Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister concludes Pakistan, Bangladesh visits

Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah launching the Nusuk initiative in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Aug. 24, 2023. (AN Photo)
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Updated 26 August 2023
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Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister concludes Pakistan, Bangladesh visits

  • Al-Rabiah, who is also chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program, said the endeavors attested to Saudi Arabia’s longstanding role in serving Islam and Muslims around the world

RIYADH: The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah concluded an official visit to Pakistan and Bangladesh on Saturday, during which he met with the presidents of the countries and high-ranking government officials.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties and discuss ways to cooperate and address challenges in order to improve the experience of Umrah performers and pilgrims from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

He also raised awareness about the mega projects spearheaded by the Saudi Vision 2030.

Al-Rabiah, who is also chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program, said the endeavors attested to Saudi Arabia’s longstanding role in serving Islam and Muslims around the world, as well as to the country's unwavering commitment, pride and religious obligation to serve pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors traveling to the Kingdom.

During the minister’s visit agreements were signed between the civil aviation authorities of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The agreements will look to increase the frequency of flights from Pakistan and Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia, making it more convenient and accessible for Umrah seekers to travel and perform their spiritual journey.

The Saudi government's flagship initiative Nusuk also held its first roadshow in Karachi and Dhaka to promote the integrated digital platform for Pakistani and Bangladeshi people planning to visit the Kingdom for spiritual and tourism purposes.


Golden Pen Diwaniyah highlights Saudi popular theatre successes

Updated 28 March 2025
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Golden Pen Diwaniyah highlights Saudi popular theatre successes

  • Participants praised the Golden Pen Diwaniyah’s impactful role in bringing together creative generations from all cultural backgrounds in daily meetings

RIYADH: This week’s Golden Pen Diwaniyah meeting on Thursday, titled “The Successes of Popular Theatre,” focused on the key milestones and evolution of Saudi popular theatre.

Those attending discussed the efforts made to support theatre and praised the role played by the General Entertainment Authority during Riyadh Season and on similar occasions. They agreed this support would contribute to building a new generation of competent theatre actors.

Participants highlighted the success of popular theater during Riyadh Season, which has an effective marketing strategy and attracts renowned artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, resulting in a unique experience for visitors.

They also praised the Golden Pen Diwaniyah’s impactful role in bringing together creative generations from all cultural backgrounds in daily meetings.

Those present felt the Diwaniyah had won the hearts of authors and intellectuals in a short time by providing an opportunity for professional dialogue and helping to forge relationships between artists, authors, producers, publishers and media personalities.

The event concluded with a call for more family attendance at the theater. Participants agreed this was important as it helped spread theater culture and encouraged performances that positively reflected national and social values.

 


Chair of Sudan’s transitional council hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince in Makkah

Updated 28 March 2025
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Chair of Sudan’s transitional council hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince in Makkah

  • Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, who is also head of the Sudanese army, visits Saudi Arabia a day after his forces say they have driven rival militia fighters out of Khartoum
  • Crown Prince and the general review efforts to achieve “security and stability” in Sudan, which has been locked in civil war for 2 years

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks with the chair of Sudan’s ruling transitional council on Friday, a day after the Sudanese Armed Forces declared they had regained full control of the war-torn country’s capital, Khartoum.

Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, who is also the head of the SAF, met the crown prince at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah. They “reviewed the latest developments in the situation in Sudan” and the efforts made “toward achieving security and stability,” the Saudi Press Agency reported. They also discussed opportunities for cooperation between their countries and agreed to establish a coordination council to strengthen ties.

Al-Burhan visited the recaptured presidential palace in Khartoum on Wednesday after his forces recaptured it from rival paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces, and said the capital was now free of the militia’s fighters. His army confirmed on Thursday that it had cleared Khartoum of the last remaining RSF pockets.

Sudan descended into a civil war between the army and the RSF in April 2023. The RSF initially seized control of the capital and other parts of the country but the SAF regrouped and launched an offensive last year to regain Khartoum.

Saudi Arabia previously brokered several rounds of peace talks in an attempt to end the fighting in Sudan, during which tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than 12 million displaced.


Capitalizing on business opportunities during Ramadan

Updated 28 March 2025
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Capitalizing on business opportunities during Ramadan

  • Traditional clothing, food, outfits see increased sales
  • Customer turnout increases in final 10 days of holy month

RIYADH: The Ramadan season presents a particular opportunity for businesses to thrive, as many consumers turn to products that enhance their experience during the holy month.
Items such as lanterns, dates and traditional fabrics see a significant uptick in sales, reflecting cultural practices and traditions.
Recently, Arab News visited the Al-Magliah market in Riyadh to explore what sells best during Ramadan. The findings highlighted the diverse range of products that cater to the needs of the community during this time.
One of the standout shops was dedicated to undergarments typically worn beneath thobes, along with traditional Saudi outfits such as the bisht and meshlah.
Hamza Sulaiman, a sales representative at the Al-Jaja store, said: “All year round we have bisht sales, but what really rises in Ramadan is the undergarments for thobes.
“Sales of the bisht peak in the last ten days of Ramadan as men prepare for Eid festivities. The yellow bisht is particularly popular, symbolizing celebration, while the white bisht is worn for Eid prayers along with accessories like the agal (the black headband).”
At Fakhamat Al-Irtiqaa, a shop specializing in thobe fabrics, sales representative Ali Saeed noted a remarkable increase in demand.
“During Ramadan, we see over a 90 percent boost in sales compared to other months. Customers prefer Japanese fabric because it is thick and resists wrinkling.
“A bolt of this fabric typically costs between SR550 to SR900 (about $146 to $240). Ramadan is our peak season, attracting both young and older men who are looking to tailor their outfits for Eid.”
Inside a local center, Fahad Jalabiyat showcased traditional Arabian dresses. Sales representative Saffiyah Eissa highlighted the growing popularity of jalabiyat during Ramadan.
“There’s a significant 70 percent increase in demand for jalabiyat as women seek comfortable yet modest attire.
“Our most expensive piece is priced at SR300 (about $80). The makahweer style, originally Emirati, is also trending here in Saudi Arabia, known for its vibrant colors and feminine cuts. As we approach the last ten days of Ramadan, customer turnout increases significantly, boosting our sales.”
The Ramadan season is a lucrative period for businesses in Al-Magliah, driven by cultural traditions and consumer preferences.
From traditional clothing to modern interpretations, the market adapts to meet the demands of its community, ensuring a truly festive atmosphere as families prepare for Eid celebrations.


KSrelief distributes 2,500 food baskets in Pakistan

Updated 28 March 2025
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KSrelief distributes 2,500 food baskets in Pakistan

  • Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million)

ISLAMABAD: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center recently distributed 2,500 food baskets to families affected by floods in Pakistan’s Khairpur, Neelum Valley, Layyah and Lasbela districts. The food baskets benefited 17,500 individuals as part of this year’s “Etaam” food basket distribution project in the country.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

This comes as part of the Kingdom’s relief efforts to enhance food security in Pakistan as a result of the humanitarian crisis.

Elsewhere, the Saudi agency distributed 2,280 cartons of dates in Al-Mukalla district in Hadramout governorate, Yemen, benefiting 13,680 individuals, including vulnerable and displaced people, along with individuals with special needs. This comes as part of a project to distribute date aid in Yemen this year.

The aid comes within the framework of KSrelief’s various projects to support the Yemeni people across all governorates without discrimination.

 


MESH Core Riyadh 2025 conference to unlock healthcare innovation

Updated 28 March 2025
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MESH Core Riyadh 2025 conference to unlock healthcare innovation

  • Healthcare innovation conference to be held under the patronage of education minister

RIYADH: MESH Core Riyadh 2025, a specialized conference and training program in healthcare innovation, will be held on April 14–15 at the InterContinental in Riyadh under the patronage of Saudi Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan.

The event will bring together leading minds from the Kingdom and around the world to develop innovation skills in the healthcare sector.

It features a training program and a conference presented by the U.S.-based Mass General Brigham group, aimed at empowering practitioners and enthusiasts to come up with innovative and effective solutions for the future of healthcare.

Over the course of two days, participants will engage in hands-on training, expert-led discussions, and exclusive networking opportunities. MESH Core provides participants with essential knowledge across key innovation domains, along with real-world insights from global and regional healthcare pioneers. The event is expected to inspire groundbreaking advancements in the healthcare industry.

The MESH innovation incubator was established in 2016 as an internal entrepreneurship accelerator within Mass General Brigham in collaboration with Harvard Medical School.

It is the first incubator of its kind integrated within a hospital system, with a physical space dedicated to fostering innovation.

Since its inception, MESH has supported more than 2,500 physicians and researchers through development projects, patents, startup creation, and specialized innovation education programs.

The conference is organized in partnership with NEOM, the King Saud University, and the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre.

KFSHRC’s partnership in hosting the event reinforces its dedication to advancing healthcare research, innovation, and global collaboration. With Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a leader in medical and technological advancements, this event will serve as a key platform for industry experts and visionaries to exchange ideas, foster new partnerships, and accelerate the region’s healthcare evolution.

KFSHRC has invited researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and healthcare enthusiasts to participate in the event. Those wishing to attend can register early via the link: https://meshcoreriyadh2025.eventy.sa/.

Attendees can participate in interactive workshops, startup pitch sessions, and strategic discussions on the future of healthcare investment and technological transformation.

MESH Core Riyadh 2025 is designed for physicians, researchers, investors, startups, executives, and students, offering participants unprecedented access to the latest advancements in digital health, artificial intelligence in medicine, biotechnology, and healthcare entrepreneurship.