Returning Haj pilgrims are busy shopping for their favorite dates: Ajwa dates — a well-known, well-loved and delicious gift from the Kingdom. The stores in downtown Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah are busy selling all kinds of dates, with many pilgrims stopping by to see what all the fuss is about.
The prices of dates –specifically, the Ajwa dates — have increased by nearly 25 percent due to a shortage of farm laborers in harvesting regions, particularly in Madinah. This is largely the result of the implementation of new labor policies affecting both farms and vendors in the Kingdom. The conditions imposed by the Ministry of Labour to recruit seasonal workers in date farms has affected farms throughout the Madinah region, whereas associated rules for vendors have affected shops in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, according to local traders.
In the past, good quality Ajwa dates were sold for SR 110 per kilogram; now, they are being being sold for SR140 or above. Simultaneously, average quality dates that used to sell for SR 60 are now fetching prices between SR80 and SR100.
“Farmers in the Madinah region have been complaining about a shortage of labor in the area, as well as strict procedures to recruit temporary foreign labor to work in date farms as part of new labor policies that have significantly affected the logistics associated with the date harvest”, according to traders in Jeddah.
These Ministry changes have forced shop owners to comply with the new rules that have increased their shop-keeping costs, as well as increasing costs for other stakeholders in the date market.
Traders also told Arab News on the condition of anonymity that inspection teams from the Ministry of Commerce recently raided several shops that were selling substandard quality dates, and initiated penal measures against fraud vendors for tricking customers, mainly pilgrims.
The history of the Ajwa variety dates back to 5,000BC and is part of ‘Tibwi Nabvi,’ the medicinal practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). There are several references in Hadith and Islamic historical literature about Ajwa: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “One who takes seven Ajwa dates in the morning remains under the protection of Allah from evil and from poison for whole of the day.”
Many strongly believe in the remedial therapy of Ajwa as it was advocated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in particular, women believe that it prevents black magic and, as such, most female Haj pilgrims prefer to take Ajwa dates with them to present as gifts to their loved ones who are suffering from various illness.
Like other dates, Ajwa also ripens during the peak of summer, and it is kept in cold stores in order to enable continued availability throughout the year, especially during Haj and Ramadan. Unfortunately, most vendors sell dates in the open air, with constant exposure to the sun and heat, causing the dates to lose both taste and monetary value.
Ajwa dates hit by labor rules and price increases
Ajwa dates hit by labor rules and price increases
Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network
- $22bn, energy-efficient Metro system will be a world leader, official says
RIYADH: The first three lines of the Riyadh Metro will begin operating on Sunday, forming part of the largest urban rail network in the Middle East.
Riyadh Metro, which is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, is a crucial step toward reducing traffic congestion in the capital, and improving quality of life for the city’s residents.
The first phase of the Riyadh Metro starts with three lines: the Blue line, connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha; the Yellow line, running along King Khalid International Airport Road; and the Purple line, covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street.
The Red line, covering King Abdullah Road, and the Green line, spanning King Abdulaziz Road, are both scheduled to begin operating on Dec. 15, while the Orange line, which covers Madinah Road, starts on Jan. 5, 2025.
The Riyadh Metro was launched 12 years after the project was announced in April 2012, when the Saudi Cabinet approved the implementation of the public transport project and formed a high-level committee to oversee it. Despite the challenges faced by the project, including the global pandemic, it was ultimately completed.
Contracts for the Riyadh Metro project were awarded in 2013 to three global consortiums, with a total value of about $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion).
The project features several sustainable characteristics that promote eco-friendly transportation options. The metro system will employ energy-efficient trains and stations, as well as technologies such as regenerative braking to reduce energy consumption.
Additionally, some stations will be equipped with thousands of solar panels, and each metro station will rely on electricity sourced from renewable energy.
Maher Sheira, supervisor of digital infrastructure for the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Riyadh, told Arab News: “Our target is to reduce traffic within the city by up to 30 percent. This goal is supported by the metro’s capacity to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily, which is a challenging target, especially when compared to other cities that have struggled to transition car users to public transportation.”
Achieving this goal depends on several factors, including the city’s infrastructure, integration of various transport modes, and the overall complementarity of these services, he said.
“This project is one of the key initiatives that could help make these goals a reality.”
Sheira said that the launch of the metro and improvement of public transportation will not only alleviate traffic congestion, but also also play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions.
“We all know that shifting from daily car use to public transportation can have a significant environmental impact,” he said.
“In a small study we conducted, we found that if 100,000 passengers switch from cars to public transport, it could save over 3 million trees annually. This number has the potential to grow even further.”
He said both the metro and the bus systems are integral parts of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Program.
These systems are seamlessly integrated, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for passengers. Once a passenger exits a metro station and boards a bus, they will use the same ticket and enjoy the same high level of service.
“To ensure quality, the design of both networks was focused on delivering first-class standards, with an emphasis on maintaining top-tier service throughout the entire journey,” Sheira added.
“The quality of service is evident throughout the system. You can see it at the stations, on the trains, and certainly on the buses and at the bus stops. We are committed to maintaining this high standard of quality and will continue to do so.”
Numerous factors have been taken into account to ensure the success and efficiency of the vast network.
“Our goal is to keep Riyadh at the forefront of global cities in terms of public transportation. This is our objective, and with determination, we are confident that we will achieve it, Inshallah,” he said.
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Inspiring story
The inspiring story of the Riyadh Metro began in 2009, led by a visionary king with determination and ambition for the future; the story’s hero is King Salman.
The document was submitted by King Salman to develop the public transportation system in Riyadh.
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My Lord, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz — May Allah preserve you.
I am honored to inform Your Royal Highness that the city of Riyadh, which is witnessing significant population growth, urban expansion, and substantial economic prosperity, has started to experience severe traffic congestion on its main streets due to the ongoing rise in traffic.
Accordingly, the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh has developed a comprehensive and long-term plan to enhance the city’s public transportation system.
First: Establishing the backbone of the public transportation system through manufacturing an electric train.
Second: Implementing a bus network that covers all areas of Riyadh, with its services integrated with the electric train system. The network covers 708 kilometers and is also integrated with the local network within residential neighborhoods.
The High Commission has fully prepared the engineering designs, technical specifications, and tender documents for this phase, paving the way for its implementation.
Therefore, I kindly request Your Highness’s approval of this matter. May Allah preserve you, guide your steps, and grant you success. Peace and blessings be upon you.
Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh
Salman bin Abdulaziz
20/10/2009
https://x.com/cgcsaudi/status/1862565536720114022?s=48&t=1IDdyc8DBnGT1CQNkMFTqg
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.
