Islamic Affairs Ministry launches programs to distribute dates and serve iftar in Kosovo

Islamic Affairs Ministry launches programs to distribute dates and serve iftar in Kosovo
The initiative, represented by the religious attache at the Kingdom’s embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, took place at Aladdin High School. (SPA)
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Islamic Affairs Ministry launches programs to distribute dates and serve iftar in Kosovo

Islamic Affairs Ministry launches programs to distribute dates and serve iftar in Kosovo

RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs this week launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ gift programs for distributing dates and serving iftar to people fasting in Kosovo, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative, represented by the religious attache at the Kingdom’s embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, took place at Aladdin High School in the capital, Pristina. It was launched in the presence of Consul at the Saudi Embassy in Albania Sultan Al-Sahli, and the Grand Mufti and Head of the Islamic Sheikhdom in Kosovo Sheikh Naim Ternava.

As part of the program, five tonnes of dates will be distributed, benefiting 20,000 individuals, while the iftar initiative will benefit about 6,000 Muslim men and women throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

According to SPA, Sheikh Amer Al-Anzi, the religious attache at the Kingdom’s embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the programs reaffirmed the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to supporting and leading Islamic initiatives.

He described them as a generous gesture by the Kingdom’s leadership, reflecting its dedication to caring for Muslims and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s support for Muslims around the world.

Sheikh Ternava said that the Kingdom had taken great historical and humanitarian stands with Kosovo in the humanitarian, developmental, economic, social and religious fields.

He said that these annual programs were evidence of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to addressing the needs of Muslims, praying that the Kingdom’s leadership would be rewarded for serving Islam and Muslims, particularly the Muslim community in Kosovo.


Trump aide Witkoff says he is arranging talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia

Trump aide Witkoff says he is arranging talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia
Updated 13 sec ago
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Trump aide Witkoff says he is arranging talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia

Trump aide Witkoff says he is arranging talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Thursday he is in discussions with Ukraine for a peace agreement framework to end hostilities with Russia and that a meeting is planned next week with the Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia.
“We’re now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians,” Witkoff told reporters at the White House. He said it would likely be in Riyadh or Jeddah.
Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky had acrimonious talks at the White House on February 28 but since then the two sides have resumed work on a revenue-sharing minerals deal.
At his speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, Trump said he had received a letter from Zelensky in which the Ukrainian leader said he was “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible.”
Referring to the Saudi Arabia meeting, Witkoff said, “I think the idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well.”

Saudi Arabia to host fourth International Conference on Lexicography in October

Saudi Arabia to host fourth International Conference on Lexicography in October
Updated 06 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia to host fourth International Conference on Lexicography in October

Saudi Arabia to host fourth International Conference on Lexicography in October

RIYADH: The King Salman International Academy for the Arabic Language announced on Thursday that its fourth annual international conference will take place in the first half of October 2025 in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event, held with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, minister of culture, will be themed “The Global Lexicography Industry: Experiences, Efforts, and Prospects.”

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said that the conference would aim to foster collaboration between the academy and linguistic institutions worldwide.

It will serve as a platform for experts to share insights, review successful initiatives in lexicography, and explore ways to modernize dictionary development through emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, he added.

“The conference reflects our commitment to advancing the lexicographic industry by exchanging expertise, implementing technical solutions and addressing key challenges,” Al-Washmi said.

“Our goal is to enhance the development of dictionaries, strengthen their global impact, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting the Arabic language.”

The conference will examine the latest developments in the lexicography industry and highlight major Arabic and international projects, and facilitate knowledge exchange among linguists, language academies and technology experts while exploring Artificial Intelligence-driven advances in dictionary compilation.

Representatives from more than 20 countries are expected to attend.

The event aligns with the academy’s broader mission, which focuses on four key areas: Language planning and policy, linguistic computing, educational programs, and cultural initiatives. Through these efforts, the academy seeks to expand global engagement in Arabic language development and preservation.


Jeddah Water Taxi project officially inaugurated 

Jeddah Water Taxi project officially inaugurated 
Updated 06 March 2025
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Jeddah Water Taxi project officially inaugurated 

Jeddah Water Taxi project officially inaugurated 
  • First phase of the project connects three main areas: the Jeddah Yacht Club, the city’s historic Al-Balad area, and Obhur
  • Mayor Saleh Al-Turki launched the project in a ceremony attended by Rumaih Al-Rumaih, deputy minister of transport and logistics services

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Water Taxi project was officially inaugurated by the city’s mayor on Thursday, the Jeddah Transport Company announced.

The first phase of the project connects three main areas: the Jeddah Yacht Club, the city’s historic Al-Balad area, and Obhur, with potential for future expansion to other locations.

Mayor Saleh Al-Turki launched the project in a ceremony attended by Rumaih Al-Rumaih, deputy minister of transport and logistics services.

Al-Turki expressed his happiness at the launch of the project and told Arab News that the water taxi project “reflects the Kingdom’s vision to strengthen transport infrastructure and provide modern transportation options that ease the movement of citizens, residents, and visitors, while also serving as a strategic addition to tourism and maritime transport in Jeddah in alignment with Vision 2030 initiatives.”

The event was attended by numerous prominent figures, including government officials and heads of organizations and companies related to transportation and logistics.

Yousef Al-Sayegh, CEO of JTC, spoke about the project’s role in enhancing mobility and improving the quality of life in Jeddah.

“The project will enhance safe and efficient marine mobility and contribute to improving the quality of life in Jeddah,” he said.

“In the past, the easiest and fastest route was through the port. Now, with the 2030 vision and the focus on tourism, we wanted to create an engagement leading toward that objective, so we are using air-conditioned water taxis.

“The trial operation of the water taxi is through MACNA, a local project operator, for a limited period to transport passengers between ready and attractive locations with the aim of testing the service, gathering data, and understanding the market.”

Al-Sayegh also highlighted an agreement with the Ministry of Culture for the use of golf carts in Al-Balad, providing transport to and from the port.

For the first phase of the project, there are two boats: one with a capacity of 94 passengers and the other with a capacity of 55 passengers.

A dedicated app has been made available for those wishing to experience the water taxi, with details accessible via the Jeddah Transportation Company app.

The water taxi operates daily from 3:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. during Ramadan, with fares ranging from SR25-50 ($6.60-$13.30) per trip, and children ride for free. Special entry and exit points for people with disabilities are available, with a capacity for up to four wheelchairs.


Saudi Arabia distributes dates and iftar meals in Indonesia, Albania, and Jordan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque’s programs for the distribution of dates and iftar meals launched in Indonesia, Albania, Jordan
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque’s programs for the distribution of dates and iftar meals launched in Indonesia, Albania, Jordan
Updated 06 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia distributes dates and iftar meals in Indonesia, Albania, and Jordan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque’s programs for the distribution of dates and iftar meals launched in Indonesia, Albania, Jordan
  • Ceremony held in Jakarta on Wednesday was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Faisal Al-Amoudi and several officials
  • Similar ceremony was held this week in Tirana, Albania, where five tons of dates will be distributed and 22,000 people are set to benefit from the programs

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ programs for the distribution of dates and iftar meals in Indonesia, Albania, and Jordan this week.

A ceremony held in Jakarta on Wednesday was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Faisal Al-Amoudi and several ministers and heads of Islamic associations and centers in Indonesia.

This year, 56,000 individuals will benefit from the date distribution program, 5,000 will benefit from the iftar program, and 35,000 will receive copies of the Qur’an during Ramadan, Saudi Press Agency reported.

A similar ceremony was held this week in Tirana, Albania, where five tons of dates will be distributed and 22,000 people are set to benefit from the iftar and dates distribution programs.

Iftar and dates distribution programs in Jordan are providing humanitarian assistance to charitable associations, orphanages, and Palestinian and Syrian refugee camps this Ramadan, SPA added.


Tawakkalna app enhances Ramadan worship with top quality services

Tawakkalna app enhances Ramadan worship with top quality services
Updated 06 March 2025
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Tawakkalna app enhances Ramadan worship with top quality services

Tawakkalna app enhances Ramadan worship with top quality services
  • Qur’an reading, prayer times, permits for Umrah, charity donations are among the services provided

RIYADH: The services provided by Saudi Arabia’s Tawakkalna super app are enhancing worship for users during the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The app provides an accurate Qibla direction and updates on the imams leading prayers at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

It has a feature allowing for the reading of the Qur’an, and a prayer timetable for the entire Kingdom.

This includes the times of the adhan or call to prayer, iqamah or when the prayer begins, and sahoor or the breaking of the fast.

Additionally, the app offers Ehsan services, simplifying the process for users to make charitable donations, including to orphans.

Moreover, the app’s Manasik gateway allows users to view and obtain permits for performing Umrah and praying in the Rawdah or Garden area at the Prophet’s Mosque.

The Tawakkalna app offers more than 650 government services within a single, secure and reliable platform, the SPA reported.

The aim is to enhance the quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors, in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan.