Indian Hajj pilgrims take train from Jeddah to Makkah
Indian Hajj pilgrims take train from Jeddah to Makkah/node/2517366/saudi-arabia
Indian Hajj pilgrims take train from Jeddah to Makkah
Ambassador of India Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam accompanied Indian pilgrims on the inaugural journey from Jeddah airport to Makkah on Sunday. (Supplied)
Indian Hajj pilgrims take train from Jeddah to Makkah
Updated 29 May 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: Traditionally, all pilgrims arriving at Jeddah International Airport travel to Makkah by buses provided by Saudi authorities. This year, however, special arrangements have been made by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, in tandem with the Saudi authorities, for some Indian pilgrims to travel via the Haramain High Speed Railway from Jeddah airport to Makkah.
About 32,000 Indian pilgrims will benefit from this exclusive service, reducing travel time by half thanks to the train’s maximum speed of 300 kph.
To commemorate the historic occasion, India’s ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam accompanied Indian pilgrims on the inaugural journey from Jeddah airport to Makkah on Sunday.
The pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom on a Saudia flight from Mumbai.
They were joined by Khaled Al-Harbi, senior vice president of operations at Saudi Arabia Railways, as well as officials from the ministries of Hajj and Umrah, and transport.
This is the first time Saudi Arabia is transporting a limited number of Hajj pilgrims directly from Jeddah airport to Makkah by train.
This year, 175,000 pilgrims from India will participate, with 140,000 organized through the Hajj Committee of India.
Saudi nurse transforms passion for painting into professional pursuit
Osama Samara prepares to host his upcoming solo painting gallery in Riyadh
Updated 38 min 10 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: A Saudi nurse has transformed his passion for painting into a part-time career and will soon host a solo exhibition in Riyadh.
Osama Samara, a dedicated full-time nurse at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, began his artistic journey 15 years ago.
As he prepares to host the upcoming solo painting gallery in Riyadh, Samara, 31, aims to expand his reach to Jeddah, but finding the time to do so has proven a significant challenge.
A significant milestone was achieved in 2018 when Samara sold his most expensive piece, titled Une Femme Élégante, for 31,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $8,266). (AN photos by Rahaf Jambi)
“The plans for my gallery in Riyadh are set, but I wish I could also establish one in Jeddah. Unfortunately, the hustle of making time for that is overwhelming,” Samara told Arab News.
The artist’s exhibition will feature some of his most famous works.
Samara sold his first painting in 2009 — a depiction of a Dragon Ball Super Saiyan character that a friend had commissioned. This initial success ignited his passion for painting.
HIGHLIGHT
Osama Samara sold his first painting in 2009 — a depiction of a Dragon Ball Super Saiyan character that a friend had commissioned. This initial success ignited his passion for painting.
Since then, he has taken part in various local exhibitions, mainly in group settings, and has even trained at the prestigious Venice Biennale through the Misk Art Foundation.
However, until now, time constraints, work commitments and the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented Samara from hosting his first solo exhibition.
Osama Samara, a dedicated full-time nurse at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, began his artistic journey 15 years ago. (AN photos by Rahaf Jambi)
“My board has been ready for five years; I just need to find the opportunity to display it,” he said.
“I was waiting for the right moment, but work commitments kept piling up. Now, I primarily focus on commissioned pieces, and thankfully, the prices for these commissions have reached levels comparable to my exhibition works. This shift has reduced the urgency I felt about holding exhibitions,” he said.
Samara highlighted the deep emotional connection he has with his work. “Growing up without a mother left a significant void in my life. I turned to art as a means of expression and connection. Initially, I painted women in melancholic styles to reflect my childhood experiences. Each brushstroke was infused with emotion, allowing me to articulate feelings I couldn’t express in words.”
His love for art began in childhood: “I was 6 years old when I had a favorite sticker that I didn’t want to waste. Instead of using it, I decided to replicate it. That was my first painting, and it set me on this path.”
Samara credits his late father for nurturing his artistic talent.
“My father was incredibly supportive; he once drew two palms and a boat on paper for me. That moment encouraged me greatly, and he took pride in my artistic pursuits.”
Today, painting serves as both a source of joy and a potential secondary income for Samara. “While my childhood was difficult, I’ve found ways to express those experiences through art. I also use sports as a form of therapeutic expression. Balancing nursing and painting can be challenging, but I make it work. I often come home after long shifts, paint until late at night, and then wake up early for work again.”
Samara acknowledges the financial potential of his art but understands the need for consistency and dedication. “Art can be lucrative, but I’m building my business gradually. I’ve secured contracts and worked with designers, as well as managed logistics, packaging and marketing. Each element must operate in harmony before I can even consider leaving my nursing job.”
His paintings have attracted numerous clients from around the Gulf, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
One of his standout pieces features a woman’s face adorned with intricate Arabic elements.
Samara said of the work: “I painted it during Ramadan, pouring my heart into it. I stayed up all night, finishing around 4:30 a.m. Initially, I was frustrated with how it turned out, so I decided to post it on social media anyway, simply because of the effort I had put in. To my surprise, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and I received many encouraging messages. The painting was so unique that I ended up creating three similar versions.”
In 2018, Samara sold the most expensive piece of his career, “Une Femme Elegante,” for SR31,000 ($8,266). The mixed media artwork features a blend of Arabic elements, typography and street art, with a meticulously designed frame finished using clear resin.
“Good work pays off,” he tells aspiring artists. “Stay true to your vision and put in the effort. The rewards may come, but they require patience and perseverance.”
As Samara prepares for his gallery event, he exemplifies how passion and dedication can lead to a fulfilling career in the arts. Balancing nursing and painting may be challenging, but his commitment to both professions highlights the power of creativity and resilience.
Through his art, Samara not only shares his personal journey, but also invites others to connect with their own emotions and experiences. With a bright future ahead, he proves that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
Hardy Al-Atam tree gains prominence in Saudi highlands
Al-Saadi highlighted the biodiversity of Saudi Arabia and said that the ideal climate for the Al-Atam tree is in the southern highlands along the Sarawat Mountains, from Abha in the southwest to Taif in the northwest
Updated 39 min 31 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Al-Atam tree, a hardy species known as “wild olive,” has gained a special importance among the people of Sarat, southwestern Saudi Arabia, due to the quality and strength of its wood.
For centuries, people relied on the tree for many of life’s requirements, including for construction materials and as a reagent in traditional medicine.
"The species is considered one of the most important trees in the Sarawat Mountains." (SPA)
The Saudi Press Agency said: “Al-Atam is a resilient tree that thrives in the harsh conditions of the Sarawat Mountains. It can withstand drought, extreme temperatures and rocky terrain, making it a valuable resource for communities in the region.”
The agency met farmers who highlighted the tree’s versatility.
FASTFACT
Al-Atam is characterized by its greenery and benefits, including the strength of its trunk and ability to bear huge weight.
One farmer, Saleh Al-Saadi, said: “It is a wonderful tree, even though it does not bear fruit. Its branches are strong and solid, and it can endure the harshest conditions.”
Al-Atam is one of the most important trees in the region. (SPA)
The species is considered one of the most important trees in the Sarawat Mountains, Al-Saadi added.
Al-Atam is characterized by its greenery and benefits, including the strength of its trunk and ability to bear huge weight.
The tree can also survive in harsh environments, similar to the Vachellia tortilis species widespread in southern Taif.
Al-Saadi highlighted the biodiversity of Saudi Arabia and said that the ideal climate for the Al-Atam tree is in the southern highlands along the Sarawat Mountains, from Abha in the southwest to Taif in the northwest.
The species offers promising opportunities for sustainable development and cultural preservation, the SPA reported. With further research and cultivation efforts, the resilient Al-Atam could play an even greater role in the Kingdom’s future.
Saudi king, crown prince send condolences to Al-Burhan after Sudan dam collapse tragedy
Collapse of Arbaat Dam on Sunday killed 30 people
Updated 38 min 33 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent condolences to the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council chairman Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Friday following the collapse of a dam in the country, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The collapse of the Arbaat Dam on Sunday killed 30 people, with the toll expected to rise, in the latest tragedy in Sudan as this year’s rainy season wreaks havoc.
The war-shattered country is already suffering from the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises, and floods have prevented aid reaching areas most affected, which is being further disrupted by the conflict between Al-Burhan’s forces and rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Interior Ministry’s Special Forces for Environmental Security and other relevant security agencies are responsible for arresting anyone who violates the hunting regulations
Updated 30 August 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife announced that the Kingdom’s hunting season will run from Sept. 1 until Jan. 1, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
According to the SPA, the center also stated that the country’s hunting regulations have been updated, taking into account the sustainable use of natural resources, and the preservation of biodiversity and environmental balance. The center has reportedly “collaborated with experts in the field of hunting” and “conducted research into international best practices and past hunting seasons, taking into account the Kingdom’s international obligations,” in order to draw up the new rules.
The center stated that a list of species that can be hunted can be found on its website and the Fitri platform.
“Those wishing to hunt who have rifles licensed by the relevant authorities, or falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club, must obtain hunting permits through the Fitri platform.” the center explained.
The center also emphasized that it strictly prohibits the hunting of endangered wild animal species, adding that “hunting of any kind is not allowed in areas designated as off-limits, including urban areas, villages, farms, rest houses, population centers, near military, industrial, and vital facilities, within reserves and major projects, and along coastal areas up to 20 kilometers inland.”
The use of shotguns, hunting nets, or unauthorized techniques including attraction and calling devices, is strictly prohibited, the center’s statement added.
The Interior Ministry’s Special Forces for Environmental Security and other relevant security agencies, in coordination with the NCW, are responsible for arresting anyone who violates the hunting regulations and referring them to the relevant legal authorities.
Fatwa symposium attended by distinguished scholars
Updated 16 sec ago
Arab News
MADINAH: The second edition of “Fatwa at Two Holy Mosques and its Impact on Facilitating Procedures for Visitors” symposium at the Prophet’s Mosque has concluded.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of religious affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their approval to hold the symposium.
The event was attended by several distinguished scholars and was organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. (SPA)
He emphasized that this reflects the leadership’s commitment to the welfare of pilgrims and enhancing their religious experience and knowledge.
The symposium, he noted, is a continuation of the efforts and services that the Kingdom provides to conveying the true message of Islam, and the religious mission of the Two Holy Mosques, to Muslims and humanity in the most complete way.
The event was attended by several distinguished scholars and was organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, in cooperation with the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, with the Saudi Press Agency as media partners.
