Saudis save 2 Ukrainians trapped in ‘deceivingly dangerous’ Wadi Lajab

Saudis save 2 Ukrainians trapped in ‘deceivingly dangerous’ Wadi Lajab
The two Ukrainian tourists, who were saved by Saudi rescue volunteers of Fazaa Search and Rescue Team after they got stuck in a dangerous sport of Wadi Lajab in Jazan. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 June 2022

Saudis save 2 Ukrainians trapped in ‘deceivingly dangerous’ Wadi Lajab

Saudis save 2 Ukrainians trapped in ‘deceivingly dangerous’ Wadi Lajab
  • Viral video of operation posted by head of Fazaa Search and Rescue Team
  • ‘It was nearly nightfall and the spot where the 2 men got stuck was too dark,’ Faisal Al-Rithi tells Arab News

DUBAI: Shortly before nightfall on Tuesday, a group of Saudis rescued two Ukrainian tourists from a near-death experience in Jazan.
After being enticed by the beauty of a 12-meter deep valley in Wadi Lajab, the tourists went swimming, but were soon trapped.
A video showing the gallant rescue has gone viral, with thousands of Internet users praising the chivalry of the Saudi group.
The video was posted on Twitter by one of the founders of Fazaa Search and Rescue Team, Faisal Al-Rithi.
Speaking to Arab News, Al-Rithi said that parts of the wadi tend to be “deceivingly dangerous” as it reaches 30 meters high.
“One of the Ukrainians, who speaks broken Arabic, alerted our rescue volunteers constantly stationed around dangerous spots. He notified us that his countryman got stuck,” said Al-Rithi.
The rescuers then took him to help identify and save his friend.
Al-Rithi said that rescuers risked their lives to save the Ukrainian duo.
He added that the team often faces “perilous incidents” and that it can take up to 20 minutes to save people who are trapped.
“It was nearly nightfall and the spot where those two men got stuck was too dark. The first guy swam toward our volunteers and alerted us about the second guy. Thirty men armed with ropes and rescue equipment went to the spot not knowing if the second guy was drowning or only stuck, as he didn’t know how to swim,” Al-Rithi told Arab News.
The difficult rescue operation lasted about one hour.
“He (the second man) was afraid and trembling but he became happy and thanked us a lot after saving him,” Al-Rithi said.
He tweeted: “When humanity is to sacrifice yourself for others. Those are the youth of our homeland, the sacrificial youth. They rescued two Ukrainians who were stuck in Wadi Lajab … infinite thanks to them all.”
Wadi Lajab has been described by tourists as “heaven in the desert.”
Arab News revealed earlier that the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, together with the Jazan Tourism Development Council, had approved the valley as a tourist site where visitors can practice rock climbing.
The site is situated between two high rocky cliff faces covered by green blankets of creepers and thick moss, resembling a hanging garden.
The coolness of its year-round flowing water is ensured by the 800-meter high cliff faces, which protect the area from direct sunlight.


Saudi Investment Ministry signs 14 deals at grand prix

Saudi Investment Ministry signs 14 deals at grand prix
Updated 20 March 2023

Saudi Investment Ministry signs 14 deals at grand prix

Saudi Investment Ministry signs 14 deals at grand prix
  • Deals to establish Formula 4 academies in Saudi Arabia and build infrastructure for motor racing circuits

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih was present as 14 agreements were signed during Formula One’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to help develop sports and entertainment sectors in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Investment is looking to support Saudi Vision 2030, increase public participation in sports, and sponsor talent development paths.

The agreements support the sports sector, and include qualitative projects, events, academies and medical clinics.

The deals also look to establish Formula 4 academies in Saudi Arabia and build infrastructure projects for motor racing circuits and training circuits for professionals, in addition to supporting investors in the field of sports studies and consulting.

The ministry highlights all investment opportunities in the Kingdom through its Invest Saudi platform, and allows investors to identify promising opportunities in each sector.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court calls on Muslims to look for Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening

A Saudi man uses binoculars to spot the first crescent of the moon, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, in Taif.
A Saudi man uses binoculars to spot the first crescent of the moon, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, in Taif.
Updated 20 March 2023

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court calls on Muslims to look for Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening

A Saudi man uses binoculars to spot the first crescent of the moon, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, in Taif.
  • Ramadan 2023 will begin either on Wednesday or Thursday depending on the sighting of the crescent

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday evening, Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Tuesday corresponds to Shaban 29, 1444 and if the Ramadan crescent is spotted on Tuesday evening, then Ramadan will begin on Wednesday. If not, the holy month will start on Thursday.

The court said anyone who sights the Ramadan crescent with their eyes or through binoculars should notify the nearest court to their location and record their testimony there, or contact the nearest center so that they can be directed to the nearest court.


Two holy mosques ready for millions of Ramadan visitors

The Grand Mosque in Makkah is ready to host millions of worshipers and visitors during Ramadan. (@ReasahAlharmain)
The Grand Mosque in Makkah is ready to host millions of worshipers and visitors during Ramadan. (@ReasahAlharmain)
Updated 33 min 41 sec ago

Two holy mosques ready for millions of Ramadan visitors

The Grand Mosque in Makkah is ready to host millions of worshipers and visitors during Ramadan. (@ReasahAlharmain)
  • Muslims will increase their visits to the two holy mosques during Ramadan
  • Presidency said it strives to provide best services so worshipers can carry out rites with ease and comfort

RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah are ready to host millions of worshipers and visitors during Ramadan, the head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques said on Monday.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said that all stairs, elevators, sound systems, guidance services, and technical services have been prepared to receive the influx of visitors that the two mosques will see during the holy month.

Muslims from all over the world and within the Kingdom will visit the two holy mosques, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan, to pray taraweeh, perform Umrah, and pay their respects to the Prophet.

The presidency said it strives to provide the best services and coordinate with the relevant authorities so that pilgrims and worshipers can carry out their religious rites with ease and comfort.

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Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019 have attracted a total audience of 120m

Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019 have attracted a total audience of 120m
Updated 20 March 2023

Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019 have attracted a total audience of 120m

Entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019 have attracted a total audience of 120m
  • The entertainment authority also held over 50 exhibitions in various fields, including animation, games, cars and jewelry

RIYADH: The entertainment events held by the General Entertainment Authority have attracted a total audience of 120 million since 2019 and until the first quarter of 2023, according to GEA Chairman Turki Al-AlSheikh.

The record number is a result of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support for this vital and promising sector, Al-AlSheikh added.

He revealed that the authority has issued 11,136 licenses for various entertainment activities since the launch of the new licensing system in 2019.

In addition, 470 entertainment destinations have been licensed in over 42 cities and governorates in the Kingdom, while 1,402 restaurants have been licensed in 50 cities and governorates, Al-AlSheikh added.

The number of activities during this period was estimated at 8,732.

The most prominent events included the Saudi Seasons, Joy Awards, Super Classico Championship, Maradona Cup, Riyadh Season Cup, WWE shows, Oud Festival, Arabian horse beauty contests, and chess and baloot tournaments.

The entertainment authority also held over 50 exhibitions in various fields, including animation, games, cars and jewelry.

The Merwas art and entertainment factory was also established for music recording, podcasting and cinematography, and includes 22 studios in one building. It was certified by Guinness World Records as the largest music production studio in the world.

The authority has obtained several Guinness World Records certificates, which have contributed to the creation of a large number of jobs, Al-AlSheikh added.


Saudi ministry introduces 3 new fonts to celebrate Kingdom’s culture

Saudi ministry introduces 3 new fonts to celebrate Kingdom’s culture
Updated 20 March 2023

Saudi ministry introduces 3 new fonts to celebrate Kingdom’s culture

Saudi ministry introduces 3 new fonts to celebrate Kingdom’s culture
  • The fonts, celebrating the Kingdom’s culture, will be available free of charge

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture on Monday launched an initiative creating three new Saudi fonts.

The fonts, celebrating the Kingdom’s culture, will be available free of charge to individuals and organizations wishing to use them in design, artistic, and creative works, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Masmak font has been named after the historic Masmak Fortress, characterized by its durability and strong structure. The font has been described as clear and easy to read and was developed without reference to traditional calligraphy methods, the SPA said.

The second new font, Al-Naseeb, resembles handwritten notes, and has been recommended for use in headlines, texts, literary works, poetry, and children’s stories.

Watad, the third font, was inspired by the tent peg with its letters having curved corners. Its suggested use was for text relating to festivals and sporting events.

The Ministry of Culture launched the initiative in celebration of the Arabic language. In a statement, it said: “It is introducing a unique touch that gives a Saudi identity to Arabic fonts and celebrates Saudi heritage and cultural symbols.”

The fonts can be downloaded at https://engage.moc.gov.sa/fonts.