Ramadan at the end of winter brings cool comfort

Special Ramadan at the end of winter brings cool comfort
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Cloudy conditions and intermittent rain in parts of Saudi Arabia, including the capital, over the past 10 days have brought relief from the heat at the start of Ramadan. (AN Photo/Basheer Saleh)
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Updated 04 April 2024
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Ramadan at the end of winter brings cool comfort

Ramadan at the end of winter brings cool comfort
  • IT professional Abdullah Zeyad: The shorter winter days reduce the fasting hours, allowing us to break our fast a bit earlier and provide relief from the scorching sunshine in the summer
  • School employee Abdur Rahman Oomeri: Being observed in March for the first time in many years, fasting at the end of winter has made the experience more comfortable and pleasant

RIYADH: The holy month of Ramadan, beginning on March 11 and observed mostly at the end of Saudi Arabia’s winter, has brought cool comfort for fasting Muslims, making it a pleasant experience.

Based on the lunar Hijri calendar, the beginning of the holy month changes every year, determined by sightings of the crescent moon. A Hijri month alternates between 29 and 30 days. This makes a Hijri year about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian equivalent, with one year coming to 354-355 days, hence the days of Ramadan change gradually from year to year. 

“Being observed in March for the first time in many years, fasting at the end of winter has made the experience considerably more comfortable and pleasant,” Abdur Rahman Oomeri, a long-time school employee working in Riyadh, told Arab News.

Last year also brought pleasant weather throughout Ramadan due to good rainfall. However, in recent years, the Kingdom has faced the challenge of fasting during long, hot days at the peak of summer, he added.

“The shorter winter days significantly reduce the fasting hours, allowing us to break our fast a bit earlier and provide relief from the scorching sunshine in the summer,” said Abdullah Zeyad, a IT professional in the capital.

“This pleasant change is greatly appreciated, as it lightens the physical burden of fasting. Also, the cooler weather enables engaging in outdoor activities with family and friends during iftar and after.”

Mohammad Saad, a bank employee, echoed Zeyad’s view on fasting during the cooler months, saying the cooler conditions and shorter days made fasting easier.

Najmul Hasan, a taxi driver, said: “It made it easy to fast particularly for those of us who cannot always stop for iftar due to the nature of our work. With passengers, we are outdoors, going to different places. The pleasant weather not only makes fasting less daunting, but also improves our overall well-being, making the spiritual journey more engaging and fruitful.”

Zafar Iqbal, an Indian expat in Riyadh, said that there a many advantages, both in terms of spiritual upliftment and social engagement, when Ramadan is observed in cooler months.

“The confluence of spiritual reflection and favorable weather makes Ramadan a uniquely enjoyable experience. The nights are particularly lively, with traditional decorations and treats drawing more people outdoors than in the hotter days during the summer.”

With milder temperatures, many community organizations are arranging outdoor iftars, enhancing community dining experiences for families and friends, Iqbal said, adding that in the searing heat of summer it is difficult to arrange outdoor iftars.

Cloudy conditions and intermittent rain in parts of Saudi Arabia, including the capital, over the past 10 days have brought relief from the heat at the start of Ramadan.

The National Center of Meteorology on Monday said that rainy weather is expected from next Thursday in Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Najran, Jazan, Asir, Baha, Madinah, Makkah, Tabuk and Aljouf regions.

Cloudy weather is forecast until next weekend, with heavy to moderate rain accompanied by high winds in the cities and rough conditions along the coast.


BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s

BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s
Updated 14 February 2025
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BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s

BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s
  • Aircraft were repurposed as a restaurant, haunted house and trampoline area
  • Planes were dismantled and transported from Jeddah before joining Riyadh Season

RIYADH: 

Visitors are flocking to a unique Riyadh Season dining experience that hosts a variety of activities inside three retired Boeing 777 aircraft.

BLVD Runway is inviting people to dine inside the repurposed planes that were set up after being transported from Jeddah to Riyadh in a highly publicized road journey in September last year.

Before the aircraft were transported, they were dismantled by Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier. It was the first time that the process had been completed outside a Boeing facility.

Saudia completed the operation in just 45 days, well ahead of an expected 60-day timeline.

The three aircraft were redesigned for multiple purposes: One as a restaurant, another as a haunted house and the third as a trampoline area for children.

To access the attraction, visitors only need to pay for parking, with free entry for all passengers.

Inside the aircraft, guests can experience a unique dining adventure featuring authentic Saudi cuisine at the restaurant “Am Hussain” (Uncle Hussain).

The dining space immerses guests in a dining experience that highlights the richness and diversity of Saudi culinary traditions.

The restaurant’s owner, Hussain Ashmawi, expressed deep appreciation for the vision of General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh, who conceptualized the idea.

Ashmawi told Arab News: “This wonderful and modern idea showcases our heritage through the diverse foods of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

“Our offerings garner admiration from both local and international visitors, many of whom are experiencing Saudi dishes for the first time.”

He added: “The food we present on the plane has won the admiration and appreciation of many visitors.

“It allows them to connect with the flavors of our land in a way that is both memorable and enjoyable.”

Ashmawi warmly welcomed visitors to enjoy authentic Saudi flavors, naming his restaurant a must-visit spot for anyone attending Riyadh Season.

The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, showcasing the culinary talents of local chefs.

The restaurant’s decor features traditional Najd-style Sadu red prints and seating inspired by Hijazi designs, creating an inviting environment that celebrates regional aesthetics.

“I was honored to represent Saudi cuisine, and the reactions from our guests are truly priceless,” Ashmawi said.

Visitors can also dine at another restaurant, 10/10 Burger, located in the control tower.

The establishment offers a more contemporary dining experience, catering to a different audience.

Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season 2024 had surpassed 19 million visitors to date. The remarkable turnout highlights the widespread appeal of the event.

The annual medley of events launched in October and recently introduced new offerings, including world-class boxing and wrestling matches, international concerts, unique dining options and public gardens.

Pleasant weather in Riyadh and a mid-semester school break have drawn families to Riyadh Season activities, particularly the “Dunes of Arabia” area, which has attracted camping and winter enthusiasts.


OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation
Updated 14 February 2025
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OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha and Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino met in Jeddah on Thursday.

The two officials held talks on cooperation and improving ties between the OIC and Japan.

They discussed several issues of mutual concern, particularly the situation in Palestine.

 


Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception
Updated 14 February 2025
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Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi attended on Thursday the Japanese Consulate General’s reception celebrating the Asian country’s National Day.

Prince Saud was received by Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino, Consul General Daisuke Yamamoto, and other consulate officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The governor and the ambassador also held talks on issues of mutual interest ahead of the reception.


Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh
Updated 14 February 2025
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Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh
  • 2-week course held to enhance the skills of Filipino judges
  • Facilitates exchange of expertise between Saudi, Philippines

RIYADH: Participants in the second judicial course for Filipino judges, held recently at the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, have commended the Kingdom’s government for prioritizing the spread of Islamic knowledge and its commitment to serving Muslims.

The two-week course at the university’s Higher Judicial Institute was aimed at enhancing the skills of Filipino judges, and facilitate the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s course, which concluded on Feb. 12, was the second for Filipino judges. The first course was held in 2022.

The program is part of a series of international judicial training programs organized by the institute in collaboration with countries worldwide. Judges from Malaysia, Indonesia, Comoros, and several other African nations have also participated.

These initiatives aim to foster international cooperation and exchange judicial expertise, further solidifying the Kingdom’s leadership in this field, the SPA reported.
 

 Filipino judges and scholars of the Higher Judicial Institute pose for a souvenir picture at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University ion Riyadh. (SPA)

Islamic law is partially applied in the Christian-majority Philippines and is applicable only to Filipino Muslims. Shariah courts are supervised by the country’s Supreme Court.

Last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed a law expanding the Shariah judicial system in the Philippines to cover not only the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but also other regions.

Under the new law, the Shariah courts have jurisdiction over civil affairs for Muslim communities, including family matters, marriage, and inheritance. Criminal cases remain under the authority of national courts.


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president
Updated 14 February 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president
  • Constantine Tassoulas replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday congratulated Greece’s parliament chief Constantine Tassoulas on his election as the country’s new president.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, King Salman said he wished the new president every “success,” and for “the friendly people of Greece continued progress and prosperity.”

The crown prince issued a similar statement.

Tassoulas, 65, was elected with 160 votes in the 300-member parliament in the fourth round of voting on Wednesday.

Constantine Tassoulas, left, delivers a speech at the parliament building in Athens on February 12, 2025, after he was elected president of Greece. (Pool via REUTERS)

He replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state, who was not nominated for a second five-year term.

Tassoulas is a member of the governing center-right New Democracy party and a close ally of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. A lawyer by trade, he also served as culture minister a decade ago.