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ROME: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif visited the Civil Protection Department (Protezione Civile) in the Italian capital of Rome, on Saturday.
He was received by Fabio Ciciliano, the head of the Civil Protection Department, and several senior officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Accompanied by the official delegation, Prince Abdulaziz toured the department’s sections and received a brief overview of its operations and assigned roles.
RIYADH: The historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Hotat Bani Tamim, Riyadh, is among the places of worship restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to safeguard Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.
Established in 1835 and named after the castle of Imam Turki bin Abdullah that once stood on its premises, Al-Qalaah Mosque holds significant historical value, which the project seeks to preserve.
Upon completion, the mosque will cover 625 sq. meters, accommodating up to 180 worshipers, the SPA reported.
Built in the Najdi style, the mosque primarily uses clay, with a construction method involving a clay and hay mixture placed in wooden molds to form brick-like structures.
This technique is known for its economic efficiency compared to other materials, offering advantages such as thermal resistance and maintaining a moderate indoor temperature.
It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, featuring six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim.
Phase two follows the completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA.
The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.
Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.
The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 25,150 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 17,886 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,247 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,017 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,553 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 69 percent were Ethiopian, 28 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 63 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 36 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.
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
In the Syrian Arab Republic, 840 packages were distributed across several governorates as part of the Etaam Ramadan project.
KSrelief also provided 190 food packages to Syrian refugees in the town of Shebaa, Lebanon, benefiting 950 people.
In South Africa’s Vereeniging, 400 packages were distributed to families, while 190 parcels went to those in need in southern Lebanon, aiding 900 individuals.
In Tajikistan, KSrelief delivered food packages to 600 families in Baljuvon district.
Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).
Additionally, KSrelief distributed 4,050 cartons of dates in Yemen’s Aden governorate, benefiting 24,300 people.
MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, urged worshippers to cooperate with authorities in managing crowd flow in Makkah.
He emphasized avoiding congestion and adhering to guidelines to ensure safety and security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
After Isha prayer at the Grand Mosque, Al-Sudais spoke about Ramadan’s last 10 nights, urging Muslims to take them seriously and recognize the significance of Laylat Al-Qadr.
He stressed seizing this opportunity for good deeds, highlighting the period’s great significance in Ramadan, the SPA reported.
Al-Sudais praised the leadership’s dedication to the Two Holy Mosques and the services provided to visitors.
JEDDAH: In the holy month of Ramadan, Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district has come alive with a unique blend of culture, traditional crafts and authentic delicacies.
Its festival running throughout the month also highlights the historical significance of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The offerings include workshops in Arabic calligraphy, pottery, and other crafts showcasing the artistic legacy of the Hijaz region.
Children can enjoy interactive entertainment designed as an introduction to Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage.
During a tour, Arab News spoke to several visitors who outlined the charms of the old city.
Salem Al-Harthi, a Saudi citizen, expressed his admiration for Al-Balad, calling it an “unparalleled destination” during Ramadan.
“The historic charm and festive energy here make it the perfect place to experience the essence of the holy month,” he said.
Hamad Al-Shemmari from Hail, who is visiting to perform Umrah with his family, shared his excitement: “These narrow alleys and winding streets transport us to another era.
“The ambiance, the food, everything about this place makes Ramadan special.”
First-time visitor Mahmoud Al-Nori from Syria was captivated by the area’s architectural beauty and vibrancy. “I had heard about Jeddah’s charm but experiencing it in Ramadan is something else.
“One night here is simply not enough to take it all in.”
One of the festival’s most beloved attractions is its street food. After evening prayers, hundreds of vendors set up stalls, wearing traditional attire and singing folk songs to entice visitors to sample local delicacies.
Among them is Muath Al-Bukiri, a young entrepreneur who, along with his friends, launched a food stall serving balila (boiled chickpeas) and chopped liver.
“We wanted to do something meaningful this Ramadan, and this has been an amazing experience,” he said, noting the popularity of these dishes among young and old.
Al-Balad has become a hub for families looking to celebrate Ramadan in an authentic setting.
Abdulaziz Al-Ahmadi, 54, enjoys bringing his family to stroll through the historic streets, sharing stories of the past. “This place connects us to our roots.
“It’s where our ancestors lived, and now, we experience Ramadan in the same streets they once did.”
A popular gathering spot is Al-Hazazi Yard, where dozens of traditional food stalls create a lively evening scene. Residents from across Jeddah gather in what has become an annual tradition to relish the festive atmosphere.
Mohammed bin Zagir told Arab News: “Visiting Al-Balad to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of families, the delicious flavors of kebdah and balila, and the cool evening breeze has become an annual tradition for my family and me.
“Here, you can truly experience the essence of Ramadan, in the very place where our ancestors once lived. It takes us back in time, allowing us to witness the transformation we live in today from every perspective.”
The Ramadan season in historic Jeddah plays a crucial role in supporting local entrepreneurs and artisans.
Heritage markets provide small and medium businesses with a platform to showcase their crafts, from handmade goods to culinary specialties.
Under the supervision of the Historic Jeddah District Program and the Ministry of Culture, the Ramadan festival continues to gain in popularity, reportedly drawing more than a million visitors in its first week.
