Worshippers pack out Makkah, Madinah Grand Mosques for Laylat Al-Qadr prayers

Muslim worshippers pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on April 17, 2023, on the night of 27 Ramadan, believed to be Laylat al-Qadr, one of the holiest nights during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. (Photo courtesy: AFP)
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Updated 18 April 2023
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Worshippers pack out Makkah, Madinah Grand Mosques for Laylat Al-Qadr prayers

  • Laylat Al-Qadr is considered one of the most blessed nights in the Islamic calendar
  • Ramadan one of busiest times of the year at Grand Mosque in Makkah and Prophet's Mosque in Madinah

RIYADH: Millions of worshippers filled the Grand Mosques in Makkah and Madinah on the 27th night of Ramadan, considered by many to be Laylat Al-Qadr, a blessed night on the Islamic calendar.

Saudi authorities have been managing the influx of pilgrims to the holy mosques during the month of Ramadan, one of the busiest times of the year.

More than a million visitors were present at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Sunday.

General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque said there were 4,000 workers on hand at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and that the mosque was being clean around the clock by 70 field teams.

A new initiative was launched at the Grand Mosque in Makkah to improve the visitor experience for elderly and disabled pilgrims.

The project is part of the “It is an Honor to Serve Our Pilgrims” campaign which looks to ensure worshippers receive the best possible service from the moment of their arrival until they depart.

The head of the presidency, Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, led worshippers in emotional night prayers in Makkah.


Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

Updated 6 sec ago
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Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission recorded 53 violations related to antiquities and urban heritage across several regions of the Kingdom during March and April 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

It comes as part of the commission’s efforts to protect Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and address irregular practices that threaten its preservation, SPA added.

In March, 29 violations were identified, including the unauthorized sale of antiquities and the carrying out of archaeological survey and excavation activities without the required permits.

Several violations were also detected via social media platforms.

Two cases were referred to the Public Prosecution, seven were sent to the Violations Review Committee, and 20 were passed on to the relevant security authorities.

In April, the commission monitored 24 violations, including encroachments on archaeological sites in Madinah, the Eastern Province, Tabuk, Hail, the Northern Borders Region and Al-Jouf.

These included unauthorized entry into sites, tampering with fencing or signage, and the unlicensed use of metal detectors. Additional violations were uncovered through digital platforms, involving the possession and display of manuscripts, coins and historical replicas intended for illegal trade.

The commission has initiated legal action in several cases, referring some to the Public Prosecution and others to Public Security. The Violations Review Committee has issued financial penalties ranging from SR5,000 ($1,332) to SR50,000.

The Heritage Commission stressed that monitoring and enforcement efforts are part of a broader strategy to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Kingdom’s antiquities and preventing actions that could damage their historical or cultural significance.

It also emphasized the vital role of community members and institutions in safeguarding the nation’s heritage.

Citizens and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity or attempts to trade antiquities through official channels, including the “Archaeological Report” service, the Commission’s social media accounts, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

The commission reiterated that preserving national heritage was a shared responsibility that requires collective action.


Kingdom’s higher education gaining global prominence

Updated 8 min 12 sec ago
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Kingdom’s higher education gaining global prominence

  • Taaref bin Yusuf Al-Aama: Higher education in the Kingdom is experiencing a qualitative renaissance and gaining a prominent position within the global academic landscape

WASHINGTON: Taaref bin Yusuf Al-Aama, president of King Abdulaziz University, said that Saudi higher education is gaining prominence around the world.

“Higher education in the Kingdom is experiencing a qualitative renaissance and gaining a prominent position within the global academic landscape,” he said.

“This success is attributed to the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s wise leadership and the strategic vision led by the Ministry of Education in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.”

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency during the university’s participation in the NAFSA 2025 International Education Expo in San Diego, US, Al-Aama said: “Saudi universities, including King Abdulaziz University, have made substantial progress in education, research and innovation.”

He also highlighted achievements in pioneering research and patents. This helps build a robust knowledge economy, he said. Through the expo, the university seeks to exchange expertise with international universities and promote its advanced academic programs, Al-Aama added.

Higher education institutions in the Kingdom now offer study programs that operate in line with top international standards, he said.


Graduation of logistics academy trainees celebrated

Updated 45 min 33 sec ago
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Graduation of logistics academy trainees celebrated

  • Ceremony, held under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, also featured the inauguration of two new branches of the academy

RIYADH: The Saudi Logistics Academy in Riyadh recently celebrated the graduation of more than 490 trainees from various programs.

The ceremony, held under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, also featured the inauguration of two new branches of the academy in Jeddah and the Eastern Province, and the signing of five agreements with the private sector for training and rehabilitation in the academy.

Moreover, the academy received the final institutional accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, in the presence of ministers, deputies and representatives of logistics companies.

The academy clarified that it granted the entry-level employment associate diploma to 435 trainees in eight training specialities.

This includes supply chain and logistics management, marketing and customer service, shipping brokerage, warehouse management, customs clearance, port operations, procurement, e-commerce, and last-mile delivery.


Deputy governor of Qassim launches ‘World No Smoking Day’ events

Updated 29 May 2025
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Deputy governor of Qassim launches ‘World No Smoking Day’ events

  • Events were organized by the anti-smoking association Tadarak

BURAIDAH: Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Faisal bin Saad, deputy governor of the Al-Qassim region, launched the “World No Smoking Day” events on Thursday.

Organized by Tadarak, an anti-smoking association, the events were launched during a visit by Ayman Al-Raqiba, director general at the Health Ministry in Qassim, to the deputy governor’s office.

During the meeting, Prince Fahd was briefed on the association’s awareness efforts in collaboration with health authorities. These efforts include high-quality programs focused on smoking prevention, treatment and education, aimed at enhancing quality of life and aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.


Opportunities and potential abound in Saudi Arabia, says US media trainer

Updated 29 May 2025
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Opportunities and potential abound in Saudi Arabia, says US media trainer

  • Former White House correspondent launches communication program for high schools

RIYADH: Former White House correspondent Bill Connor has praised the opportunities and potential available for media training in Saudi Arabia.

A seasoned media professional with more than 20 years of experience, the CEO of Three Media Consultancy appeared on episode two of the latest season of The Mayman Show, where he announced his latest project — working with the next generation of aspiring media professionals to hone their presentation skills.

In partnership with Spacetoon, a pan-Arab, free-to-air television channel specializing in animation and children’s programs, Connor has created Smart Speakers for the Spacetoon Education division.

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“We are going to launch — I don’t know when the show is going to air — but we are launching it in May 2025, around the same time as you and I are talking right now,” he said.

The program is for high school teachers and students, teaching them to communicate effectively and confidently at school, in life and, eventually, in their chosen careers.

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“So it’s going to be spacetoon.edu.com, as a matter of fact the website is open right now. you can look at it. We think it will be pretty beneficial for teachers and for students as well,” Connor said.

Connor has helped countless people around the world to master the art of presenting, making speeches and giving media interviews, including government officials and high-level corporate figures within the Kingdom.

Aside from spending quality time with his family, since stepping aside as a White House correspondent, Connor said his favorite thing was to travel to Saudi Arabia to help professionals hone their skills.

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It all began with a chance meeting in the US with Saudi media professional Ahmed Al-Amri, he recalled.

“In 2012 I was at a conference in Washington D.C. Ahmad walked up to me and introduced himself and he said, would you be interested in coming to Jeddah to work with my CEO and the executive team at my corporation? I said, that sounds fascinating, I would love to do that.”

Connor’s training approach focuses on creating real-life situations to show people how to be disciplined, colorful and charismatic in their communication. He also teaches them how to break free of some traditional conventions often practiced when delivering a speech or presentation, during interviews, or while handling difficult situations and questions.

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“So many people in leadership think that because they’re talking about something that’s really important, whether that is Vision 2030 or their own business or whatever it happens to be … that they have to be very serious,” he said, adding the secret of his training methods was to build skills beyond conveying a message: “It’s about figuring out how to tell your story credibly while still dealing with some questions that you might not want to deal with.”

When asked how he thought the current US administration was handling matters, including providing timely and accurate information about presidential events, making public statements and barring major media outlets from press briefings, he said: “Every presidency is different. The media strategy of every president is different. I will say President (Donald) Trump’s strategy is totally different from every other president that came before him. And that obviously presents a lot of challenges for journalists. But by and large, journalists work really hard and they’re trying to do the right thing.”

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Connor has traveled to Saudi Arabia every six weeks or so for the past 13 years, visiting around 70 times.

He said he appreciated the work opportunities available to him in the Kingdom, which allowed him to work with “extraordinary” professionals and enjoy warm friendships.

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He added his journalistic approach to media training had been well received.

“My style, which I suppose is a very American kind of style, has really been embraced here. I mean they keep asking me back. So I think the clients are reasonably happy,” he said.