Indian diaspora provides key link between India and Saudi Arabia, says former foreign minister

Indian diaspora provides key link between India and Saudi Arabia, says former foreign minister
Former Indian Foreign Minister and president of the India Islamic Cultural Center Salman Khurshid (4R), AIMIM Bihar president Akhtarul Iman (3R) in Riyadh during an interaction with the Indian diaspora. (Supplied)
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Updated 08 February 2025
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Indian diaspora provides key link between India and Saudi Arabia, says former foreign minister

Indian diaspora provides key link between India and Saudi Arabia, says former foreign minister
  • Salman Khurshid, president of the India Islamic Cultural Center, visits Riyadh to discuss with Indian expatriates their experiences of living and working in the Kingdom
  • Akhtarul Iman, of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, says authorities in India have failed to address the concerns of Indian Muslims in an appropriate manner

RIYADH: Salman Khurshid, president of the India Islamic Cultural Center and his country’s former foreign minister, said Indians living and working in Saudi Arabia play a key role in relations between the two countries.

He added that he and his team are working on implementing changes and reforms at the cultural center to improve the support and services it provides for all Indians, not only in India but in other countries.

Khurshid, who was elected president of the center in August last year, was visiting Riyadh for an event on Friday during which he discussed with Indian expatriates their experiences of living and working in the Kingdom.




Former Indian Foreign Minister and president of the India Islamic Cultural Center Salman Khurshid during media interaction in Riyadh on Friday. (Supplied)

“I am in here to interact with the Indian community and discuss the ground realities,” he said. “They are keen to know about the developments in India.

“I am very pleased that the IICC is in focus, people are looking at what possibilities there are, and how much we can develop the organization as a hub that links different parts in the world and connects with how important it is for that dimension of the Indian culture and the Indian society to be understood in the world.

“The Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia can provide an important bridge between the people of India and the people of Saudi Arabia, and this has been an important aspect for successive governments in India.

“We will brainstorm on key issues and ground realities, we will talk about those issues and what positive contribution can be made by people who have left their homes and families to come out into the world and make a mark with their presence here in the Kingdom.”

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi laid the foundation stone of the center’s headquarters in New Delhi on Aug. 24, 1984. The aim of the organization was to promote understanding among people of different religions and aid the cause of national integration. It was inaugurated by Congress party president Sonia Gandhi on June 12, 2006.

Regarding possible changes and development of the organization, Khurshid said there are plans to establish branches in states across India, and beyond, to support the decentralization and democratization of the center.

“It’s not just about chapters in different parts of India but also in other countries, as IICC overseas chapters, (for example) in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

“My view is that there should be chapters and we should support those chapters, but if people want fully fledged centers to be set up in states, I would say they should be affiliated centers supported by local members. Members from Delhi cannot control centers in the states, it must be truly democratic.”




Former Indian Foreign Minister and president of the India Islamic Cultural Center Salman Khurshid, AIMIM Bihar president Akhtarul Iman in Riyadh for an interaction with the Indian diaspora. (Supplied)

Khurshid was joined at Friday’s event by Akhtarul Iman, state president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen who represents the constituency of Amour in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. He said it is the responsibility of the government and state authorities to protect the lives, property, honor and safety of all Indian citizens, yet Muslims have increasingly been targeted by those who wish to spread fear among them.

In the past decade, he added, there has been an increase in cases of injustice and atrocities committed against Muslims under the rule of Bharatiya Janata Party-led central and state governments, and the leaderships of both the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Janata Dal (United) parties have also failed to address these issues in an appropriate manner.

“They ask Muslims for support but fail to address their concerns,” Iman said, adding that his party is committed to ensuring that the grievances of all Indian Muslims who have faced problems since 2014 are addressed.
 


Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event

Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event
Updated 44 sec ago
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Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event

Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event

Riyadh gathering highlights new opportunities, fosters Saudi cultural entrepreneurship

Riyadh: The Cultural Development Fund hosted the third annual Storytellers event in Riyadh, bringing together key officials, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs and creators from various cultural fields.

The gathering is part of the fund’s efforts to strengthen connections, explore new opportunities and support the sector’s momentum, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It featured a keynote by the fund’s CEO, Majed Al-Hugail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, behind the CHEFPreneur program — one of the initiatives supported by the fund.

The program equips aspiring chefs with culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills to launch their own projects and establish competitive businesses.

The gathering also celebrated 42 graduates of the program who had completed their training.

In line with its commitment to supporting enabled projects, the fund showcased several beneficiary projects, allowing guests to experience their creative offerings firsthand.

The event featured cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests took part in traditional crafts like prayer bead-making and henna art, while a special art exhibition showcased works by visual artist and craftswoman Naifah Al-Shahrani.

Inspired by the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the exhibition honored the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia with vibrant colors and intricate details.

The event aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector and nonprofit organizations to drive sustainable growth in the cultural sector, contributing to economic development and enhancing quality of life.

Nawaf Al-Owain, the fund’s marketing and communication executive director, told Arab News: “This annual gathering is part of the fund’s efforts to foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders and sustain the cultural sector’s momentum.

“It also reflects the fund’s role as a key financial enabler and its commitment to empowering creatives and cultural entrepreneurship.”

He added: “Now in its third year, the event has become a cornerstone of the fund’s outreach efforts, establishing a platform that unites creatives, entrepreneurs and influencers to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and explore collaboration opportunities across cultural and financial sectors.

“By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the fund aims to promote partnerships that drive growth and sustainability in the cultural sector.”


Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style

Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style
Updated 55 min 50 sec ago
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Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style

Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh restored in traditional Najdi style

RIYADH: The historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hotat Bani Tamim, Riyadh, is among the places of worship restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to safeguard Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Established in 1835 and named after the castle of Imam Turki bin Abdullah that once stood on its premises, Al-Qalaah Mosque holds significant historical value, which the project seeks to preserve.

Upon completion, the mosque will cover 625 sq. meters, accommodating up to 180 worshipers, the SPA reported.

Built in the Najdi style, the mosque primarily uses clay, with a construction method involving a clay and hay mixture placed in wooden molds to form brick-like structures.

This technique is known for its economic efficiency compared to other materials, offering advantages such as thermal resistance and maintaining a moderate indoor temperature.

It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, featuring six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim.

Phase two follows the completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA.

The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.

Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.

The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.


Kingdom arrests 25,150 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 25,150 illegals in one week
Updated 22 March 2025
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Kingdom arrests 25,150 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 25,150 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 25,150 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 17,886 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,247 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,017 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,553 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 69 percent were Ethiopian, 28 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 63 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 36 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
Updated 22 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, 840 packages were distributed across several governorates as part of the Etaam Ramadan project.

KSrelief also provided 190 food packages to Syrian refugees in the town of Shebaa, Lebanon, benefiting 950 people.

In South Africa’s Vereeniging, 400 packages were distributed to families, while 190 parcels went to those in need in southern Lebanon, aiding 900 individuals.

In Tajikistan, KSrelief delivered food packages to 600 families in Baljuvon district.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 4,050 cartons of dates in Yemen’s Aden governorate, benefiting 24,300 people.


Worshippers urged to follow crowd guidelines in Makkah

Worshippers urged to follow crowd guidelines in Makkah
Updated 22 March 2025
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Worshippers urged to follow crowd guidelines in Makkah

Worshippers urged to follow crowd guidelines in Makkah

MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, urged worshippers to cooperate with authorities in managing crowd flow in Makkah.

He emphasized avoiding congestion and adhering to guidelines to ensure safety and security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

After Isha prayer at the Grand Mosque, Al-Sudais spoke about Ramadan’s last 10 nights, urging Muslims to take them seriously and recognize the significance of Laylat Al-Qadr.

He stressed seizing this opportunity for good deeds, highlighting the period’s great significance in Ramadan, the SPA reported.

Al-Sudais praised the leadership’s dedication to the Two Holy Mosques and the services provided to visitors.