Symphony of colors as pilgrims mark Eid in Makkah

Worshippers perform Eid Al-Fitr prayers in the Grand Mosque in Makkah last year. (X/theholymosques)
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Updated 10 April 2024
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Symphony of colors as pilgrims mark Eid in Makkah

  • Pilgrims in the holy city of Makkah don their best outfits to celebrate
  • Pilgrims from all corners of the globe showcase diversity of Muslim community 

MAKKAH: During Eid Al-Fitr, pilgrims in the holy city of Makkah don their best outfits to celebrate, transforming areas of the Grand Mosque into a bright symphony of colors that showcase the diversity of the Muslim community.

Adorned in elegant attire, pilgrims from all corners of the globe share in the joyous atmosphere, each embracing their unique heritage as they celebrate Eid with fellow visitors.




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Arwa Al-Harbi, a hotel employee, drew attention to the growing fascination with Saudi culture among visitors and pilgrims, spurred by the Kingdom’s increasing openness to the world.

“Visitors now eagerly inquire about traditional Saudi attire like the mishlah and the occasions for wearing the iconic white and red ghutra, appreciating the sophistication and heritage behind these garments,” she said.




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Dispelling misconceptions perpetuated by media portrayals, Al-Harbi praises the beauty and elegance of Saudi attire.

“Gulf youths are frequently depicted disheveled in television dramas and films, perpetuating a stereotype ingrained in the minds of many observers. Yet, on closer inspection, these notions are found to be erroneous, with visitors acknowledging the sophistication, elegance, and charm of Saudi attire. This serves to reaffirm the authentic image of Arab youth,” she said.




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Al-Harbi said that the diverse array of clothing styles showcased in Makkah during Eid adds to the festive ambiance, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a beacon of cultural diversity and Islamic unity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Eid in Makkah reinforces the city’s reputation as a beacon of cultural diversity and Islamic unity, says local.

• Ahmed Mohammed, an Indian pilgrim, shared his excitement at being in Makkah and delighted in the sight of diverse clothing styles.

“This sends a powerful message to the world: Despite the variety in attire, Muslims represent a cultured community with diverse cultural and civilizational backgrounds,” she said.




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Saad Al-Joudi, a specialist researcher in Makkah affairs, emphasized the distinguished status of Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities in Islam.

“Set apart from all others worldwide, Makkah and Madinah serve as spiritual havens and pilgrimage destinations for Muslims across every continent,” he said.

Pilgrims resound Eid takbirs through Makkah’s streets, pathways, and bustling markets, infusing the air with joy and jubilation.

Saad Al-Joudi, Makkah researcher

“Pilgrims eagerly await the opportunity to visit and spend their holidays in these cities, considering it the ultimate fulfillment of their spiritual aspirations.”

He added that during Eid festivities “one witnesses the grandeur of these holy cities, as pilgrims resound Eid takbirs through Makkah’s streets, pathways, and bustling markets, infusing the air with joy and jubilation. They even exchange traditional Eid sweets, bringing a taste of home to their fellow pilgrims from distant lands.”




Each pilgrim embraces their own cultural heritage, as they share their beautiful outfits and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. (Supplied)

Al-Joudi said that retail outlets have geared up to cater to all the clothing needs of pilgrims, be it during the sacred month of Ramadan or the festive occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

“This underscores the robust purchasing power exhibited by pilgrims during Eid Al-Fitr, as they eagerly seek out items unavailable in their home countries,” he said.

“Furthermore, it highlights the resilience and diversity of the Saudi market and its swift responsiveness to the requests of pilgrims hailing from various corners of the globe.”

Ahmed Mohammed, an Indian pilgrim, shared his excitement at being in Makkah, saying that he looked forward to celebrating Eid Al-Fitr alongside fellow Muslims who have come to the holy city from around the world.

Amid the festivities, he delights in the sight of diverse clothing styles, particularly favoring the traditional Indian attire, including the Indian turban and customary dress.

This sentiment found resonance with Taqi Al-Din from Nigeria, who shared how Africans embrace vivid, striking colors for formal occasions, intricately embroidered to make a lasting impression.

 


The wheel of time: Jazan’s vibrant pottery reflects heritage

Updated 02 November 2024
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The wheel of time: Jazan’s vibrant pottery reflects heritage

  • Pottery in Jazan is a lasting symbol of authenticity and belonging through the efforts of artisans and enthusiasts

RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region, pottery is not just a craft but also among the oldest heritage crafts embodying the region’s cultural identity. Its creative legacy echoes locals’ dedication to preserving the traditions of their ancestors.

Over the years, the people of Jazan learned to transform clay into durable and functional tools and utensils. These handcrafted items reflect the beauty of Jazan’s nature and the depth of its heritage — a historic art form that strengthens the relationship between locals and land.

Jazan’s artisans have mastered the art of pottery, molding the clay extracted from dry valleys known as “valley clay.” The clay is carefully collected, purified and kneaded to become soft and moldable, Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Simple tools are used in molding clay items before leaving them to dry under the sun for several days. The plates are later placed in traditional kilns at high temperatures to become durable and solid to withstand high temperatures and daily use.

Among the pieces created are cooking pots, cups and utensils that continue to be valuable and are used to cook and serve traditional dishes. 

Cooking in clay pots is part of experiencing the region’s heritage and brings with it the warmth of the past. The slow and even distribution of heat makes enhances the dishes that are cooked in it, such as madhbi and mandi.

Despite the emergence of modern household appliances, clay pots for cooking and serving food are still widely popular in Jazan and beyond. 

However, SPA’s report noted that although pottery is an appreciated part of heritage in Jazan, it is facing several challenges, including the lack of young Saudi craftsmen and the lack of natural clay resources.

This has compelled local authorities to intensify efforts to support the craft of pottery, such as organizing training courses that enable youths to acquire the skills for carrying the legacy of this tradition into the future.

Local festivals are also being organized to introduce visitors to the importance of pottery in the region’s heritage and its role in the Saudi culture, SPA reported. 

Pottery in Jazan is a lasting symbol of authenticity and belonging through the efforts of artisans and enthusiasts. It combines locals’ love for land and nature and represents a significant aspect of the region’s cultural identity.


Authorities arrest 21,370 law-breakers in a week

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Authorities arrest 21,370 law-breakers in a week

RIYADH: A campaign to track down and arrest violators of residency, employment and border security regulations was conducted across the Kingdom in last week of October. 

A total of 21,370 violators were caught throughout Saudi Arabia, including 12,274 violators of the residency regulations, 5,684 violators of the border security regulations, and 3,412 violators of the employment regulations.

Some 1,492 people were arrested while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom, of whom 35 percent were Yemeni citizens, 61 percent Ethiopians, and 4 percent of other nationalities. Moreover, 34 people were caught for attempting to irregularly cross the border out of the Kingdom.

Fifteen people were detained for their involvement in transferring, sheltering or employing violators of residency, employment and border security regulations.


Saudi agency aids 258 orphans in Jordan

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Saudi agency aids 258 orphans in Jordan

AMMAN: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed monthly aid to 258 orphaned children from low-income Jordanian and Syrian refugee families in Mafraq and Irbid, Jordan.

Working with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, the Saudi aid agency provided year-long support covering basic living expenses, educational materials, Eid clothing, and recreational activities. The program aims to eventually support 1,000 orphans across Jordan.

Meanwhile, the aid agency recently concluded its project to combat blindness in Kano, Nigeria. The week-long campaign provided vital eye care to the community, including conducting 5,956 examinations, performing 411 surgeries, and distributing 914 eyeglasses.

This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global health and humanitarian aid.


Riyadh to host 34th Saudi Build Exhibition

Updated 02 November 2024
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Riyadh to host 34th Saudi Build Exhibition

  • The exhibition will be staged alongside the 25th edition of the power and water exhibition Saudi Elenex

RIYADH: The 34th edition of the Saudi Build Exhibition — the region’s largest construction exhibition — will be held from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Up to 600 organizations from 31 countries and 22,000 professionals are expected to attend the event, which is being held under the patronage of the Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail.

The exhibition will be staged alongside the 25th edition of the power and water exhibition Saudi Elenex. It will focus on efforts to transform the construction sector through sustainability and smart technologies.

The Saudi Build Exhibition will cover topics including sustainability, advanced building technologies, and innovation. The event is managed by the Riyadh Exhibitions Company.


Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea

Updated 02 November 2024
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Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea

  • Discovery of site marks significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s environmental conservation efforts

RIYADH: The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters.

Located on the Four Sisters Islands in the Red Sea, the discovery of the site marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s environmental conservation efforts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Khaled Asfahani, the organization’s CEO, said that the Four Sisters Islands had been designated as a protected area for sea turtle species management.

“These islands are essential habitats for endangered turtle species in the Red Sea, including the green turtle and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Protecting these sites is vital for the survival of these species, given that they return to these same nesting grounds each year,” he said.

The Four Sisters Islands — Marmar, Daharb, Malatu and Jadeer — have been identified as critical nesting areas with more than 2,500 recorded turtle nests. The islands are a crucial breeding ground for endangered species in the region.

Asfahani said that conserving the habitats is a strategic priority, as their survival supports the broader Red Sea ecosystem, essential for maintaining biodiversity.

The organization is developing a management plan to protect more than 180 identified beach nesting sites along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia.

Its environmental teams are also working to enhance sustainable tourism and eco-friendly entertainment opportunities around the ecosystems, Asfahani said.

Sea turtles are a vital component of the Red Sea ecosystem and contribute to the area’s biological and environmental balance.