Eid celebrations: Saudi Arabia embraces joy and unity

Special Eid celebrations: Saudi Arabia embraces joy and unity
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The festival of Eid Al-Fitr is being celebrated with religious fervor and joy across the Kingdom. (AN Photo/Basheer Saleh)
Special Eid celebrations: Saudi Arabia embraces joy and unity
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The festival of Eid Al-Fitr is being celebrated with religious fervor and joy across the Kingdom. (AN Photo/Basheer Saleh)
Special Eid celebrations: Saudi Arabia embraces joy and unity
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The festival of Eid Al-Fitr is being celebrated with religious fervor and joy across the Kingdom. (AN Photo/Basheer Saleh)
Special Eid celebrations: Saudi Arabia embraces joy and unity
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The festival of Eid Al-Fitr is being celebrated with religious fervor and joy across the Kingdom. (AN Photo/Basheer Saleh)
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Updated 10 April 2024
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Eid celebrations: Saudi Arabia embraces joy and unity

Eid celebrations: Saudi Arabia embraces joy and unity
  • Millions gather for prayers, festivities across the Kingdom
  • Sheikh Humaid, in his Eid sermon, commended Saudi Arabia’s dedication in serving the millions who visit the holy mosques every year

RIYADH: The festival of Eid Al-Fitr, a highlight of the Islamic calendar that marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramadan, is being celebrated with religious fervor and joy across the Kingdom.

Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia observed the auspicious Eid Al-Fitr prayers on Wednesday morning, 15 minutes after sunrise, in accordance with the Umm Al-Qura calendar.

In anticipation of the Eid prayer, worshippers filled designated prayer halls and mosques prepared meticulously across the Kingdom in the pre-dawn hours.

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman performed Eid Al-Fitr prayers to celebrate the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan.

The king performed Eid prayers at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah with several princes and senior officials, while the crown prince performed Eid prayers with worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The crown prince then met with princes, scholars, sheikhs, excellencies and senior officials to exchange Eid greetings.

The king and the crown prince earlier sent cables of congratulation to leaders of Islamic countries, with messages of enhanced security, stability and prosperity.

Thousands of Muslims filled the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah for the joyous Eid Al-Fitr prayer. The prayer in the Grand Mosque was led by Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid.

In his Eid sermon, Sheikh Humaid commended Saudi Arabia’s dedication in serving the millions who visit the holy mosques every year, and conveyed a powerful message of unity and social connection.

He urged Muslims to use Eid Al-Fitr as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with each other, and emphasized the importance of spreading peace and good wishes, fostering reconciliation, and practicing forgiveness.

At the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali Al-Hudhaifi, in his Eid sermon, expounded on the virtues of Eid Al-Fitr and the core tenets of Islam, emphasizing the importance of piety.

Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan and his deputy, Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal, performed the Eid prayer with worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque.

Millions of Muslims across the Kingdom attended congregational Eid prayers in various mosques and designated prayer grounds for the blessed occasion.

In prayers performed in various regions, and attended by regional governors and senior officials, the preachers congratulated Muslims on the blessed occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, praying to Allah Almighty to accept their fasting, prayers, charity, and good deeds.

After the prayer, people gathered, wishing each other a happy and blessed Eid Al-Fitr.

Overcast skies and rain on Wednesday in the Saudi capital provided relief from the early season heat.

The week-long festivity, a culmination of the fasting month of Ramadan and the beginning of the Eid holidays, has ushered in the most festive celebration in the Islamic calendar, as families organize get-togethers, feasts, and offer presents and delicacies.

Alaa Alshammari, a Riyadh resident, told Arab News: “On this joyous occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the most celebratory occasion in the Islamic calendar, we get together with our relatives and friends to enjoy it. This evening all my relatives are coming to my house for the celebration. We will also visit them the next day and this will continue during the holiday continuing until the weekend. We exchange greetings, share presents and delicacies.

“Eid is a time of joy, gratitude and togetherness with your loved ones. One of the most beloved Eid Al-Fitr customs is exchanging Eid gifts, or Eidiyah, as a sincere way to express gratitude and love to family and friends.”

Comprehensive civil and security arrangements are in place for the annual festival to ensure the colorful celebrations can be enjoyed safely.

The capital has been decorated by municipal staff with special arrangements, including banners bearing “Eid Saeed” on main roads.

The General Entertainment Authority has issued details of Eid Al-Fitr events around the Kingdom. These will feature a wide range of activities, including fireworks displays, music concerts, and theatrical performances.

Fireworks will light up the sky at 9 p.m. daily, beginning on Wednesday. A series of theatrical performances featuring Arab actors will also be showcased.

On April 13, Jeddah will host the play “The Red Box” at the Batterjee Medical College Theater.

On April 14, the Mohammed Alali Theater in Riyadh will present the play “The Neighbor,” and the Alasala Colleges Theater in Dammam will host the play “Ors Aljen.”

Boulevard City and Boulevard World in Riyadh will be open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and 1 a.m., respectively, offering a delightful experience throughout the Eid period.

The GEA said this year’s theme is “Your Eid is Among Your Family and Loved Ones,” reflecting the authority’s efforts to foster communication, and spread happiness among Saudi residents and visitors.

Some families from Riyadh went to Makkah and Madinah to spend their holidays in the two holy cities.

Ahad Murtaza, who works with the King Saud University as a faculty member, told Arab News: “I am in Madinah with my family for the big occasion. We will be heading to Makkah for Umrah on Thursday, and will return to Madinah after the Umrah and next day back to Riyadh, thus spending some time with family during the Eid holiday.”


Moon-Venus conjunction visible in northern Saudi Arabia

Moon-Venus conjunction visible in northern Saudi Arabia
Updated 06 October 2024
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Moon-Venus conjunction visible in northern Saudi Arabia

Moon-Venus conjunction visible in northern Saudi Arabia
  • Celestial show after sunset over the Northern Border region was visible to the naked eye

RAFHA: A spectacular celestial event occurred over Saudi Arabia’s northern skies on Saturday night, with the moon and Venus in conjunction, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Known as a conjunction, the phenomenon in the sky after sunset in the Northern Border region was visible to the naked eye, with the moon and the planet separated by just three degrees.

A conjunction occurs when two celestial objects appear close to each other in the sky and share the same celestial longitude, according to astronomer Berjis Al-Fulaih.

Al-Fulaih, an official with the AFAQ Society for Astronomy in Taif, noted that Venus is often referred to as the “Evening Star” or the “Morning Star,” depending on its position in the west or east.

The alignment marks the beginning of the moon’s monthly journey past the bright planets.

The phenomenon occurred in the sky after sunset over the Northern Border region and was visible to the naked eye. (SPA)

In an interview with SPA before the celestial event, Jeddah Astronomy Society chief Majed Abu Zahra said the appearance of the crescent moon and Venus together shortly after sunset, before the sky darkened fully, created the spectacular view.

“As the second and third brightest objects in the night sky, after the sun, they will present a striking view,” he said.

A faint glow, caused by sunlight reflecting off Earth (known as Earthshine), will softly illuminate the unlit part of the moon’s disk, he explained.

Abu Zahra said there will be another astronomical event in mid-October: the arrival of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which will appear 20 to 25 degrees northwest of Venus on Oct. 13 and 14. The comet may even be visible to the naked eye, although comets are notoriously unpredictable.

By Oct. 25, Venus will appear three degrees north of the star Antares. Toward the end of the month, Venus will draw closer to Earth, with its disk measuring 14 arcseconds and being 77 percent illuminated, Abu Zahra told SPA.


Saudi Arabia’s PIF considers larger stake in Nintendo 

Saudi Arabia’s PIF considers larger stake in Nintendo 
Updated 05 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF considers larger stake in Nintendo 

Saudi Arabia’s PIF considers larger stake in Nintendo 

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund said on Saturday it was considering raising its stake in Japan’s Nintendo and other Japanese gaming companies, according to reports.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, vice chair of the PIF’s gaming unit, disclosed the plan in an interview with Kyodo News.

He said that the PIF was “not in a rush to increase its stakes” and that the investments would be made in a “friendly way.”

The PIF currently owns 8.58 percent of Nintendo and has stakes in video game companies Capcom, Nexon, and Koei Tecmo.


National heritage will be ‘biggest driver’ of Saudi economy

Prince Sultan bin Salman, middle, with Prince Turki Al-Faisal and Jerry Inzerillo at the meeting. (X: @ATURATH)
Prince Sultan bin Salman, middle, with Prince Turki Al-Faisal and Jerry Inzerillo at the meeting. (X: @ATURATH)
Updated 05 October 2024
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National heritage will be ‘biggest driver’ of Saudi economy

Prince Sultan bin Salman, middle, with Prince Turki Al-Faisal and Jerry Inzerillo at the meeting. (X: @ATURATH)
  • Riyadh book fair is a testament to Kingdom’s focus on culture and heritage, says Prince Sultan

RIYADH: National heritage will be the biggest driver of the economy under Saudi Vision 2030, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, special adviser to King Salman and founder and chairman of the nonprofit Al-Turath (Heritage) Foundation.

He was speaking at the foundation’s annual meeting held under the theme “Confident Steps Toward the Future” at the Riyadh International Book Fair, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A documentary film about the foundation’s journey, highlighting its key initiatives and most important milestones, was screened.

HIGHLIGHT

Prince Sultan bin Salman also spoke about the Al- Turath Foundation-produced documentary film “Okath Al-Badr,” which covers stories from the life of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz.

Another film showed the launch, at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, of the book “King Salman,” an Al-Turath Foundation initiative sponsored by Saudi Aramco to coincide with the 94th National Day.

Prince Sultan said that the book fair is a testament to the attention the Kingdom gives to culture and national heritage, which will become the biggest drivers of the economy.

The book, which Prince Sultan described as a gift to the nation, covers different stages in the life of King Salman alongside the Kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz and other Saudi rulers.

Prince Sultan said that the Al-Turath Foundation has experienced continuous development since its establishment 28 years ago, printing books, conducting research, archiving historical photos, and documenting the nation’s history over the course of more than a quarter of a century.

Prince Sultan also spoke about the Al-Turath Foundation-produced documentary film “Okath Al-Badr,” which covers stories from the life of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz.

The meeting was attended by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, founder and trustee of the King Faisal Foundation and chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies; Prince Faisal bin Salman, special adviser to King Salman and chairman of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives; Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority; and several princes, officials, and ambassadors to the Kingdom.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, themed “Riyadh Reads” and featuring over 800 pavilions, is organized yearly by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

It began on Sept. 26 and runs until Oct. 5, with over 2,000 publishing houses from 30 countries participating. The schedule includes seminars, panel discussions, poetry recitals, stage performances, and workshops.

 


Saudi academy to launch Arabic Language Month in France

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language. (SPA)
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language. (SPA)
Updated 06 October 2024
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Saudi academy to launch Arabic Language Month in France

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language. (SPA)
  • The program includes visits to French universities and educational centers to “meet staff and enrich the learning experience”

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language will launch its Arabic Language Month in France program on Oct. 7.

The initiative aims to “develop Arabic-language teaching curricula, enhance teacher performance, promote the language, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s initiatives,” according to a Saudi Press Agency report published on Saturday.

The program includes visits to French universities and educational centers to “meet staff and enrich the learning experience,” the report continued.

Previous editions of the Arabic Language Month program have been implemented in Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and China.

The academy will also host its third international conference — “Arabic Language Computing and Enriching Linguistic Data” — on Oct. 6 and 7 in Riyadh, at which experts will discuss “innovations in Arabic language computing and improving artificial intelligence models,” and “address the need for enhanced academic practices in the Arab world.”

 


A deliciously artistic trend sweeps Saudi Arabia’s X breakfast community

A deliciously artistic trend sweeps Saudi Arabia’s X breakfast community
Updated 05 October 2024
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A deliciously artistic trend sweeps Saudi Arabia’s X breakfast community

A deliciously artistic trend sweeps Saudi Arabia’s X breakfast community
  • Arab News looks at the evolution of an online community taking breakfast to new levels
  • The evolution of a vibrant online group

RIYADH: In the age of social media, where trends are born in an instant and entire communities form around shared passions, one unique and wholesome movement has emerged on X to celebrate the most important meal of the day: breakfast.

What began as a simple space for users in Saudi Arabia to share their daily meals has quickly evolved into a vibrant online community where creativity, health, and aesthetic presentation come together.

Photo by Shoroog Al-Ghamdi

People from all over the Kingdom contribute their carefully crafted breakfast plates with artistic flair, making breakfast a celebrated moment every day.

Khaled Saud, the creator of the community, has reflected on how far it has come, saying: “Watching the community grow from fun and lighthearted posts to a space where people take pride in their breakfast creations has been incredibly rewarding.

HIGHLIGHTS

• For some participants the online community has sparked a new motivation to take breakfast more seriously.

• In addition to creativity, health is also a significant focus within the community.

“I’m happy to see how much participation has increased and how creative the presentations have become.”

For some participants the community has sparked a new motivation to take breakfast more seriously.

Photo by Mashael Omar

Wafa Al-Qahtani shared how the group helped her stay consistent with her meals, saying: “The reason I love this community is the interaction from the people. Honestly, it has motivated me to maintain a daily breakfast routine, and I try to get creative so I can post it in the community.”

This sentiment is echoed by Ameera Al-Dossari, who has embraced the idea of breakfast as a shared experience and said: “This is such a beautiful concept; it motivates me to wake up early and participate.

Seeing everyone’s posts encourages me to be more thoughtful with my breakfast choices. Honestly, I’ve started taking more care of my meals.

Ameera Al-Dossari, Community member

“Seeing everyone’s posts encourages me to be more thoughtful with my breakfast choices. Honestly, I’ve started taking more care of my meals.”

The community, for many, is not only about the food but about the relationships and connections formed through a shared love for breakfast.

Photo by Khansa Al-Omari

It has also had an unexpected effect on some members’ sleep schedules. One user joked that they had been trying and failing to wake up at 7 a.m. for two months but after joining the community were happy to wake up at 5:30 a.m.

“For me, breakfast is one of the best moments of the day. I don’t just see it as a meal; it’s more like a ritual where we begin a new day,” said Rahaf Tareq, for whom breakfast has become a cherished time.

That sentiment captures the essence of why so many in Saudi Arabia are drawn to the movement — it provides a moment of mindfulness and self-care at the start of each day.

Photo by Khansa Al-Omari

In addition to creativity, health is also a significant focus within the community.

Ram Wael highlighted the importance of breakfast as a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle, saying: “The reason I participate is that breakfast is an essential and necessary meal that needs to be healthy.

Photo by Ram Wael

“However, many people have neglected its importance, and I love how this community has sparked a sense of competition and enthusiasm for creating and sharing breakfast.”

Wael’s participation is driven by a desire to bring attention to the value of a nutritious breakfast, encouraging others in the Kingdom to see it as more than just a quick meal.

Photo by Rahaf Tareq

Sahar Khojah, who believes the breakfast community has ignited a love for cooking and sharing with others, said: “I’ve always loved cooking and I constantly take pictures of my breakfast.

“I was really happy when I found this breakfast community because now I can share my meals, not just for myself but for people who appreciate them and can see my work.”

This sense of shared appreciation has turned a solitary activity into one that brings joy to others, showcasing how food can be a powerful tool for connection.

Khansa Al-Omari shared her excitement over the group’s influence on her creativity, saying: “It’s really nice when someone gets excited, prepares breakfast, and gets creative.

“Even though I don’t post often, when I see the shared posts I get inspired to make myself a neat breakfast. The community encourages even those who don’t often participate to step up their game and bring a sense of artistry into their everyday routines.”

Shoroog Al-Ghamdi, a software engineer, uses an analogy from her field to describe how breakfast fits into her life. She said: “In software we have something called eager loading, which loads all the data we need in advance.

“Breakfast is my way of loading my energy and booting up my brain cells!”

For Al-Ghamdi, breakfast is not just fuel for the body but also a mental preparation for the day ahead, tying it to productivity and well-being.

Layan Sultan reflected on how breakfast helps her start her day. She said: “The reason I show my breakfast specifically is that it’s one of the reasons I wake up excited every morning.

“There’s something good in every day, even if it’s just a meal. This meal makes my body, mind, and soul awake and ready to face every single thing that day brings.”

This collective enthusiasm across Saudi Arabia ensures that the community continues to grow, inspiring others to prioritize breakfast and add a personal, artistic touch to their meals.

Mashael Omar summed it all up, saying: “Breakfast gives energy for the rest of the day, improves the mood, and is part of practicing the hobby of cooking.”