Virtual reality experience takes Muslims inside Makkah’s Grand Mosque during Ramadan

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General view of Kaaba at empty Grand Mosque, as a preventive measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), during the holy month of Ramadan, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia May 7, 2020. (Reuters)
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Updated 11 May 2020
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Virtual reality experience takes Muslims inside Makkah’s Grand Mosque during Ramadan

  • Muslims will be able to digitally attend the prayers thanks to “Wahi,” a virtual reality experience that can bring them to Makkah

LOS ANGELES: With coronavirus shutdowns continuing throughout Ramadan, Makkah will only be allowing clerics to attend the nightly Taraweeh prayers in person.

But Muslims will be able to digitally attend the prayers thanks to “Wahi,” a virtual reality experience that can bring them to Makkah from the safety of their homes. 

 


The nine-minute film was made using a VR camera rig: six cameras pointing in every direction. The footage was then edited together to give a 360 degree view during the challenging post production process.

 

“The virtual reality glasses give you a full experience of the visit,” Almotaz Aljefri, the film’s Saudi director, told Arab News. “You can go in all directions, raise your head or switch it right. This gives you more information than a regular video.”

The crew received support from the Saudi government, granting them access to Makkah, as well as the use of drones and helicopters.

The film, which was made alongside the New Media Center at the Ministry of Culture and Information, is available on YourTube and has now been viewed more than 11 million times.

“We were surprised along with the staff that the views reached just last month more than 8 million and we discovered that the reason is definitely the coronavirus, the movie has given the chance to many people who cannot now go to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, to visit it through this technology,” AlJafri said.

“I believe that “Wahi” will allow you to practice all your rituals in Ramadan from your home.

“You can wear the glasses to see and tour the Grand Mosque and there is also historical landmarks and even the people who visit the Grand Mosque personally they might find it hard to get close to certain spots for example the Black Stone, circumambulation area, you can now easily wander around it as you wish at any time.”

In the midst of a global health crisis, Muslims are having to observe Ramadan in a new way. But thanks to new technologies, films like “Wahi,” mean they will not let the virus get in the way of their faith.

 

 

 


Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children

Updated 14 August 2025
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Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children

  • Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200

RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphan Care, Ensan, will provide bags this year for 16,007 students at 22 schools in the Riyadh governorate.

Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The money for the bags and stationary needs will be deposited into the bank accounts of parents and guardians.

Infographic posted by the group Ensan announcing the charitable organization's campaign for donations to its project/ (X: @ensanorg)

Ensan has other projects to help children including providing tutors, and transport to and from school. The organization also assists in getting young people scholarships, and admission to universities, colleges and specialized institutes.

Ensan has called on the public to assist with funding for their projects via the platform https://ensan.sa/ar/shop/170.
 


Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 

Updated 14 August 2025
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Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 

  • Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi presented with the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work

RIYADH: Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and president of the Saudi Media Forum, was recently honored with the 2025 Gratitude Award for Inspiring Leaders.

Presented by the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work, the award celebrates those whose vision and dedication have had a profound impact on their communities.

Commenting on the honor, Al-Harthi stated: “Giving is an intrinsic part of the Saudi identity, deeply rooted in a generous homeland and inspiring leadership.

“I am one of this nation’s people striving to serve it with all we have. We will continue to work tirelessly for as long as we live because our country deserves nothing less.

“Each of us has unique tools within our fields that must be dedicated to serving the nation, society, and humanity.”

Al-Harthi has built a distinguished career across print, broadcast, and digital media, earning both regional and international awards in recognition of his creativity and achievements in the media landscape.

He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives and launched major media projects, held leadership roles in prominent local and global media organizations, and contributed to organizing events and festivals that have significantly elevated the status of Saudi media both regionally and internationally.

The award underscores Al-Harthi’s dedication to serving society and inspiring a new generation of media professionals.
 

 


Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

Updated 13 August 2025
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Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed ties between Riyadh and Seoul during a phone call with South Korea’s President Lee Jae-Myung on Wednesday.

During the call, they discussed “opportunities for cooperation in several fields” to achieve common interests and strengthen ties between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications

Updated 13 August 2025
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Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications

  • Cultural program of the Kingdom’s Visual Arts Commission
  • Scotland, Japan, South Korea, Spain are the nations hosting

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission has launched its “Art Bridges” initiative for 2025–2026, a series of international programs designed to promote cultural exchange.

The programs will be hosted in Scotland, Japan, South Korea and Spain.

The first in Scotland will be held from Sept. 22 to 27, in partnership with the British Council Scotland.

Japan will host an event from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, followed by South Korea from Nov. 19 to 27, and Spain from March 2 to 9, 2026.

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, said in a statement that the initiative offers a unique opportunity for cultural practitioners to share their creative voices with the world.

Each edition of “Art Bridges” will be tailored to the host destination.

There will be meetings with thought leaders, visits to major cultural institutions, museums, galleries and artist studios, as well as workshops, knowledge-exchange sessions, and discussions with prominent local art figures.

The 2025–2026 programs will explore specific themes, with Japan focusing on art and the environment by examining how artists interact with natural, urban and traditional settings.

South Korea’s program will address identity through art and society by studying community cultural movements, independent artist spaces and collaborative platforms.

In Spain, the program will highlight heritage and collaborative practice by showcasing the intersection of shared artistic expression, and social purpose in cultural spaces.

The application window for those wishing to participate opens on Aug. 13. The deadline for Japan is Aug. 21, while South Korea and Spain close on Aug. 31.

Applicants must be over 21, have at least five years of professional experience, submit a strong portfolio, be fluent in English and commit to the full program schedule.

The commission stated that “Art Bridges” forms a cornerstone of its strategy to expand Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence globally, build sustainable creative ecosystems, and forge long-term international partnerships.


Hunna mentorship program hits right notes for women in MENA

Updated 13 August 2025
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Hunna mentorship program hits right notes for women in MENA

  • Six participants paired with experts from across music industry
  • Workshops cover production, live performance, artist strategy, global positioning

RIYADH: The women-led music initiative, Hunna, has launched its 2025 mentorship program and workshop series.

Now in its third year, the program connects women across the region with mentors, resources and networks to help them grow professionally. It has more than 120 members from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and elsewhere.

This year’s program began in July, with six participants paired with professionals from various musical disciplines. They will each receive monthly one-on-one mentorship and tailored development plans as well as access to Hunna’s wider programming.

The culmination of their hard work will be a showcase at this year’s XP Music Futures in December.

Mentorship program manager Nadia Khan, who also founded the nongovernmental organization Women in Ctrl, said: “This year’s mentor-mentee pairings reflect the diversity of talent in the region and the global reach of the women guiding them.

“Having such inspirational and accomplished mentors means our mentees aren’t just receiving guidance, they’re learning directly from women who have carved their own paths in music, broken barriers and proven that it’s possible to thrive while staying true to your vision.”

This year’s pairings are: Tunisia-based Chaima Soudani with Celine Hitti, head of artist services MENA at Believe; singer Nadine Lingawi (Fulana) with Emmy-nominated composer and BBC Radio 3 presenter Hannah Peel; Egyptian multi-instrumentalist and producer Martina Ashraf with Montreal-based experimental electronic artist Liliane Chlela; Saudi composer and pianist Nora Aljebrin with Nadin Al-Khalidi, lead vocalist of Tarabband; DJ and producer Lena Chercaoui  with Saudi DJ and producer Cosmicat; and Palestinian-Jordanian vocalist Lina Sleibi with singer-songwriter and visual creative Lina Makoul.

The pairings were chosen through an anonymized selection process led by Hunna committee members and former participants.

“Hunna is about creating a space of solidarity and community where women can grow in every part of the music industry,” Hitti said.

Al-Khalidi said: “I joined the Hunna mentorship program to share my journey and inspire others to tell their own stories through music.”

Workshops are a core part of the program. The first, “Introduction to Music Production,” will be held on Aug. 20 at Beast House in Riyadh.

Monthly sessions through November will cover production, live performance, artist strategy and global positioning. They will be accessible to all members of the Hunna community.

Tanya Awad, head of music and experience at XP Music Futures and MDLBeast Foundation, which leads the Hunna initiative, said: “Our vision is clear: to see MENA women in every facet of the music industry.”