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The enduring legacy of the Saudi state’s first charitable institution

The enduring legacy of the Saudi state’s first charitable institution
Sibalat Modhi provided charitable accommodation for merchants, pilgrims and wayfarers, complete with facilities for their livestock. (Supplied by DGDA)
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Updated 22 February 2025

The enduring legacy of the Saudi state’s first charitable institution

The enduring legacy of the Saudi state’s first charitable institution
  • Sibalat Modhi was a community center that provided free education and accommodation
  • Its patron, Princess Modhi, wife of the First Saudi State’s founding father, was known for her devotion to teaching and philanthropy

RIYADH: Princess Modhi bint Sultan bin Abi Wahtan, who touched the lives of many through her charitable acts, was one of the best-known figures of the First Saudi State, renowned for her philanthropy, generosity and commitment to education.

“In the rich tapestry of the Arabian Peninsula’s history, few figures stand as prominently as Princess Modhi bint Sultan, one of the most influential women of Diriyah and Ƶ,” Faisal Al-Amer, research management and validation senior manager at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, told Arab News.

“Princess Modhi’s impact during the formation of the First Saudi State in 1727 was both tangible and transformative.”

As the wife of Imam Mohammed bin Saud, the founding father of the First Saudi State, and mother of Imam Abdulaziz, its second imam, Princess Modhi’s influence extended far beyond her familial roles; her legacy and influence live on in through the history of the community center known as Sibalat Modhi, of which she was patron.

Sibalat Modhi provided charitable accommodation for merchants, pilgrims and wayfarers, complete with facilities for their livestock, including camels and horses, and secure storage for their merchandise and trading goods. All classes of society, especially travelers and the needy in Diriyah, benefited from the charity it offered, Al-Amer said.

Princess Modhi also actively contributed to educational initiatives and “was renowned for her exceptional religious knowledge and deep understanding of Islamic law,” he added.

“She played a pivotal role in early education during the First Saudi State, challenging the notion that learning was exclusively male-dominated.”




Sibalat Modhi provided charitable accommodation for merchants, pilgrims and wayfarers, complete with facilities for their livestock. (Supplied by DGDA)

Sibalat Modhi evolved into a “center of learning” that provided opportunities even for students from outside the Arabian Peninsula to study in Diriyah.

“A distinctive feature was its southern mosque, which served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for religious education,” Al-Amer said.

The center also provided resources such as books and manuscripts for students, as well as financial assistance and accommodation for the diverse group of scholars who traveled to it. Its location within At-Turaif district, the First Saudi State’s historic seat of governance and royal residence, reflected the important role it played in Saudi society.

Sibalat Modhi exemplified the “enduring values of generous giving, compassion for those in need, social cohesion, and the nurturing of strong community bonds that have characterized Saudi society from its founding to the present day,” Al-Amer said.

In addition to her charitable accomplishments, Princess Modhi was also a close confidante for her husband, Imam Mohammed.

“Her role during the state’s establishment was undeniably significant, as she provided steadfast support and valuable counsel,” Al-Amer said.

“Her position as a special advisor to Imam Mohammed bin Saud proved particularly crucial during the challenging formative period of the Saudi state.”

Her guidance “proved instrumental in molding Abdulaziz’s leadership qualities, leaving an enduring impact on his character as a ruler,” he added.


Saudi health minister visits Australia

Saudi health minister visits Australia
Updated 16 August 2025

Saudi health minister visits Australia

Saudi health minister visits Australia
  • Trip strengthens Kingdom’s partnership with healthcare, biotechnology on agenda

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel has met Saudi students at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, one of the world’s leading academic institutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

AlJalajel met up with students from various academic disciplines and stressed their role as ambassadors for their country in the ambitious transformation the Kingdom is undertaking under Saudi Vision 2030, which aspires to build a vibrant society and deliver world-class services across sectors.

He praised the Human Capability Development Program, which seeks to prepare students for global competitiveness by fostering both foundational and future skills and knowledge; transferring international best practices in education and skills development; aligning educational outcomes with the needs of the local and global labor market; and advancing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The meeting reflected the leadership’s commitment to investing in human capital, as thousands of Saudi students pursue higher education abroad in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.

It marked the conclusion of AlJalajel’s official visit to Melbourne, after which he was set to proceed to the capital Canberra to continue strengthening the Kingdom’s partnership with Australia in the area of sustainable healthcare.

The minister said on X: “As part of my visit to Australia to explore opportunities for collaboration, I’ve begun a series of meetings and visits in Melbourne aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and exchanging expertise in health, innovation, and biotechnology — supporting the development of our healthcare system and achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals.”


Qur’an competition participants praise visit to Makkah Clock Tower Museum

Qur’an competition participants praise visit to Makkah Clock Tower Museum
Updated 16 August 2025

Qur’an competition participants praise visit to Makkah Clock Tower Museum

Qur’an competition participants praise visit to Makkah Clock Tower Museum
  • Large audiences at the Grand Mosque engaged warmly with the recitations and praised Ƶ’s unwavering support for Qur’anic competitions

MAKKAH: Participants in the 45th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an visited the Makkah Clock Tower Museum, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the visit was part of the cultural program prepared for 179 contestants from 128 countries.

During the tour, the contestants explored the museum’s sections and exhibits. The site is on the terrace of the tower adjacent to the Grand Mosque.

The contestants expressed their admiration for the museum, appreciating the Kingdom’s commitment to spreading knowledge in various fields and its dedication to serving Islam and Muslims.

They prayed to Allah to protect the Kingdom, its leadership and its people, and to grant it continued progress and prosperity.

This year’s contest, which concluded last week, featured intense competition marked by exceptional recitation quality, precise memorization, eloquent delivery and melodious voices.

The high level of performance reflected a deep global reverence for the Qur’an and signaled the emergence of a promising new generation of Qur’an memorizers worldwide, the SPA added.

The competition included five categories with total prizes exceeding SR4 million ($1 million), reaffirming its status as one of the most prestigious and well-established Qur’anic competitions in the world.

The event also featured an upgraded electronic judging system to ensure fairness and accuracy in scoring.

Large audiences at the Grand Mosque engaged warmly with the recitations and praised Ƶ’s unwavering support for Qur’anic competitions and its dedication to serving Qur’an reciters.

Participants in the competition extended their heartfelt gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continuous support of the Qur’an and its memorizers around the world.


Saudi creative levels up the game for Saudi women

Saudi creative levels up the game for Saudi women
Updated 16 August 2025

Saudi creative levels up the game for Saudi women

Saudi creative levels up the game for Saudi women
  • YouTube channel Geekshoard is aimed at female gamers, cosplayers

RIYADH: When she launched her YouTube channel last October under the pseudonym Geekshoard, Aya (who prefers not to give her family name) was determined to carve out a space for Saudi women in the male-dominated world of gaming, cosplay, and action-figure collecting. “The goal was to be more connected to the female gaming community in Ƶ, which is not very big, and to bring a new perspective,” she told Arab News. She envisioned a space where women could connect over their shared love for games. She currently has more than 26,000 subscribers to her channel.

“(I am) encouraging ladies to be themselves more and be proud to be geeks,” she said.

The early days weren’t easy. Negative comments tested her resolve, but Aya refused to be discouraged. “I don’t think about it,” she said, adding that instead of letting the criticism get to her, she focuses on building connections. 

“I got to know gamer ladies that were very friendly and lovely and built a small community. It was very nice to feel related to many people and feel connected to some.”

Aya sees gaming, anime, and cosplay as powerful forms of creative expression. “I would say just dive right in. Be yourself,” she said.

She believes that video games have helped strengthen her social and family ties, and she hopes to show the wider Saudi community that gaming’s sometimes-negative reputation is undeserved.

“I would love to show the Saudi community the beauty of video games and how peaceful and fun they can be,” she said. “I have set values for myself that I wouldn’t cross, and I remind myself of them every day to keep me going.”

Aya’s journey may reflect a larger shift in Ƶ — one of the world’s biggest gaming markets, but one in which women remain underrepresented. Her efforts are helping to challenge stereotypes, inspire female gamers, and create a more inclusive space for them.

LINKS FOR ONLINE:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL4fNiVtpW_/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DM7OJPoNVzK/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-dZ_Rmhopo


Ƶ welcomes Trump-Putin summit, reaffirms support for peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict

Ƶ welcomes Trump-Putin summit, reaffirms support for peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict
Updated 16 August 2025

Ƶ welcomes Trump-Putin summit, reaffirms support for peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict

Ƶ welcomes Trump-Putin summit, reaffirms support for peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict
  • Foreign ministry underscored Kingdom’s backing for dialogue as preferred path to settling international disputes and conflicts

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through peaceful means, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement on Saturday, the ministry welcomed the Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, SPA added.

The ministry underscored the Kingdom’s backing for dialogue as the preferred path to settling international disputes and conflicts.

Ƶ has consistently positioned itself as a supporter of mediation and diplomatic initiatives in global crises, maintaining communication with both Moscow and Kyiv while stressing the importance of stability and peace for international security.


Saudi ambassador meets Tajik investment chief

Saudi ambassador meets Tajik investment chief
Updated 17 August 2025

Saudi ambassador meets Tajik investment chief

Saudi ambassador meets Tajik investment chief

Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Waleed bin Abdulrahman Alreshaidan recently met with Sulton Rahimzoda, the chairman of the Tajik State Committee on investment and state property management.

During the meeting, the two sides “reviewed bilateral relations and discussed various topics of common interest,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Health Fahd AlJalajel met with a group of Saudi students from Monash University in Melbourne as part of his official visit to Australia.

The minister stressed the students’ role as “ambassadors of Ƶ within the framework of Vision 2030.”