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, US defense chiefs discuss regional security in phone call

Saudi, US defense chiefs discuss regional security in phone call
Updated 07 April 2025
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Saudi, US defense chiefs discuss regional security in phone call

Saudi, US defense chiefs discuss regional security in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two discussed defense cooperation between the two countries, SPA added.

They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.


Saudi Arabia highlights cultural preservation efforts at UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris

Saudi Arabia highlights cultural preservation efforts at UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris
Updated 07 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia highlights cultural preservation efforts at UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris

Saudi Arabia highlights cultural preservation efforts at UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris
  • Kingdom’s permanent representative announces two digital initiatives to be launched in partnership with UN body
  • Abdulelah bin Ali Al-Tokhais says Kingdom remains committed to advancing the organization’s strategic priorities

PARIS: Saudi Arabia has highlighted its work in cultural preservation at the 221st session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at the organization’s headquarters in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The session, which opened Monday and runs until April 17, is being attended by representatives from member states and key international stakeholders.

The UNESCO Executive Board, of which Saudi Arabia is a member, is one of the organization’s three main governing bodies, alongside the General Conference and the Secretariat.

Comprising 58 member states elected for four-year terms, the board evaluates the organization’s work, oversees programs, and reviews budgetary matters.

Saudi Arabia’s delegation is led by Abdulelah bin Ali Al-Tokhais, the Kingdom’s permanent representative to UNESCO.

Also in attendance are members of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and representatives from various national institutions.

Delivering the Kingdom’s address during the opening session, Al-Tokhais underscored Saudi Arabia’s historic and ongoing partnership with UNESCO, highlighting that the Kingdom was among the first nations to sign the UN Charter in 1945.

He emphasized the robust cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNESCO, particularly through the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, a partnership that recently culminated in the Kingdom hosting the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities, held under the patronage of King Salman.

Al-Tokhais also noted the Kingdom’s role in cultural preservation, citing the Saudi Fund to Support, Protect and Promote Culture and Heritage at UNESCO.

As part of collaborative efforts, he announced that two digital initiatives — the Virtual Museum of Stolen Objects and the Digital Heritage Platform — will be launched in partnership with UNESCO in the first half of 2025.

He also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for UNESCO’s mission, and said that the Kingdom remained committed to advancing the organization’s strategic priorities and contributing to global development goals.


Saudi development agency improves Yemen’s sports infrastructure to empower youth

Saudi development agency improves Yemen’s sports infrastructure to empower youth
Updated 07 April 2025
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Saudi development agency improves Yemen’s sports infrastructure to empower youth

Saudi development agency improves Yemen’s sports infrastructure to empower youth
  • SDRPY has built over 30 basketball and volleyball courts in schools across various Yemeni governorates
  • Agency is dedicated to implementing sports projects in Yemen that meet global standards to enhance youth skills

RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen has supported various sports and youth initiatives in the country as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to empower Yemeni youth.

The SDRPY has built over 30 basketball and volleyball courts in schools across various Yemeni governorates, and supported the construction of FIFA-standard stadiums for clubs such as Al-Jazira, Al-Rawdah, and Al-Menaa.

In a report, the agency said that it remains dedicated to implementing sports projects in Yemen that meet global standards to enhance youth skills, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The SDRPY’s work in Yemen includes restoring sports facilities, sponsoring tournaments, providing technical support and sports education, and developing athletic skills among Yemeni children.

Various sports tournaments have been organized by the development agency to provide young Yemeni athletes with opportunities to compete, the SPA added.

In recent years, it has helped restore the Ali Asad Muthanna Sports Hall in Aden after a long period of disuse, providing youth with a renewed space to engage in physical activities.

It has also organized major tournaments in the country, including the Marib Football Championship, which involved 14 clubs and 588 young participants, and a basketball tournament in Hadramout, which involved 17 clubs and 289 young participants.

The agency celebrated the Yemeni U-17 national team for their victory in the West Asian Football Championship against the Saudi U-17 national squad in December 2021 as a gesture of encouragement and acknowledgment, the SPA reported.

In June 2020, SDRPY signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Sport to support athletics in Yemen. Since then, it has backed 264 projects and initiatives across various sectors in the country, including sports, education, health, water, energy, and developmental programs.


Moma’s Garden: A Saudi family’s recipe for love

Moma’s Garden: A Saudi family’s recipe for love
Updated 07 April 2025
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Moma’s Garden: A Saudi family’s recipe for love

Moma’s Garden: A Saudi family’s recipe for love
  • Al-Mumen family blends culinary creativity, tradition in cozy Alkhobar restaurant
  • Teamwork brings comfort through home-like decor, modern twist on Arabic flavors

ALKHOBAR: In a quiet corner of Alkhobar, Moma’s Garden has become more than just a restaurant — it is a family-run establishment at which hospitality is as important as the food itself. With another branch in Dammam, the restaurant is entirely operated by the Al-Mumen family, whose members take on various roles to run its daily operations.

The atmosphere of Moma’s Garden is intentionally just like home. Sunlight filters through white curtains, casting a warm glow over wooden tables and lush greenery. The walls are adorned with framed family photographs, reflecting a history deeply intertwined with the restaurant’s identity.

The restaurant’s wishing tree, where visitors leave handwritten notes, is a symbol of community and connection. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Moma’s Garden started as a small venture in a Dammam hotel, a modest space that helped to lay the foundation for what would later become a larger family project.

Abdulfattah Al-Mumen, the father, said: “At first we opened Moma’s Garden in a hotel in Dammam. It was a small place, but it was big in our hearts, and that’s where our story began. Now, with our second branch in Alkhobar, our journey continues.

For many visitors Moma’s Garden is not just a restaurant but a place shaped by personal stories, dedication, and a deep appreciation for hospitality. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

“It is built on the passion of our family, my wife’s creativity, and our children’s experiences from traveling and living abroad. They learned to cook for their friends, and today they are capable of managing businesses, finances, architecture, and law.”

And while each member of the family brings something to the table, Al-Mumen said: “The mastermind behind all the creativity is my wife. In the end we are simply a family that enjoys cooking and being together.”

We are not just running a business. We are sharing our passion, our creativity, and our love for food. At the end of the day what matters most is that we continue to do what we love together.

Abdulfattah Al-Mumen

Abdulhadi, their young son, told Arab News: “I handle the front desk, my mother oversees the menu and its development, Hassan manages finances, and Bayan handles legal matters.”

However, the roles are not set in stone and each family member steps up as needed. Abdulhadi added: “My father and I collaborate on architectural and design aspects … Sometimes my father is a waiter and sometimes I cook in the kitchen. We all share responsibilities.”

For many visitors Moma’s Garden is not just a restaurant but a place shaped by personal stories, dedication, and a deep appreciation for hospitality. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

At the heart of Moma’s Garden is Intessar, the matriarch who personally oversees the menu and ingredient selection, ensuring that every dish meets her high standards.

She said: “Finding the right ingredients can be difficult. Every day I go out myself and handpick what we use. Maybe that’s why this place feels like home to so many people. Even the local vendors recognize me now and know I won’t settle for anything less than top quality.

Moma's Garden isn't just a restaurant -- it's a place shaped by stories, dedication, and hospitality.

“Our dishes are not traditionally Arabic, but we’ve given them a modern twist infused with Arabic elements, like shakshuka and date toast.”

This hands-on approach and commitment to fresh ingredients help define Moma’s Garden’s philosophy.

Every dish tells a story – Carefully crafted recipes with a modern twist. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The setting at Moma’s Garden is carefully designed to create a welcoming and relaxed environment. The wooden tables, soft pastel hues, and an abundance of plants contribute to an atmosphere that encourages guests to unwind and enjoy their meal.

A unique feature is the wishing tree, where visitors leave handwritten notes — a symbol of community and connection that has become an integral part of the restaurant’s charm.

“I always come to Moma’s Garden” – Roa Khushina, a regular guest. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Al-Mumen said: “We select our ingredients as if we are choosing them for our own home, so that our guests feel like they are in their second home, not just any restaurant.

“We want them to feel like they are visiting us, like guests in our own house.”

A family’s journey on the walls – Framed photographs tell the story of the Al-Mumen family. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

For many customers, this sense of familiarity is what keeps them coming back.

Roa Khushina, a fitness trainer and regular at the establishment, said: “I always come to Moma’s Garden — it’s honestly one of the best restaurants in Alkhobar. Their dishes are excellent, diverse, and they even offer healthy options.”

Moma’s Garden – AlKhubar, Saudi Arabia. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Running a restaurant as a family comes with its own challenges, particularly in hiring staff who align with the restaurant’s vision.

Hassan, the eldest son, said: “We don’t just look for employees — we look for people who fit our culture, who see this place as more than just a job. It takes us four to five months to find the right person.”

Despite occasional differences in opinion, the Al-Mumen family views these challenges as an essential part of working together and evolving the business.

“These challenges make our family stronger, and we see ourselves as partners in success,” he added.

With two established locations, the family remains committed to maintaining quality rather than expanding too quickly.

“We are not just running a business,” said Al-Mumen. “We are sharing our passion, our creativity, and our love for food. At the end of the day what matters most is that we continue to do what we love together.”

For many visitors Moma’s Garden is not just a restaurant but a place shaped by personal stories, dedication, and a deep appreciation for hospitality.

 


Deputy minister receives Portuguese ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Deputy minister receives Portuguese ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Updated 07 April 2025
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Deputy minister receives Portuguese ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Deputy minister receives Portuguese ambassador to Saudi Arabia
  • They reviewed issues of common interest and future cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Ambassador of Portugal to the Kingdom Nuno Mathias in Riyadh, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed “issues of common interest and future cooperation,” the ambassador added in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji recently received in Riyadh Alison Dilworth, US Embassy charge d’affaires ad interim to the Kingdom.

They reviewed bilateral relations and international developments.