Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah

Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
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Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah
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Fahmina Khatoon, wife of Indian consul general, with guests at the iftar party in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah

Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
  • The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service

JEDDAH: Warmth and unity reigned supreme at an iftar organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to celebrate Ramadan.

The event featured organic flavors to highlight the theme of sustainability and brought together a distinguished group of guests including representatives of the Saudi government, diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and leaders from sectors such as business, media and culture.




Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on 'Organic Iftar,' the theme of the evening. (Supplied)

The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service. He emphasized the strong ties between his country and the Kingdom, particularly in areas like trade, cultural exchange and sustainable development.

Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on “Organic Iftar,” the theme of the evening, and discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.




Indian Consulate’s iftar in Jeddah featured the theme of sustainability and emphasized the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and India. (Supplied)

The iftar featured a variety of dishes representing the rich flavors of India, made using organic ingredients to reflect not only a commitment to health and wellness but also to protect the environment for future generations.

These were supplied by the Agricultural and Processed Foods Products Exports Development Authority and the Indian government, with additional support from local partners like LuLu Group and Siafa Dates.

 


Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project

Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
Updated 15 March 2025
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Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project

Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
  • The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance

RIYADH: The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has expanded to include the restoration of Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance.

It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad marked his direction of prayer at the site using bones while en route to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of the Hijra, SPA added.

The renovation will be carried out in the traditional architectural style of Madinah, and will ensure the mosque can accommodate up to 580 worshippers.

The project will use natural materials, including clay, stone, and wood sourced from local trees. Historically built with stone and plastered interior walls, the mosque has undergone multiple architectural changes over the centuries.

A key feature of the restoration will be the use of cut stones of varying sizes, bonded with clay mortar, and palm tree components for roofing, providing both structural support and insulation, SPA reported.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques seeks to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards, ensuring the preservation of historic mosque elements while integrating sustainable development practices.

The restoration efforts are being carried out by Saudi firms specializing in heritage architecture.

Al-Azm Mosque’s updates come as part of a broader initiative, which in its second phase includes the rehabilitation of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.

This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.


OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
Updated 15 March 2025
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OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
  • Hissein Brahim Taha urges need to ensure rights to foster care, education, healthcare

Jeddah: Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha highlighted the importance of improving efforts to support comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphans, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He made the remarks on Orphan’s Day in the Islamic world, marked on the 15th of Ramadan each year, to raise global awareness about the hardships faced by orphaned children in the world’s poorest communities.

Taha called for greater efforts to protect and provide for orphans, particularly in disaster-stricken, conflict-affected and climate change-impacted areas, where displacement and refugee crises have left many children vulnerable.

He said that the OIC will remain committed to supporting millions of orphaned and vulnerable children, advocating for their rights and improved support systems, including orphanages, foster care, adoption services, healthcare and education.

Taha highlighted the need for governments, societies and institutions to take action to provide sustainable solutions, the SPA reported.

He underscored Islam’s strong emphasis, through the Qur’an and the Sunnah, on treating orphans with kindness, ensuring their care, education, healthcare and social well-being, safeguarding their rights and providing them with a proper upbringing.

Orphan’s Day was established through a resolution adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during its 40th session in Conakry, Guinea, in December 2013, with the aim of raising awareness about the issues and needs of orphans.


KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need
Updated 15 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need
  • KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people
  • KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts

Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In Romania, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food baskets to families in Bucharest and Constanta as part of its Etaam Ramadan project, along with 250 food baskets in the villages of Al-Hamra and Abu Qudur in the Syrian Arab Republic, and 1,300 food baskets to families affected by floods in various regions of Pakistan.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates to The Gambia and 50 tonnes to Cote d’Ivoire, as well as 2,400 boxes of dates to 15,000 beneficiaries in the Seiyun district of Hadramout governorate, Yemen, as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts.


Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 
Updated 15 March 2025
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Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has said.

Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Forecasts say the Makkah and Riyadh regions will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts.

The Madinah, Asir, Hail and Qassim regions can expect moderate to heavy rain, while the Eastern Province will see moderate showers.

Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in Tabuk, Baha, Jazan and Najran.

The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.


Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week
Updated 15 March 2025
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Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 23,865 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 16,644 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,896 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,325 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,432 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 67 percent were Ethiopian, 29 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 97 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 13 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.