Stadium carved into Jazan mountain professes locals’ love for football

Al-Hashr Stadium in Al-Dayer governorate spans 60 by 94 meters and  is capable of accommodating thousands of spectators for events. (SPA)
Al-Hashr Stadium in Al-Dayer governorate spans 60 by 94 meters and is capable of accommodating thousands of spectators for events. (SPA)
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Updated 06 August 2024
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Stadium carved into Jazan mountain professes locals’ love for football

Stadium carved into Jazan mountain professes locals’ love for football
  • “The goal was to create a standard stadium to meet the desires of Jazan’s youths and to entertain themselves, especially during summer holidays,” Mohammed Harian explained

JEDDAH: In the heart of Al-Dayer governorate, a stadium carved into the Hashr Mountains honors human creativity and celebrates the local landscape.

The origin of this architectural marvel began in 1994, when a group of neighbors led by Mohammed Harian decided to build a sports field in the mountainous terrain.

With limited space available, they started with a rough field, but it was soon clear that a more ambitious undertaking was required.




Mohammed Harian

“We live in a difficult mountainous area that lacks wide spaces, and we could hardly find any space to practice any sport,” Harian explained in an interview with Arab News. “We created a basic field, but it was just a corner to play in. At that time, we couldn’t enjoy playing football, so we resorted to playing other games instead.”

Harian and his team persevered, and over the years, they expanded their vision, eventually carving out Al-Hashr Stadium from the mountain itself.

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The origin of the carved stadium began in 1994, when a group of neighbors led by Mohammed Harian decided to build a sports field in the mountainous terrain.

However, the imaginative project was not without difficulties, and early attempts were met with opposition from some locals.

“Initially, the idea annoyed some residents, so we implemented it in a lower area,” Harian said. “But we did not give up. We worked on it at our own expense, and with the help of donors and players, we were able to bring the project to life.”




Al-Hashr Stadium in Al-Dayer governorate spans 60 by 94 meters and  is capable of accommodating thousands of spectators for events. (SPA)

The construction took years and was a labor of love performed by the locals, with Harian leading the charge due to his expertise in construction. He noted that the cost exceeded SR 250,000 ($66,500), but to the sports lovers, the end result was well worth it.

“We opted to level the mountainous terrain, and that was a huge battle for us,” Harian recalled, noting that a design flaw led them to expand the field to correct the error, requiring more time and effort.

“The goal was to create a standard stadium to meet the desires of Jazan’s youths and to entertain themselves, especially during summer holidays,” he explained. “They took on the task of creating various programs, including cultural events, video shooting and training courses, refereeing, and matches between local teams, including awards and honors through community efforts and with the efforts of the Mount Hashr Center.”

The finished stadium is a marvel of engineering, spanning 60 by 94 meters and capable of accommodating thousands of spectators. Its design, reminiscent of both Roman amphitheaters and traditional agricultural terraces, has captured the attention of officials and visitors alike.

It has hosted numerous events, including the Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Championship and 16 other events showcasing the region's athletic talent, Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

To the locals, the stadium is more than just a sports venue — it is an artistic triumph, embodying the aspirations and dedication of the region’s youth.

There are plans in place for enhancements, including landscaping and lighting, to solidify its status as a premier sports and tourist destination.

As Harian looks to the future, he hopes that the man-made marvel will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. “The eastern side needs a lot of work to achieve the oval shape of the stadium. I hope that during any developmental works, the stone of the stadium is preserved to represent our rich heritage.”

A symbol of creativity and determination, Jazan’s carved stadium is attracting visitors from across the Kingdom, making Al-Dayer governorate a sought-after tourist and sports hub, SPA noted.

 


Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair discussed bilateral relations, ways to boost cooperation in various fields, and the latest regional and international developments.

Saudi and Pakistani senior officials attended the meeting. 


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They discussed resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza, in addition to efforts to halt attacks and protect civilians.

Macron commended the Kingdom's role in the US-Russian dialogue and the talks to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

The pair also tackled issues of mutual interest.


Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Saudi Press Agency said.

They discussed during the call developments in the Gaza Strip and their security and political repercussions. 

Starmer praised the Kingdom's pivotal role in hosting the US-Russia dialogue in Jeddah.

The pair reviewed efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

They also discussed ways of enhancing cooperation.


Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power

Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power

Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power
  • Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes

RIYADH: Ramadan, for many people, is an exceptional opportunity to practice self-discipline. Some people focus on personal growth while others learn new habits or adopt healthy lifestyles.

Fasting, as one example, involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise until sunset, teaching people to control their desires.

The shift in eating patterns allows Muslims to consume mindfully, gaining an appreciation for food and a greater understanding of the situation of millions of people around the world who lack access to safe food and drinking water.

“It is an excellent time for self-discipline,” Hind Saud told Arab News. “The essence of Ramadan and the practice of fasting is a transforming experience, making you a better person, especially if you’re aiming to develop new habits that require self-control.”

She said that she took advantage of the month of fasting to build positive habits, control her food consumption and her appetite for sweets.

“Last Ramadan, I focused on enhancing my health by cutting caffeine. The long fasting hours encouraged me to incorporate healthier beverages like fresh juices, herbal teas and plenty of water.

“I also wanted to reduce my intake of sugar and artificial sweets, which I typically enjoy in desserts and snacks outside of Ramadan. So, I replaced it with fruits and yogurt as part of my suhoor meal.”

Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection. People use this month to deepen their relationship with God through prayers, reading the Qur’an, and giving to charity. It can also be a time to meditate and practice active meditation.

“Self-control in Ramadan is spiritually achieved by freeing oneself for worship and renewing one’s soul and body from the preoccupations in the past months,” said Amira Abdulmohsen, a local from Riyadh.

She added: “It is also achieved by abstaining from distractions such as wasting time on social media and instead using the time to read the Qur’an or memorize some chapters of it. Ramadan is in general a time to cleanse the body of toxins such as smoking.”

Both spiritual reflection and meditation require separating time from hectic schedules and engaging in activities that lift the spirit and help people to manage their time effectively.

For example, many Saudis during this holy month find joy in praying Taraweeh at the masjid. This daily activity creates a sense of responsibility because it must be performed every day at a specific time.

This habit not only encourages individuals to prioritize their spiritual well-being but also raises their sense of accountability toward themselves and their community. It is a great time to bring the neighborhood closer and strengthen their bonds as well.

“Taraweeh prayer strengthens the community’s relationship with each other, while a person strengthens his relationship with neighbors through Ramadan gatherings for iftar meal or through iftar gifts,” Abdulmohsen said.

“Iftar gifts are when I prepare an iftar dish and give some of it to the neighbors minutes before sunset.

“Or, when people have an iftar meal together every day at the local masjid. Some families have a habit of delivering meals to masjids during Ramadan.”

The lessons learned during Ramadan often extend beyond the month itself. Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes.


Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands

Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands
Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands

Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands
  • Ministry initiative serves iftar meals to 15,000 people in Sudan’s cities and regions
  • Program endorses values of unity and compassion among Muslim societies

RIYADH: Daily iftar banquets organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance during the first half of Ramadan have benefited thousands in 61 countries, including Sudan, Tanzania, the Philippines, and Argentina.

In Sudan, the ministry’s initiative has served iftar meals to 15,000 people across Sudan’s cities and regions and will reach 30,000 people by the end of Ramadan, which concludes in late March.

These banquets are part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Iftar Program, which is being carried out in 61 countries worldwide during Ramadan.

The program endorses unity and compassion among Muslim societies, while strengthening brotherhood and solidarity during Ramadan, a month of worship when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

In Tanzania, 2,000 people have benefited from the iftar program during the first half of Ramadan, with the number expected to reach 4,500 next week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry organized iftar banquets in South America, where more than 7,500 people in mosques and centers across Argentina benefited from the program.

This week, the religious attache at the Saudi Embassy in the Philippines organized an iftar meal in Manila, which was attended by several heads of Islamic associations in the country.