On the auspicious occasion of the National Day of Pakistan, I wish to convey my deepest felicitation to all Pakistanis, particularly those who are residing in Saudi Arabia.
On this historic day in 1940, the Muslims of South Asia passed a resolution to establish a separate homeland for themselves where they could lead their lives according to their faith and aspirations.
The resolution provided a road map toward the creation of Pakistan under the heroic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Pakistan represents aspirations and ideals of our founding fathers.
Their vision was to establish a country where we all could lead our lives in accordance with the Islamic ideals of freedom, sovereignty, democracy, equality, justice, tolerance and non-discrimination.
Today these founding principles are legal and political foundation of Pakistan.
At the same time, the rights of minorities are fully respected and protected in the Constitution, which guarantees that all nationals are equal before the law.
Pakistan enjoys a special relationship with Saudi Arabia, based on the solid foundations of Islamic identity, common historical experiences and shared perceptions on all national and international issues.
Saudi Arabia is looked at with deep love and respect by the people of Pakistan because of the Harmain Sharifain as well as due its leadership role in the Muslim Ummah.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muqrin, deputy premier, and the entire royal family are held in high esteem in Pakistan.
On this occasion, I also wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the vibrant and dynamic Pakistan community in the development and growth of Saudi Arabia.
Our community has served both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with characteristic fervor, loyalty, commitment, diligence and dedication.
It is, in fact, the most unmistakable link between our two countries.
It is my belief that the members of Pakistan community will continue to contribute to the socio-economic development of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as well as to Pakistan’s brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia, which is their second home.
The Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah, has always striven to provide best services to all those members of our industrious community.
We have launched several initiatives to outreach to them with a view to further improve our services at the Consulate.
I am grateful to our community for their cooperation and support for enabling us to succeed.
Let us pledge to redouble our efforts to further deepen the existing all weather and time tested relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Let us pray for the security and prosperity of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Long Live Pakistan.
Long Live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Friendship.
— Aftab Ahmad Khokher, Consular General of Pakistan
Pakistan enjoys special relationship with KSA
Pakistan enjoys special relationship with KSA
KSrelief’s global humanitarian activities continue in Ramadan
- Food, clothing and other support provided to people in Africa, Asia, Mideast by Kingdom’s aid agency
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has continued to distribute food, clothing and other necessities to vulnerable communities across the world during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
In Mauritania, KSrelief distributed 410 boxes of food in the Tiaret district of Nouakchott.
This is a part of the Kingdom’s iftar project which aims to donate 390,109 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan.
In Bangladesh, the aid agency on Saturday distributed 330 food baskets in the Mymensingh district of Dhaka; while in Yemen 2,600 cartons of dates were distributed on Sunday in the Hadhramaut governorate.
In Montenegro, 1,300 boxes containing food were handed out in the Tuzi region for the benefit of about 6,500 individuals, including widows and orphans.
In Burkina Faso, KSrelief distributed on Saturday 1,500 food boxes to families in the cities of Barbe and Yagma, which were also a part of the aid agency’s Ramadan food distribution project.
In South Africa, 450 boxes containing food for iftar were given to families in Johannesburg; while in Albania 150 families each received one aid box for breaking their fast.
In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 600 bags of clothing to needy families in Hargeisa as a part of the 2025 shelter assistance project to support displaced and vulnerable communities.
King Salman arrives in Jeddah
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman travelled from Riyadh to Jeddah on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The king was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz.
He was seen off at King Khalid International Airport by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s project renovates Faydat Athqab Mosque in Hail
- The goal of the initiative is to revitalize historic mosques, restoring their religious, cultural and social significance
RIYADH: The Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, now in its second phase, is focused on renovating many mosques, including Faydat Athqab Mosque in Hail, originally built in 1946, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The goal of the initiative is to revitalize historic mosques, restoring their religious, cultural and social significance.
The project also focuses on preserving Islamic heritage and highlighting the architectural beauty of these mosques through sustainable, eco-friendly renovations that incorporate natural elements.
According to the SPA, the renovation of Faydat Athqab Mosque will honor the region’s traditional architectural style by using mud building techniques and natural materials. Hail’s unique architecture is adapted to the local environment and the hot desert climate, and this renovation aims to preserve that distinctiveness.
The project will maintain all the mosque’s essential features, while enhancing the northern windows to improve air circulation and ensure a cool environment inside.
This renovation is part of the second phase of the project, which includes the restoration of 30 mosques in all 13 regions of the Kingdom. The mosques include six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Medinah, three in Asir, two each in the Eastern Province, Al-Jouf and Jazan, and one each in the Northern Borders Province, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail and Al-Qassim.
The project aims to strike a balance between traditional and modern construction methods, ensuring the sustainability of these historic mosques. It is being executed by Saudi companies specializing in historical structures, with Saudi engineers playing a key role in preserving the authentic architectural identity of each mosque.
The second phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 historic mosques in 10 regions.
Jeddah’s cultural canvas bursts into life for Ramadan Nights at Hayy Jameel
- Guests can also enjoy traditional board games, live music and Ramadan-inspired culinary offerings
- Free and open to all, Ramadan Nights also offers a shopping experience at the cultural markets
JEDDAH: Following the popularity of last year’s program, Ramadan Nights by Art Jameel have returned for a month of cultural celebration at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah.
Running until March 29 from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, it is held under the slogan “Hayy lights up,” and features a range of activities including public programs, craft-inspired bazaars, pop-up eateries, film screenings and hands-on workshops exploring handicrafts, wellness and heritage.
Guests can also enjoy traditional board games, live music and Ramadan-inspired culinary offerings.
Uns Kattan, deputy director and head of learning and research at Art Jameel, said that the debut program last year welcomed more than 40,000 visitors of diverse ages and backgrounds. “This year, we recognize the thirst and passion for the community-focused program and created more opportunities that embody the spirit of togetherness, creativity and cultural exchange,” she said.
“Through a dynamic program that focuses on craft, film and storytelling, we celebrate the holy month by bringing people together in an inspiring and inclusive space that bridges the wide spectrum of creative endeavors under one roof.”
Free and open to all, Ramadan Nights also offers a shopping experience at the cultural markets. One of the highlights of this year’s program was Jebna Al-Eid, which took place from March 2-4, and Ramadaniyat Lavendar, which concluded on March 8. These markets, set across Rukn Hayy, Fenaa Hayy and Saha (the community courtyard), were a blend of local eateries, artisanal products and the sounds of Oud melodies, creating a lively atmosphere.
Ghada Khalid, co-founder of Lavender Events, told Arab News that Ramadaniyat Lavender presents a selection of products, from fashion items such as dresses, abayas and traditional wear, to a diverse food area featuring Mexican, Italian sweets, Uzbekistani cuisine, specialty coffee and desserts.
“This year, we introduced a makeover offer that can be used for Eid. Through this festival, we reach a diverse audience, catering to their needs and helping them experience the true essence of Ramadan,” she said.
Abeer Dahlawi, founder of Muse, an arts, culture and entertainment center, said: “We are here at Ramadan Nights to create an enjoyable experience for everyone, offering traditional games like carrom, chess and dominoes. Our goal is to encourage people to have fun, connect and socialize with one another.”
At the Hayy Markets, curated bazaars showcase a mix of books, fashion, artisanal crafts and design pieces that promote local creativity.
Meanwhile, the pop-up eateries, located at Saha and Rukn Hayy, offer a range of local and fusion-inspired cuisine, featuring notable names such as Aysh Academy, Sofia’s Bistro and Cookie Boo.
Visitors can also enjoy the Hayy Cinema experience, which features screenings of the “My Heritage” short film series. These films tell different stories about World Heritage sites in the Arab region and are screened repeatedly from 10 p.m. onwards.
Kattan highlighted that the special programming throughout the month includes handicraft and cultural workshops, where participants can explore heritage through interactive sessions such as lino-cut printmaking using Hejazi patterns, traditional crafts by local and refugee artisans, and Arabic calligraphy.
There will also be community talks on topics ranging from Jeddah’s history and Ramadan rituals to mental health and healing. These discussions are led by experts and provide both informative and enriching experiences for attendees.
For younger visitors, the Hayy Explorers program offers an interactive experience from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring storytelling, arts and crafts. Meanwhile, the Hayy Arts and Studios section highlights contemporary art with group exhibitions such as “We Saw an Endless Cycle” and “Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine,” as well as open studios and workshops hosted by Jeddah-based creatives.
Dalia Rahman, who was visiting with her friends, said: “The atmosphere here is so welcoming. We came to shop for Eid dresses and found unique designs that aren’t available in regular stores. During Ramadan, I prefer to focus on worship and prayer rather than spending time in malls. This place offers everything in one spot while also celebrating cultural and traditional activities.”
Jeddah governor receives consul general of Somalia
- They held friendly talks and discussed topics of common interest
JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi received Consul General of Somalia in Jeddah Abdiweli Hersi Abdi on Sunday.
During the meeting, they held friendly talks and discussed topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Eastern Province, met with Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain Naif Al-Sudairi in Dammam on Sunday.
