RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is in the final stages of preparation for the launch of the inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, scheduled to convene in Madinah on Monday, April 22, for three days.
Under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah region, the forum will be held at the King Salman International Convention Center.
Developing Hajj and Umrah services in the Kingdom is a key priority of the Saudi government and an extension of the country’s historic role in serving Muslims and Islam worldwide.
The forum will showcase initiatives and services aimed at enriching the experience of Umrah performers and visitors from within and outside the Kingdom. It is part of achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to enable a larger number of Umrah performers to visit Makkah and Madinah and have the best experience they can.
The forum is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the programs of Vision 2030.
The event will include dialogue sessions, discussion groups, interactive workshops and an exhibition displaying the latest advancements in the sector.
It will feature participation from government officials and private sector stakeholders, including travel agencies, pilgrimage and tourism companies, and innovators spanning the insurance, health care, transportation, and technology industries.
The forum will address opportunities in the Umrah and tourism sectors, and will focus on the quality of projects, services, and products.
Participants in the general sessions and accompanying workshops of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum will showcase their experiences, services and products. During the forum, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will announce new opportunities and innovative work domains.
Moreover, several partnerships and agreements will be signed to enhance services in Makkah, Madinah, and various Islamic, historical, archaeological, and other cultural sites.
Saudi Arabia prepares for inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum
https://arab.news/7jrgr
Saudi Arabia prepares for inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum
- Forum to showcase services aimed at enriching experiences of Umrah pilgrims, visitors to Kingdom
- Event will include dialogue sessions, discussion groups, interactive workshops and an exhibition
Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s burning of Gaza hospital
Hospital officials said that Israeli troops raided Kamal Adwan Hospital on Friday, gathered staff outside the facility, removed their clothes, and took them to an unknown location.
Israeli soldiers then set fire to several parts of the facility, which is one of the last operating in the northernmost part of the Gaza Strip, including the surgery department, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave.
The actions constitute a violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the most fundamental humanitarian and ethical norms, said a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry.
Israel claimed Hamas fighters had been operating in the facility, which hospital officials denied.
Saudi Arabia to provide $500m in new economic support for Yemen
- Budget, stability, Central Bank of Yemen targeted
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced on Friday a new economic support package for Yemen worth $500 million and aimed at bolstering the government’s budget, stabilizing the Central Bank of Yemen, and fostering the development and stability of the Yemeni people.
The latest assistance includes a $300 million deposit into the Central Bank of Yemen to improve economic and financial conditions, alongside $200 million to address the Yemeni budget deficit, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The latest funding forms part of a larger $1.2 billion initiative through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. The program focuses on enhancing food security; supporting wages and operating expenses; and aiding the Yemeni government in implementing its economic reform agenda.
The new support aims to establish economic, financial, and monetary stability in Yemen by strengthening public finances, building government institutional capacity, and enhancing governance and transparency, the SPA added.
The assistance will empower the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth, create job opportunities, and place Yemen’s national economy on a more sustainable path for economic and social development.
Saudi Arabia’s previous economic assistance included deposits in the Central Bank of Yemen, which increased foreign exchange reserves, stabilized the local currency, reduced exchange rates, and stimulated the growth in gross domestic product.
The assistance also lowered fuel and diesel costs, reduced prices of imported food commodities, and supported the import of essential goods, including wheat, rice, milk, cooking oil, and sugar.
In addition, Saudi grants have helped the Yemeni government manage operating expenses, pay salaries, and mitigate the economic crisis by boosting foreign exchange reserves and restoring confidence in Yemen’s financial institutions.
These measures reduced reliance on borrowing to finance budget deficits, enhanced financial system stability, and alleviated inflationary pressures.
Saudi Arabia has also prioritized critical sectors in Yemen through grants and projects implemented by SDRPY, including more than 260 development initiatives across various Yemeni governorates, covering education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture, and fisheries.
These projects have improved access to essential services; provided medical treatments for chronic diseases and cancer patients; supported education; and ensured the provision of petroleum derivatives for electricity generation.
Saudi Arabia’s grants for petroleum derivatives have played a vital role in operating 80 power plants across Yemen, boosting energy efficiency and revitalizing productive and service sectors.
Diriyah Season exhibition honors symbols of Saudi resilience
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah’s legacy explored in immersive display for Second Saudi State’s bicentennial anniversary
RIYADH: Diriyah Season’s “Enduring Resilience” exhibition highlights the life of ruler Imam Turki bin Abdullah in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Second Saudi State.
“I enjoyed the exhibition. I honestly think that exhibitions like this are so important because they show Saudi history and the bravery of important people of the past, such as Imam Turki bin Abdullah,” said Maha Al-Aamri, a Saudi visiting the exhibition being held at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace with her friends.
Speaking about what stood out to her, she said, “All of it … The storytelling about Al-Ajrab Sword was probably the best part of the exhibition.”
Al-Ajrab Sword is one of the most well-known symbols of the Kingdom’s history, representing the courage, determination, and nobility of Imam Turki in unifying and restoring the sovereignty of the Second Saudi State in 1824 when he entered Riyadh.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Al-Ajrab Sword is one of the most well-known symbols of the Kingdom’s history.
• It represents the courage, determination, and nobility of Imam Turki bin Abdullah in unifying and restoring the sovereignty of the Second Saudi State in 1824.
Through the exhibition, visitors are transported back in time through a guided and immersive journey that explores how Imam Turki established and shaped the Second Saudi State, reclaiming the land and restoring the legacy of his ancestors.
“The experience was very nice and something different to try,” Vindeep Gupta, a computer technician working and living with his family in Riyadh, told Arab News.
“I will just say that I wish it (the exhibition) was bigger, but I like that it captured the struggles and challenges in achieving the victory … The historians did a good job in making the display,” he said.
Among the areas of the exhibition where visitors noticeably spent more time taking pictures and videos was Turki’s Cave.
According to a document published by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Imam Turki sought refuge in a cave high atop a rugged mountain, choosing it as his base of operations. The cave, located in Aliyyah, became one of the most well-known in Najd.
Its inaccessibility made it a perfect hideout, strategically situated near several key towns and villages including Al-Kharj, Al-Houtah, Al-Hareeq, Al-Hulwah, and Al-Dalam.
The exhibition, in Arabic with English translation, is open to the public until the end of the year. It offers a deeper understanding of the values of unity, belonging, justice, and loyalty that were exhibited by the imams of the state.
Black limes: a unique staple of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine
- Dried citrus adds zesty kick to dishes
- Originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climes
RIYADH: Anyone who has not yet dived into the world of black limes is in for a treat. Known in English as dried limes or black lemons, these intriguing ingredients are referred to as noomi basra in Iraq, limoo amani in Iran, and loomi in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
They are a must-have for elevating culinary creations and have graced dishes across the Middle East and North Africa for more than 1,000 years. It’s about time they were brought into every kitchen.
So, what exactly are black limes? Think of them as the sophisticated cousins of fresh limes. They undergo a transformation process: first, they are packed in salt, and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
The result is a hard, dried fruit that delivers a remarkable burst of flavor.
When it comes to taste, black limes pack a powerful punch. The flavor is a harmonious blend of sour and slightly sweet, rounded out by a touch of bitterness.
“It was a game-changer to realize that (adding black lime) isn’t just about adding tanginess to a dish — it’s a full-on spice with a smoky aroma and earthy notes that bring out so much flavor,” Shadia Al-Bayat — a home cook from Qatif — told Arab News.
“Beyond that, it’s packed with nostalgia, calling to mind traditional Gulf dishes like seafood, grilled meats, and hearty stews. It’s also the key to the signature hot ‘loomi’ tea, a staple at traditional gatherings and celebrations,” Al-Bayat added.
FASTFACTS
• Black limes are packed in salt and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
• They add a zesty kick to Saudi dishes; they originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climate.
This unique profile makes them perfect for enhancing stews, tagines and a variety of other dishes. A black lime added to a cooking pot will instantly elevate any meal.
Cooks can get creative with black limes. They can be used whole or crushed into powder, allowing for versatility.
Imagine a flavorful tagine or a warming soup that gets a delightful kick from a black lime. If preferred, the lime can be removed before serving, but leaving it in adds an appealing touch.
For something refreshing, blend black limes into limonana, a delightful drink that combines lemon and mint, perfect for quenching thirst.
And for something soothing, consider brewing some dried lime tea — a comforting drink that can settle the stomach and provide a sense of warmth.
They also make excellent additions to marinades for meats and fish, giving dishes a fantastic zest.
In Saudi cuisine, loomi is a prized ingredient that adds a distinctive tangy flavor to traditional dishes.
In kabsa, a popular rice dish, black lime is added whole or ground to add acidity and elevate the dish’s depth.
Black limes have a history that dates back centuries. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa, where they were a valued ingredient in ancient cooking.
Historically, they were prized not just for their flavor, but also for their ability to preserve food in the warm climate. Over time, dried limes became a staple in various cuisines, with each culture adding its own flair to their use.
Today, they are recognized for their versatility and are celebrated in dishes in many cultures.
Beyond their culinary charm, black limes come with health benefits, too. Packed with vitamin C, calcium and potassium, they are a nutritious addition to any diet.
Black limes are a cultural staple. While they share ties with fresh limes, black limes have a distinct personality, bringing an intriguing bitterness and complexity to dishes.
They can even be spotted in spice blends like baharat, because a little extra flavor never hurt anyone.
Black limes are a unique and flavorful ingredient that can bring depth to cooking and are worth adding to any culinary repertoire to impress the taste buds.
King Salman Global Academy launches Camel Lexicon
- Lexicon aims to facilitate those interested with reliable, authentic information on camels
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language unveiled the Camel Lexicon, a comprehensive source compiling authentic information related to camels in Arabic, on Thursday.
According to Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, KSGAAL secretary-general, the Camel Lexicon is a continuation of KSGAAL’s efforts in the field of lexicography.
It offers a rich linguistic resource, including terms and expressions specific to camels, such as their breeds, descriptions, species, colors, life stages, as well as diseases and defects they may encounter.
The lexicon also features distinctive marks and includes idioms, proverbs, stories, tales, and poetry associated with camels and aims to prevent it from getting lost or distorted over a period of time.
The Camel Lexicon will facilitate researchers and those interested in accessing accurate and reliable information about this field. It will also play a crucial role in preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage tied to camels by documenting the words and expressions that have been used by Arabs throughout history. It also endeavors to revive and pass down this rich heritage to future generations.
This lexicon demonstrates the academy’s strategic role in serving various key sectors, as it serves as the primary reference for the Arabic language in the Kingdom.
The academy previously introduced a series of specialized lexicons, Al-Washmi added.
The concept behind the Camel Lexicon stemmed from the esteemed position of camels in Arab culture. It was meticulously crafted based on the “Camel” blog, established by the academy in August 2024, and is part of the linguistic corpora available on the “Falak” platform for linguistic blogs, the KSGAAL secretary-general explained.
These efforts were part of programs inspired by the Cabinet's decision to declare 2024 as the “Year of the Camel,” showcasing the Kingdom’s pride in the cultural and historical value of camels and their cherished position in the heart of Saudi society, Al-Washmi noted.
The Camel Lexicon is an essential tool for documenting and deepening the understanding of camels and their role in Arab culture. It serves as a valuable reference for enthusiasts and researchers in this field, Al-Washmi said.
“Language and culture are deeply intertwined and preserving the terms and expressions linked to heritage plays a vital role in strengthening Arab cultural identity. It serves as a living record of both tangible heritage, such as camels and the tools associated with them, and intangible heritage, like the customs and traditions surrounding camels. By documenting these elements, we ensure that this history remains vibrant and enduring,” Al-Washmi said.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Fifi, head of the linguistic computing department at the academy, said: “By meticulously documenting terms that capture the essence of camel life, traits, and their profound roles in Arab traditions, it ensures this cultural treasure is safeguarded. Moreover, it stands as an inspiring bridge to pass this linguistic wealth on to future generations.”
The documentation of terminology showcasing the diverse facets of camel life — encompassing their breeds, colors, conditions, and unique traits — has preserved a treasure trove of knowledge for future generations.
The academy relied on the “Camel” blog, which contains 666,186 words collected from 971 Arabic texts, according to Dr. Yahya Allateeni, director of the Digital Dictionaries Department at KSGAAL.
The team extracted camel-related terms and their definitions using an automated process, organizing them into a dictionary according to the global LMF standard for the lexicographic industry.
This automated approach was adopted to ensure the terms could be used to feed various computational applications. “These terms were reviewed by experts in camel culture from outside the academy to assess the dictionary from a technical perspective,” Allateeni said.
“We do not stop at this point. We welcome all feedback from interested parties and experts, incorporating it into an ongoing review and evaluation process. We also ensure that any terms not included in the previous edition are carefully considered,” he added.
KSGAAL commended the pivotal role of the Camel Club in refining the lexicon’s content, expressing deep gratitude for their invaluable contributions. The academy emphasized the importance of sustaining this productive partnership to further enrich the Camel Lexicon with new and diverse entries, strengthening its content and broadening its scientific reach.
