Saudi health minister leads Walk 30 initiative at Sports Boulevard

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Updated 27 April 2025
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Saudi health minister leads Walk 30 initiative at Sports Boulevard

  • Activity program is ‘a pillar of health and quality of life transformations,’ Fahad Al-Jalajel says
  • Efforts have contributed to rise in average life expectancy in the Kingdom, minister says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel led a walk at Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard on Saturday to kick off the Walk 30 public health initiative.

Al-Jalajel told Arab News that one of the aims of the program is to increase activity among the Kingdom’s population, with the goal of at least 150 minutes each week.

Walk 30 aims to address the health challenge of physical inactivity, which currently affects over 80 percent of people.

The campaign encourages a simple, but effective, goal: Walk 30 minutes per day, or 150 minutes per week, to achieve long-term behavioral change, and become healthier and more active.

“Walk 30, in its fifth season, is considered a pillar of the health and quality of life transformations,” Al-Jalajel said.

The push for healthier lifestyles is bearing fruit, with 58.5 percent of adults now engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, above the 2024 target. Among children and adolescents, 18.7 percent meet the daily 60-minute activity recommendation.

These efforts have contributed to a rise in average life expectancy, which now stands at 78.8 years, edging closer to the Vision 2030 target of 80 years.

“I’m really glad to see Walk 30 today achieving a new record,” Al-Jalajel said.

He said that walking, even for 30 minutes a day, enhances one’s health and can lower the risk of chronic illnesses, including heartburn by 30 percent and strokes by 40 percent.

With the approach of summer and higher temperatures, the minister advised people to walk in the evenings, when it is cooler, and to stay hydrated and shaded.

He also highlighted the Healthy Mall program, which encourages people to take exercise in shopping malls.  

The program began in 2019, and takes place in several locations across the Kingdom.

Malls have been transformed into places where members of the community can comfortably walk, featuring stations for bottled drinking water and restaurants serving healthy meals.

Al-Jalajel said: “We think that Walk 30 is something that can be replicated in different countries. Last season we had Dr. Tedros (Adhanom Ghebreyesus), director-general of WHO, participating with us, and they have a walking program, too.
 
“We have multiple initiatives for advancing Walk 30 in the wintertime, in the summertime, and we can participate with different countries on that,” he said.


Hira district offers insightful Islamic journey

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Hira district offers insightful Islamic journey

MAKKAH: The Hira Cultural District is a must-visit for the millions of people who come to Makkah each year, offering an experience that engages both heart and mind by bringing history to life, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

At its center is the Holy Qur’an Museum, which features rare manuscripts and historical copies of the Qur’an alongside modern visual displays.

Visitors can explore the Qur’an’s compilation and the meticulous preservation it has undergone through the ages, the SPA reported.

The museum reflects the deep reverence for the Qur’an, using innovative presentation methods to enrich the visitor experience.

A standout feature is the Revelation Exhibition, closely linked to the Cave of Hira — where Prophet Muhammad first received the revelation.

The exhibition includes a dedicated pavilion that tells the story of the Qur’an’s revelation, offering profound insight into this pivotal moment in Islamic history.

Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District draws visitors from around the world and all walks of life, according to the report.

Beyond its cultural and educational appeal, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of traditional and modern cafes, restaurants, and diverse shopping options for individuals and families alike.


Art in Madinah through the eyes of a local artist

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Art in Madinah through the eyes of a local artist

  • Spiritual nature of the city inspires Meshal Al-Hujaili to seek simplicity through his work
  • Madinah Art Center a ‘turning point’ for local art scene 

Riyadh: Madinah’s art scene is expanding, featuring a rich blend of traditional and contemporary influences rooted in the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage, cultural identity and historical lineage.

“The art scene in Madinah is constantly evolving, leading artists in the city to keep pace with this development and enter the artistic landscape,” artist and Madinah native Meshal Al-Hujaili told Arab News.

Al-Hujaili described how the art scene in his home town influences his work: “Madinah, with its spiritual nature and simplicity, always leads me to pursue simplicity in my work, despite its artistic depth.”

Born and raised in Madinah, Al-Hujaili contributes to the growth of the local art scene through his solo art exhibitions and collaborations with the Madinah Art Center.

The center “has been a turning point for the art scene in Madinah,” he said.

“Due to its ongoing art sessions, exhibitions and meetings, it has increased my exposure to artists who preceded me in the field,” Al-Hujaili said.

“The center provides a stimulating environment for dialogue and exchange of experiences among artists, which has opened new horizons for me in my expression and in my understanding of the role of art in society,” he said.

Al-Hujaili’s artwork, currently on display in the main gallery of the Madinah Art Center, is a result of the Madinah International Symposium 2023.

“The painting, titled ‘Flow,’ reflects my experience at the symposium, my presence among more than 200 artists from around the world, and the artistic flow that prevailed at the center,” he said.

Al-Hujaili’s latest exhibition, titled “Path,” in collaboration with curator Nouf Al-Balawi explored “reflections, each representing a pivotal stage in the artist’s life as he searches for self.”

The art exhibition shed light on the Madinah native’s life, “documenting the events around him, about the various paths of life, in an individual experience that begins with the embryo and continues through to the impact he creates,” Al-Hujaili said.

When asked where he draws his inspiration from, the artist said his natural curiosity and love for asking questions.

Al-Hujaili’s latest exhibition is inspired by five themes, the first being “From Embryo to Embryo,” a series of four works that explore the circle of life, starting from the moment the fetus is formed in the womb and continuing through parenthood, “where the first fetus never ends, but rather transforms and begins anew as the father of a fetus,” as Al-Hujaili described it.

The second theme is titled “The Child I Was Not.”

“After highlighting the fetal stage, the exhibition moves to the next stage: childhood,” he said.

This is a single work in which the artist tries to reflect on children’s perspectives on art, because “art was not part of their experience as a child,” he said.

One part of the exhibition, titled “Morning Exercises,” shifts from childhood to decision-making and commitment. It features 30 artworks documenting the artist’s dedication to a daily morning art practice, lasting up to five hours of creating new pieces.

Another section titled “What to Do?” looks at the artist questioning the definition of the artwork and discovering where the value in the artwork lies.

In the concluding “Effort and Impact” section, two works represent the artist’s journey in producing art, his commitment to daily work, and his constant questioning and research.

Closing the interview, the artist emphasized how the Madinah Art Center supports his work and the work of other artists across the Kingdom: “The gallery encourages artists to explore new experiences and view the work of other artists,” he said.

“The center also offers numerous training courses and dialogue sessions that help artists become part of the artistic movement taking place in Madinah across various artistic fields,” he said.

When asked what he hopes to accomplish in the Madinah art scene, he said: “I have always dreamed of making a real impact on how people view art and representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Hujaili said he hopes his work will be immortalized in history.


Experts discuss innovations in clinical pharmacy

International Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Conference brought together more than 700 healthcare professionals and experts.
Updated 45 min 1 sec ago
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Experts discuss innovations in clinical pharmacy

  • Two-day event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality and align with global advancements

RIYADH: The International Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Conference, organized by the Hail Health Cluster, brought together more than 700 healthcare professionals and leading international experts in health and pharmaceutical sciences.

The two-day event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality and align with global advancements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. It provided a key platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Discussions covered the latest in virtual health, strategies to enhance the patient experience along the medication journey, and future models for expanding pharmacy services.

Conference highlights included research poster presentations featuring innovations and evidence-based practices in clinical pharmacy, the SPA added.

An accompanying exhibition featured cutting-edge technologies and solutions from participating organizations, reinforcing the role of pharmacy in driving primary care innovation.


Najdi doors reflect Kingdom’s craft legacy

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Najdi doors reflect Kingdom’s craft legacy

Riyadh: The year 2025 has been designated the “Year of Handicrafts” in the Kingdom to reinforce traditional arts and crafts as authentic cultural heritage.

The initiative aims to promote the practice, preservation, documentation and integration of handicrafts into modern life, celebrating a cultural legacy central to national identity, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

It seeks to support artisans, enhance their skills and prevent traditional crafts from disappearing. It emphasizes manual crafts made using simple tools, without modern technology.

Prominent crafts include Sadu weaving, mud building, wood carving, pottery, hand embroidery, and palm frond products such as baskets and mats.

Engraving on doors with Najdi motifs is another traditional art for which the Najd region is renowned, the SPA reported.

Artisan Ali Al-Jasser, known for Najdi door engraving, shared his journey from basic wooden installations to intricate three-dimensional pieces blending tradition with contemporary art.

He noted regional variations — at Najdi in the center, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri in the south, Rawashin in the west, Bab Al-Bahr in the east, and Sadu in the north.

Another artisan, Nouf Al-Suwailim, highlighted that Najdi door engravings were key elements of traditional Najdi architecture, reflecting its cultural and urban identity.

She described the doors’ elegant designs, featuring geometric and floral patterns enhanced by decorative iron nails.


Contest boosts Qur’an apps with tech innovation

Updated 49 min 14 sec ago
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Contest boosts Qur’an apps with tech innovation

  • Ayathon brings together programmers, designers, researchers and Islamic scholars to develop digital tools supporting memorization, recitation and reflection on the Qur’an

RIYADH: Ayathon, a Qur’an-focused app development hackathon organized by the Programmers Association, recently concluded in Riyadh.

Abdulaziz Al-Oraij, chairman of the association, described Ayathon as an initiative to use modern technology to serve the Holy Qur’an and improve the digital experience for users worldwide.

He added that Ayathon brings together programmers, designers, researchers and Islamic scholars to develop digital tools supporting memorization, recitation and reflection on the Qur’an.

“It aims to empower Qur’anic communities with interactive tools,” Al-Oraij said.

Mohammed Al-Wadee, chairman of the hackathon’s committee, said the event seeks to improve Qur’anic apps and develop technology that aligns with Islamic values.

He added that the event promotes integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality and user experience design into sustainable projects.

Maha Al-Atwi, chair of the technical committee, said Ayathon combines technical creativity and intellectual depth to motivate participants, and enhance results through interdisciplinary collaboration.

She added that using technologies like AI and data analytics helps create digital solutions meeting diverse user needs and offering a quality Qur’anic experience for the digital generation.

The judging panel includes international experts in technology and Islamic studies, ensuring projects are evaluated on innovation, quality and meaningful content, Al-Atwi said.