Environment Fund partners with ROSHN to drive sustainable building innovation
ROSHN aims to develop more than 400,000 energy-efficient homes in pedestrianized communities
Updated 18 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Environment Fund on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Public Investment Fund-owned developer ROSHN to stimulate investment and boost research into sustainable building practices.
The agreement focuses on exploring sustainability in building designs, improving building standards, and introducing incentives to encourage environmental development practices.
The memorandum of understanding also aims to build upon the relationship between both parties, working toward the common goal of achieving environmental sustainability.
Both ROSHN and the Environment Fund will work together to improve awareness about environmental issues, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Fawaz Al-Enezi, vice president of marketing and communications, signed on behalf of the Environmental Fund, while Wassim Khashan, executive general manager of marketing, signed for ROSHN Group.
Also on Wednesday, ROSHN signed another MoU with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, pledging to work together to increase vegetation cover and combat desertification.
The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the opening of the ROSHN Green Initiative Center in Riyadh.
The center will have a tree nursery that will produce greenery for ROSHN communities and surrounding areas.
The center will also have an educational hub that will be open to the public, offering interactive learning sessions for members of the public and organizations interested in supporting the Kingdom’s sustainability programs.
According to the company, ROSHN’s Green Initiative has so far produced more than 32,000 seedlings, 25,000 mangrove trees, and 4,300 other trees planted across the Kingdom.
More than 3,000 volunteers and 75 schools were enlisted to help achieve these results.
When fully operational, the center is set to be able to produce around 2,000 trees per year.
ROSHN is a major developer that was launched as part of Vision 2030, aiming to develop more than 400,000 energy-efficient homes in pedestrianized communities.
Tasked with developing a number of housing projects around the country, ROSHN espouses a particular focus on improving the quality of living for residents.
The Environment Fund was established in 2019 to provide financial support to environmental and meteorological initiatives.
Sustainable Ihram initiative launched by Culture Ministry
Tonnes have been recycled, says Fashion Commission CEO
Updated 15 March 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: With the arrival of Ramadan and many Muslims from around the world performing Umrah, a compulsory garment for male worshippers is the ihram, a simple, white garment symbolizing purity, unity and devotion.
The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth.
The Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission recently introduced its Sustainable Ihram initiative, which focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams.
The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)
The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions.
Previously used garments are transformed into new, sustainable ihrams through a circular, textile recycling system.
The initiative is a collaboration with the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and the eco-fashion firm Tadweem.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Tadweem is a Saudi eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.
• Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission and Tadweem installed 336 collection bins in Mina to gather several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric.
It aims to promote sustainable practices, raise consumer awareness about fashion recycling, and support the development of a circular textile economy in Saudi Arabia.
The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions. (SPA)
Recognizing that millions of ihrams are manufactured and discarded annually, the commission identified an opportunity to reduce the large volume of textile waste.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, told Arab News: “Ihram is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fashion, but at the same time, it’s a product that is sold and used in volumes, repeated every year, especially during Hajj.”
He continued: “We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.”
The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)
“To make this possible, we installed 336 collection bins in Mina, gathered several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric, creating a fully circular process,” Cakmak explained.
The collected garments underwent a meticulous recycling process: sorting, cleaning, shredding, and reweaving into fresh ihrams, which “pilgrims can use with a deeper sense of purpose.”
“There is no better way to do this than for your religious pilgrimage, where you want to focus on spirituality, the core values of purity, and ensure that the product you wear represents how pure your thoughts are as you go through that journey,” Cakmak said.
We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.
Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO
Mustafa Bukhari, the CEO of Tadweem, told Arab News about their production process. “Currently, manufacturing is done outside Saudi Arabia, but our plans include moving the manufacturing operations inside the Kingdom.”
Tadweem is a Saudi Arabia eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.
For this project, the ihrams were converted into raw materials in Dubai, sent to Turkiye for manufacturing, and then returned to the Kingdom.
Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO
“We have ensured that the entire product is made from recycled materials, including the packaging and bags used, with no environmentally harmful materials,” Bukhari said.
He added: “The main material is recycled cotton, which we used in the ihrams and even in the packaging, where we also made the packaging bags from recycled cotton, ensuring the environmental sustainability of the entire product.”
At the Jeddah Hajj and Umrah conference held in January this year, Tadweem showcased how the fabric from recycled ihrams was incorporated into high-quality leather bags.
Priced at SR98 ($25.98), the ihrams are currently available in Madinah, with the distribution to be expanded to Makkah, major airports, and other regions in the future.
They will also be available via a dedicated store for sustainable ihrams in the Kingdom, and at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which runs until May 25.
Cakmak said: “The hope is that we are highlighting the importance of sustainability not just through art and creativity, but through everyday products that people can adopt.
“This is about offering a conscious choice, aligning the spiritual journey with sustainability.”
Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah
The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service
Updated 21 min 55 sec ago
Arab News
JEDDAH: Warmth and unity reigned supreme at an iftar organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to celebrate Ramadan.
The event featured organic flavors to highlight the theme of sustainability and brought together a distinguished group of guests including representatives of the Saudi government, diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and leaders from sectors such as business, media and culture.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on 'Organic Iftar,' the theme of the evening. (Supplied)
The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service. He emphasized the strong ties between his country and the Kingdom, particularly in areas like trade, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
FASTFACTS
• The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service.
• Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on “Organic Iftar,” the theme of the evening, and discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.
Indian Consulate’s iftar in Jeddah featured the theme of sustainability and emphasized the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and India. (Supplied)
The iftar featured a variety of dishes representing the rich flavors of India, made using organic ingredients to reflect not only a commitment to health and wellness but also to protect the environment for future generations.
These were supplied by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Government of India, with additional support from local partners like LuLu Group and Siafa Dates.
Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance
Updated 15 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has expanded to include the restoration of Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance.
It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad marked his direction of prayer at the site using bones while en route to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of the Hijra, SPA added.
The renovation will be carried out in the traditional architectural style of Madinah, and will ensure the mosque can accommodate up to 580 worshippers.
The project will use natural materials, including clay, stone, and wood sourced from local trees. Historically built with stone and plastered interior walls, the mosque has undergone multiple architectural changes over the centuries.
A key feature of the restoration will be the use of cut stones of varying sizes, bonded with clay mortar, and palm tree components for roofing, providing both structural support and insulation, SPA reported.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques seeks to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards, ensuring the preservation of historic mosque elements while integrating sustainable development practices.
The restoration efforts are being carried out by Saudi firms specializing in heritage architecture.
Al-Azm Mosque’s updates come as part of a broader initiative, which in its second phase includes the rehabilitation of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.
This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.
Saudi Arabia highlights KSrelief's global efforts to empower women at UN Headquarters
KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million
Updated 6 sec ago
Arab News
NEW YORK: Saudi aid agency KSrelief took part in a high-level session at UN Headquarters in New York City recently as part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
During the session, the agency highlighted its global efforts to empower women, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million.
The projects include vocational training programs and entrepreneurship support for Yemeni women, healthcare schemes, and initiatives to combat gender-based violence through awareness campaigns and survivor support programs.
Saudi Arabia’s historic mosque in Al-Majma'ah restored with traditional Najdi style
The project’s stated aims include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the mosques’ religious and cultural significance
Updated 39 min 25 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The historic Al-Roasa Mosque in Al-Majma’ah governorate has been restored as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The mosque, originally constructed between 1946 and 1950 in the traditional Najdi style, has been renovated using clay construction techniques and natural materials.
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area to more than 705 sq. meters, increasing its capacity to accommodate up to 210 worshippers. (SPA)
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area to more than 705 sq. meters, increasing its capacity to accommodate up to 210 worshippers.
It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two of the project: six mosques in Riyadh; five in Makkah; four in Madinah; three in Asir; two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan; and one in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim.
HIGHLIGHT
Al-Roasa Mosque has not been renovated since its construction nearly 70 years ago west of Munikh Mountain. Construction began in 1946 and was completed in 1950.
Phase one was completed in 2018, and saw the restoration of 30 mosques in 10 regions.
The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving their heritage and historical features. Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, the SPA reported.
The project’s stated aims include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the mosques’ religious and cultural significance.
