DHAHRAN: After the Taraweeh prayer rush and the light drizzle leading into the green-lit building, a serene circle awaited those interested in finding pockets of light in the middle of the dark and damp night.
That is where King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, hosted a discussion led by Mohammed Al-Saawi, imam of the Ithra Mosque.
As part of a soft push to form meaningful dialogue merging science, knowledge, religion and culture during the holy month, Al-Saawi talked about finding ways to balance generosity without being wasteful, whether it be in food during iftar, or even in one’s lifestyle and social interactions.
A father of four, Al-Saawi provided examples amplified on platforms such as TikTok, while sharing wisdom from everyday life plucked from the pages of the Qur’an and the Hadith, to provide context.
He also talked about a relatable topic that seemed to resonate with all attendees: how to help revive passion if you feel like you are losing it, whether it be in a boring routine at work, a seemingly stagnant home life, or just losing focus on a goal in general.
Since we were seated in a circle, he took the time to go around one by one and have each person share their comments, without making anyone feel overwhelmed or put on the spot.
The talk was inspired by themes explored in one of Ithra’s current exhibitions, “Searching for Light,” by world-renowned photographer Peter Sanders. The major retrospective opened in January and consists of about 100 framed photographs taken over decades.
Spread across five zones only a short walk from the Plaza, the exhibition forms a journey across the Muslim world, from the sacred cities of Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem to the remote deserts — showcasing photographs of the people and places shaped by Islam, and captured through the lens of Sanders, who shot portraits of music icons in the 1960s, such as the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.
Al-Saawi found relatable anecdotes that illustrated his teachings in a way that did not seem preachy or dull.
“If you gained one kernel of knowledge tonight, then you have advanced. It is considered a success,” Al-Saawi told Arab News.
On the night of March 26, Al-Saawi will again provide opportunity for fruitful discussion on the theme of “Thankfulness: Giving Back and Celebrating Life.”
That talk will also be held at the Plaza and will not require a ticket or reservation. Participants will, as in the earlier iteration, be encouraged to join the conversation. All talks are designed for those 13 years and older, and are conducted in Arabic.
Ithra imam provides insights on Ramadan
https://arab.news/52v6w
Ithra imam provides insights on Ramadan
- King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, hosted a discussion led by Mohammed Al-Saawi, imam of the Ithra Mosque
- Al-Saawi found relatable anecdotes that illustrated his teachings in a way that did not seem preachy or dull
Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and cooperation between the two countries in the military and defense fields, SPA added.
They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.
Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA's ongoing support for Palestinians
- The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Phillipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, in Riyadh on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian people, according to a post by the Foreign Ministry on X.
The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA.
Separately, Elkhereiji met with the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Neil Crompton, and they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, as well as prominent developments in the regional and international arenas.
RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system
- US-led THAAD program involved operational exercises, combat simulations
- Training part of Kingdom’s strategy to enhance armed forces’ capabilities
RIYADH: A second company from the Royal Saudi Air Force graduated this week after completing their training in an American anti-ballistic missile defense system.
The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, was attended by Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute commander and other representatives from the two countries.
The US-led program involved technical and operational exercises, combat simulations and advanced field training supervised by representatives of the manufacturers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and military experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Another company of RSAF graduates completed the program last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of its forces through professional training.
The THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced and precise methods to tackle ballistic missile threats and has been adopted by the Kingdom as part of its air defense strategy.
Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands
- Deal will help island nation reduce its reliance on conventional energy
- Since 1974, SaudFund for Development has financed 800 projects worth more than $21bn
RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development on Tuesday signed a $10 million development loan agreement with the Solomon Islands to support a renewable energy project.
The deal was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and the Solomon Islands’ Finance and Treasury Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
The project aims to develop renewable energy infrastructure in the country by establishing solar power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts and energy storage systems.
This will reduce its reliance on conventional energy and support sustainable development goals for economic and environmental growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The loan is the fund’s first to the Solomon Islands and demonstrates its commitment to supporting developing countries and small island states in overcoming economic, social and environmental challenges.
Since its foundation in 1974, the fund has financed more than 800 projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries.
Through its global initiatives, the fund enhances livelihoods, expands access to services and empowers communities, fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities worldwide.
On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad and his delegation met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They discussed the fund’s 50-year development efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation.
Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis
- Environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources
- Center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the SGI, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.
This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.
