New digital platform destigmatizing mental health in Arab world

Houna hosted a launch ceremony to inaugurate the platform in Sidra Gallery in Jax district in Riyadh. (Photo by Abulaziz Alnoman)
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Updated 30 October 2022
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New digital platform destigmatizing mental health in Arab world

  • Besides providing information, Houna can signpost people to relevant support groups offering help through live counseling sessions

RIYADH: A newly launched digital platform is aiming to break stigmas surrounding mental health in the Arab world.

Presented in Arabic, Houna will provide information, resources, and support groups to help tackle taboos around the issue.

Sheikha Majda Al-Sabah, founder of Houna, told Arab News: “We have a lack of Arabic mental health resources. If you want to research anything in Arabic, you cannot find something accurate enough.

“Houna is a non-profit initiative that cares for mental health and acts like an aggregator and takes all the people that need help in terms of mental health and connects them to people that provide it.”

Al-Sabah, a philanthropist and advocate for mental health, launched Houna with the goal of helping individuals suffering depression, anxiety, abuse, eating disorders, addictions, or with suicidal thoughts.

Besides providing information, Houna can signpost people to relevant support groups offering help through live counseling sessions, while also raising awareness about mental health and well-being.

“We truly believe that support groups are the best way to take care of mental health,” Al-Sabah said.




Sheikha Majda Al-Sabah, founder of Houna.  (Photo by Abulaziz Alnoman)

The platform works on the principles of inclusivity, respect, confidentiality, credibility, and integrity, and provides resources written in Arabic and English for people of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and nationalities in the Middle East.

Data includes the latest information on mental health disorders, symptoms, and treatments along with related podcasts, articles, webinars, and online events.

Users can also connect directly with therapists and medical professionals included on a list of 150 licensed specialists and Houna hosts regular mental health support groups.

Al-Sabah first came up with the idea for the platform in 2020 and officially launched it on Oct. 10 in Kuwait to mark World Mental Health Day.

She and her team toured some of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, holding a ceremony at the Sidra art gallery in Riyadh’s Jax district to inaugurate the platform in the Kingdom.

During the event, Al-Sabah opened the floor to anyone wishing to discuss their battles with mental health, and medical professionals and attendees took to the stage to share their experiences.

She said: “I suffered from depression for a very long period, and it hit me because I tried to seek help, tried to search for doctors and psychiatrists that could help me, but I couldn’t find accurate information.

“I’m a talkative person. Whenever I ask people and tell them I have a problem they say do not talk about it, you need to keep it in and silent. I realized this was my calling.

“When we started in the first three years it was only to destigmatize mental health so that was our objective, that was our goal that we were passionate about, that we will do anything to break the stigma.

“We have to go beyond raising awareness, we need to help as much as we can,” she added.

Houna aims to make information on mental health accessible to all.

Al-Sabah said: “It’s not tangible and people can’t get it, and the perception of people around the world, they perceive people to their behaviors and that’s what makes it a bit harder to make them understand mental health.

“There is still a stigma, but we are trying since we started three years ago. It was much harsher, now people are more aware due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is a crisis, but it helps us raise awareness,” she added.

In the future, Al-Sabah has plans to establish a Houna wellness center.

She said: “We have those psychiatric hospitals and mild wellness centers, but I want a place that when you feel a bit down you can go and spend the weekend there and get recharged and go back to your normal life.”


Enhance your Hajj experience with essential apps

Updated 7 sec ago
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Enhance your Hajj experience with essential apps

  • One of the most essential apps for Hajj is Nusuk
  • For those who appreciate interactive tools, 3D Hajj is a game-changer

Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Although Hajj is a profound journey for millions of Muslims every year, the spiritual fulfillment comes with numerous logistical challenges.
Fortunately, a wide range of applications is available to assist pilgrims throughout their journey, from planning and navigation to spiritual support.

Key apps for Hajj

Nusuk
One of the most essential apps for Hajj is Nusuk, developed by the Saudi government.
The app is an all-in-one resource for pilgrims, simplifying the planning process by providing information on visa applications and facilitating arrangements for Umrah and Rawdah slots.

3D Hajj
For those who appreciate interactive tools, 3D Hajj is a game-changer. This app features a detailed 3D model of key Hajj locations, allowing users to visually explore the sites they will visit ahead of time.
It provides step-by-step instructions for rituals, making it easier for pilgrims to understand and engage in the practices required during Hajj.

PHVG Hajj Navigator
Navigating the various sites during Hajj can be daunting. So Hajj Navigator — developed by Pakistan Hajj Volunteers Group, which is made up of Pakistani expatriates living in the Kingdom — addresses this challenge by providing real-time navigation assistance at Hajj sites.
Pilgrims can access resources that alleviate potential hassles, ensuring they can focus on their spiritual practices without getting lost in the crowd.
This app is particularly valuable given the vastness of the Hajj area and the sheer number of people present.

Qibla Finder
A crucial aspect of a Muslim’s daily practice is prayer, which requires the correct qibla direction.
Qibla Finder assists pilgrims in locating the qibla, ensuring they can perform their prayers accurately while maintaining their connection to Makkah.
This app is a simple yet important tool for anyone on the spiritual journey.

Labbayk
An official application from the government of Bangladesh, Labbayk provides a digital companion throughout the pilgrimage.
This app’s resources are tailored to the needs of its users including an SOS function in case of emergencies, helping users navigate the complexities of Hajj while ensuring they have access to relevant information and support during their journey.

Pak Hajj 2025
Pak Hajj 2025 is a valuable resource developed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.
This app delivers updates and information specifically for the 2025 Hajj season. It prepares pilgrims from Pakistan by keeping them informed about the latest developments, requirements, and resources.

Dua and Azkar
Spirituality is at the heart of Hajj, and Dua and Azkar is a valuable resource for supplications and remembrance.
This app helps users stay spiritually connected and focused on their journey by providing a wide range of prayers and reminders that enhance their spiritual experience.

Hislo
Exploring Islamic heritage sites adds depth to the Hajj experience. Developed by Saudi Noorah Al-Kadi, Hislo helps users locate and navigate these historical sites using GPS technology.
This app allows pilgrims to enrich their journey by discovering the history and significance of various locations and includes a social sharing element.

HHR Train
Traveling between major cities during Hajj can be complicated, but the official HHR Train app simplifies the process of booking and traveling on the Haramain railway between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
This efficient transport option reduces travel time and enhances convenience for pilgrims.

Ride-hailing services
Getting around can also be managed by using ride-hailing services. Careem is a cost-effective option that is often cheaper than Uber, providing reliable transport for pilgrims. Uber is a dependable choice for those preferring professional drivers and an established service.
Incorporating these apps into your Hajj journey can significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience.


Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj

Updated 17 min 2 sec ago
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Pilgrims’ safety takes priority as Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj

  • The authorities have put a range of measures in place to mitigate the harsh desert weather
  • Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: “One of the big challenges that we face is the increasing temperature across the different years”

RIYADH: With temperatures expected to soar during Hajj, set to begin on June 4, Saudi Arabia is putting the safety of pilgrims first during the annual event.

The authorities have put a range of measures in place to mitigate the harsh desert weather, which will see maximum temperatures of 40-45 C, including using artificial intelligence and expansion of cooling infrastructures.

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: “One of the big challenges that we face is the increasing temperature across the different years. This is an issue (to which) we give top priority.”

On Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Health confirmed there had been five cases of heat exhaustion among pilgrims performing Hajj rituals amid rising temperatures at the holy sites.

A statement given to Arab News said: “All individuals affected have received immediate medical attention and are currently in (a) stable condition.”

Health teams remain on high alert and will respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom’s broader commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.

The ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and follow official health guidelines such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue. Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched to reinforce the message.

In a significant step to improved healthcare services for pilgrims, the Ministry of Health has also launched an advanced robotic surgery program at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah.

The measures are part of Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive strategy to ensure a safe and healthy experience for millions of pilgrims from around the world.

Among the key measures taken to offer relief from the high temperatures are the provision of 50,000 sq. meters of additional shaded areas, more than 400 misting and cooling stations, renovation and extension work around the Grand Mosque, and heat-reflective asphalt on major walkways.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has also reviewed its Hajj preparations. CEO Dr. Hisham S. Al-Jadhey has visited the authority’s Makkah office to assess how operational plans are being implemented and confirm the readiness of the services provided.

He emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of all food and medicine for pilgrims, adding that the responsibility was a great honor.

He also reviewed the SFDA’s initiatives to apply the highest regulatory standards, leverage modern technologies and utilize artificial intelligence to monitor factories and warehouses, ensuring the quality of products provided during Hajj.

The tour included a visit to the SFDA’s Hajj Operations Center in Makkah, where Al-Jadhey was briefed on ongoing coordination with government entities, performance monitoring mechanisms and support provided to field teams during inspection tours. The tours are enhanced by advanced tools, such as body cameras, used to document field inspection activities.

Al-Jadhey also visited the SFDA site in the regulatory zone within the Holy Sites area, where he reviewed field surveillance plans covering food factories and warehouses. The location serves as a primary base for the deployment of regulatory field teams.

In addition, he visited the emergency hospital in Mina, where he met with Dr. Abdullah bin Rashoud Al-Algwizani, CEO of the Saudi Public Health Authority (Weqaya). The meeting focused on the importance of ongoing collaboration between the two authorities to enhance the health and safety of pilgrims.

The tour also included a visit to the National Health Emergency and Crisis Management Center.

Throughout the visits, the SFDA teams demonstrated smart analytical tools and digital regulatory technologies employed in surveillance and inspection operations. These tools form part of an interactive, AI-powered system designed to enhance operational efficiency and contribute to achieving the authority’s public health and safety goals during Hajj season.

In a high-tech upgrade, the Kingdom is also employing AI to monitor pilgrim movements in real time, with drones relaying live footage to command centers to ensure timely crowd control and detection of any medical emergencies.

“We use advanced AI technologies to do this monitoring and get fast feedback,” said Al-Rabiah, stressing the importance of technology in preventing tragedies.

The crackdown on unauthorized pilgrims by the Ministry of Interior has also intensified. AI-powered systems are monitoring the movement of people entering the holy cities as the majority of last year’s heat-related deaths during Hajj involved those without official permits.


Arafat sermon will reach world’s Muslims through 35-language translation initiative

Updated 51 min 8 sec ago
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Arafat sermon will reach world’s Muslims through 35-language translation initiative

  • Al-Sudais said that transmitting the moderate global message is a cornerstone priority
  • Translation preparations were completed early

RIYADH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque on Thursday launched an initiative to translate this year’s Arafat sermon into 35 languages, reaching approximately five million Muslims worldwide during the 1446 AH Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, the president of religious affairs, emphasized the presidency’s dedication to highlight the Kingdom's leadership in serving Islam and Muslims, particularly those visiting the Two Holy Mosques.

Al-Sudais said that transmitting the moderate global message is a cornerstone priority: “At the forefront of our broadcasting principles is spreading the guidance of the Arafat sermon, which contains the foundations of human and civilizational brotherhood and religious tolerance, translated into 35 languages for this year's Hajj.”

Translation preparations were completed early, Al-Sudais said, to project the Kingdom’s moderate message worldwide.

According to SPA, the presidency established an independent committee to create a standardized framework to maximize the sermon’s impact and outcomes.


Maldives president hails Makkah Route Initiative as symbol of Saudi Arabia’s leadership

Updated 30 May 2025
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Maldives president hails Makkah Route Initiative as symbol of Saudi Arabia’s leadership

  • Mohamed Muizzu praises Kingdom’s services to Muslims
  • The Makkah Route Initiative now operating in 8 countries

RIYADH: President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has hailed Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative as a symbol of the Kingdom’s service to Islam and Muslims.

“Their leadership of the Islamic world represents an exemplary model of giving, unity, and service, not only at the two holy mosques but throughout the entire Islamic world, confirming the Kingdom’s pivotal role in leading with wisdom and mercy in serving Islam,” he said at the launch of the initiative in his country recently.

Muizzu added: “For the first time, Maldivian pilgrims will benefit from this pioneering initiative, designed by Saudi Arabia under its wise leadership and generously provided within the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program emerging from Saudi Vision 2030,” he explained.

The initiative enables the completion of all passport, customs and health screening procedures from the departure point — Velana International Airport.

Muizzu thanked Saudi Arabia’s ministries of interior, Hajj and Umrah, as well as other organizations for their assistance.

“We renew our great gratitude and appreciation for the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia, and look forward to enhancing cooperation and joint work under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his crown prince for the good of the entire Islamic nation.”

The initiative is now operating in eight countries, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco and the Ivory Coast.


Mount Al-Fahlatain — where prophetic history meets pilgrimage tradition

Updated 30 May 2025
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Mount Al-Fahlatain — where prophetic history meets pilgrimage tradition

  • The sacred site has been documented meticulously by historians and travelers
  • With an elevation of 1,084 meters, the mountain commands sweeping views across the surrounding plains

AlUla: Rising from the landscape north of Madinah, Mount Al-Fahlatain has served as a geographical beacon and spiritual waypoint for more than a thousand years.

The landmark, on the historic route to AlUla, bears witness to one of Islam’s most significant military expeditions — the Prophet Muhammad’s journey to Tabuk in 9 A.H.

The mountain’s name tells its own story. Two colossal rocks crown its summit, their silhouette resembling the horns of a bull — “fahl” in Arabic, giving rise to “Al-Fahlatain,” or “the two bulls.”

The sacred site has been documented meticulously by historians and travelers.

Ali Al-Samhudi’s work, “Wafa Al-Wafa Bi Akhbar Dar Al-Mustafa,” places the location precisely one day’s march from Madinah, describing twin peaks sheltering underlying rock formations. Firuzabadi reinforced its historical significance in “Al-Maghanim Al-Mutaba fi Ma’alim Taba,” cataloging it among the landmarks witnessed by the Prophet’s army on their way to Tabuk.

Mohammed Ibn Abdullah Al-Mawlawi provided additional detail in “Rihlat Al-Shita Wa Al-Sayf,” positioning the twin peaks on the mountain’s western flank alongside the main thoroughfare. Al-Suwaidi offered an alternative etymology in “Al-Nafha Al-Miskiyya Fi Al-Rihla Al-Makkiyya,” suggesting the name reflects the mountain’s solitary stance in the landscape, isolated like a bull among grazing camels.

Historian and Islamic history researcher Fouad Al-Maghamsi identifies Mount Al-Fahlatain — sometimes called Faifa Al-Fahlatain — as strategically positioned near Shajwa village, northwest of Madinah.

With an elevation of 1,084 meters, the mountain commands sweeping views across the surrounding plains, bordered by complementary ridges and highlands.

Al-Maghamsi said the site functioned as a vital rest station along the Syrian Hajj route, known as Darb Al-Hajj Al-Shami, earning local appellations including “Antar’s Fortress” and “Antar’s Stable.”

Archaeological evidence such as building foundations and service facilities suggests a sophisticated infrastructure designed to support the thousands of pilgrims and merchants who annually traversed these routes.

The Syrian Hajj route encompasses diverse terrain rich with sites linked to prophetic biography and pilgrimage heritage.