Festive preparations for Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia get underway 

Festive preparations for Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia get underway 
As Eid A- Fitr draws near, festive preparations are in full swing in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Updated 28 March 2025
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Festive preparations for Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia get underway 

Festive preparations for Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia get underway 
  • Crowds gather at shopping centers and markets for last-minute purchases ahead of holiday
  • Officials carry out wide-ranging preparations of holy sites as worshippers get ready for Eid prayers

RIYADH: With the holy month of Ramadan drawing to a close, preparations for Eid Al-Fitr celebrations and the week-long holiday are underway in Saudi Arabia.

Mosques across the Kingdom are preparing for the Eid Al-Fitr prayer and crowds can be seen gathering in shopping centers to buy clothing, sweets, and toys for the annual celebration.

As Eid draws near, families are gearing up for the big occasion.

“We are a few days away from Eid Al-Fitr, the week-long celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and religious introspection, and preparations have already begun for the annual celebration,” said Abdulaziz Ali Saleh, an Eid shopper in Dheera Market, Riyadh.

He added that an important part of Eid shopping is preparing the dresses and thobes that will be worn at gatherings hosted by his family.

“New clothes are a big tradition on Eid Al-Fitr, so we go to shops, choose some really nice fabrics, and get the outfits for us, which we wear when we wake up on the day of Eid. We also buy sweets and chocolates for the kids,” said Rumana Shahid, a homemaker in Riyadh.




The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure the readiness of mosques and open-air prayer areas for Eid Al-Fitr. (SPA)

“It’s the time for reconnection, feasting to celebrate the culmination of the fasting month and celebration with families and friends. The focus of this annual big day is on maintaining and nourishing family ties and reaching out to our most beloved people,” she added.

With the shopping malls bustling with crowds for Eid, Manal Al-Harbi, a Riyadh resident, said: “People, along with their family and children, flock to shopping centers for new garments, chocolates and other Eid gifts to be shared with their loved ones on the Eid Al-Fitr, the most celebratory occasion in the Islamic calendar.

“I visited some shopping malls in the city today and last night, and I found them crowded with people busy in last-minute Eid shopping.

“You will see the Eid spirit here everywhere you go during the night. The streets decorated with colorful lights at night are going to be more busy and everything that is dull during the day will come to life at night, ahead of the biggest celebration in the Islamic calendar,” she added.

Official preparations have also begun to prepare places of worship for the holiday.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has undertaken extensive preparations at mosques and open-air prayer areas, the Saudi Press Agency reported

Across the country, meticulous cleaning and sterilization has taken place to maintain a hygienic atmosphere within these sacred spaces.

Furthermore, maintenance has been conducted on electrical systems, air-conditioning units, and audio equipment, guaranteeing optimal functionality and comfort for those performing prayers.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance’s Madinah branch has finalized preparations for Eid prayer, equipping 925 mosques and open prayer halls across the region.

Field inspections and maintenance have ensured the venues are ready for an influx of worshippers.

The Eid prayer will commence 15 minutes after sunrise, according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar.


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 11 min 31 sec ago
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 30 min 28 sec ago
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KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.

In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.

On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.

The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.

 


Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
  • Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

Rafi Dikranian and Mohammed Bajbaa speak on “From Drops to Drives: Connecting with Communities,” exploring how culture, streetwear, and grassroots branding are reshaping consumer engagement. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

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Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Saudi brands that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation, as featured in the latest Fashion Lab showcase. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, delivers the opening keynote at The Fashion Seminar 2025, highlighting the importance of creativity and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi fashion. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.

 

 


First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
Updated 04 May 2025
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First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
  • Discussions aim to support sustainable development, promote safe tourism environment

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7.

The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

It will cover key topics such as enhancing transparency and governance in the tourism sector, combating corruption, and boosting international partnerships and expertise exchange among member states and regional and international organizations.

The discussions aim to support sustainable development and promote a trustworthy and safe tourism environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum is expected to attract international participation from more than 40 countries and 10 regional and international organizations.

Attendees will include ministers, heads, and representatives of anti-corruption bodies from OIC member states, as well as key international organizations like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, and the UN Development Programme. Local and international experts will also take part.

Organizing the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global efforts promoting transparency and accountability in tourism, according to the SPA.

The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s recognition of tourism as a key driver of sustainable development, in line with Vision 2030. It aims to build a thriving tourism sector, diversify national income sources, and stimulate economic growth.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • They discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.