light rainfall, the report said.

The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.


Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

Among those attending the event were Saudi Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid and officials from the US State Department. (Supplied)
Updated 02 April 2025
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Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

  • The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange

LOS ANGELES: Saudi Arabia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles marked Eid Al-Fitr with a festive celebration attended by Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid, officials from the US State Department, the Vice Mayor of Irvine James Mai, the former mayor of Irvine, and accredited consul generals.

The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through such initiatives, the consulate aims to highlight the Kingdom’s rich heritage.