KARACHI: Saudi Arabia has announced the next phase of its global tourism campaign and named it “Ramadan Lights,” the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) said on Monday, sharing a range of offerings in the Kingdom.
During Ramadan, Saudi transforms into a vibrant hub where tradition meets celebration. While the days are peaceful and relaxing, the nights come alive with bustling markets, festive stalls, and extended shopping hours, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture.
People can explore districts like Historic Jeddah, Al Balad, and Diriyah, visit awe-inspiring mosques, and discover traditional souks filled with unique finds. With a lively atmosphere and special Ramadan events, it’s the perfect time to experience the warm, welcoming spirit of Saudi.
“From the crystalline waters of the Saudi Red Sea, lively coastal city of Jeddah, to the heritage-soaked AlUla, and the vibrant capital of Riyadh, visitors venturing to Saudi can experience a land of firsts, and create memories for a lifetime,” the STA said in a statement shared by its Pakistani PR partner firm.
“From wellness retreats, stargazing, beach horse riding, paddleboarding and kitesurfing there is somethings for every type of interest. History and heritage come to life in Diriyah, near Riyadh, walking through the ancient rock carved tombs near AlUla, or wending your way through the alleys of Historic Jeddah.”
Ramadan is traditionally a time for family and reflection, and the Kingdom truly comes alive as the sun sets.
In Jeddah, visitors are treated to a diverse selection of Ramadan delicacies to suit every taste, or vibrant Ramadan tents filled with surprises and exciting events. For those wanting to celebrate, the Al Falah Square Bazaar offers a distinctive cultural experience that revitalizes authentic Ramadan traditions whilst offering shoppers a different experience through a range of shops and products.
AlUla is the place where Ramadan’s serene ambiance blends harmoniously with the tranquil surroundings, creating the perfect setting for reflection and relaxation while enjoying nature’s beauty. A visit to Bukhoor Road for shopping and tasting coffee is a must or enjoying wonderful Ramadan events at Al-Manishiyah Square.
Riyadh City offers a unique Ramadan ambiance, where iftar and suhoor gatherings bring families together, and special Ramadan events create a distinct atmosphere. Visitors can wonder through the Souk Al Zal, an exceptional market for incense, traditional artifacts and textiles, combining Saudi heritage with a Ramadan atmosphere, or watch the Ghabga, a Ramadan event that offers a unique experience, mixing traditional and modern atmosphere and featuring a range of entertainment and cultural events to enhance the Ramadan experience.
Saudi Arabia is currently boosting its public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism as part of the Vision 2030 framework, which aims to cut the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.
The Ramadan Lights season is part of the Kingdom’s global tourism campaign, “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia,” a vibrant consumer brand dedicated to sharing Saudi Arabia with the world and welcoming travelers to explore all the country has to offer.
It aims to drive forward the country’s tourism industry through awareness-raising campaigns and to provide a comprehensive array of information and resources for travelers to plan and enjoy unforgettable journeys.
‘Ramadan Lights’: Saudi Arabia launches new phase of its global tourism campaign
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‘Ramadan Lights’: Saudi Arabia launches new phase of its global tourism campaign
- While Ramadan days are peaceful and relaxing, the nights come alive with bustling markets, festive stalls, and extended shopping hours in the Kingdom
- People can explore districts like Jeddah, Al Balad, and Diriyah, visit awe-inspiring mosques, and discover traditional souks filled with unique finds
Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan
- Number iftar meals provided during Ramadan to has increased this year due to growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims at Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, officials say
MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan.
The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.
The authority said the number of iftar meals it provides during Ramadan to pilgrims performing Umrah, and other visitors to the mosques, has increased this year due to growth in the number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The food is served in designated iftar areas at the mosques, in adherence with strict health standards to ensure the safety of worshippers, it added.
In the run-up to the holy month, the authority introduced an online service through which individuals, charitable organizations and endowments could submit requests to donate iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, the SPA added.
Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class
- Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom
RIYADH: The Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia were awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday.
Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji awarded the sashes on the directive of King Salman, SPA added.
Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation
- The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission
RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province.
The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16.
The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.
The achievement underscored ZADC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in culinary education and training.
By equipping national talents with specialized skills, the academy aims to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The achievement also aligns with the broader efforts of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to ensure quality and excellence in education and training institutions across the Kingdom.
Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations
- Several senior ministry officials attended
RIYADH: Under the patronage of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Foreign Ministry hosted a gathering of the heads of diplomatic missions, regional offices, and international organizations accredited to the Kingdom to mark the holy month of Ramadan.
The ministry hosted an iftar reception at its headquarters in Riyadh, and those attending, which included several senior ministry officials, exchanged Ramadan greetings and engaged in cordial discussions, enhancing communication with diplomatic missions in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project
- Mosque is second oldest in region of northern Saudi Arabia
- It will be expanded to accommodate 68 worshippers
RIYADH: The Al-Saidan Mosque is undergoing a restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques.
The site is a significant landmark in Dumat Al-Jandal, the location of several battles in early Islamic history. It is the second oldest mosque in the Jouf region in northern Saudi Arabia, after the Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque.
It is currently undergoing expansion and restoration as part of the project, which focuses on preserving historic sites in the Jouf region.
Its area is to be extended from 179 to 202 sq. meters to accommodate 68 worshippers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The mosque was constructed by the Saidan tribe and features the Aba Al-Jibal well and an elaborate staircase leading to the ablution area. It used to be a place for Friday prayers, a courthouse, and a school for Qur’anic studies.
