Saudis divided between electronic, traditional Eidiya

Young children will receive Eidiyas in cash since they cannot use devices. (File photo)
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Updated 14 May 2021
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Saudis divided between electronic, traditional Eidiya

  • Due to the ongoing pandemic, many Saudis turn to electronic payments to give out Eidiyas this year as opposed to cash in hand

JEDDAH: As Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid Al-Fitr in their own unique ways, children in every nation tend to always steal the spotlight with their tireless demands for Eidiya money.

Similar to Halloween in the west, children wait eagerly for this time of the year so they can dress up, visit one household to the next, and receive as much Eidiya money (and chocolates) as possible.

However, due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many Saudis turned to electronic payments to give out Eidiyas this year. Still, others prefer the old-fashioned way of handing out Eidiyas in cash while also taking COVID-19 health precautions into consideration.

Saudi dentist Jameela Al-Ghamdi, 29, said being deprived of family gatherings for Eid Al-Fitr last year was frustrating. 

“It was so strange to go through,” she told Arab News. “We never skipped visiting our families on such special occasions.”

She is now relieved because people in her family susceptible to the virus have received the vaccine jab and these special occasions can happen again. 

“I am so happy to dress up with my sisters and also visit family members I have not seen in an unfairly long time,” Al-Ghamdi said.

Her family, although mostly vaccinated, prefers to give out Eidiyas electronically, as Al-Ghamdi says she is a fan of technology. 

“We tried giving out Eidiyas through STC Pay last year and it was very quick, simple and convenient. No need to break down SR100 at minimarkets anymore,” she said.

Ali Mansour, a 33-year-old Saudi industrial engineer at Saudia airline, said the best part of Eid is visiting family. He also added the occasion is not the same without gatherings. Mansour’s family started giving out Eidiyas electronically long before the pandemic because of its convenience.

HIGHLIGHTS

•Similar to Halloween in the west, children wait eagerly for this time of the year so they can dress up, visit one household to the next, and receive as much Eidiya money (and chocolates) as possible. •However, due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many Saudis turned to electronic payments to give out Eidiyas this year. Still, others prefer the old-fashioned way of handing out Eidiyas in cash while also taking COVID-19 health precautions into consideration.

“Way before the pandemic and the creations of such platforms like STC Pay, we gave out Eidiyas through bank transfers,” he told Arab News. “Electronic payments are not something new to us. My dad would always transfer the Eidiya into my account, never in cash.” He added that the last time he received Eidiya in cash was probably back in high school.

Young children are the most significant part of the Eid celebration, said Mansour, as they will receive Eidiyas in cash since they cannot use devices.

Saudi Lujain Al-Jehani, 27, said Eid Al-Fitr is extra special this year because people were deprived of the holiday gatherings last year.

“Due to the pandemic, we did not have the opportunity to celebrate together,” she told Arab News. “We are so excited and thrilled. We are going to prepare cakes and activities that we were deprived of last year.”

Al-Jehani’s family prefers to give out Eidiyas in person: “The experience is different, holding cash in your hand,” she said.

Al-Jehani added that most of the elderly in her family do not know how to use electronic payment platforms.

Saudi medical student Renad Bajodah, 25, said Eid celebrations are important experiences and will have a lasting impact on a child’s memory.

“Eid means joy to me. It means coming together and honoring the days of our lives, and celebrating after the completion of the holy month of Ramadan,” Bajodah told Arab News. 

“The excitement of Eid’s eve is what is most beautiful to me, seeing kids wearing their new pajamas all happy on the night of Eid. It also teaches parents how to give to their children. To give them the best experience and beautiful childhood memories.” 

While Bajodah’s family still prefers Eidiyas in cash, they sanitize them thoroughly before delivering in carefully closed envelopes. They like the “traditional old school style,” he said.

Saudi Yara Ahmad, 27, who works in the market research industry, said Eid Al-Fitr means a lot to her. The whole experience from new clothes, delicious food and candy, family gatherings and Eidiya money is something adults and children alike look forward to every year.

Electronic Eidiya did not bode well for her family which continues to distribute cash to children while keeping in mind the sanitization part and necessary precautions.

Saudi Salman Al-Otaibi, 32, who prefers the old-fashioned way of giving out Eidiyas while following hygienic measures, said a new voting poll for Eidiyas that has been circulating a week before Eid Al-Fitr takes away a special element.

“The idea has nothing to do with the purpose of Eidiyas and bringing a smile on children and adults’ faces,” he told Arab News. 

“Because it has become a contest and everyone is running after people in groups and social media sites to vote. I think it is far from what Eidiya is supposed to mean.”


Saudi Fund for Development signs MoU to open development avenues with El Salvador

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad signed the agreement with Alexandra Hill Tinoco in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Fund for Development signs MoU to open development avenues with El Salvador

  • The agreement is a step toward the financing of a water treatment and energy generation project using biogas in the area of the Acelhuate River, utilizing a development loan from the Saudi fund

RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad signed on Friday an agreement aimed at opening doors for developmental cooperation, projects and programs in El Salvador, with the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Hill Tinoco.

Also present at the signing ceremony in Riyadh were Haytham bin Hassan Al-Malki, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Mexico and non-resident ambassador to El Salvador, and El Salvador’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ricardo Ernesto Cucalon Levy.

The agreement is a step toward the financing of a water treatment and energy generation project using biogas in the area of the Acelhuate River, utilizing a development loan from the Saudi fund.

This deal comes within the framework of the fund’s efforts to support the growth of vital needs in various countries to aid prosperity.

 

 


Beast House sets off on a unique music mission in Saudi Arabia

Updated 03 May 2024
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Beast House sets off on a unique music mission in Saudi Arabia

  • Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene”
  • The multitiered members-only space provides an immersive experience for music producers, industry experts, creatives, and enthusiasts to connect and learn through its facilities

RIYADH: Only a few months after its recent launch, Beast House has become one of the Saudi music scene’s biggest assets, using MDLBEAST’s comprehensive strategy to enrich the Saudi music industry with solid infrastructure.
Driven by a vision to provide fertile ground in which to cultivate the region’s music culture, Beast House marks MDLBEAST’s debut investment in the music facilities sector in Saudi Arabia with an innovative tripod model that combines music, architecture, and technology to achieve its unique mission in the country.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene, a place where creativity is nurtured and talents from the local and international scenes can grow. Our vision is to revolutionize the way music is experienced in the region by fostering connections in the creative community through the power of music.”
The multitiered members-only space provides an immersive experience for music producers, industry experts, creatives, and enthusiasts to connect and learn through its facilities, which provide live music events, workshops, studio spaces, and shared dining spaces.
“Beast House creates a platform for local artists to both showcase and hone their talents. In this space, members can collaborate with other artists through our diverse programming designed to elevate the experience of artists. It’s a welcoming space for anyone still finding their creative path,” Alharatani said.
The studio has two music production rooms with recording booths, a mix room with a Solid State Logic Origin mixing console, and a Neve recording room with a contemporary feel.
Alharatani said: “Beast House studio caters to artists of all levels, with a blend of traditional analog and modern digital equipment. We offer hands-on experience covering the entire production process, from recording to mixing and mastering.
“Our backline includes Fender guitars, Yamaha drums, and world-class microphones like Neumann, Royer, and AKG, alongside high-end outboard gear such as Neve, Bricasti, and UA 1176 compressors. We also provide a comprehensive selection of synths and drum machines from renowned brands like Roland, Moog, and Sequential, along with top-tier software and plugins including Pro Tools, Ableton, and Waves, offering artists endless sonic possibilities.”
The CEO said that these spaces are crucial for a developing music scene and nurturing the industry, and that Beast House is all about engaging the senses in a welcoming environment through its design, curated playlists, refreshments, and dynamic live shows.
He said: “By offering insight into songwriting, production, and the music business, we’re enabling the growth of local talent and opportunities. This fosters job creation, draws in tourism, and stimulates local businesses, which are key components in building a robust music infrastructure.”
But building more venues in the Kingdom is only a part of the MDLBEAST plan.
“Our strategy is built on three pillars — music and artists, live events, and venues — and through these three pillars, we can create a vivid music scene and opportunities for local and global artists to constantly engage with their audience,” Alharatani said. “All this leads to two main goals: support the innovative economy and entertainment tourism in the Kingdom, and guarantee the sustainability of our events.”
Alharatani believes that because this is the first private members’ club of this nature in Saudi Arabia, which may be foreign to some in the region, awareness will be key in getting the public to commit to memberships.
He said: “We’ve been spreading the word, giving people the lowdown on what members’ clubs are really all about. We’ve rolled out a few sneak-peek events to hook them on the experience, and we’re connecting with creative trailblazers to grow the right community. Here, membership is more than a pass — it’s the gateway to a hub where creativity grows and thrives.”
By combining technology, architecture, and music under one roof, Beast House studio’s specialized professional team hopes to use its technical excellence to elevate regional music to new levels.
The recording studio is expecting to become a destination for musicians who want to create memorable music that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impact on listeners, Alharatani said.


Housing minister meets with Chinese officials to boost Sino-Saudi cooperation, achieve Vision 2030 targets

Updated 03 May 2024
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Housing minister meets with Chinese officials to boost Sino-Saudi cooperation, achieve Vision 2030 targets

  • Al-Hogail’s visit also explored the possibility of attracting Chinese companies to the Saudi market

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s housing minister has returned from a trip to Beijing where he met with Chinese sector officials to “solidify the partnership between the two nations in construction and real estate development,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

Majed Al-Hogail held a meeting with China’s Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong and Fang Qiuchen, the president of the China International Contractors Association.

Their discussions focused on developing joint housing policies and programs, exchanging expertise in city planning and sustainable urban development, and exploring investments in construction technology, SPA added.

Al-Hogail’s visit also explored the possibility of attracting Chinese companies specializing in building, construction, maintenance, and cleaning services to the Saudi Arabian market.

During his trip, Al-Hogail signed agreements and memoranda of understanding with major Chinese construction companies.

The Kingdom’s partnership with China to develop its housing sector is part of Saudi Vision 2030’s target of increasing home ownership in Saudi Arabia to 70 percent by improving housing affordability by the end of the decade.


Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty

Updated 03 May 2024
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Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty

  • Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests
  • The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates

RIYADH: For centuries, the juniper tree has proudly stood as a symbol of picturesque beauty in Al-Baha region, adorning its slopes and mountain peaks with vibrant green hues.
Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests that eagerly await the arrival of summer, and the embrace of nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and solace.
Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qudwa, a representative of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification in the Al-Baha region, told the Saudi Press Agency that juniper trees make up 30 percent of wild plants in Al-Baha.
The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates.
Al-Qudwa said that the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, through its forest department in the region, is dedicated to year-round efforts aimed at preserving forests, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the juniper, Al-Atm, and talh populations.
These endeavors align closely with the strategic objectives outlined in the national action plan for forests in the Kingdom, a crucial component of Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Qudwa said that security and protection patrols stationed at forest sites throughout the region swiftly intervene to address violations such as unauthorized tree felling or logging.
Patrols can impose penalties in accordance with legal provisions and regulations, ensuring accountability through investigations carried out by inspectors and observers.
Heavy rainfall this year has been beneficial for juniper trees, which have responded with alluring fragrance, interwoven branches, and evergreen foliage.
Junipers are a central feature of the natural forests in the Al-Baha region. Their verdant presence not only enhances the allure of the landscape, but also serves as vital vegetation, safeguarding waterfalls, regulating rainwater runoff, and protecting against erosion.
The majestic trees are also a major attraction for tourists.
More than 30 forests in the Al-Baha region welcomed visitors earlier than usual this year, coinciding with a surge in weekend visitors from within and outside the Kingdom.
Authorities in the region are working tirelessly to prepare the forests, which are complemented by numerous parks, gardens, and traditional villages, for the large number of visitors.
This effort aims to uphold the region’s tourist status by also offering a wide range of activities and services.


Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region carries out municipal inspections

Updated 03 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region carries out municipal inspections

  • Through its campaign, the Eastern Region Municipality aims to improve building compliance to elevate the region’s urban landscape

DAMMAM: The Eastern Region Municipality conducted 688 inspection tours of municipal facilities in eastern Dammam during the first quarter of the year. The inspections aimed to improve quality of life, rectify visual discrepancies and increase the issuance of compliance certificates for residential and commercial buildings along main roads. The campaign also aims to promote real estate development in the region.

The inspections led to the issuance of 213 notices to establishments and the removal of graffiti from 19 sites, 221 concrete barriers and 111 signboards.

During the last quarter of 2023, the Commercial Licensing and Health Control Department of the municipality carried out 1,614 services, including the issuance of 388 new commercial licenses, the renewal of 927 existing licenses, and the updating of 77 licenses. Additionally, 117 licenses underwent amendments, while ownership changes were made to 105 commercial licenses. The department conducted 1,726 monitoring rounds within the same period.

Through its campaign, the Eastern Region Municipality aims to improve building compliance to elevate the region’s urban landscape.