Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month

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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
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Updated 17 March 2024
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Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month

  • One shop owner in the mall told Arab News: “Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts as shop owners. We are crafting unique displays and promotions to meet our customers’ needs during this spiritual period

JEDDAH: Each passing year sees Ramadan decorations in Jeddah’s public spaces become more elaborate and enchanting.

The coastal city’s malls, hotels and shops have undergone a remarkable transformation this year, creating an inviting experience for residents and visitors.

Many shops are adorned in special decorations featuring lanterns and golden crescents, setting a warm and comforting tone. Shoppers can encounter enticing deals, discounts, prizes and interactive competitions at every turn.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)

From majestic crescent moons to twinkling fairy lights, and cozy majlises to fabrics with geometric prints called khayamiya, the city has been decked out for the holy month.

Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district offer visitors an enchanting experience, in a celebration of the old town’s rich heritage.

Al-Balad has come alive with vibrant market stalls, shops and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for families to discover traditions while indulging in food for iftar and sahoor.

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Restaurants throughout Jeddah are preparing special iftar menus and dining experiences for customers looking to break their fasts in a communal setting.

Special seating areas are available for people to play traditional games such as dominos, carrom and ballot, enhancing the festive mood. The historic district is also hosting storytelling sessions and Ramadan treasure hunts, as well as poetry readings.

Visitors can also unwind in outdoor seating areas while enjoying popular Ramadan TV shows.

The Red Sea Mall has been adorned with ambient lanterns, fairy lights and golden crescent moons for Ramadan, creating ideal spots for family photos.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)

One shop owner in the mall told Arab News: “Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts as shop owners. We are crafting unique displays and promotions to meet our customers’ needs during this spiritual period.

“It’s not only the top month for sales, but also an opportunity for us to engage with our community and offer them a memorable shopping experience.”

Al-Hadaya Center in the Al-Safa district is illuminated by shimmering lights that evoke the spirit of the holy month. Mohammed Ali, a staff member at the center, said: “Ramadan signifies a time of generosity and contemplation, and we are thrilled to be part of our customers’ celebrations.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)

“We offer a unique range of Ramadan-themed products including plastic cups, cutlery, tablecloths, home decoration, and particularly the triangular streamers adorned with the distinctive red, white and blue designs.

“We look forward to welcoming shoppers seeking the perfect gifts or decorations to enhance their homes during this sacred month.”

As a part of the Ramadan festivities, the World of Saving store in the Sari district has set up a booth for the Albir Society to facilitate donations.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)

Meanwhile, Mall of Arabia, another prominent shopping destination in Jeddah, has set up a variety of activities and offerings. Shop owners at the mall have transformed their stores to welcome customers seeking special Ramadan gifts and decorations.

Hala Raees, a staff member at a household store, said: “Ramadan symbolizes a period of generosity and reflection, and we are excited to be involved in our customers’ festivities. Our store will showcase a unique selection of Ramadan-themed products, and as it is a month of giving and spreading joy, we look forward to welcoming shoppers in search of the perfect gifts or decorations to enhance their homes during this holy month.”

The city’s culinary scene is also embracing the essence of Ramadan. Restaurants throughout Jeddah are preparing special iftar menus and dining experiences for customers looking to break their fasts in a communal setting.

Salam Khan, the owner of a Pakistani restaurant, said: “Ramadan is a time for families and friends to unite, share meals and forge enduring memories. Our restaurant will serve a blend of traditional iftar dishes with Pakistani cuisine and special Ramadan beverages, creating a welcoming ambiance for our guests to savor their meals in a majlis-style setting.”

Abdel Darwesh, the owner of Al-Shami Restaurant, said: “We have introduced a variety of special Ramadan dishes and designed a stunning ambiance with hanging lights and mirrors for guests to enjoy the view.”

 


Saudi teams shine at Formula 1 in Schools World Finals

Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi teams shine at Formula 1 in Schools World Finals

  • Over 450 young innovators from around the globe join together for the event in Dhahran
  • Competitors worked in 55 teams to design, build and race miniature F1 cars on a 20-meter track

RIYADH: Three Saudi teams have scooped awards at the 2024 Aramco Formula 1 in Schools World Finals.

Over 450 students from gathered at Dhahran Expo from Nov. 23-26 for the competition, the first time it has been hosted in the Kingdom. The finalists emerged from an initial 29,000 schools worldwide.

The Clad team won the Enterprise Portfolio Award, while Oryx claimed Best Engineered Car and Shaheen took Best Application of Project Management.

Competitors worked in 55 teams to design, build and race miniature F1 cars on a 20-meter track. Those taking part were aged from nine to 19, one third of whom were female.

The competition reflects Aramco’s commitment to developing future leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, otherwise known as Ithra, oversaw the Saudi teams’ preparation during a nine-month training period. Led by 37 experts from six specialized centers, the program focused on engineering, design and teamwork.

It has become a key platform for developing Saudi Arabia’s next generation of scientific talent and putting innovation firmly on the global stage.

At the 2023 World Finals in Singapore, Saudi teams won the Innovative Thinking, Women in Motorsport and Identity awards.

The Aramco Formula 1 in Schools World Finals offer young innovators an opportunity to shape Saudi Arabia's future creative industries.

The program follows a unified curriculum covering physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacturing, branding, graphic design, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategies.


Grand mufti of Saudi Arabia meets Pakistan’s Senate chair

Updated 5 min 37 sec ago
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Grand mufti of Saudi Arabia meets Pakistan’s Senate chair

  • Al-Sheikh highlights role of Council of Senior Scholars on Islamic issues
  • Council ‘keen to promote moderation and combat extremism in the region’

RIYADH: The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday received the chairperson of Pakistan’s senate at the presidential headquarters in Riyadh.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh met Yusuf Raza Gilani, who was accompanied by a delegation of members of the upper house in the Pakistani parliament.

Al-Sheikh, who is also chairperson of the Council of Senior Scholars, and president general of scientific research and ifta, highlighted the depth and distinguished brotherly Islamic relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He highlighted the significant role the Council of Senior Scholars performs in the Kingdom to explain Shariah rulings about issues that concern Muslims. It has issued more than 30,000 fatwas and 200 rulings.

The council is keen to promote moderation and combat extremism in the region, he added.

He said that King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continue to serve the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, ensuring that visitors and pilgrims receive appropriate services.

Gilani expressed his happiness to visit Saudi Arabia, noting the great role the Kingdom is playing through its leadership as well as the ties it has developed with Pakistan on various issues.

The meeting was attended by the secretary-general of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed, and Shoura Council member Abdulrahman Al-Harbi.


New initiative to plant 60m seeds for sustainability

Updated 59 min 13 sec ago
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New initiative to plant 60m seeds for sustainability

  • NCVC CEO, Khaled Al-Abdulkader, outlined the initiative’s goal of dispersing 60 million seeds and cleaning floodplains throughout the governorate
  • Efforts are part of the broader National Greening Season, which aims to increase green spaces and address environmental challenges

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched the Grow Impact initiative in Hafar Al-Batin governorate to encourage community participation in preserving and expanding vegetation cover, while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.

The center’s CEO, Khaled Al-Abdulkader, outlined the initiative’s goal of dispersing 60 million seeds and cleaning floodplains throughout the governorate.

These efforts are part of the broader National Greening Season, which aims to increase green spaces and address environmental challenges, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Abdulkader described Grow Impact as a key step toward achieving sustainable development goals, restoring ecological balance, and enhancing biodiversity.

He said that the initiative also encourages environmental responsibility among individuals and communities.

The initiative aims to reduce waste in natural areas, protect plant and animal species from human activity, and combat desertification by inspiring communities to protect natural resources.

These goals align with Saudi Arabia’s vision for preserving the planet and its natural heritage, SPA reported.

The center continues its mission to develop and protect vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom, rehabilitating degraded areas, addressing violations, combating illegal logging, and overseeing rangelands, forests and national parks.


Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Sunday 

Updated 27 November 2024
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Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Sunday 

  • Makkah region is forecast light to moderate rain showers that could lead to flash floods
  • Asir and Jazan regions will also be affected by moderate to heavy showers

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has forecast thunderstorms in several regions across the Kingdom until Sunday.

Makkah region is forecast light to moderate rain showers that could lead to flash floods, hail and dust-stirring winds, reported the Saudi Press Agency, while moderate to heavy rain is expected in Riyadh region.

Asir and Jazan regions will also be affected by moderate to heavy showers, while the Qassim, Eastern and Baha regions will experience moderate rain. The regions of Madinah and Najran can expect light rain.

The directorate has urged people to exercise caution, avoid areas prone to flash flooding, and refrain from swimming in flooded areas.

Members of the public should follow media channels to keep themselves updated on the latest conditions.

Autumn in Saudi Arabia is typically rainy, with rapid weather changes providing relief from the heat, according to the National Center for Meteorology.


Shoura Council, EU officials discuss strengthening ties

Updated 27 November 2024
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Shoura Council, EU officials discuss strengthening ties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council Vice Speaker Mishaal Al-Sulami met in Riyadh with an EU Political and Security Committee delegation, led by its chair Delphine Pronk, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The delegation included ambassadors from the 27 EU member states, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio, and the EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud.

Al-Sulami highlighted the Shoura Council’s oversight and legislative roles and emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening cooperation.

The delegates praised the Kingdom’s significant developments and the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.

The talks addressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and the EU, ways to enhance collaboration between the Shoura Council and the European Parliament, and other topics of mutual interest.

Earlier, the EU delegation visited the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh, where they discussed ways to counter extremism.

The delegation also visited the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in Riyadh, where they discussed joint efforts to tackle global challenges.