The holy month of Ramadan has approached for Muslims, with scorching summer temperatures and high humidity levels.
This year, the days will also be longer, lasting more than 15 hours in the first few days. Fasting hours will gradually decrease as the month progresses and will last around 14 hours and 40 minutes toward the end of the month.
Temperatures are expected to rise above 43 degrees Celsius in the Kingdom during Ramadan. The holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are expected to record the highest temperature levels besides the Eastern Province, Yanbu and Riyadh.
The coastal city of Jeddah recorded 70 percent humidity on the first day of Ramadan, the highest in the Kingdom, with residents in open areas sweating it out and the holy city of Madinah recording the highest temperature.
Meanwhile, the dusty weather conditions that had Riyadh residents worried two days ahead of Ramadan has since subsided.
The weatherman, however, says this is only temporary and that dusty weather will return to Riyadh in the next few days.
Hussain Al-Qahtani, a spokesperson for the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment, told Arab News yesterday that the temperature during Ramadan was expected to remain hot due to low pressure in the Arabian Peninsula and hot weather conditions in the Middle East region.
According to him, temperatures will range between 43-48 degrees Celsius in the Makkah region, 42-47 in the Madinah region, 44-47 in Riyadh and Central Province, 44-48 in the Eastern Province, 50 degrees Celsius in Al-Ahsa, 39-45 in the Northern Border Provinces and 42-46 in the Southern Province.
Revealing other statistics, Al-Qahtani said that Makkah recorded 49.8 degrees celsius on July 1, 1989, Madinah registered 49 degrees celsius on July 20, 2005, while Riyadh recorded a high of 48 degrees celsius on July 25, 1987, and Dammam recorded 50 degrees Celsius on July 28, 2007.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. Consequently, the holy month occurs around 11 days earlier every year in the Gregorian calendar. The cycle for each season takes nine years and the next time Ramadan will occur in spring will only be in 2017.
With summer temperatures reaching their peak across much of the Middle East, remaining hydrated will be the real challenge. Yet despite the hardship caused by a long, hot summer, Ramadan is that period of the year which Muslims all over the world look forward to.
It is, however, important to ensure that harsh weather conditions do not take a toll on the body. During fasting, body energy and fluid levels are low. Hot, spicy or salty food should be avoided during suhoor. Doctors also recommend meals with a high fiber content, which takes a longer time to digest, before beginning the fast.
Holy month comes in hottest weather and longest days
Holy month comes in hottest weather and longest days
A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage
- Centuries-old art form of batik deeply rooted in Indonesian culture
- Included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage
RIYADH: Reporting on the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency highlighted the Indonesian pavilion, which showcased the exquisite art of batik.
Indonesian artisans had creatively blended traditional batik techniques with motifs inspired by different regions of the Kingdom, “creating stunning pieces that seamlessly intertwine the two cultures,” according to the SPA.
The centuries-old art form of batik is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, and is included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It involves a meticulous process known as wax resist-dyeing to create its intricate patterns. The designs often have cultural and religious significance, reflecting the deep connection between Indonesians and their environment.
The convergence of Indonesian and Saudi artistic traditions at Banan, which ended on Friday, “exemplifies the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries,” the SPA stated.
Dalia Alyahya, head of the handcrafts sector at the Heritage Commission, which organized the event, highlighted the significance of such cultural exchanges.
“Through art, we can bridge cultural divides and foster global harmony. Batik, with its rich history and enduring appeal, continues to inspire and connect people across the world,” Alyahya told the SPA.
Artists and representatives from more than 20 countries exhibited at the event alongside the Kingdom’s own talent.
Through Banan and other initiatives, the Heritage Commission “raises awareness about the importance of handicrafts as part of cultural heritage, ensuring they are preserved and passed on,” the SPA wrote.
Royal order approves transformation of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital
RIYADH: A royal order was issued on Saturday to transform King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center into an independent, non-profit institution under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, acting CEO of the commission, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their commitment to improving health services in the Kingdom, the SPA added.
Al-Sultan said that the transformation will “establish the hospital as a global leader in ophthalmology, reflecting the leadership’s dedication to providing world-class healthcare.”
The hospital's transformation is part of a broader initiative to enhance specialized health and educational entities, including King Saud University and King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
The Royal Commission will oversee the hospital’s development, ensuring it aligns with international standards and “continues to serve as a cornerstone of Saudi healthcare excellence,” the SPA reported.
Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life
RIYADH: Abdullah Mustafa, a prominent Muslim scholar from Thailand and one of the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, has expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in shaping his life and career, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Fifty years ago, a young Mustafa embarked on a life-changing journey to Saudi Arabia, receiving a scholarship from the Islamic University of Madinah. He fondly recalled the simplicity of the Prophet’s Mosque during his early days — a stark contrast to the magnificent religious landmark it has become today.
During his 16 years in Saudi Arabia, Mustafa immersed himself in Islamic studies, earning a doctorate in Islamic advocacy and interfaith dialogue. His academic pursuits were particularly focused on understanding Buddhism, the predominant religion in Thailand, and developing effective strategies for Islamic outreach.
Upon his return to Thailand, he dedicated his life to spreading the message of Islam. He translated the Holy Qur’an into the Thai language, making it accessible to a wider audience. His tireless efforts have led to numerous conversions and a strengthened Muslim community in Thailand.
He emphasized the enduring impact of Saudi Arabia’s support for Muslims worldwide and highlighted the “esteemed” position held by graduates of Saudi universities in various fields, including education and Islamic jurisprudence.
Looking to the future, Mustafa expressed hope that his daughter, currently studying at Taibah University in Madinah, will continue his legacy of serving Islam.
He acknowledged the Kingdom’s progressive approach to education, emphasizing the importance of women scholars in Islamic advocacy.
He also extended heartfelt thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims around the world, and gratitude to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its endeavors to promote moderate Islam and foster “global Islamic unity.”
Saudi Arabia’s 26th relief plane lands in Lebanon
- Continuing mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts for the Lebanese population displaced by the conflict continues with the 26th relief plane arriving at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Saturday morning.
The aircraft, operated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, was loaded with various relief aid, including food, medical and shelter supplies, state news agency SPA reported.
The continuing mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people.
KSrelief conducts medical outreach in Yemen, Djibouti and Bangladesh
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) conducted various medical activities in Yemen, Djibouti and Bangladesh in cooperation with volunteer organizations and specialists.
In Yemen’s Socotra, 16 specialist volunteers successfully completed a project involving specialized and general pediatric surgeries. During the campaign from Nov. 16 to 23, KSrelief’s medical team conducted 404 examinations, performed 60 surgeries, and provided medicine for 208 patients.
In Djibouti, the aid agency launched on Wednesday a cardiac catheterization surgery project – with seven specialists in the team – and has successfully performed four procedures since.
In Bangladesh’s city of Rangpur, KSrelief implemented the Saudi Volunteer Project to combat blindness and its contributive diseases. The center’s volunteer medical team examined 5,082 cases, performed 456 specialized eye surgeries, and distributed 1,454 eyeglasses from Nov. 22 to 26.
