Waqf Khair Madinah provides 619,000 meals

Al-Harbi said that the distribution operations extend across a wide network of locations, with the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards. (SPA)
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Al-Harbi said that the distribution operations extend across a wide network of locations, with the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards. (SPA)
Waqf Khair Madinah provides 619,000 meals
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Waqf Khair Madinah provides 619,000 meals

Waqf Khair Madinah provides 619,000 meals
  • Waqf Khair Madinah is operating under a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth and efficient meal distribution while adhering to the highest standards of food quality and safety

MADINAH: Waqf Khair Madinah continues to provide iftar and suhoor meals to Madinah’s visitors.

Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Harbi, vice president of the council of NGOs in the Kingdom, said that during the first third of this year’s Ramadan, 619,619 people were provided meals, with a daily average of 61,961 people across various locations.

The scheme distributed 398,693 iftar and suhoor meals, 46,740 cups of juices and tea, 165,270 water bottles and 6,550 kg of fruits and vegetables.

Al-Harbi said that the distribution operations extend across a wide network of locations, with the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards being the primary sites due to the large number of worshipers and visitors.

The distribution operations also included the Quba and Al-Qiblatain mosques, as well as hospitality centers at the Haramain Train Station, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and Sayed Al-Shuhada site, where a large number of people benefited from the program, particularly visitors and Umrah pilgrims arriving in Madinah.

Additionally, meals were provided to fasting patients and their companions at hospitals, as well as five labor housing sites, to support the most vulnerable groups and ensure that Ramadan iftar meals reach them.

Waqf Khair Madinah is operating under a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth and efficient meal distribution while adhering to the highest standards of food quality and safety.

This is achieved through the efforts of a supervisory team of nine supervisors, and an executive team of 74 members working around the clock to ensure that the meals reach all designated locations.

About 100 female and male volunteers, organized into seven volunteer teams, are taking part in the organization of the iftar distribution and communication with beneficiaries to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for fasting individuals.

The program is implemented in collaboration with official and charitable bodies in the region, reflecting Madinah’s values of social solidarity.

 


Saudi women’s inclusion in Shoura Council highlighted at UN Commission

Saudi women’s inclusion in Shoura Council highlighted at UN Commission
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Saudi women’s inclusion in Shoura Council highlighted at UN Commission

Saudi women’s inclusion in Shoura Council highlighted at UN Commission
  • Al-Ahmadi affirmed that women’s membership in the Shoura Council was a significant step in the journey toward empowering Saudi women

RIYADH: During the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women held at UN headquarters in New York, Hanan bint Abdulrahman Al-Ahmadi, assistant speaker of the Shoura Council, praised the reforms carried out by Saudi Arabia and the role these have played in empowering Saudi women.

Al-Ahmadi said that Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship of the commission, held from March 10-21, reflects the Kingdom’s remarkable achievements in a short period of time and its success in empowering women.

She underscored the impact of Saudi Vision 2030 in supporting women through legislative reforms that put their rights at the forefront and increased their contributions to society.

Hanan bint Abdulrahman Al-Ahmadi, Assistant Speaker of the Shoura Council

Al-Ahmadi affirmed that women’s membership in the Shoura Council was a significant step in the journey toward empowering Saudi women.

In her praise of the historic decision granting women full membership rights in the council, Al-Ahmadi noted that this move has led to women participating in decision-making on economic, educational, environmental, and healthcare matters, among others.

She stated that legislation serves as the unwavering foundation upon which women’s empowerment efforts are built to achieve desirable and sustainable results and emphasized the active role the Shoura Council plays in supporting this progress, as evidenced by the enactment of various laws over the past decade on women’s rights.

Al-Ahmadi also highlighted that the Shoura Council exercises parliamentary oversight over government agencies by reviewing their annual reports and issuing decisions accordingly.

She noted that women have been at the center of many of those decisions, some of which have called for increasing employment opportunities for women in numerous sectors, protecting their rights, and ensuring their inclusion in leadership roles across all fields.

Al-Ahmadi heads the Shoura Council delegation participating in the CSW69, which also includes council members Princess Al-Jawahara bint Fahd bin Khalid Al-Saud and Amal bint Abdulaziz Al-Hazani.

The commission will discuss a range of pressing topics such as poverty, violence against women, work opportunities, youth engagement, and climate change.

 


GCC secretary general receives Swiss ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Jasem Al-Budaiwi (R) and Yasmine Chatila in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Jasem Al-Budaiwi (R) and Yasmine Chatila in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 1 min 14 sec ago
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GCC secretary general receives Swiss ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Jasem Al-Budaiwi (R) and Yasmine Chatila in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • They reviewed the latest developments in the regional and international arenas, and political issues of mutual interest

RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi received Swiss Ambassador to the Kingdom Yasmine Chatila in Riyadh on Tuesday.

In separate meetings the same day, he also met Andy Rodriguez Duran, ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom; and Razim Colic, ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom, the General Secretariat said in a statement.

During the meetings, all sides discussed ties and ways to develop them. They also reviewed the latest developments in the regional and international arenas, and political issues of mutual interest.

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The City and Its Uncertain Walls’

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Updated 1 min 18 sec ago
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The City and Its Uncertain Walls’

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  • The novel invites readers to engage with complex themes, making it impossible to summarize in a straightforward way

Author: Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami’s novel “The City and Its Uncertain Walls,” with an English translation by Philip Gabriel, is a mesmerizing journey into the complexities of human emotions, memory and the elusive nature of reality.

As I delved into its pages, I found myself drawn into a world that felt both familiar and strangely distant, echoing the sentiments of my own life experiences.

The 2024 novel revolves around a nameless protagonist who navigates the labyrinthine streets of a city that is both vibrant and haunting. Murakami’s signature blend of magical realism and profound introspection creates a narrative that challenges the reader to ponder the walls we build around ourselves — both physically and emotionally.

The city serves as a character in its own right, with its “uncertain walls” symbolizing the barriers we erect to protect ourselves from pain and vulnerability.

Interestingly, the story has its roots in a short story published by Murakami in 1980, also titled “The City and Its Uncertain Walls.” The writer has expressed that he felt he could never let go of that initial narrative, which drove him to expand it into this larger, more fulfilling work.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Murakami’s ability to evoke a sense of loneliness amid the bustling cityscape. As I read, I was reminded of my own moments of isolation, even in crowded spaces.

The protagonist’s encounters with various individuals — each grappling with their own fears and desires — resonated deeply with me. It made me reflect on the connections we seek and the disconnections we often experience in modern life.

The novel invites readers to engage with complex themes, making it impossible to summarize in a straightforward way. It led me to compare it to “1Q84,” one of my favorite Murakami novels, which also delves into parallel universes and unconventional love stories. However, “The City and Its Uncertain Walls” leans more toward philosophical exploration, prompting contemplation about reality and self.

The narrative unfolds in three parts, beginning with a young love story reminiscent of classic fantasy, where a boy searches for a girl who has mysteriously vanished. The first part conjures images of a medieval world, complete with castles and guards, which initially felt disconnected from my expectations of Murakami’s style.

The second part washes over the reader like a wave of melancholic familiarity, anchoring us back to the essence of Murakami’s storytelling.

In conclusion, “The City and Its Uncertain Walls” is more than just a novel; it is an exploration of the human condition. Murakami’s ability to capture the essence of solitude and connection left a lasting impression on me.

The book is a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives while navigating the uncertain walls we all confront. I emerged from its pages with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of existence.

 


AI helps manage crowds at Grand Mosque in Makkah

This team maintains primary and backup communication systems to guarantee uninterrupted service for Umrah visitors. (SPA)
This team maintains primary and backup communication systems to guarantee uninterrupted service for Umrah visitors. (SPA)
Updated 1 min 26 sec ago
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AI helps manage crowds at Grand Mosque in Makkah

This team maintains primary and backup communication systems to guarantee uninterrupted service for Umrah visitors. (SPA)
  • A key development in crowd management is the Baseer platform, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior’s General Security Directorate

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has ramped up its support for government agencies providing digital services to Umrah performers during Ramadan, as the Two Holy Mosques experience high volumes of visitors.

These initiatives align with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed to enhance services for pilgrims.

A computer vision system uses artificial intelligence to monitor and analyze visitor movement in the Grand Mosque. (SPA)

SDAIA has ensured the technical readiness of all entry points to Saudi Arabia — air, sea, and land borders — by deploying a national team working around the clock with relevant authorities.

This team maintains primary and backup communication systems to guarantee uninterrupted service for Umrah visitors.

A key development in crowd management is the Baseer platform, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior’s General Security Directorate.

This advanced computer vision system uses AI to monitor and analyze visitor movement within the Grand Mosque, including crowd tracking, detecting counter-directional movement, and assisting in locating missing persons.

SDAIA has also established a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Interior’s Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security to develop algorithms that improve services at both the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

In a recent initiative with the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Interior, SDAIA has implemented 70 AI-powered electronic gates at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. These gates streamline the entry process for Umrah performers and visitors, ensuring both security and convenience while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

 


Yamal, Raphinha fire Barca past Benfica into Champions League last eight

Yamal, Raphinha fire Barca past Benfica into Champions League last eight
Updated 3 min 47 sec ago
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Yamal, Raphinha fire Barca past Benfica into Champions League last eight

Yamal, Raphinha fire Barca past Benfica into Champions League last eight
  • Hansi Flick’s side will face Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals
  • “We are candidates to win everything,” Raphinha told Movistar, with the club in the hunt for a potential treble

BARCELONA: Lamine Yamal and Raphinha dazzled as Barcelona thumped Benfica 3-1 on Tuesday, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals 4-1 on aggregate.
Raphinha netted either side of a stunning Yamal strike as the Catalans dominated in the first half, building on their 1-0 last 16, first leg win in Lisbon.
Nicolas Otamendi had quickly levelled Raphinha’s opener but the visitors were blown away at the Olympic Stadium as Barcelona progressed comfortably from the tie and produced some moments of brilliant attacking football.
Hansi Flick’s side will face Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals as they aim to win the competition for the first time since 2015 and the era of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
“We are candidates to win everything,” Raphinha told Movistar, with the club in the hunt for a potential treble.
“For me the most important thing is what we did as a team and I am very happy with this victory,” he continued, before praising teenager Yamal.
“His goal was spectacular, it shows what Lamine is — he’s a spectacular player with tremendous quality.”
Flick said Barca would play for late club doctor Carles Minarro, who died suddenly on Saturday ahead of the team’s match against Osasuna, which was postponed, and the players observed a silence in his honor before kick-off.
“What happened made us arrive at this game even more determined to win,” added Raphinha.
Five-time Champions League winners Barca took the lead after 11 minutes when Spain international Yamal burst into the area, chopped his way past Florentino and then mishit the ball across to Raphinha for a simple finish.
Benfica levelled within two minutes when Otamendi escaped Ronald Araujo to head home from a corner.
Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny excelled in the first leg as the Catalans claimed an impressive win with 10 men after Pau Cubarsi’s red card, but might have done more to keep out Otamendi’s effort.
However Barcelona, and particularly their wingers Yamal and Raphinha, were in sensational form and they quickly reclaimed their lead.
Yamal netted his first goal in seven matches, but it was worth the wait, with the 17-year-old cutting in from the right and arcing a sensational shot past Anatoliy Trubin and in at the far post from the edge of the box.
Raphinha grabbed his second before the break to give Barcelona a three-goal aggregate lead after a blistering run by Alejandro Balde.
The left-back won the ball back in his area and sliced open the Portuguese team on the counter, carrying it to the edge of Benfica’s area before teeing up Raphinha.
It was the winger’s 11th strike of the competition and he leads the scoring charts.
Bruno Lage’s side were without injured midfielder Angel Di Maria but even with him beating Flick’s Barca on this form would have been a difficult ask.
Fredrik Aursnes netted for Benfica in the second half but the goal was disallowed for offside against Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored a hat-trick as Barca won 5-4 in their first meeting this season, in the league stage in January.
For the most part Benfica struggled to trouble Szczesny, and Barcelona came close to scoring a fourth when Frenkie de Jong poked wide on the stretch at the end of a razor-sharp team move.
Barcelona now await their quarter-final opponent and can start preparing to visit Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, in a huge clash in the Spanish title race.