Boost for regional economy as AlUla’s palm farms produce over 100,000 tonnes of dates annually
Updated 27 August 2024
Arab News
ALULA: AlUla’s palm farms are making a significant contribution to the regional economy with the production of more than 100,000 tonnes of dates each year.
Spanning approximately 16,579 hectares with over 3.1 million palm trees, the farms are currently mid-harvest, with the season running from Aug. 15 to Oct. 30. The main variant harvested is the Burni variety.
AlUla’s dates are of exceptional quality, thanks to the region’s fertile soil and abundant water supply.
The Royal Commission for AlUla supports local farmers by promoting agricultural expansion and preservation, and through marketing. Events and festivals centered around dates further boost interest from both citizens and tourists.
King Salman orders support for stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims
Hajj ministry tasked with providing support to Iranians stuck in the Kingdom
Updated 27 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: King Salman has directed Saudi authorities to ensure that Iranian pilgrims in the Kingdom are provided all the necessary support until it’s safe for them to return home.
On Friday, Israel launched an early morning attack on Iranian nuclear sites and assassinated nuclear scientists and military chiefs in a major escalation in tensions, prompting Tehran to close its airspace.
The plan to help the stranded pilgrims was put forward to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Hajj and Umrah Ministry has been task with the responsibility of ensuring the Iranian pilgrims get the necessary support.
The Hajj, a key pillar of Islam, concluded last week with over 1.6m pilgrims taking part, with authorities calling it a success.
Tens of thousands of Iranians attend the Hajj each year.
Iran on Friday retaliated to the attack by targeting Tel Aviv, prompting fears of a prolonged and more dangerous exchanges between the two countries.
Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call
Two leaders stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means
Updated 12 min 34 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, including the ongoing Israeli military operations against Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call on Friday, the two leaders stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.
They also affirmed the importance of continued joint efforts to promote security, peace, and stability across the region.
Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture
Immersive experience showcases history, transformation of Islam’s most sacred sites
Exhibition fuses traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with rare artifacts, architectural models on display
Updated 36 min 16 sec ago
SPA
MAKKAH: Visitors to Makkah are being offered an unprecedented journey through Islamic architectural history, showcasing the remarkable evolution of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque across 14 centuries of development.
The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200 sq. meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts and architectural models that document the transformation of Islam’s most sacred sites.
The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200-square-meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts. (SPA)
The exhibition building itself exemplifies the fusion of traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with architectural elements deliberately echoing the Grand Mosque’s distinctive style.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, this design philosophy creates an immersive environment in which visitors experience visual and cultural connections to the sacred spaces.
FASTFACT
The exhibition building exemplifies the fusion of traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with architectural elements deliberately echoing the Grand Mosque’s distinctive style.
Following comprehensive upgrades, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the exhibition’s trial operations phase. The modernization included complete technical infrastructure overhauls, contemporary presentation methods for historical artifacts, and sophisticated lighting systems that illuminate intricate details while enhancing the visitor experience.
The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200-square-meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts. (SPA)
The exhibition’s renewed mission extends beyond simple display, aiming to transmit the Two Holy Mosques’ heritage to both Islamic communities and global audiences, the SPA said.
Through interactive experiences and educational programming, the facility seeks to broaden understanding of Islamic architectural principles, while connecting contemporary visitors with their civilizational roots.
Those interested in visiting can schedule appointments through the official booking portal at https://visits.alharamain.gov.sa/
Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques launches Umrah season programs
The presidency will enhance the devotional atmosphere via religious and scholarly initiatives and programs throughout the season
Updated 36 min 23 sec ago
SPA
MAKKAH: The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques is preparing to enhance its program for the upcoming Umrah season through an initiative aimed at welcoming pilgrims, worshippers and visitors, and raising awareness about rituals.
The presidency explained that the centers for responding to religious inquiries have been enhanced through both on-site locations and telephone services. These are distributed across 10 sites inside and outside the Grand Mosque in Makkah, in addition to four dedicated offices for phone-based inquiries.
A total of 62 participating scholars, including judges and university faculty members, are available around the clock to respond to inquiries.
The presidency will enhance the devotional atmosphere via religious and scholarly initiatives and programs throughout the season. The plan also seeks to recruit volunteers to serve in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Saudi Arabia re-elected to IGC administrative committee
Saudi General Food Security Authority Chairman Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Fares said that Saudi Arabia’s renewed committee membership confirmed its expanding role in international forums
Updated 36 min 29 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The International Grain Council re-elected Saudi Arabia as a member of the administrative committee for the 2025-2026 session during its 62nd meeting in London on Thursday, retaining the Kingdom among 16 elected members chosen from 30 countries.
Saudi General Food Security Authority Chairman Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Fares said that Saudi Arabia’s renewed committee membership confirmed its expanding role in international forums and its significant economic influence on both international and regional stages.
Since joining the board on Sept. 1, 2010, the Kingdom has actively contributed to board decisions that enhance global grain market stability.
