Visa holders can’t enter Makkah during Hajj season — Saudi interior ministry

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday welcomed a recent call by Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party — PKK — for the militant group to disband and lay down its arms.

In a statement, the Kingdom expressed its solidarity with Turkiye and voiced hope that Ocalan’s remarks would translate into concrete steps toward enhancing security, peace and prosperity in the region.

Ocalan’s message, which was read out in Istanbul on Thursday, marked a historic shift in the decades-long conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state.

“All groups must lay down their arms, and the PKK must dissolve itself,” he said in a declaration drafted from his cell on Imrali prison island, where he has been held in solitary confinement since 1999.

The call for disarmament comes four months after Turkish authorities extended an apparent olive branch to the 75-year-old PKK leader. The militant group has waged an armed insurgency against Turkiye since the 1980s, a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Ocalan has played a central role in previous peace negotiations, including a ceasefire attempt in 2013, although previous efforts have failed to yield a lasting resolution. His latest appeal is being closely watched for potential implications on Turkiye’s security landscape and regional stability.

RIYADH/JEDDAH: The family tradition of decorating homes for Ramadan is a way for many Muslims to embrace the spirit of the holy month and express their joy at its arrival.

Across the Kingdom, and all around the world, families take great pride and care in adorning their homes to create a warm and festive atmosphere in anticipation of the blessed occasion. Many streets and other public areas also come to life with vibrant, colorful displays featuring lanterns, stars and crescent moons.

Elham Mirza, a devoted mother and grandmother from Jeddah, exemplifies this festive spirit.

“Every Ramadan, my daughters and their children come to the house to help me decorate,” she told Arab News. “They get excited about the candies and decorations, and it’s a tradition that helps the children appreciate the significance of Ramadan.”

Her daughter, Roa, said: “I remember decorating with my mother when I was a child. Now I get to share that same joy with my own kids.”

This generational connection reflects the importance that many families place on passing down traditions. Many of the decorations Mirza and her family use come from traditional souks in Jeddah, in particular sellers in historic Al-Balad district.

“Shopping at the souk is part of the fun,” Mirza explained. “We find beautiful lanterns and intricate banners that really bring the spirit of Ramadan to life.”

The shopping trips to these local markets add to the experience, as families begin to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of Ramadan. Mirza considers the decoration ritual a fun way to instill important values in the younger generations, and the children seem to enjoy it as well.

“I love helping grandma,” said her grandson, Yousef. “It makes me feel closer to my family and reminds me of why we celebrate Ramadan.”

Majdah Abu Laban, a Saudi housewife from Jeddah, eagerly prepares her home for the holy month each year.

“I love the Ramadan vibes; it brings a special joy and gives me a wonderful feeling,” she said.

This year, she was particularly impressed by the extensive variety of Ramadan decorations in Jeddah’s stores.

“There are so many new additions, shapes and colors that are even more beautiful than in previous years, both in terms of design and materials,” she said.

“I’ve noticed a mix of Egyptian and Indian products alongside the traditional decorations, as well as new styles and color combinations, like gold with black, black with fabric on wood, and vibrant hues blended with gold, yellow, purple and blue. The options this year are more diverse than ever.”

Abu Laban enjoys decorating as a household activity that helps her family grow closer.

“I make sure to decorate my home for Ramadan not because it’s essential, but because it enhances the spiritual ambiance and brings joy to my family,” she explained.

“Each year I add new touches, whether by reusing decorations I’ve kept from previous years or introducing small, new elements without going overboard.

“My children love to participate, especially when preparing Ramadan giveaways and setting up the table for guests.”

Beyond the traditional generic decorations, such as lanterns, markets and stores now offer a vast selection of items tailored specifically to the season.

“Decorations are no longer just about lanterns; every year, more collections are released and online shopping now offers just as much variety as physical stores,” said Abu Laban.

Rather than sticking to a single decorative style, she enjoys experimenting with different looks throughout her home.

“Sometimes I dedicate a specific theme to a particular room or corner of the house, but overall I love variety,” she said. “This year, I was particularly impressed by the creativity in Egyptian Ramadan decorations, with many stunning designs.

“However, prices vary and some high-end decorations, like black-and-gold combinations with luxurious fabrics, can be quite expensive.”

Another important part of the essence of the holy month, Abu Laban said, is the fragrances that help to usher in a spiritual atmosphere.

“Beyond decorations, Ramadan wouldn’t feel complete for me without the scent of oud and incense, especially after Taraweeh prayers and iftar.” She said. “It also adds a beautifully spiritual touch to the home.”

Even after Ramadan ends, certain decorations continue to hold significance, particularly during the Eid celebrations.

“I do save some elements, like crescents, arches and stars, for Eid, and I also keep a few lanterns to use in future years, as they remain a beautiful symbol of this blessed month,” said Abu Laban.

Numra Sidiqui, a Pakistani expatriate, takes great joy in preparing for the holy month, and her mother also eagerly looks forward to the annual Ramadan decorating tradition.

“Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam, and when it arrives we feel immense happiness and pride,” Sidiqui said.

This year, in addition to her usual festive preparations, she is also planning to launch a series on her YouTube channel focusing on Ramadan, in which she will share her experiences of and insights into this special time.