MAKKAH: A cardiac team at King Abdullah Medical City, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, performed a three-hour emergency open-heart surgery to save the life of a 59-year-old Iraqi Umrah pilgrim suffering from a severe coronary artery clot.
After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he was quickly weaned off ventilators and made a steady recovery, stabilizing his condition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The case highlights King Abdullah Medical City’s ability to provide exceptional specialized care for Umrah and other pilgrims, the SPA added.
Meanwhile, the cardiac catheterization team at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, also part of the Makkah Health Cluster, saved the life of an 86-year-old Libyan Umrah pilgrim who suffered a heart attack and required urgent intervention.
The hospital’s heart center is fully equipped for such cases, with highly qualified medical teams committed to delivering advanced healthcare in line with the highest standards, according to the SPA.
The team at Al-Noor also treated a 68-year-old Egyptian woman performing Umrah, through a cardiac catheterization procedure on her right coronary artery.
The patient arrived at the emergency department with severe chest pain, low blood pressure, and a weak pulse, the SPA reported. Examinations revealed a blocked coronary artery and a heart attack, requiring immediate medical intervention.
The ministry has made extensive preparations to ensure mosques and open-air areas are ready for worshippers
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh has instructed ministry branches throughout the Kingdom to hold the Eid Al-Fitr prayer in all designated prayer areas.
The ministry has made extensive preparations to ensure mosques and open-air areas are ready for worshippers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The prayer will be held in all mosques, except those near Eid prayer areas or rarely used for Eid prayers in some villages, where residents will use local prayer areas.
The directives include early preparations to ensure maintenance, cleanliness and service availability at prayer areas for a peaceful experience.
The Eid prayer throughout the Kingdom will take place 15 minutes after sunrise, based on the Umm Al-Qura calendar, the SPA reported.
The Kingdom has 19,887 mosques and prayer areas, all prepared to provide a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Cleaning and sterilization protocols have been implemented to maintain hygiene in these sacred spaces, according to the SPA.
Comprehensive maintenance has been performed on electrical systems, air conditioning, and audio equipment to ensure optimal comfort during prayers.
Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday
Updated 3 min 57 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as heavy rains are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Friday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense.
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 on Monday.
According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods. Similar conditions are expected in the Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions.
The directorate indicated that moderate rain may fall in the Najran region, while light rain is expected in the Madinah region, the SPA reported.
The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.
US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire
The White House says the aim of the talks is to reach a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, allowing the free flow of shipping
Updated 24 March 2025
Reuters
RIYADH: US and Russian officials began talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday aimed at making progress toward a broad ceasefire in Ukraine with Washington eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire deal before securing a wider agreement.
The talks, which followed US talks with Ukraine on Sunday, come as US President Donald Trump intensifies his drive to end the three-year-old conflict after he last week spoke to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A source briefed on the planning for the talks said the US side was being led by Andrew Peek, a senior director at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior State Department official.
The White House says the aim of the talks is to reach a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, allowing the free flow of shipping.
Russia will be represented by Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat who is now chair of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service.
Saudi Arabia’s coffee and tea culture: A Ramadan ‘love language’
Hot beverages bring together families and provide much-needed caffeine kick after breaking Ramadan fast
Herb and spice-infused coffee considered emblematic of Saudi hospitality
Updated 24 March 2025
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: As the sun begins to set, families routinely prepare their two thermos kettles to marinate herbal and spiced flavors, ready to be enjoyed upon breaking the Ramadan fast.
The tall thermos typically contains rich red or black tea. The shorter thermos will hold the iconic cardamom-infused Arabic coffee; a well-known beverage associated with Saudi hospitality. Surrounding the caffeinated beverages sit the cups, saucers, dates and desserts.
As worshippers fast, their days turn into nights, requiring caffeinated beverages to boost their spirits. Coffee shops are alive in the evening, swarming with customers looking for their next cup of joe.
Public relations specialist, Aisha Al-Wattar, told Arab News that caffeinated beverages are a big part of Saudi culture, and during Ramadan are considered symbols of bringing loved ones together.
“I really love how it is a social cue. It’s a love language for a lot of people. When you say ‘let us go get coffee together after Taraweeh,’ it’s such an intimate thing.”
After having water and dates to break their fast, Al-Wattar and her family have made it a ritual to follow up with a cup of coffee.
“You have your Qahwa arabi (Arabic coffee) and your dates, I can’t think of one or the other by itself. Specifically, during Ramadan, besides providing that kick of energy and hyperness after we break out fast that gives us the jolt of happiness and serotonin, it is also about bringing us together.”
Saudi coffee is made by roasting coffee beans until they are golden brown. The coffee is then boiled and served as a dark, unfiltered drink. Spices such as saffron, cardamom and cloves are also added to the boiled coffee for flavor and richness.
As a coffee and tea connoisseur, Al-Wattar finds herself indulging in more caffeinated beverages throughout the holy month.
“Later on, after Taraweeh, I will have my iced coffee or americano because the night is still young in Ramadan here, which I love. In Saudi, the day is flipped so you could possibly have as many cups of coffee as you want to at night. However, refrain due to the fact that you could get dehydrated.”
Saudi designer, Qamar Ahmed, finds herself consuming less coffee during Ramadan, highlighting that the essence of fasting is to test one’s habits.
“They play a major role as it’s something we usually start our day with and the lack of it makes the start of your fasting a challenge. To go through the day without it also tests one’s ability to function without the stimulants. No morning that doesn’t start without a strong cup of brewed tea. Afternoon tea at four with bites is also a tradition that brings the family together.
“It’s calming after Salah to go out with friends and family to relax and unwind with a good strong coffee or tea.”
Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event
The organization aims to unite Saudi entrepreneurs and professionals with the Pakistani diaspora, fostering entrepreneurship, networking, and mentorship for youth while supporting Vision 2030
Updated 23 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Pakistani Executive Organization for Promotion of Leadership and Entrepreneurship, or PEOPLE, hosted a sahoor and award ceremony in Riyadh to honor outstanding Saudi and Pakistani entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders for their contributions to Saudi Vision 2030 through their respective professions.
The event highlighted the growing collaboration between Saudis and the Pakistani diaspora in trade, investment, and other sectors, with participants expressing optimism for further strengthening of these ties.
Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas recognized the value of PEOPLE as an entrepreneurial platform. (Supplied)
The ceremony was attended by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal Al-Saud and other Saudi dignitaries, including Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, and Esra Assery of the Ministry of Media, alongside prominent Pakistani professionals and executives.
Awards were presented to individuals who significantly contributed to Saudi Arabia’s economic progress through their professional achievements.
HIGHLIGHT
The event was attended by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal Al-Saud and other Saudi dignitaries, including Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, Esra Assery of the Ministry of Media, and Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas, alongside prominent Pakistani professionals and executives.
Mehmood Khan, chairman of PEOPLE, and Kashif Khan, president of PEOPLE, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth and the vast opportunities available for Pakistani professionals in the Kingdom.
The organization aims to unite Saudi entrepreneurs and professionals with the Pakistani diaspora, fostering entrepreneurship, networking, and mentorship for youth while supporting Vision 2030.
Princess Nourah praised the strong ties between the two countries. She emphasized their expanding trade and investment links and highlighted the benefits of shared experiences between individuals from both nations.
Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, underscored the significance of this partnership between the two communities.
Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas recognized the value of PEOPLE as an entrepreneurial platform.
The event was jointly hosted by PEOPLE and Key Facilities Management Saudia.
Junaid Khan, CEO of Key Facilities Management Saudia, stressed the importance for him of giving back to Saudi Arabia in return for its support of his rapid professional growth.
He also highlighted the vast opportunities in facilities management and the increasing demand expected in the coming years.
Atif Khurshid Khan, senior adviser at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, spoke about the transformative changes in Saudi Arabia and the unparalleled opportunities available for Pakistanis and international entrepreneurs to contribute to Vision 2030.
The event concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to exploring new partnerships and strengthening the foundations of mutual respect and cooperation.
The recognition of professionals from both countries served as a testament to the enduring bond between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, united by a shared vision for progress and prosperity.
