MADINAH: The General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques is intensifying its efforts in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah to serve pilgrims and visitors, with a focus on the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The authority is working on providing the highest and best services for the elderly and disabled, having prepared 10 designated prayer areas near the gates of the mosque, four prayer rooms in the northern expansion, three prayer rooms in the western expansion, and three in the eastern expansion.
Additionally, it has prepared a special room for the deaf and mute on the roof of the Prophet’s Mosque that can accommodate 100 people to perform prayers, allowing them to understand the content of the Friday sermon through sign language interpretation.
Among the services provided by the authority are electric golf carts and wheelchairs to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and worshipers within the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards.
Prophet’s Mosque improves services for elderly, disabled
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Prophet’s Mosque improves services for elderly, disabled
- It has prepared a special room for the deaf and mute on the roof of the Prophet’s Mosque that can accommodate 100 people
KSrelief, UN officials hold talks on Yemen aid
RIYADH: Dr. Hana Omar, the director of the Department of Partnerships and International Relations at Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief, met here on Sunday with Markus Werne, the director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Yemen.
During the meeting, the officials assessed aid projects in Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Werne praised the Kingdom for its role in assisting vulnerable people in the Arab nation and around the world.
Saudi Foreign Ministry highlights women empowerment in diplomacy
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry held a seminar here on Sunday titled “The Role of Women in Diplomatic Work,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies was held to mark last week’s UN International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
Among those who attended were Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, female ambassadors to the Kingdom, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps.
The participants discussed the achievements and challenges facing women in the sector.
In his address, Al-Khuraiji highlighted the progress made in empowering women across various sectors in the Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, as part of Vision 2030.
He said Saudi Arabia women now serve as ambassadors, leaders of international organizations, and members of foreign missions and delegations.
Cairo Nights brings Egypt’s lively urban culture to Jeddah
- New zone focuses on Egyptian capital’s streets
JEDDAH: City Walk is back with the theme “Once Again,” and boasting a new zone, Cairo Nights, which is a portal into the lively streets of the Egyptian capital.
This year’s season includes new attractions and zones, while others have been renamed and rearranged to bring a fresh new experience for visitors.
Cairo Nights’ alleys are lined with shops brimming with authentic Egyptian goods, and sellers tempting visitors with their offerings.
FASTFACTS
• Cairo Nights will run for this season only — along with other zones including China Town, Bubbly, and Fun Land — until Aug. 17.
• Attractions include a house of horrors offering visitors ‘Raya and Sakina,’ a terrifying experience inspired by the story of the infamous Egyptian sisters.
Located on the side of the Red Sea Mall gate, the zone presents a fresh scene and vibe, with the sounds of Egyptian music and the fragrance of the country’s cuisine floating by.
On entering, the Arabic Theater on the right displays a poster advertising the Egyptian comedy play “Musical School” on its billboard. You see a cafe called Qahwat El-Set, or “The Lady’s Coffee,” opposite, where pictures of acclaimed Egyptian singers decorate the walls and traditional tables and chairs add a nostalgic atmosphere.
The Khan Al-Khalili alley is filled with shops selling all that is related to Egypt, from figurines of respected singers and miniatures of the pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza to traditional instruments like the drum and oud, paintings, tableware, belly-dancing outfits, and snacks.
Right where the alley ends on the left side, Locanda Royal Hotel awaits those looking for a fun time with friends and family. The experience takes visitors through an interactive story told by a new narrator at each stop. A certain task must be fulfilled before moving to the next one.
Next to the hotel, a house of terror stands tall offering visitors “Raya and Sakina,” a terrifying experience inspired by the story of the infamous Egyptian sisters. The scarers inside the house are all dressed in Egyptian clothes, consisting of a gown called a jalabiya, and traditional headwear.
The zone is filled with other attractions and dining locations, like Tant Restaurant and Gaw open cafe where a large statue of the singer Umm Kulthum is proudly displayed.
Cairo Nights will run for this season only — along with other zones including China Town, Bubbly, and Fun Land — until Aug. 17.
Entry tickets are available from the Visit Saudi app and Webook’s app and website. Doors open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Deep feelings: into the blue with Saudi diver
- Faisal Abdulsalam discusses Red Sea’s beauty, encounters with marine life
MAKKAH: In the depths of the Red Sea lies a world of wonder that professional Saudi diver Faisal Abdulsalam describes as a “blue treasure trove teeming with life and secrets.”
Abdulsalam, who spends a lot of time underwater, told Arab News that the experience is transformative for him, dispelling negative energy and revitalizing his life.
The allure of the Red Sea extends far beyond our borders, Absulsalam said. “It is not just Saudi divers who are drawn to these waters. Divers from every corner of the globe are constantly on the lookout for chances to plunge into our waters, drawn by its vibrant coral reefs and warm beaches,” he said.
Of his interest in diving, he said: “My relationship with the sea began in childhood with my father, as our outings were mainly sea trips and recreational activities.
“As I grew older, my love for sea trips did not fade. I found that free diving was the best option for exploring the sea and its depths.”
Abdulsalam learned free diving, which involves holding one’s breath while descending without breathing apparatus, from Ishak Abdulkhaleq, known as the deepest diver in Saudi Arabia.
He noted that professional training is important and recommended specialized centers, such as the Jeddah Free Diving School, for those aspiring to dive professionally.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Red Sea offers unexpected therapeutic benefits. Abdulsalam recounted his personal experience with depression, sharing how spending time by the sea became a significant remedy.
It is well known among divers that we have access to a blue treasure full of secrets and bustling with beautiful creatures.
Faisal Abdulsalam, Saudi diver
“Seawater is rich in magnesium, which helps relax muscles and reduce stress,” he explained. “The combination of free diving as a sport and the sea’s natural properties provides multi-faceted benefits for mental, physical, and cognitive health. This combination provides threefold benefits for mental health, along with opportunities for meditation and discovering God’s creations.”
Describing his most memorable underwater encounter, Abdulsalam recalled his first shark sighting. “I was amazed and carried a lot of fear, but it did not approach me and swam by calmly. It was a beautiful moment of facing my fear.”
Abdulsalam said that the Red Sea is one of the world’s most beautiful seas. Its suitable diving climate, rich marine life, clear visibility, and numerous historical shipwrecks make it a diver’s paradise.
He also noted the increasing presence of endangered species like turtles, which are being taken care of by Saudi Arabia’s various conservation efforts for both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
However, Abdulsalam feels that public beaches directly facing the open sea are still quite lacking. He said most Saudi beaches are private or located near shipping lanes, detracting from their tourist appeal. “They are not as lively or enjoyable as the open sea with its natural beauty,” he said.
Abdulsalam hopes for future development of large public beaches with proper safety measures and awareness systems to ensure safe enjoyment of the marine environment.
“It is well known among divers that we have access to a blue treasure full of secrets and bustling with beautiful creatures. We are amazed by the Red Sea’s beauty and its uniqueness,” he said.
200 Claude Monet works featured in Jeddah Season
- Exhibition uses 360-degree projections on walls and floor
RIYADH: An “Imagine Monet” exhibition, which began on Friday as part of Jeddah Season 2024, is giving Saudis an interactive showcase of 200 of Claude Monet’s most celebrated works, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The exhibition features more than 200 paintings enhanced through modern technology, with 360-degree projections on walls and floor, courtesy of advanced Image Totale technology.
It is a journey through the French artist’s career, highlighting Monet’s genius and profound grasp of light and color.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Monet’s masterpieces, from “Impression, Sunrise” from 1872 to the “Water Lilies” series (1914-1926).
The exhibition features a discovery room to educate visitors about the artworks, offering a comprehensive 360-degree view and a pioneering audio-visual experience.
Visitors can explore the exhibition from 5 p.m. on weekdays, with doors opening at 4 p.m. at the weekend, at the entrance of the Jeddah Yacht Club.
