Over 6m worshippers flock to Prophet’s Mosque in one week

People walk in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (File/SPA)
People walk in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (File/SPA)
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Updated 25 February 2024
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Over 6m worshippers flock to Prophet’s Mosque in one week

People walk in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (File/SPA)
  • The statistics issued by the authority showed that 647,790 individuals visited the tomb of Prophet Muhammad
  • Additionally, 298,397 visitors performed prayers at Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa

RIYADH: The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that the latter welcomed a total of 6,000,247 visitors last week, an achievement facilitated by high-quality services that enabled the crowds to perform their prayers smoothly, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The statistics issued by the authority showed that 647,790 individuals visited the tomb of Prophet Muhammad. Additionally, 298,397 visitors performed prayers at Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa, following organizational procedures that regulated crowd movement and designated specific prayer times for both men and women.

The authority also reported that 16,506 elderly people and individuals with disabilities were able to use electric carts provided to ease their access to the Prophet’s Mosque, while 114,532 visitors benefited from guidance services, which assisted them in navigating the various exhibitions, museums, and other areas. A total of 147,735 visitors benefited from translation services, and 12,205 sought information at the Prophet's Mosque’s library.

More than 5,400 people visited exhibitions and museums, while 30,140 used transportation services. Additionally, 146,429 gifts — including copies of the Qur’an, umbrellas, prayer mats, incense burners, flowers and sweets — were offered to visitors.

Over 160,000 bottles of Zamzam water were supplied to visitors, and 142,007 iftar meals were distributed in corridors of the mosque designated for people who had been fasting.


Putin thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting US-Russia talks during phone call

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File/SPA/AFP)
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Putin thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting US-Russia talks during phone call

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • Prince Mohammed stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to making every possible effort to enhance global peace and security

RIYADH: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed on Thursday his appreciation to the Kingdom and its crown prince for hosting US-Russian talks in Riyadh on Tuesday.

During a phone call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Putin, the president also praised the depth of relations between their countries and his keenness to develop them in various fields.

Prince Mohammed stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to making every possible effort to enhance global peace and security due to its belief that dialogue is the only way to resolve all international crises.


Senior Muslim scholars express appreciation for King Salman’s patronage of MWL Islamic conference

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
Updated 20 February 2025
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Senior Muslim scholars express appreciation for King Salman’s patronage of MWL Islamic conference

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
  • MWL members confirmed that King Salman’s sponsorship of the event is an extension of Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening Islamic solidarity

RIYADH: Muslim World League chief Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said members of the organization’s bodies, assemblies, and councils have thanked King Salman for his patronage of a conference to be held in Makkah during Ramadan.

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects on March 6-7 in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency announced on Tuesday.

The conference will bring together leading muftis, scholars, intellectuals, and representatives from senior Islamic councils, jurisprudential academies, and religious institutions across different sects and denominations.

It will serve as a unified platform for fostering constructive dialogue among diverse Islamic traditions as well as coordinating efforts and resources to strengthen Islamic unity, while ensuring mutual respect for doctrinal diversity.

Al-Issa explained that members of the organization confirmed that King Salman’s sponsorship of the event is an extension of Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening Islamic solidarity, especially among Muslim scholars of various sects.

Al-Issa added that members of the league’s Supreme Council, Jurisprudence Council, and World Supreme Council for Mosques praised the Kingdom’s influence and its influential and respected word among Muslim nations around the world.


Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’

Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’
Updated 20 February 2025
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Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’

Denmark’s Embassy celebrates ‘an evening of Danish flavors with Saudi twist’
  • Best of country’s cuisine, from cheeses to chocolate
  • Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Jacob Jensen in attendance

RIYADH: Denmark’s Embassy in Riyadh celebrated gastronomy on Wednesday by hosting “an evening of Danish flavors with a Saudi twist,” highlighting the best of the country’s cuisine, from cheeses to chocolate.

Liselotte Plesner, Denmark’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, thanked Jacob Jensen, Danish minister for food, agriculture and fisheries, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia; the Danish Agriculture and Food Council; and the business delegation accompanying the minister, along with Food Nation Denmark, for their support.

Plesner said that the evening was the third celebration of Danish gastronomy over the past two decades.

She said: “When I was young, finding a restaurant serving Danish food in Denmark was near to impossible. You could get Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and more. Only a few restaurants in Denmark would serve traditional open sandwiches.”

Then, in 2004, a group of chefs and foodies decided to turn the table. They crafted the New Nordic Cuisine Manifesto, setting out principles for a culinary revolution rooted in local and sustainable ingredients.

Plesner added: “Two of the chefs founded Noma. Fast forward, and five times Noma has won the top spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

“In 2021 Noma earned its third Michelin star. The year after, another Danish restaurant, Geranium, took the top spot of best restaurant in the world. Inspiration spread like ripples in the water. Who would have thought that Denmark would become a world-class food nation?”

The evening intended to inspire Saudi Arabia on its culinary journey as it bids to increase tourism and offer guests dishes to delight, said Plesner.

Cheeses took centre stage this year as the buffet featured 12 exquisite choices from Denmark. Cheese expert Rasmus Holmgard curated a feast of flavors.

Sana, a Saudi cheesemaker that produces burrata, introduced a local twist for the evening.

Jensen said: “I have been here for a day and I am full of impressions already. This evening we have gathered not only to taste the flavor of Denmark, but also to explore how culinary traditions can inspire innovation … and build bridges between nations.

“Denmark is proud to be recognized as a global food nation known for our high-quality, safe and sustainable food production.

“I am also pleased to see the Saudi cheesemaker Sana here, Danish-Saudi food diplomacy in action.”

The minister added: “Denmark’s contribution to the world of food goes far beyond gastronomy. We have major exports of advanced machinery and know-how solutions that enable efficiency and sustainable food production worldwide.”


Strong Saudi-US ties only continue to grow, Kingdom’s envoy says

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
Updated 20 February 2025
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Strong Saudi-US ties only continue to grow, Kingdom’s envoy says

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida.
  • Princess Reema said that strong and growing Saudi-US relations were “creating once unimaginable opportunities for a more prosperous future together”

RIYADH: The strong ties between Saudi Arabia and the US only continue to grow, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington Princess Reema bint Bandar said on Thursday.

Princess Reema said that strong and growing Saudi-US relations were “creating once unimaginable opportunities for a more prosperous future together.”

The Kingdom’s envoy made the comments on social media platform X after welcoming US President Donald Trump to the FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 summit on Wednesday.

The gathering of thought leaders, investors, and policymakers reflected the strength of “our shared vision, where partnership, trade, and investment drive progress,” Princess Reema said.

During the opening of the summit on Wednesday, Trump thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating US-Russian talks on the Ukraine war that were held in Riyadh on Tuesday.


Saudi crown prince invites leaders of GCC, Jordan, Egypt for informal meeting in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 20 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince invites leaders of GCC, Jordan, Egypt for informal meeting in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The informal gathering follows similar meetings that have been held periodically for many years between the leaders of GCC countries, Jordan, and Egypt

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has invited the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan, and Egypt for a meeting in Riyadh on Friday, an official source stated on Thursday.

The informal gathering follows similar meetings that have been held periodically for many years between the leaders of GCC countries, Jordan, and Egypt, enhancing cooperation and coordination.

“Joint Arab action and any relevant decisions will be included in the agenda of the upcoming Extraordinary Arab Summit, which will be held in Egypt” on March 4, the source added.