Hajj journey through time depicted in Jeddah airport mural

This undated photo shows a mural depicting the history of Muslim pilgrimage Hajj painted at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 July 2021
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Hajj journey through time depicted in Jeddah airport mural

  • Artist Mohammed Al-Rabat says he was able to infuse some of the city’s old features and its unique architectural style

MAKKAH: For more than a millennia, pilgrims from around the world have flocked to the holy city of Makkah to perform the sacred ritual of Hajj. The pilgrimage has been depicted by artists throughout history, with the latest round of artwork being displayed at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.

The artwork, a mural spanning 36 meters, shows the journey of pilgrims throughout history, from land arrivals from the north that passed by AlUla, docking boats alongside the Red Sea’s port cities, to modern pilgrims arriving on planes at KAIA’s Hajj terminal with its large tent-like structures that can accommodate millions of people each year.
The mural, painted by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Rabat, also showcases Jeddah’s old urban areas near the old port and old airports, some of the older Saudia aircraft fleet, the Grand Mosque’s features from various eras, along with images of civilization and prosperity captured within the Kingdom.
The mural is located in the airport’s arrival hall, where it can be viewed by both national and international travelers.
“I developed the idea after deciding to draw a mural at the new King Abdul Aziz International Airport when its construction started years ago. There were several ideas, but I chose to go with the Hajj journey and I worked on it for eight months inside my studio, where I represented the most significant stages of the Hajj journey, from the old Al-Bunt seaport to King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah,” Al-Rabat told Arab News.
“In addition, I depicted the land Hajj journeys that were carried out by the caravans of pilgrims on the back of camels, which were drawn on the large canvas using acrylic colors along with stencil and silk screen printing techniques, among others,” he added.
“In various stages, I was able to infuse some of Jeddah’s old features and its unique architectural style, which was represented by some old Rowshan windows and the city’s gates, with some of the city’s modern features seen today. I then moved on to the transportation of pilgrims to the holy sites using old means of transport, then there was an old section of the Grand Mosque and a modern image representing the changes resulting from the new expansion.”
The artist told Arab News that the last stages of the project took time and effort to finalize. Transferring the work from canvas to colored glass spanning 3 meters in height and 36 meters in width was no easy feat, he said.

HIGHLIGHT

The mural, painted by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Rabat, showcases Jeddah’s old urban areas near the old port and old airports, some of the older Saudia aircraft fleet, the Grand Mosque’s features from various eras, along with images of civilization and prosperity captured within the Kingdom.

Regarding the work’s philosophy, Al-Rabat added: “The work’s importance is not in its value, rather its historical value and the accomplishment that represents what the artist has reached after years of research, experimentation and practice.”
It is not the first time that a mural depicting the remarkable religious gathering has been put on display. Since the advent of Islam, Hajj has been seen as a wonder to many Western artists, with many searching to understand its spiritual and visual significance.
Significant works include “Abu Zayd on Hajj and the Caravan of Pilgrimage,” painted in 1237, Louis-Nicolas de Lespinasse’s detailed overview painting of Makkah in 1787, as well an extremely rare print showing a pilgrim procession carrying the Kaaba’s kiswa en route from Cairo to Makkah, drawn by Sheikh Yunus in the 13th century.
“Airports are among the essential facilities in all countries of the world. Their role is not limited to travelers arriving to the country or leaving it. Their role includes conveying an image that reflects the country’s culture,” said Al-Rabat.
Inspired by works of art showcased at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport 36 years ago, the artist said that he was inspired to come up with a concept that would fit his home city’s airport.
“These artworks were painted on different materials and spaces and showcased all the forms of life found in the Kingdom. The artworks came in addition to some traveling exhibitions that were organized at the airport. This is part of an integrated building that embodies a civilization and conveys an image of that country upon the visitor’s arrival, whether through the architectural style of these airports or through the internal facilities and various artworks they contain,” Al-Rabat added.
The journey, one that is close to the hearts of all Muslims, has and will always be a fascinating topic for artists to depict and document. From paintings, sketches and illustrations, to poetry, literature and photography, the descriptive works describing the inner spiritual journey and physical challenges can be depicted through several mediums, a window through which outsiders can observe Hajj.


Makkah’s security forces crack down on illegal Hajj pilgrims

Updated 16 sec ago
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Makkah’s security forces crack down on illegal Hajj pilgrims

  • Dozens arrested as Ministry of Interior warns against sheltering, transporting holders of visit visas

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its actions to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and those facilitating unauthorized pilgrimages will be arrested and penalized.

Hajj Security Forces in Makkah’s Al-Hijrah district recently arrested 42 expatriates holding various types of visit visas after they violated Hajj regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Legal action has been initiated against the violators, and authorities are working to apprehend those who sheltered them.

In a separate incident, Hajj Security Forces arrested a Ghanaian resident for attempting to illegally transport four female expatriates to Makkah in violation of Hajj rules.

The man, who was driving a bus, had hidden the women in the luggage compartment in an attempt to smuggle them into the holy city without permits.

The driver and passengers were apprehended and referred to the competent committee for legal action, the SPA reported.

The ministry has announced a fine of up to SR100,000 ($26,600) for anyone transporting or attempting to transport visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites.

The same penalty applies to those who accommodate or shelter visit visa holders in any type of residence — including hotels, apartments, private homes, accommodation centers, or Hajj housing — within Makkah and the holy sites, or assist in their illegal stay.

Penalties increase based on the number of individuals transported, accommodated, or assisted, the SPA added.

Performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, or entering or remaining in Makkah and the holy sites without authorization, can result in a fine of up to SR20,000.

Residents and unauthorized pilgrims will be deported and banned from reentering the Kingdom for 10 years, the ministry said.

The ministry announced that the restriction period runs from April 29 to June 10.

It urges full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrims’ safety and the smooth performance of rituals.

Violations should be reported via 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.


Three Spanish friends rewriting history to perform Hajj on horseback

Updated 32 min 59 sec ago
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Three Spanish friends rewriting history to perform Hajj on horseback

  • Pilgrims recreating historic 8,000 km route used by Andalusian Muslims
  • Team supported financially by local Muslims during 7-month ride

Jeddah: Three friends rode on horseback from Spain to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, reviving a pilgrimage route last used by Andalusian Muslims more than 500 years ago.

They reached Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region last week in time for Hajj after travelling through Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Turkiye, Syria and Jordan on a 8,000 km (4,970 miles) journey.

The three Spanish Muslims, Abdelkader Harkassi, Abdallah Hernandez and Tariq Rodriguez, are fulfilling a long-held ambition after embracing Islam 35 years ago.

The three riders are accompanied by Bouchaib Jadil, a construction master living in Spain, who is providing logistical support to the team by leading the way in a car.

It all started when Abdullah Hernandez reverted to Islam 35 years ago.

He told Arab News about how he felt grateful toward Allah for blessing him with guidance — Heidaya — and he promised to complete the Hajj pilgrimage the way his Andalusian ancestors did.

The team practiced for two years before setting off in October 2024 from Al-Monaster Mosque, south of Spain.

After crossing the border of Jordan on May 2, the three Spanish friends arrived in Qurayyat city in Al-Jawf Province, in northern Saudi Arabia on Friday after a remarkable seven-month horseback journey.

During their stop in Qurayyat, the pilgrims were hosted by the head of Al-Haditha Center, Mamdouh Al-Mutairi, who welcomed them to the Kingdom and wished them a pleasant stay and an acceptable and easy Hajj, meeting with students and supporters.

The pilgrims were received with a warm welcome from the residents of Qurayyat, who posed for memorable photos with them.

Hernandez told Arab News: “The team is very excited as we are getting closer to Makkah and Madinah. These holy cities are very special to us, and we have been dreaming of reaching them for a long time. Our hearts feel full of love and hope, and we are looking forward to this moment with deep respect and happiness.

“Through this journey we want to recover a historical Andalusian route from Spain to the Harram of Makkah. It is also a trip of challenges where every step is felt by us and the horses, but also is a journey for the soul,” he added.

One of the Hajj pilgrims, Harkassi, said they were happy to revive a lost tradition. He added that the team saved money and trained for several years for the journey.

He said: “We embarked on this journey with pure intentions to realize the Hajj.”

He added: “We are almost there, and hopefully, the rest of the journey will be easier.”

Their journey, spanning diverse landscapes and extreme weather conditions, is being shared with followers on social media.

“Crossing borders has been the biggest challenge. Some countries were more difficult to cross than others as horses are not considered a mode of transport anymore, but instead they need to be ‘imported’ into each country as livestock, but Alhamdulillah, we have managed to complete all the paperwork so far,” said Hernandez.

Their expedition, known as “Hajj on Horseback,” was warmly welcomed by Muslims and non-Muslims. Hernandez added: “We’ve been received with open arms everywhere we’ve gone — each country has somehow managed to be even more welcoming than the one before, MashAllah.

“Whether in Muslim or non-Muslim countries, people have shown incredible hospitality: Inviting us into their homes, sharing meals with us, listening to our stories and engaging in meaningful conversations about Islam.

“The warmth we’ve experienced in Muslim countries has been especially profound, reflecting the deep sense of unity within our Ummah. This beautiful spirit is clearly visible in our recent videos from Turkiye and Syria.”

The team set off with limited funds, but received support from local Muslims along the way to finance the costs of the unique journey.


KSrelief humanitarian projects launched in Yemen and Sudan

Updated 06 May 2025
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KSrelief humanitarian projects launched in Yemen and Sudan

  • In Yemen, during the first days of May, KSrelief launched Project Masam to clear unexploded ordinance across the war-torn country

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center continues to invest in volunteer projects to help improve the living conditions of people in Yemen and Sudan.

On Saturday, the organization finished a urology medical program in Port Sudan. Eight volunteer staff members examined 160 patients and performed 60 urological operations during the week-long initiative.

In Yemen, during the first days of May, KSrelief launched Project Masam to clear unexploded ordinance across the war-torn country.

Since its launch, the program has successfully cleared 491,983 explosives in Yemen.


Thousands benefit from Saudi Red Crescent volunteer initiatives

Updated 06 May 2025
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Thousands benefit from Saudi Red Crescent volunteer initiatives

JEDDAH: Thousands of volunteers have clocked in vast amounts of hours in service with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority during April, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The SRCA saw 2,762 volunteers collectively log 16,755 hours of service throughout the month.

The volunteers supported 9,295 individuals with 251 unique initiatives, the report added.

The diverse services include providing humanitarian aid, ambulance services, education awareness campaigns, and environmental efforts.


Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations 

Updated 06 May 2025
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Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations 

RIYADH: Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi minister of defense, met with Yemen’s newly-appointed Prime Minster Salem Saleh Bin Braik.

The pair discussed ways to boost Saudi-Yemeni relations, in addition to regional developments and the situation in Yemen. 

”I reaffirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for the government of Yemen in ways that will meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people,” Prince Khalid said in a post on X.

He also conveyed the Saudi leadership’s best wishes to Bin Braik after his appointment as Prime Minister, as well as their hopes for his success and for the stability, security, and prosperity of the people of Yemen. 

Yemen’s internationally recognized government named finance minister Bin Braik as its new prime minister on Saturday.