JEDDAH: In a bid to add a splash of color to the walkways of Jeddah’s central fruit and vegetable market, local people volunteered for the Saudi Fingerprints initiative, held from Sept. 17-19.

The initiative, a collaboration between Jeddah Central Market Co., the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Hatan volunteering team, aims to improve the local urban landscape.

Abdul Rahman Al-Ghamdi, the operational manager of Jeddah Central Market Co., told Arab News that the initiative should improve both the appearance of main floors and public areas.

“The initiative was a clear message to all visitors, vendors and customers to beautify the pathways of Jeddah’s vegetable and fruit market.

“The activity is a reflection of the deep societal awareness to revive the old areas of the market and turn them into vivid and eye-catching artistic projects in a creative manner.

“It is part of the company’s projects donated to the community that contribute to stimulating creativity and supporting local volunteers, and encouraging families to return to the place in its new attire,” he said.

Art is important for establishing a unique and culturally active place.

Moslah Al-Olayani, Director of the fruit and vegetable market

Attendees watched young volunteers transform the market with paint over the course of the three-day event, which was open to the public.

Al-Ghamdi revealed that more than 200 volunteers took part in the project.

“Art is important for establishing a unique and culturally active place,” said Moslah Al-Olayani, director of the fruit and vegetable market.

“Public art is as important to our district as appealing storefronts, green spaces, and fine stalls. The coloring of the sidewalks of the market brings beauty to our community, and this initiative comes as part of the ministry’s strategy to enhance community engagement, empower creatives, and improve the public landscape.

“Art can help shape a place and this piece has helped revamp the market’s pathway into an exciting experience for residents and visitors coming to the vegetable and fruit market.

“(The) vegetable and fruit market is an old and very crowded place in Jeddah, we wanted to improve the quality of life for all with our support for Saudi volunteers.”

Faisal bin Fahad, the executive manager of Hatan volunteering team, told Arab News that staff volunteers joined the Saudi Fingerprints initiative together to get their hands dirty and add a bright touch to the place.

“The activity is a reflection of the deep societal awareness to keep the vegetable and fruit market in looks neat for the customers and vendors who are spending most of their time there,” he said.

“On behalf of my volunteering team, we are very proud to be part of such a great initiative which will benefit our city.”

Asked about how the market’s new look, Hamdan Al-Mutairi, a vegetable vendor who has been working at the market for the last 10 years, said: “It really looks nice and the market looks different. When you walk in, it really catches your eye.”

PADANG: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the religious mission of the Saudi Embassy in Indonesia, held its fourth intensive course for imams, sermon givers, preachers, and heads of educational and Islamic institutions in Padang, West Sumatra.

The three-day course, organized by the religious mission in collaboration with the Islamic foundation Yayasan Dar El-Iman Padang, targets 450 male and female participants.

The initiative is part of the ministry’s endeavors to organize Shariah courses for preachers and imams to help spread the message and values of Islam while developing the skills of religious figures.

In his address, Mohammed Elvi Syam, head of the Yayasan Dar El-Iman Padang Foundation, expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government and people for their significant care for Muslims worldwide, especially in Indonesia.

He also commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance for its services to the Muslim community.