Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month

Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)
Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month
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Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)
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Updated 17 March 2024
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Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month

Festivities bring fresh shine to Jeddah in the holy month
  • One shop owner in the mall told Arab News: “Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts as shop owners. We are crafting unique displays and promotions to meet our customers’ needs during this spiritual period

JEDDAH: Each passing year sees Ramadan decorations in Jeddah’s public spaces become more elaborate and enchanting.

The coastal city’s malls, hotels and shops have undergone a remarkable transformation this year, creating an inviting experience for residents and visitors.

Many shops are adorned in special decorations featuring lanterns and golden crescents, setting a warm and comforting tone. Shoppers can encounter enticing deals, discounts, prizes and interactive competitions at every turn.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)

From majestic crescent moons to twinkling fairy lights, and cozy majlises to fabrics with geometric prints called khayamiya, the city has been decked out for the holy month.

Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district offer visitors an enchanting experience, in a celebration of the old town’s rich heritage.

Al-Balad has come alive with vibrant market stalls, shops and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for families to discover traditions while indulging in food for iftar and sahoor.

FASTFACT

Restaurants throughout Jeddah are preparing special iftar menus and dining experiences for customers looking to break their fasts in a communal setting.

Special seating areas are available for people to play traditional games such as dominos, carrom and ballot, enhancing the festive mood. The historic district is also hosting storytelling sessions and Ramadan treasure hunts, as well as poetry readings.

Visitors can also unwind in outdoor seating areas while enjoying popular Ramadan TV shows.

The Red Sea Mall has been adorned with ambient lanterns, fairy lights and golden crescent moons for Ramadan, creating ideal spots for family photos.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (Ramadan Season)

One shop owner in the mall told Arab News: “Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts as shop owners. We are crafting unique displays and promotions to meet our customers’ needs during this spiritual period.

“It’s not only the top month for sales, but also an opportunity for us to engage with our community and offer them a memorable shopping experience.”

Al-Hadaya Center in the Al-Safa district is illuminated by shimmering lights that evoke the spirit of the holy month. Mohammed Ali, a staff member at the center, said: “Ramadan signifies a time of generosity and contemplation, and we are thrilled to be part of our customers’ celebrations.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)

“We offer a unique range of Ramadan-themed products including plastic cups, cutlery, tablecloths, home decoration, and particularly the triangular streamers adorned with the distinctive red, white and blue designs.

“We look forward to welcoming shoppers seeking the perfect gifts or decorations to enhance their homes during this sacred month.”

As a part of the Ramadan festivities, the World of Saving store in the Sari district has set up a booth for the Albir Society to facilitate donations.




Ramadan celebrations in the historic Al-Balad district include market stalls, traditional games and cultural performances, providing a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. (AN photo)

Meanwhile, Mall of Arabia, another prominent shopping destination in Jeddah, has set up a variety of activities and offerings. Shop owners at the mall have transformed their stores to welcome customers seeking special Ramadan gifts and decorations.

Hala Raees, a staff member at a household store, said: “Ramadan symbolizes a period of generosity and reflection, and we are excited to be involved in our customers’ festivities. Our store will showcase a unique selection of Ramadan-themed products, and as it is a month of giving and spreading joy, we look forward to welcoming shoppers in search of the perfect gifts or decorations to enhance their homes during this holy month.”

The city’s culinary scene is also embracing the essence of Ramadan. Restaurants throughout Jeddah are preparing special iftar menus and dining experiences for customers looking to break their fasts in a communal setting.

Salam Khan, the owner of a Pakistani restaurant, said: “Ramadan is a time for families and friends to unite, share meals and forge enduring memories. Our restaurant will serve a blend of traditional iftar dishes with Pakistani cuisine and special Ramadan beverages, creating a welcoming ambiance for our guests to savor their meals in a majlis-style setting.”

Abdel Darwesh, the owner of Al-Shami Restaurant, said: “We have introduced a variety of special Ramadan dishes and designed a stunning ambiance with hanging lights and mirrors for guests to enjoy the view.”

 


Saudi Arabia condemns Örebro attack

Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns Örebro attack

Saudi Arabia condemns Örebro attack

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Thursday a deadly shooting at a school in Örebro, Sweden, that left several people dead.
At least 11 people died and many people were wounded in an attack at the Risbergska adult education center in Orebro, central Sweden, on Tuesday.


A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement expressed the Kingdom’s complete rejection and denunciation of all forms of violence.
It also expressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity and sincere condolences to the families of the victims.


Former Saudi ambassador to US condemns Trump’s ‘mad ethnic cleansing plan’ for Gaza

Former Saudi ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal speaks to CNN international anchor Christiane Amanpour. (Screenshot)
Former Saudi ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal speaks to CNN international anchor Christiane Amanpour. (Screenshot)
Updated 06 February 2025
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Former Saudi ambassador to US condemns Trump’s ‘mad ethnic cleansing plan’ for Gaza

Former Saudi ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal speaks to CNN international anchor Christiane Amanpour. (Screenshot)
  • Prince Turki Al-Faisal says proposed resettlement of Palestinians would lead to more bloodshed
  • Warns US leader will receive ’an earful’ from Saudi leadership if he visits Kingdom

LONDON: Donald Trump’s plan for the US to take control of Gaza and force Palestinians to leave the enclave would be “ethnic cleansing” that would spark conflict and bloodshed, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s former ambassador in Washington, said on Wednesday.

In an interview with CNN, Prince Turki, who is also a former head of the Kingdom’s intelligence services, angrily rejected the US president’s comments, which included a threat to send US troops to help turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Prince Turki said he expected Arab and Muslim countries, along with other nations and Europe, to take up the issue at the UN to show that the world opposed “this mad ethnic cleansing plan.”

“It is a fantasy to think that ethnic cleansing in the 21st century can be condoned by a world community that stays on its behind, and does not respond to that,” Prince Turki told presenter Christiane Amanpour. “The problem in Palestine is not the Palestinians. It is the Israeli occupation. And this has been clear and understood by everybody.”

Prince Turki said Trump’s comments upended previous US policy that favored a two-state solution based on land for peace.

He said Trump’s plan was based on the position of Israeli extremist politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, “the ultimate ethnic cleanser,” who recently resigned as national security minister over the Gaza ceasefire.

Trump’s words were a “total acceptance of the Israeli position by the American government,” Prince Turki said, adding that this approach had been gaining support in US political circles over the past two years.

Prince Turki said that if Trump visited Saudi Arabia, he is likely to receive “an earful” from the Saudi leadership about “not just the wisdom of what he is proposing, but the downright unfairness and injustice.”

Trump has had close relations with Saudi Arabia and made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term. Prince Turki said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had pledged last month to invest $600 billion in the US.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry strongly condemned threats to displace Palestinians from their land and reiterated the Kingdom’s position that there would be no normalization of relations with Israel until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“This has been the position of Saudi Arabia from the beginning,” Prince Turki said.

He said that Trump’s Gaza plan on top of the “destruction and the devastation” of the territory during Israel’s campaign would only lead to more support for militant groups such as Hamas.

“Everybody has been telling the Israelis that if you repress these people, that if you punish them, if you inflict death and destruction and mayhem and genocide on them, all you are going to do is create more opposition,” Prince Turki said.

“That’s why they want to use ethnic cleansing to get the people out of the territory.

“So, their policy is clear cut and, unfortunately, we hear this reflected now in what Mr. Trump has said.”


Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says

Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says
Updated 05 February 2025
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Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says

Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says
  • Local GDP, tourism and investment on the rise in region
  • New opportunities for entrepreneurs expected

RIYADH: Quality of life, the economy and culture in Madinah are improving under Vision 2030, according to the Madinah Region Development Authority.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, officials from the authority said they are aiming to highlight regional achievements and the transformation taking place there.

Ihab Salem, chief strategy officer at Madinah Region Development Authority, said: “With the support of the emir of the region, we will achieve (Vision 2030 goals) through all relevant sectors of work in the region.

“This also helps in achieving developmental mobility, economic growth, and increasing investment opportunities and local content in the Madinah region, thus opening many opportunities for male and female entrepreneurs in various sectors.”

Economically, local gross domestic product reached SR118 billion ($31 billion) in 2023, with SR53 billion in foreign investment, while the second quarter of 2024 saw a decrease in unemployment.

Tourism is the rise, with 18 million visitors to the region in 2024. Visitors stayed an average of 10 days in 2023. The region was ranked 88 globally on Euromonitor International’s 2024 index of the world’s top 100 city destinations, ranked seven globally on the Tourism Performance Index, and 3,200 locations are registered in the National Urban Heritage Register.

It was recently announced that foreigners can now invest in Saudi-listed companies owning real estate in Makkah and Madinah, following a landmark decision by the Saudi Capital Market Authority.

Al-Madinah Smart City has also gained a number of achievements, including an advancement in 11 ranks in the International Institute for Management Development Smart City Index, ranking 74th globally after ranking 85th in 2023, alongside a number of other milestones.

Other notable initiatives implemented in collaboration with the Vision Realization Program include the King Salman Project to expand Quba Mosque, which aims to expand the area tenfold and develop 57 historical sites to reach a capacity of 66,000 worshipers; and the Dar Al-Hijra project in Madinah, which aims to retrace the steps of the Prophet Muhammad’s journey.

Madinah is considered one of the most accessible regions in the Kingdom through land, sea and air. Its three airports transported 10 million passengers in 2024, across more than 72,000 flights operated by 77 airlines to 36 local and international destinations.

Public buses in Madinah now have 123 stations, and the Haramain High Speed Railway Depot has transported 9 million passengers, according to the authority.

Salem added that a number of projects can be attributed to private investors and entities like Maqsad Quba, Jabal Ayr and As Safiyyah Museum & Park.

The authority is highlighting Madinah’s economic diversification through the agriculture and mining industries, its global connectivity through tourism and cultural heritage offerings, and the vision achieved by its residents in the health, education private and nonprofit sectors.

Officials said that 58 initiatives have been launched under the Pilgrim Experience Program, 104 under the Quality of Life Program and 30 under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.


Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh

Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh
Updated 05 February 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh

Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh

Vice-Speaker of the Shoura Council Mishaal Al-Sulami received Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary Istvan Jakab and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting the two sides discussed various topics of common interest, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Sulami reviewed the Shoura Council’s work and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in consolidating cooperation and supporting bilateral relations.

Jakab also expressed his aim of deepening bilateral relations between the two sides.
 


Jordan’s king welcomes Saudi support for Palestinian rights

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 06 February 2025
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Jordan’s king welcomes Saudi support for Palestinian rights

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • King Abdullah expresses appreciation during a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a day after controversial Gaza comments by Donald Trump
  • King also meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and affirms rejection of “any attempts” to take control of Palestinian territories or displace the people there

RIYADH: Jordan’s King Abdullah on Wednesday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s continuing firm and supportive stance on the rights of the Palestinian people.

He expressed his appreciation during a telephone conversation with the Kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a day after US President Donald Trump suggested the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza so the US can take over the territory and rebuild it for others to use.

“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too; we’ll own it,” he said during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

During their call, King Abdullah and the crown prince discussed the latest developments in the region and efforts to achieve security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Earlier in the day, during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the king rejected “any attempts” to take control of Palestinian territories or displace the people there.

Saudi authorities issued a statement in the early hours of Wednesday, following Trump’s statement, that affirmed that the Kingdom’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state remains firm and unwavering, and they rejected any “attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land.”

It added: “Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that.

“Achieving lasting and just peace is impossible without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international resolutions, as has been previously clarified to both the former and current US administrations.”