Restoration of Qalaa Mosque in Madinah enhances Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage
Restoration taking place under Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Development of Historic Mosques
The Initiative aims to enhance the Islamic heritage of the Kingdom as the land where the Qur’an was revealed
Updated 1 min 56 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The historic Qalaa Mosque in the town of Al-Hinakiyah, northeast of Madinah, is among the places of worship undergoing restoration as part of a national project.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques focuses on preserving the building, which is over a century old, in Madinah’s historical architectural style, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The initiative aims to enhance the Islamic heritage of the Kingdom as the land where the Qur’an was revealed, and the location of the Two Holy Mosques.
The project will expand the mosque’s area from 181 sq. meters to 263 sq. meters to accommodate 171 worshippers. The mosque was previously unused, the SPA added.
The renovation will include the use of natural materials including clay and local wood, to ensure the mosque returns to its original form.
It will preserve the unique building techniques that are adapted to the local environment and hot desert climate.
The crown prince’s project aims to balance traditional and modern construction standards to ensure the sustainability of historic mosques, the SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the work.
Phase two of the crown prince’s project follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions across the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Tours Japan is a series of pre-event displays for Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, which will open on April 13 — the Saudi Arabia Pavilion there is expected to be a highlight of the expo.
More than 700 live performances and events are planned for the duration of the expo, promising a diverse and exciting journey into the rich culture and history of Saudi Arabia through fashion, dance, music and more.
The pavilion features seven interactive rooms that take visitors on an engaging and immersive journey to discover Saudi Arabia’s history, transformation, and impact on the world.
Leading up to the expo, Saudi Arabia Tours Japan events have been held at seven locations around the country. This weekend it will be in Tokyo. Admission is free, allowing people to experience the culture and history of Saudi Arabia and get an insight into the spectacular Saudi pavilion at the upcoming expo.
Visitors can enjoy authentic coffee and tea imported from Saudi Arabia, and sweets made with dates. There will also be a cooking demonstration to show how to prepare kleija, a much-loved dessert in Saudi Arabia. Kleija is a baked confection filled with date syrup.
Additionally, there will be live performances using traditional instruments inspired by Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage.
The majlis, a vibrantly decorated replica of a Saudi Arabian reception room, provides a relaxing space to enjoy traditional music.
This event highlights the deep cultural ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia and demonstrates that the two cultures are closer than one might think.
Hira project provides immersive experience of Islamic history, Qur’anic heritage
The museum is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the holy Qur’an
Updated 6 min 12 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the Holy Qur’an Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District.
Developed under the supervision of and with support from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, the museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors.
It is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the Qur’an and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the journey of Qur’anic transcription and its preservation through history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District is a focal point for those keen to experience the spirit and history of Makkah. Centered on Mount Hira, where the first revelation descended, it includes various facilities designed to enhance the religious and educational experience.
Among them is the Revelation Exhibition, which offers an interactive portrayal of the descent of revelation, and another that allows visitors to ascend to Hira Cave which was the scene of the revelation.
Among the artifacts on display are a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and several ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses.
The project also incorporates the Saudi Coffee Museum, the Cultural Library and Hira Park.
The Holy Qur’an Museum will remain open throughout Ramadan.
Time for families to gather round the dining table, share meals, create lasting memories
Updated 6 min 12 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
Ramadan is a special month when families gather round the dining table to share meals and create lasting memories. One delightful dish often enjoyed during this time is jareesh soup, a simple yet flavorful option that can be prepared in various ways.
Traditional jareesh soup is a Ramadan favorite. (GETTY IMAGES)
Traditional jareesh soup
Heat one to two tablespoons of olive oil in a pot, then add one small chopped onion. Saute until the onion is wilted. Pour in one cup of fresh chicken broth, followed by one teaspoon of ground cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in a quarter cup of tomato paste and one mashed tomato. Drain half a cup of bulgur (soaked in water for an hour) and add it to the pot. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until fully cooked, then serve hot and enjoy.
Another enjoyable dish during Ramadan is potato balls, known for their ease of preparation and flavor. While they can be made with various fillings, chicken is the most popular choice.
Potato balls with chicken are an easy way to entertain a number of guests. (GETTY IMAGES)
Potato balls with chicken
Potato balls with chicken is an ideal choice for families because the balls are easy to prepare, delicious, and satisfying, making them perfect for serving a crowd of people.
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over a high heat. Add one onion (cut into medium squares) and two garlic cloves (crushed) until wilted. Then, add one plate of chicken breasts (cut into medium squares); a half teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, white spices, and paprika; a pinch of cumin and dried coriander; and salt, cooking until the water evaporates. Add one green bell pepper (cut into medium squares) and one tablespoon of liquid cheese.
Transfer the chicken mixture to an ovenproof dish. Shape four cups of mashed potatoes into balls with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and white spices, and three to four tablespoons of milk to bind them, and arrange them on top of the chicken.
For the white sauce, mix two cups of whipping cream, one can of cream, one tablespoon of liquid cheese, half a cup of water, and a pinch of black pepper and white spices, and pour the mixture over the potatoes. Top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the oven until golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
No Ramadan meal is complete without Arabic samosas, often referred to as “samboosa.” (GETTY IMAGES)
Arabic meat sambusa
No Ramadan meal is complete without Arabic samosas, often referred to as sambusa. These delightful pastries are usually filled with cheese or meat.
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan. Saute one finely chopped onion and one tablespoon of crushed garlic until fragrant.
Add 250 grams of minced meat and half a cup of meat broth, followed by half a teaspoon of ground black pepper and half a teaspoon of salt. Cook until the meat is done.
Using one box of ready-made samosa dough, moisten your hands and stretch the edges of each samosa dough slightly. Place a tablespoon of filling in each piece and fold to form triangles.
In a small bowl, beat one egg with a quarter teaspoon of curry powder and turmeric. Brush this mixture over the samosas.
Fry the samosas in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
Enjoy these timeless Ramadan recipes with loved ones during the holy month.
Saudi Food and Drug Authority targets fast food, sugary drinks
Updated 06 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Parents should be mindful at all times of the food they give their children, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority has said, as it emphasized the critical role of families in healthcare.
In a statement carried on the occasion of World Obesity Day on March 4, the SFDA urged parents “to encourage children to replace sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, with water and natural fruit juices.”
Families should also “significantly reduce fast-food consumption, a key contributor to weight gain and related health issues,” said the statement carried by the SPA.
Rather than frying food, the SFDA further advocated healthier cooking methods such as grilling and roasting.
“Recognizing the alarming global rise in obesity rates, the authority emphasizes the necessity of higher community awareness to address this growing challenge.
“Obesity is a complex disease that has reached pandemic proportions worldwide, tripling in prevalence since 1975. This surge is widely attributed to the adoption of increasingly sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets.
In response to the health and social implications of the obesity problem, the government has implemented a wide range of policies under its Vision 2030 plan, aiming to create a healthier population and improve quality of life.
A study published in 2022 by the Global Obesity Observatory revealed that approximately 60 percent of Saudi Arabia’s adult population is overweight, with 20 percent classified as obese.
Among children, 10.5 percent are overweight and 4.1 percent are obese.
Recent data from the Kingdom’s leading health bodies indicate an increase in childhood obesity, while the number of obese adults has decreased compared to a decade ago.
Homes, businesses in Jeddah compete to capture spirit of Ramadan
The scheme invites the public to create a memorable Ramadan experience, sparking creativity with diverse decorations
Winners of the competition will be announced after Ramadan
Updated 06 March 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Homes and businesses in Jeddah will capture the festive spirit of Ramadan as part of a decoration competition launched by the city’s municipality.
The scheme to decorate the facades of homes and shops was launched in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority.
It invites the public to create a memorable Ramadan experience, sparking creativity with diverse decorations — from colorful lanterns and Islamic designs to twinkling lights — and adding unique charm to the festive atmosphere.
Mohammed Al-Bugami, the spokesperson of Jeddah Municipality, told Arab News that the competition will recognize the efforts that residents, restaurants, cafes and shops put into their festive lights and ornaments.
“The Ramadan Home and Shop Decoration Competition is a great opportunity to showcase the spirit of the holy month and bring joy and happiness to the community,” he said.
“Ramadan has a special place in the hearts of Muslims and is a time for reflection, worship and social interaction,” he added. “By decorating homes and shops, everyone can participate in creating a festive environment that expresses the values of generosity and hospitality.”
The scheme is a celebration of the holy month and reflects Jeddah’s commitment to its society, Al-Bugami said.
The competition invites Jeddah residents to decorate their homes and highlight the Ramadan atmosphere through creative designs that reflect the spirit of the holy month.
Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, the use of heritage elements, lighting and environmental sustainability.
Winners of the competition will be announced after Ramadan.
