New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 23 December 2024
Follow

New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

  • Deal will help promote local talent, foster innovation

RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry.

The commission’s CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Nesma’s Managing Director Rami Al-Turki on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for collaboration in professional development and industry innovation.

The partnership aims to prepare a new generation of Saudi professionals to compete on the world stage and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for architecture and design excellence.

“The initiative aims to empower architects and designers to develop their skills and enhance their capabilities, creating an environment that nurtures Saudi talent while fostering innovation and creativity in the sector,” Al-Solaiman said.

It would also help to advance the commission’s mission to forge strategic alliances with industry leaders, she said.

Under the deal, the two sides will cooperate in areas such as industry best practice, knowledge exchange and professional workshops. It will also involve the joint sponsorship of competitions, awards and conferences.

“As a leading Saudi contractor, we are committed to providing training and creating employment opportunities for Saudi architects,” Al-Turki said.

“Our strategic partnership with the commission reflects our values of innovation, excellence and social responsibility.”

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for sector development, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem for architecture and design professionals.

The commission emphasized its commitment to advancing scientific research and creating an integrated environment that supports the sector’s creative community.


Clock Tower restaurant invites diners to break Ramadan fast overlooking Grand Mosque

Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Clock Tower restaurant invites diners to break Ramadan fast overlooking Grand Mosque

  • Diners enjoy iftar, sahoor with view of Islam’s holiest site
  • Eatery reports high demand for bookings

MAKKAH: Makkah’s iconic clock tower has opened a restaurant overlooking the Grand Mosque that allows diners to break their Ramadan fast with a view of Islam’s holiest site.

Guests can enjoy iftar and sahoor meals in the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, directly beneath the clock face.

Mohammed bin Youssef Makhtoom, e-marketing manager at the Fairmont hotel, spoke to Arab News about the extensive preparations, challenges and services being offered at the eatery.

“We are providing guests a unique opportunity to dine at Makkah’s highest point, directly beneath the clock, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Grand Mosque and the Holy Kaaba,” said Makhtoom.

Preparations began well in advance, with the restaurant space arranged to reflect the sanctity of both the location and the holy month.

Staff underwent specialized training, and the interior features Ramadan-inspired decorations enhancing the venue’s spiritual ambiance.

The restaurant has reported high demand for reservations so far.

The menu features traditional Arab and Saudi dishes including quzi, grilled specialties and soups, alongside seafood and Ramadan desserts.

International options cater to diverse tastes, with vegetarian and health-conscious selections available.

Guests also receive access to the Clock Tower Museum, an educational center operated by the Misk nonprofit organization.

“Guest feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Makhtoom said. “Many describe their experience as unforgettable, with the combination of luxury service, spiritual atmosphere and direct views of the Grand Mosque creating truly memorable moments.”

Looking ahead, the restaurant plans to enhance future Ramadan offerings with more events and menu options.

Guests can book through WhatsApp, by phone, or through the hotel’s website.


Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Updated 8 min 51 sec ago
Follow

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Sunday to chair a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Gaza.

More to follow...


KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

Updated 15 min 3 sec ago
Follow

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.

KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.

The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.

KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.


Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Updated 23 March 2025
Follow

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

  • The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage

RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.

These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque’s reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported.

The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers.

A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages’ urban fabric.

Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style’s urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture.

It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.


Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Updated 23 March 2025
Follow

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.

The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.

This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.

As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.

Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.

This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.