RIYADH: A Saudi social care project worth SR83 million ($22.1 million) is set to transform support services for people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim Region after a trilateral agreement was signed on Thursday.

The Sakhaa Program, the Abdulaziz Al-Ohali Charitable Foundation, and the Onaizah Association for Development and Human Services, known as Taheel, have joined forces to establish an integrated residential care facility which is expected to serve over 280 beneficiaries annually, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative aligns with the program’s efforts to support the community through creating sustainable development opportunities and enabling benefactors to actively participate in achieving social and economic development in the Kingdom.

Deputy Secretary-General Nasser bin Mohammed Asiri signed on behalf of the Sakhaa Program, alongside Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, chairman of the Al-Ohali Foundation’s board of trustees, and Musaad bin Yahya Al-Saleem, vice chairman of Taheel Association.

The memorandum of understanding outlines an ambitious project to establish a center that will provide a comprehensive and supportive environment to meet the needs of people with disabilities, according to the SPA.

The facility will offer integrated services, including full residential care supported by specialized rehabilitation programs, comprehensive healthcare covering both therapeutic and preventive aspects, as well as recreational and educational activities to enhance residents’ social and psychological well-being, ensuring their independence and enabling active community participation.

The project’s funding model combines government support, community contributions, and nominal fees to ensure sustainable, high-quality care delivery. Infrastructure development, equipment, and operational costs are included in the total investment.

The project is designed to serve as a model for developing similar centers in the future, the SPA added.

RIYADH: A new group of Muslim pilgrims arrived in the holy city of Madinah from Europe on Thursday to perform Umrah as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which supervises the program, received the 250 visitors, who come from 14 different countries. The ministry will provide the group services during their stay.

As well as visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque the pilgrims will tour historic sites including the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization.

They will then head to the holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah rituals.