Recycled ihrams promoting eco-friendly pilgrimage

The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)
The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)
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Updated 15 March 2025
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Recycled ihrams promoting eco-friendly pilgrimage

Recycled ihrams promoting eco-friendly pilgrimage
  • Sustainable Ihram initiative launched by Culture Ministry
  • Tonnes have been recycled, says Fashion Commission CEO

JEDDAH: With the arrival of Ramadan and many Muslims from around the world performing Umrah, a compulsory garment for male worshippers is the ihram, a simple, white garment symbolizing purity, unity and devotion.

The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth.

The Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission recently introduced its Sustainable Ihram initiative, which focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams.




The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)

The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions.

Previously used garments are transformed into new, sustainable ihrams through a circular, textile recycling system.

The initiative is a collaboration with the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and the eco-fashion firm Tadweem.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tadweem is a Saudi eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.

• Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission and Tadweem installed 336 collection bins in Mina to gather several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric.

It aims to promote sustainable practices, raise consumer awareness about fashion recycling, and support the development of a circular textile economy in Saudi Arabia.




The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions. (SPA)

Recognizing that millions of ihrams are manufactured and discarded annually, the commission identified an opportunity to reduce the large volume of textile waste.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, told Arab News: “Ihram is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fashion, but at the same time, it’s a product that is sold and used in volumes, repeated every year, especially during Hajj.”

He continued: “We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.”




The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)

“To make this possible, we installed 336 collection bins in Mina, gathered several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric, creating a fully circular process,” Cakmak explained.

The collected garments underwent a meticulous recycling process: sorting, cleaning, shredding, and reweaving into fresh ihrams, which “pilgrims can use with a deeper sense of purpose.”

“There is no better way to do this than for your religious pilgrimage, where you want to focus on spirituality, the core values of purity, and ensure that the product you wear represents how pure your thoughts are as you go through that journey,” Cakmak said.

We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.

Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO

Mustafa Bukhari, the CEO of Tadweem, told Arab News about their production process. “Currently, manufacturing is done outside Saudi Arabia, but our plans include moving the manufacturing operations inside the Kingdom.”

Tadweem is a Saudi Arabia eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.

For this project, the ihrams were converted into raw materials in Dubai, sent to Turkiye for manufacturing, and then returned to the Kingdom.




Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO

“We have ensured that the entire product is made from recycled materials, including the packaging and bags used, with no environmentally harmful materials,” Bukhari said.

He added: “The main material is recycled cotton, which we used in the ihrams and even in the packaging, where we also made the packaging bags from recycled cotton, ensuring the environmental sustainability of the entire product.”

At the Jeddah Hajj and Umrah conference held in January this year, Tadweem showcased how the fabric from recycled ihrams was incorporated into high-quality leather bags.

Priced at SR98 ($25.98), the ihrams are currently available in Madinah, with the distribution to be expanded to Makkah, major airports, and other regions in the future.

They will also be available via a dedicated store for sustainable ihrams in the Kingdom, and at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which runs until May 25.

Cakmak said: “The hope is that we are highlighting the importance of sustainability not just through art and creativity, but through everyday products that people can adopt.

“This is about offering a conscious choice, aligning the spiritual journey with sustainability.”

 


‘Walking Guide’ volunteer service introduced for Grand Mosque pilgrims

‘Walking Guide’ volunteer service introduced for Grand Mosque pilgrims
Updated 21 March 2025
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‘Walking Guide’ volunteer service introduced for Grand Mosque pilgrims

‘Walking Guide’ volunteer service introduced for Grand Mosque pilgrims
  • Service provides assistance to those with mobility difficulties
  • Guides facilitate movement throughout the mosque complex

MAKKAH: A new volunteer assistance service has been introduced at Saudi Arabia’s two holy mosques to aid pilgrims, particularly the elderly and disabled.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced the program as part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrimage experience.

Speaking to Arab News, the initiative’s director, Bassem Wahbo, explained that guides are identifiable through prominent signage and floor markers that pinpoint their locations.

“This system creates effective connections between locations and nearby services, representing a critical advancement in our visitor assistance capabilities, supporting the initiative’s goals of providing effective and direct assistance to (visitors),” Wahbo said.

“We provide precise guidance to ensure all visitors enjoy a comfortable and smooth experience, with special focus on elderly and disabled pilgrims by directing them to dedicated pathways and services that facilitate easy access to their destinations,” he added.

The initiative serves multiple purposes, mainly facilitating movement throughout the mosque complex, providing assistance to worshippers navigating to prayer areas and services, supporting vulnerable visitors to ensure their comfort during religious rituals, and directing people to optimal routes and available amenities.

The authority emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting elderly and disabled visitors through specialized guidance services to help them reach their destinations with ease.

Hajj and Umrah specialist Saad Al-Sharif praised the initiative as “exceptional,” noting its comprehensive approach to visitor assistance.

“The guides provide crucial field direction to circumambulation areas, Sa’i, prayer halls, entrances, exits, and service locations. They reunite lost individuals — particularly children and elderly pilgrims — with their proper destinations and offer multilingual assistance to international visitors,” Al-Sharif explained.

Umrah performer Abdulrahman Faisal highlighted the teams’ importance in emergency response situations.

“They provide immediate assistance to visitors experiencing difficulties such as heat stress or exhaustion and coordinate with relevant authorities when necessary,” he said.

He explained that it is particularly important to guide Umrah performers and tourists toward correct behaviors inside the mosque to preserve the sanctity of the place and maintain orderly movement, which the authorities are working hard to achieve.

Faisal noted that guides operate within a mobile system, patrolling the mosque complex with identification badges and communication devices.

They are strategically positioned at key locations including entrances, the Tawaf area, the Sa’i walkway, and main gates.

“Their use of smart applications and digital mapping technology to deliver accurate, instant information is particularly impressive,” he added.

The service has already reportedly reduced instances of disorientation among visitors while improving the ritual experience and enhancing overall organization.


KSrelief concludes open-heart surgery project in Yemen

KSrelief concludes open-heart surgery project in Yemen
Updated 36 sec ago
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KSrelief concludes open-heart surgery project in Yemen

KSrelief concludes open-heart surgery project in Yemen
  • 25 Yemenis benefit from free open-heart operations in Aden

ADEN: Medical volunteers from the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief successfully performed 25 free open-heart surgeries in Yemen’s Aden governorate recently, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The members of the mission, which took place from March 11 to 18, also performed 65 cardiac catheterization procedures and six transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures.

Twelve volunteers participated in the mission, a joint project of KSrelief and the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen.

This was a part of KSrelief’s free medical program that is being implemented worldwide, the SPA report stated.


How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia

How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia
Updated 21 March 2025
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How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia

How AI is transforming music discovery and production in Saudi Arabia
  • AI is creating new music experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s musical heritage through initiatives like MusiqAI
  • MDLBEAST Records, another Saudi initiative, leverages AI tools to spark creativity in music production

RIYADH: As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its influence in Saudi Arabia and globally extends far beyond personalizing music experiences. It is reshaping how music is created, consumed, and taught, revolutionizing the industry.

Musicians across the Kingdom are embracing new technology, with major local initiatives such as MDLBEAST Records leading the charge.

“MDLBEAST Records believes AI is a powerful tool for sparking initial creative inspiration in music production — whether generating a first beat, a musical bar, or a legitimate sample,” Matthew Dicks, executive director of music and talent at MDLBEAST Records, told Arab News.

“We encourage our artists to explore these possibilities within a framework of creative freedom.”

Launched in 2020, MDLBEAST Records is a Saudi Arabia label that promotes and develops talent from the Middle East and North Africa region.

Part of MDLBEAST entertainment, its roster includes local stars Cosmicat and Dish Dash, among others, along with international names including Salvatore Ganacci.

Matthew Dicks, executive director of music and talent at MDLBEAST Records. (MDLBeast photo)

While embracing AI’s creative potential, he emphasized the importance of ethics. “We also recognize the ethical complexities surrounding AI in music,” said Dicks. “It is paramount that the rights of original songwriters and rights holders are always respected.

“Copying, ripping, replicating, or infringing on intellectual property is strictly unacceptable. We are committed to navigating the evolving landscape of AI in music responsibly, ensuring its use enhances human creativity while upholding the integrity of artistic ownership.”

Beyond MDLBEAST Records, Saudi Arabia is making strides in preserving its musical heritage while fostering innovation. In late 2024, the Saudi Music Commission launched MusiqAI, an initiative integrating AI-driven interactive learning to teach both Arab and Western instruments.

Unlike global platforms such as Suno, AIVA and Soundful, MusiqAI prioritizes Saudi sounds and Arab musical heritage, offering lessons on traditional instruments including the oud and qanun alongside the piano and guitar.

In line with Vision 2030, the platform nurtures musical talent through AI-powered real-time feedback, personalized lesson plans, and accredited certifications.

By blending cultural preservation with advanced technology, it aims to set a new standard for digital music education both regionally and globally.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The global market for AI in music is projected to grow from $3.9 billion in 2023 to $38.7 billion by 2033.

• AI tools such as AIVA, Mubert, and Suno are already used for backing tracks, jingles, and even entire songs.

• Platforms like Spotify use AI to analyze user preferences and suggest music based on listening habits.

AI has also been used to enhance music discovery by adapting to individual preferences in real time, striking a balance between familiarity and exploration.

“AI and personalization help you listen to more of what you like,” Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA, told Arab News. “And then what we try to do is introduce you to something you haven’t been exposed to in the past, but you might like it.”

As generative AI advances, the cost of developing innovative listening experiences is falling — a shift that Harbola believes is transformative for the industry.

Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA. (Supplied)

“If we were to try to do something like this maybe five years back, it would be impossible because the cost would be so high,” he said. “You would have had to hire transcribers, producers, and you just wouldn’t be able to do it.

“But now we are able to deliver these personalized sessions to millions of users.”

Despite AI’s growing influence, Harbola said human expertise will remain essential. “The role of humans in AI, and when it comes to personalization, is actually going to increase over time — especially in music,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of cultural nuances in AI-driven recommendations, noting that even shared musical tastes can differ by location.

Aas AI continues to reshape the music industry, ethical concerns surrounding copyright and artistic integrity remain a significant topic of debate among musicians and creators. (Supplied)

“Even if you have the same music taste, what makes sense for somebody in Jeddah may not make sense for somebody in Sao Paulo,” he said. “So it’s very important that human and cultural expertise is built into what the machines are recommending and the products we’re rolling out.”

Nevertheless, as AI continues to reshape the music industry, ethical concerns surrounding copyright and artistic integrity remain a significant topic of debate among musicians and creators.

Addressing these concerns, Harbola emphasized the platform’s strict stance on copyright compliance. “We are very clear that any content that infringes copyright cannot be on Spotify,” he said.

Siddiq “Sidney” Malik, a filmmaker and user of AI in music, echoed this sentiment. “We’re at the intersection of creativity and technology,” he told Arab News. “We’re sort of working to adapt the future of entertainment while we’re actively shaping it.”

Malik views AI as an empowering tool that is cost-effective, innovative, and cutting-edge, particularly in breaking linguistic barriers. “This allows for a new era of accessibility and artistic expression,” he said. “It’s more than just a basic tool.”

Malik said it is not just about typing a prompt into a platform like ChatGPT — it is about creating an entire ecosystem.

“We’re deeply invested in the transformative power of AI music, but the key thing is that we believe it’s not about replacing human creativity — it’s about amplifying it,” he said.

However, he warned that musicians who resist AI adoption could later face competition from advanced tools. “It’s a critical moment for creators whereby if they do not embrace and collaborate with AI, they run the risk of competing with AI — which will be impossible.”

Drawing parallels to shifts in the film industry, Malik noted how creatives have adapted before and must do so again to embrace AI’s possibilities.

“I think we have had these shifts — analog to digital to virtual and now artificial,” he said. “AI gives artists the power to be the masters of their own destiny, which is very important in the music industry.”

Despite AI’s growing influence, human expertise will remain essential, says Akshat Harbola, managing director of Spotify MENA. (Supplied)

Riyadh-based musician Lun encapsulates the cautious yet curious approach many artists are taking toward the rapidly evolving music landscape shaped by AI.

“I have not used AI before in my own music because I never thought I needed to. But as a tool, it can be of help,” he told Arab News.

While intrigued by AI’s potential, Lun highlighted ethical concerns that remain central to discussions across the industry.

“If an artist uses it to help with something they’re stuck on — to compile ideas so they can come up with an original part on their own — then I don’t see any harm in it,” he said.

“But if they use the tool to write the entire thing from A to Z, then I think we have a problem because it is no longer the artist who composed it, regardless of how they spin it.”
 

 


Eastern Province carries out health inspections

Eastern Province carries out health inspections
Updated 21 March 2025
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Eastern Province carries out health inspections

Eastern Province carries out health inspections

DAMMAM: Eastern Province Municipality carried out 10,540 inspections of commercial and food establishments in Dammam this month. It is part of the municipality’s plans to ensure compliance with health and municipal regulations, while also promoting food safety in markets, restaurants and shops.

Inspectors identified 931 violations, including cases of noncompliance with municipal and health regulations, improper food handling and storage, failure to meet hygiene and safety standards, and noncompliance with activity and operating licenses.

The municipality said that it will increase inspections of all commercial and food establishments, and encouraged the public to report any health or regulatory violations by contacting the dedicated complaints center (940).


KSrelief distributes 400 food baskets in ​​South Africa

KSrelief distributes 400 food baskets in ​​South Africa
Updated 21 March 2025
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KSrelief distributes 400 food baskets in ​​South Africa

KSrelief distributes 400 food baskets in ​​South Africa

PRETORIA: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has distributed 400 food baskets to families most in need in Bakerton, ​​South Africa. The move will benefit 2,400 individuals as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Distribution Project in the country.

The scheme aims to distribute more than 390,000 food baskets to 2,304,104 individuals across 27 countries during the month at a total cost of more than SR67 million ($17.88 million).

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian and relief effort to assist people and nations in need worldwide.

The center also distributed 1,500 food baskets in the Bahri locality of Khartoum State in Sudan, benefiting 10,182 individuals from displaced families. This forms part of the third phase of KSrelief’s food security support project in Sudan.

The project aims to distribute 30,000 food baskets to displaced people returning to their homes under the voluntary return program in different parts of Sudan.