Thousands flock to vaccination centers in Saudi Arabia

Tetamman (rest-assured) clinics offer treatment and advice to those with virus symptoms, such as fever, loss of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties. (AFP)
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Updated 06 January 2021
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Thousands flock to vaccination centers in Saudi Arabia

  • More inoculation outlets planned across Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Thousands of people have been flocking to vaccination centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province to receive vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Saudi Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.

Similar dedicated medical outlets will soon be opened in all regions of the Kingdom, officials announced.
The ministry has invited all Saudis and expats to register for the vaccine through its Sehaty app. Users can apply after downloading the app via http://onelink.to/yjc3nj. They will receive a text message within 48 hours giving them an appointment date.
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported nine new virus-related deaths, taking to 6,265 the total number of people in the country who had now died after contracting the virus.
There were 104 new cases recorded in the Kingdom, putting the caseload at 363,259. There were 2,239 active cases of which 364 patients were serious.
According to the ministry, 47 of the newly recorded cases were in Riyadh, 24 in Makkah, and four in Madinah.
In addition, 146 more patients had recovered from COVID-19, moving the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom up to 354,755.
Saudi Arabia has so far conducted 11,174,310 polymerase chain reaction tests, with 39,433 carried out in the past 24 hours.
Saudi health clinics set up by the ministry as testing hubs or treatment centers have dealt with hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FASTFACTS

• Saudi Arabia recorded 104 new infections on Tuesday.

• There are 2,239 active cases of which 364 patients are critical.

• With nine new fatalities, the death toll has risen to 6,265.

Among the testing hubs, Taakad (make sure) centers provide COVID-19 tests for those who show no or only mild symptoms or believe they have come into contact with an infected individual.
Tetamman (rest-assured) clinics offer treatment and advice to those with virus symptoms, such as fever, loss of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties.
Saudi Arabia has been one of the first countries to obtain approved vaccines from leading international companies and through COVAX.

The Kingdom vs. COVID-19
How Saudi Arabia acted swiftly and coordinated a global response to fight the coronavirus, preventing a far worse crisis at home and around the world

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Ramadan reflections of a Brazilian in Riyadh

Updated 12 sec ago
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Ramadan reflections of a Brazilian in Riyadh

JEDDAH: Being in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan is a distinct cultural experience, providing non-Muslims with an opportunity to learn more about Islam and its traditions.

Brazilian teacher Talita Schneider Pereira moved to Riyadh in 2023 and says she has found inspiration in the warmth of a community that has welcomed her with open arms.

Speaking to Arab News about her second Ramadan in the Kingdom, Pereira said: “Even though fasting is not something I practice — coming from a different faith and cultural background — I try to take this month as a time for reflection and spiritual connection.”

Pereira was born in Sao Lourenco do Sul, a city located near the border with Uruguay in southern Brazil with 50,000 inhabitants. At the age of 27, she moved to Spain to pursue a master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. 

“I have always been very curious, and in Spain, where there is a significant Muslim community, I had learned about Ramadan before moving here,” Pereira told Arab News. “I know it is a sacred month for Muslims; a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, during which it is believed that the gates of hell are closed, and those of heaven are open. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, the most important aspect is the spiritual connection and the desire to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah.

“For me, it is a period I approach with complete normalcy, and perhaps that is why I do not find it difficult. It is true that schedules change and that the logistics of shopping or certain other activities are affected, but this is nothing compared to the profound significance of this month for Muslims. I try to embrace the experience and adapt to the country’s rhythms.”

This year, Pereira decided to wear the hijab at work to connect with her colleagues and students.

She said it is “wonderful” to see her students’ excitement when they talk about what Ramadan means to them.

“Their eyes light up as they share their traditions and beliefs. Even though I am not Muslim, hearing the call to prayer encourages me to engage in my own conversations with God more frequently,” she said.

Describing her own experience of the month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, she said: “When night falls, Riyadh transforms completely. It is as if the city changes clothes: the lights beautifully illuminate the monuments, the streets fill with people, and restaurants and malls remain bustling until late into the night. I am still amazed to see supermarkets open until 1 a.m. and shopping centers packed with people at midnight.”

As a teacher, the main challenge for Pereira is refraining from drinking water during classes. “It is not forbidden, but, out of respect for my Muslim students, I choose not to do it. Talking so much throughout the day often leaves my mouth very dry, which can be uncomfortable,” she said. “However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the beauty of experiencing this season.”

Although she has spent only two years so far in the Kingdom, Pereira already has special memories she will cherish.

“On my last birthday, my colleagues from the Arabic department organized a small surprise party for me. I believe this says a lot about the hospitality and warmth of Muslim women, who welcome us with open arms just as we are. That gesture touched me deeply, making me feel a genuine and sincere affection,” she said.

And Pereira added that she looks forward to joining in the fasting at some point in the future. “I believe it is an experience worth trying, both spiritually and physically,” she said.


Crescent moon sighted, Eid Al-Fitr on Sunday in Saudi Arabia

Updated 20 min 10 sec ago
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Crescent moon sighted, Eid Al-Fitr on Sunday in Saudi Arabia

  • Eid prayer will take place across Kingdom on Sunday shortly after sunrise
  • Prayers will be held in all designated Eid prayer areas and all mosques

RIYADH/JEDDAH: The crescent moon for the Hijri month of Shawwal has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of the month of Ramadan, the Saudi Supreme Court said on Saturday.
Eid Al-Fitr — the annual Islamic celebration that runs for the first five days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Hijri calendar — begins on Sunday, March 30.
The Eid Al-Fitr prayer will take place across the Kingdom on Sunday shortly after sunrise.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh has instructed the ministry’s branches that the prayer will be held in all designated Eid prayer areas and all mosques — except those adjacent to Eid prayer areas, as residents will use their local Eid prayer areas instead — and that all necessary preparations must be made, including maintenance and cleaning, to ensure a comfortable and tranquil experience.
There are currently 19,887 mosques and prayer areas in the Kingdom.
Riyadh resident Maher Aldossary shared his excitement for Eid. “The joy of Eid is already in the air. We are saying goodbye to the blessed days of Ramadan and eagerly welcoming Eid with open hearts,” he said.
“Families are busy preparing new clothes, collecting fancy chocolates, and making sure everything is set for the celebrations and breakfast feast. The streets are alive with hustle and bustle, and you can feel the excitement everywhere,” Aldossary added.
Samar Alwan, who is spending the final days of Ramadan in Istanbul, is cherishing the remainder of the holy month while eagerly anticipating Eid.
“Ramadan in Istanbul has been truly special, and part of me wishes it could last just one more day,” Alwan said.
“But now, the excitement for Eid is building. The streets are filled with lights, the markets are bustling, and everyone is getting ready, buying gifts, preparing sweets, and planning gatherings. It’s a beautiful time of joy and togetherness.”
Sami Hijazi, a teacher from Jeddah, shared how he and his family are fully immersed in Eid preparations.
“We have already taken down our Ramadan decorations and started setting up for Eid. The house is buzzing with activity, getting new clothes ironed, preparing delicious treats for the kids, and making sure everything is perfect,” Hijazi said.
“The anticipation is so high, and now we’re just waiting for the official announcement. No matter when it comes, we are ready to celebrate with full hearts.”
Earlier, on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, and called on anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.
Ramadan began on March 1.


Saudi chocolate imports hit 123m kg in 2024

Updated 28 min 57 sec ago
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Saudi chocolate imports hit 123m kg in 2024

  • Consumers buy in large quantities, as chocolates are a key part of Eid celebrations
  • Prices vary based on the type, origin, packaging and serving plates

RIYADH: The sweets and chocolate market is growing, driven by rising consumer demand for diverse options, high chocolate demand and special Eid Al-Fitr promotions that boost sales.
According to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Kingdom’s chocolate imports exceeded 123 million kg in 2024, reflecting increased demand, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The UAE, the UK, Jordan, Egypt and Turkiye are among the main countries from which the Kingdom imports chocolate, offering a variety of products to meet consumer expectations.
Shops are eager to offer a wide range of locally manufactured and imported sweets and chocolates. Consumers buy in large quantities, as chocolates are a key part of Eid celebrations.
Prices vary based on the type, origin, packaging and serving plates. Local sweets range from SR30 ($8) to SR150 per kg, including candies, toffee, biscuits and chocolates.
The authority attributed price stability to abundant production and low manufacturing costs, though imported sweets, especially from Europe and the East, are pricier. Pure or dark chocolate with special fillings can cost up to SR300 per kg.


Crescent moon sighted, Eid Al-Fitr on Sunday

Updated 29 March 2025
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Crescent moon sighted, Eid Al-Fitr on Sunday

  • Eid Al-Fitr prayer will take place across Kingdom on Sunday shortly after sunrise
  • Ramadan began on March 1

RIYADH/JEDDAH: The crescent moon for the Hijri month of Shawwal has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of the month of Ramadan, the Saudi Supreme Court said on Saturday.

Eid Al-Fitr — the annual Islamic celebration that runs for the first five days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Hijri calendar — begins on Sunday, March 30.

The Eid Al-Fitr prayer will take place across the Kingdom on Sunday shortly after sunrise.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh has instructed the ministry’s branches that the prayer will be held in all designated Eid prayer areas and all mosques — except those adjacent to Eid prayer areas, as residents will use their local Eid prayer areas instead — and that all necessary preparations must be made, including maintenance and cleaning, to ensure a comfortable and tranquil experience.

There are currently 19,887 mosques and prayer areas in the Kingdom.

Riyadh resident Maher Aldossary shared his excitement for Eid. “The joy of Eid is already in the air. We are saying goodbye to the blessed days of Ramadan and eagerly welcoming Eid with open hearts,” he said.

“Families are busy preparing new clothes, collecting fancy chocolates, and making sure everything is set for the celebrations and breakfast feast. The streets are alive with hustle and bustle, and you can feel the excitement everywhere," Aldossary added.

Samar Alwan, who is spending the final days of Ramadan in Istanbul, is cherishing the remainder of the holy month while eagerly anticipating Eid.

“Ramadan in Istanbul has been truly special, and part of me wishes it could last just one more day,” Alwan said.

“But now, the excitement for Eid is building. The streets are filled with lights, the markets are bustling, and everyone is getting ready, buying gifts, preparing sweets, and planning gatherings. It’s a beautiful time of joy and togetherness.”

Sami Hijazi, a teacher from Jeddah, shared how he and his family are fully immersed in Eid preparations.

“We have already taken down our Ramadan decorations and started setting up for Eid. The house is buzzing with activity, getting new clothes ironed, preparing delicious treats for the kids, and making sure everything is perfect,” Hijazi said.

“The anticipation is so high, and now we’re just waiting for the official announcement. No matter when it comes, we are ready to celebrate with full hearts.”

Earlier, on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, and called on anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.

Ramadan began on March 1.


Saudi, Korean experts discuss wastewater treatment solutions

Updated 29 March 2025
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Saudi, Korean experts discuss wastewater treatment solutions

  • Innovative water reuse systems aimed at supporting afforestation projects

RIYADH: Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, met Moon Young-hak, chairman of the Saudi-Korean Society for Economic and Trade Promotion, in Riyadh.

The meeting focused on discussing potential partnerships with Korean companies and reviewing advanced greywater treatment and separation technologies for national parks, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The meeting, attended by senior center officials, focused on leveraging Korean expertise in developing small-scale and mobile wastewater treatment systems.

With more than 400 national parks across Saudi Arabia, the center has outlined strategic plans to optimize water use, especially as visitor numbers are expected to rise in coming years.

Implementing greywater separation and treatment technologies will enable water reuse for afforestation projects and the creation of artificial lakes, the SPA reported.

The Korean model uses advanced information technology-based control systems to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of treated water production.

The approach allows for doubling treatment capacity using existing infrastructure at just 30 percent of the cost of building new facilities within a swift eight-month timeline, according to the SPA.

It also extends the operational lifespan of these plants by 30 years, ensuring a cleaner environment and better public health standards.

The Saudi center remains dedicated to sustainable environmental initiatives, including land restoration, biodiversity enhancement, rangeland management and resource preservation.

Through these efforts, the center plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s environmental sustainability and quality of life improvements.