The feeling of safety and security overwhelms not only the visitors to Makkah, but seems also to percolate to the pigeons that fly around the Grand Mosque.
They confidently walk in the courtyards of the mosque in a scene that competes with the most famous pigeon squares around the world.
Once the pilgrim approaches the Grand Mosque, he faces flocks of pigeons flying and wandering around the mosque and its minarets. As the pilgrims step into the mosque, pigeons seem to welcome them.
The spectacle of the pigeons roaming around the Kaaba and worshippers without fear soothes the eyes. The pigeons have become one of Makkah’s famous sights.
Pictures of the mosque’s pigeons taken by pilgrims circulate through social media sites and frequently figure in exhibitions and photography competitions.
Pigeons of Al-Hema, as they are called by the residents of Makkah, have created many stories and good memories shared by visitors. These lovely birds have lived along the sidewalks, streets and the roofs of buildings waiting for the pilgrims’ pouches full of feed. Pilgrims feed the pigeons asking for reward from Allah. They have become part of every pilgrim’s story that he shares in his country and thus circulating around the world.
The pigeons roam the sky of Makkah and land confidently among pilgrims who feed them as part of the tradition of people of Makkah.
Abdul Razzak Muhammad, a Makkah native, said: “Pigeons and pilgrims have shared food and love. We have stories with pigeons in which they have consumed our food and water. After every dawn prayer, I go to the roof of the house to give them food and water. I love to look at them, meditate and listen to their sounds. I became familiar with them.”
Muhammad added: “We have never feared pigeons since our childhood. We have got used to them through our parents who encouraged us to love pigeons by serving food and water outside our house, the sidewalks or the square.”
The 80-year-old man said that he noticed how the pilgrims are surprised by the pigeons’ lifestyle and the way they coexist with the people of Makkah.
The Grand Mosque’s pigeons, gray-colored with shades of green, are protected by a law that prohibits their killing, Anyone who kills a pigeon is fined.
They have become the highlight of the pilgrimage experience that is engraved in the memory of the pilgrims during these blessed days of the year. Flocks of pigeons land and walk in confidence among the people performing their prayers. This does not happen with other types of birds that live outside Makkah.
Visitors of to the Grand Mosque make sure they scatter bird feed in the Haram’s courtyard where the pigeons come to pick it up. Usually, the pigeons build their nests in holes of the old Rawasheen. The pigeons have become a familiar sight of Makkah in which the pilgrims witness their flocks circle the Holy Kaaba, and the squares and minarets of the Grand Mosque.
Haram’s pigeons enjoy a breathtaking beauty and a safety that they are envied for. There are tales aplenty about the pigeons. There are various tales about the origin and the source of these pigeons. Some believe them to be the descendants of two white doves that lived at the entrance of Thor cave during the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with his companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to Madinah. Others have speculated that they originally came from Europe.
Pigeons of Grand Mosque spreading peace
Pigeons of Grand Mosque spreading peace
Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr
- The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange
LOS ANGELES: Saudi Arabia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles marked Eid Al-Fitr with a festive celebration attended by Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid, officials from the US State Department, the Vice Mayor of Irvine James Mai, the former mayor of Irvine, and accredited consul generals.
The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Through such initiatives, the consulate aims to highlight the Kingdom’s rich heritage.
Arabic Language Month begins in Spain
- It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is hosting the Arabic Language Month program in Spain throughout April, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, promoting the language, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.
The progeam is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions, the SPA reported.
It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.
As part of the academy’s global Arabic teaching program, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its international reach and fostering global partnerships.
Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by far-right Israeli minister
- Foreign Ministry criticizes attacks on sanctity of the holy site
- Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security, statement says
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it strongly condemns “the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli national security minister under the protection of occupation police.”
The ministry reiterated its condemnation of the attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also condemned Israeli forces for targeting an UNRWA clinic in Jabaliya camp, northern Gaza, and denounced attacks on UN and relief organizations and their staff, the SPA added.
The ministry said: “The Kingdom condemns these ongoing Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and affirms its categorical rejection of anything that would undermine the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites.”
It added that Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security.
The ministry highlighted the importance of protecting UN and relief organizations, as well as their staff, and called for holding Israeli authorities accountable for all violations.
Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday prompted strong condemnation from Jordan and Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Rejoining the Israeli government
The minister, leader of the Israeli anti-Arab Otzma Yehudit party, visited the site after rejoining the government last month following the resumption of the war in Gaza.
Ben Gvir had quit the cabinet in January in protest at the ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian territory.
Since the formation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government at the end of 2022, Ben Gvir has made several trips to the Al-Aqsa compound, each time triggering international outcry.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also condemned Wednesday's visit as a "storming" and "an unacceptable provocation."
Hamas called it a "provocative and dangerous escalation," saying the visit was "part of the ongoing genocide against our Palestinian people."
"We call on our Palestinian people and our youth in the West Bank to escalate their confrontation... in defense of our land and our sanctities, foremost among them the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque," it said in a statement.
The site is Islam's third-holiest and a symbol of Palestinian national identity.
Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, it is also Judaism's holiest place, revered as the site of the second temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Under the status quo maintained by Israel, which has occupied east Jerusalem and its Old City since 1967, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there or display religious symbols.
Ben Gvir's spokesperson told AFP the minister "went there because the site was opened (for non-Muslims) after 13 days," during which access was reserved for Muslims for the festival of Eid Al-Fitr and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In recent years, growing numbers of Jewish ultranationalists have defied the rules, including Ben Gvir, who publicly prayed there in 2023 and 2024.
The Israeli government has said repeatedly that it intends to uphold the status quo at the compound but Palestinian fears about its future have made it a flashpoint for violence.
*Additional reporting from AFP
Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory
- Nawal Al-Anazi’s ‘ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally’
- Al-Anazi believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility
MAKKAH: In the world of equestrianism, where courage and endurance reign supreme, Saudi rider Nawal Al-Anazi has established herself as a rising star.
With unwavering determination and limitless ambition, she has transformed her childhood passion into a professional pursuit, becoming a certified equestrienne with the Saudi Federation and a proud horse owner who dreams of representing her nation on the international stage.
“I have been riding since childhood, but I decided to pursue it seriously about five years ago,” Al-Anazi explained. “What began as a hobby evolved into a lifestyle after I committed to intensive training under professional guidance.”
The road to professionalism was not without challenges, but Al-Anazi’s passion drove her forward. Through rigorous training and acquiring her own horses, she achieved a significant milestone by competing in the prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla.
“Participating in that championship fulfilled one dream, but I am setting my sights higher,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally.”
For Al-Anazi, equestrianism transcends sport; it is about forming profound connections with these animals. “Each horse has its unique personality,” she said.
“They are not just racing vehicles but true partners who understand their riders and respond accordingly. The relationship must be built on mutual trust and respect.”
The equestrienne emphasized that Saudi society has become increasingly supportive of women in this traditionally male-dominated sport. “I have received tremendous encouragement from my family, friends, and the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate,” she said. “This is a sport for everyone with the passion to pursue it.”
To aspiring equestriennes, she offers straightforward advice. “Follow your passion, train diligently, and embrace challenges. Equestrianism builds confidence and strength of character.”
For Al-Anazi, equestrianism is a lifestyle that demands commitment and enduring passion. She said that successful horsemanship requires patience and an intuitive understanding of each animal’s distinct character.
“The essence of true horsemanship is not about domination,” she explained. “It is about cultivating a partnership founded on mutual trust and respect.”
She believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility — qualities that extend beyond the riding arena into daily life. Her ambitions are not solely personal; she hopes to inspire other Saudi women to enter the field.
The rider said that contemporary Saudi women are empowered to fulfill their aspirations across all domains, with equestrianism now receiving substantial backing throughout the Kingdom.
“The journey toward any ambition begins with a single step forward. When you truly believe in your vision and pursue it with unwavering resolve, no obstacle can ultimately prevent your success,” she said.
As Al-Anazi continues her journey toward international competition, she remains grounded in her philosophy: “The horse is a magnificent creature that deserves our utmost respect. If you have a dream, pursue it relentlessly. With determination, you can overcome any obstacle and reach the top.”
Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students
- Superbund Alpha Project allows students to create virtual avatars and teach others about their culture
- Young founder aims to host a student trip to Saudi Arabia for her peers
RIYADH: At just 13 years old, Chinese student Alia Kong is spearheading an initiative that utilizes the power of technology to introduce Saudi culture to her peers in Hong Kong.
With a vision of creating an open space for international students to connect with each other, the Superbund Alpha Project allows users to create virtual avatars in the metaverse.
Students in both countries will be able to create a personalized space and promote their culture through a virtual workshop and the young visionary hopes it will help forge strong links between them.
“I (would) like to create that connection between Riyadh and Hong Kong,” Kong told Arab News. “Imagine if can create your own cultural heritage and enhance it with spatial computing, with just prompting and images.”
Additionally, as a part of the project, she has set up an immersive experience to present Saudi culture to her classmates.
Kong’s story began five years ago when, aged eight, she and 25 friends decided to start a non-profit organization called Kids Power Society. The group’s aims were to educate students about different cultures, enhance mental wellness and promote positivity.
The teenager now plans to host Superbund Event Day, to be held simultaneously in both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia virtually and in reality.
Kong highlighted the importance of embracing emerging technologies, saying Generation Alpha could envision a desired lifestyle through the metaverse.
Her admiration for Saudi Arabia stems from stories she has heard from her godfather, Alaudeen Alaskary, former consul-general of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong. He is now honorary advisor to the Superbund Virtual Exchange Program.
Kong, who has visited the Kingdom previously, said she planned to host a student trip dedicated to teaching her peers about Saudi’s cultural history.
“He (Alaskary) showed me the culture and lifestyle of Saudi Arabians. I love attending his Saturday gatherings and parties. (They are) very warm, loving and we all enjoy each other’s company,” she said.
In July 2024, the group will host a virtual event, Superbund Virtual Society, with more than 100 attendees expected from Hong Kong, mainland China, Canada and Saudi Arabia.
“This new ecosystem with blockchain technology will let us register our digital assets with our avatar identities ... things can be created in virtual and make impact on reality,” said Kong.
“I have a concept where the older generation creates the hardware of technology, or the hardware we need in order to access the software that could be created by younger generations, and with the content and software and hardware finalized, we can come together and bridge that generation gap.”
Over the past five years, Kids Power Society has published four science fiction books, with contributions from 125 children around the world. The proceeds were donated to British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and Hong Kong’s Sowers Action.
