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Hotels in holy cities get ready for Ramadan

Hotels in holy cities get ready for Ramadan
This picture shows the Abraj Al-Bait Towers, also known as the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower, in the Saudi holy city of Mecca during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, on July 17, 2021. (AFP/file)
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Updated 27 February 2025

Hotels in holy cities get ready for Ramadan

Hotels in holy cities get ready for Ramadan
  • Hotels say will arrange special tours, Ramadan bazaars during holy month
  • Thousands of Muslims spend Ramadan every year in Makkah and Madinah

Jeddah: Hotels in Makkah and Madinah are being adorned with decorations as they prepare to welcome millions of pilgrims, offering guests the chance to experience Saudi culture firsthand during Ramadan.

Mohammed Haris, from India, who makes it a point to spend Ramadan every year in Makkah and Madinah, said: “Ramadan in Ƶ is truly unique. The atmosphere and spirit here are unlike anywhere else in the world.

“I always choose to stay in hotels that are close to the holy sites, and over the years I’ve witnessed the improvements (in them).

“Hotels are continuously striving to make guests feel at home, allowing them to focus on their prayers and spirituality.”

Elaf Al Taqwa Hotel’s location in Madinah, near the Prophet’s Mosque, offers easy access to prayer.

The hotel has introduced a range of special services for Ramadan, including dua recitations played throughout the premises, daily azan calls, and a carefully curated menu for iftar and sahoor featuring traditional Saudi and international cuisine.

Hussain Rauff, the general manager of the hotel, said: “Our goal is to create a spiritually uplifting environment in which guests feel at home while experiencing the essence of Ramadan in the heart of Madinah.

“We have also introduced exclusive Ramadan offerings, such as a Ramadan bazaar, where pilgrims can purchase Islamic books, prayer mats, dates, perfumes, handcrafted souvenirs and other local products, allowing them to take a meaningful piece of their journey home.

“A traditional seating area has also been set up, offering a space for reflection and connection over Saudi coffee and local delicacies like balilah and chai adani after Taraweeh prayers.”

In addition, Rauff added: “To ensure a balanced routine, we’ve kept our gym open throughout Ramadan, allowing guests to maintain their well-being while observing the spiritual practices of the month.”

The hotel also offers tours on the history of Madinah, including visits to Quba Mosque.

The Elaf group of hotels in Makkah, close to the Grand Mosque, is preparing to welcome an influx of guests during the holy month.

Hassan Khaleel, operation regional director for the Makkah region, said the hotels’ “goal is to provide an enriching stay and allow pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey.”

The Address Jabal Omar Makkah has recently opened a walkway directly leading to the Grand Mosque.

The hotel’s interiors celebrate Saudi culture and heritage, with a large iftar buffet and a Ramadan tent with traditional Saudi coffee, dates and holy Zamzam water.

Frontel Al Harithia Hotel in Madinah focuses on sahoor, which is especially important during Ramadan fasting.

For those seeking a deeper connection to the historic and spiritual significance of Ramadan, Ahmed Zahrani has partnered with several hotels in Makkah to offer tours that explore sacred sites in the region. Iconic locations such as Jabal Al-Rahmah, Namira Mosque, Zubayda Spring, and Muzdalifah can be visited.

Zahrani said that the tours offered “insight into the sacred landmarks of Islamic history.”

Zeyad Labban, the managing director of Maad International Hajj and Umrah Services Company, spoke about how the business is “committed to enhancing the comfort of pilgrims and visitors by providing all necessary services,” including accommodation, transport, dining, and historic tours.

Hotels in the holy cities are working to provide an environment in which pilgrims can focus on their faith and make the most of their time, with a warm welcome and respectful hospitality throughout the month.


Saudi foreign minister receives written message from Russian counterpart

Saudi foreign minister receives written message from Russian counterpart
Updated 3 sec ago

Saudi foreign minister receives written message from Russian counterpart

Saudi foreign minister receives written message from Russian counterpart
  • Russian Ambassador to Ƶ Sergey Kozlov delivered the message to Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji received a written message on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan from his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, addressing strengthening ties between Riyadh and Moscow.

Russian Ambassador to Ƶ Sergey Kozlov delivered to Al-Khuraiji the written message, which discussed ways to strengthen ties in various fields, at the ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji and Kozlov reviewed bilateral relations and discussed topics of common interest between the two countries.


Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school

Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school
Updated 23 July 2025

Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school

Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school

RIYADH: Ƶ’s ministries of culture and education have launched an Arts and Culture Academy, the first government-run school of its kind in the Kingdom. 

The initiative aims to identify and develop talented young people, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. 

In its inaugural year, the academy will operate in Riyadh and Jeddah, admitting students in the fourth grade of primary school and first grade of intermediate school.

The academy combines accredited academic curricula with specialized cultural programs in a stimulating and enriching learning environment, the SPA added. 

Initially, it will target students with talent in drawing, acting, music and singing. The plan is to expand to all educational levels and regions of the Kingdom. 

Students will follow the standard Ministry of Education curriculum alongside intensive cultural programs in a balanced daily schedule. 

The school day is divided into two sessions: morning for academic work and afternoon for cultural activities, according to the SPA. 

The academy will open in the 2025/2026 academic year at Al-Nakheel district in Riyadh for boys, and Al-Sheraa district in Jeddah for girls.

Admission has three stages: online registration, performance evaluation and interview, and admission notification. Students are admitted based on seat availability.

Students can apply at: engage.moc.gov.sa/cultural-talents-schools/#faq.


Program connects youth to Saudi heritage in Abha

Program connects youth to Saudi heritage in Abha
Updated 23 July 2025

Program connects youth to Saudi heritage in Abha

Program connects youth to Saudi heritage in Abha
  • The program emphasizes the preservation of artifacts and responsible engagement with cultural heritage

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission launched the Little Explorer program in Abha, aiming to connect younger generations with the Kingdom’s heritage and introduce them to elements of national cultural identity.

Running until July 26 at Al-Muftaha Village, the event encourages curiosity and appreciation for heritage among children through interactive educational activities. It includes cultural, artistic, sports, and adventure events, as well as workshops.

The program emphasizes the preservation of artifacts and responsible engagement with cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Little Explorer is one of the commission’s key initiatives to promote national identity and build a generation that values heritage. It is designed for young audiences, combining scientific knowledge with interactive learning.

Participants learn the basics of archeology, artifact handling, and excavation through practical tools and realistic simulations, allowing creative and hands-on interaction with heritage.


UN report praises Kingdom’s achievements in integrated water resources management

UN report praises Kingdom’s achievements in integrated water resources management
Updated 23 July 2025

UN report praises Kingdom’s achievements in integrated water resources management

UN report praises Kingdom’s achievements in integrated water resources management

RIYADH: Ƶ shared its experience of advancing water security and sustainability in a region of extreme water scarcity during the SDG 6 Water Action Agenda Special Event in New York.

The event was held on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN’s headquarters, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

It followed UN-Water’s recognition of Ƶ as one of the countries showing clear and measurable progress in integrated water resources management under SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 6.

The Kingdom’s delegation, led by Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, the deputy minister for water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, presented Ƶ’s approach to accelerating the progress of SDG 6.

The event spotlighted successes in the sector and countries making significant strides. Ƶ was highlighted in the report as a success story for its rapid progress in integrated water resources management, the SPA added.

Al-Shaibani said that the Kingdom’s efforts had brought notable improvements in efficiency, coordination, and service quality between 2017 and 2023.

The Kingdom’s integrated water resources management indicator rose from 57 percent to 83 percent during this period, marking one of the fastest global increases under SDG indicator 6.5.1, he said.

Al-Shaibani stressed that strong support from the Kingdom’s leadership had enabled significant structural and organizational reforms to aid sustainable water management.

With substantial investments to expand and modernize water infrastructure, these efforts had raised the Kingdom’s “enabling environment” score from 42 percent in 2017 to 87 percent in 2023, he added.


Najran’s heritage draws families to rural villages

Najran’s heritage draws families to rural villages
Updated 23 July 2025

Najran’s heritage draws families to rural villages

Najran’s heritage draws families to rural villages

RIYADH: Rural tourism in Najran is encouraged by the area’s diverse environment, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, a Saudi Press Agency report says.

It offers visitors a unique experience — from captivating landscapes and ecological formations to ancient architecture and historic fortresses steeped in history.

The western villages of Najran, along both banks of Wadi Najran, feature towering fortresses atop mounts Raum and Saadan, the SPA added.

Traditional mud-brick palaces among palm and grape farms create scenic views which reflect the region’s environmental identity and cultural history.

Resident Saleh Al-Asiri says Najran is marked by its cultural diversity and architectural landmarks, varied terrains like mountains, valleys, plains, and deserts making it ideal for nature and heritage tourism. He pointed out areas of interest such as Zur Wadeah, Al-Hadhan, Al-Jarbah, and Al-Qabil.

Rural tourists can discover these sites, admire traditional mud houses and palm farms, and visit heritage villages. They can also explore Wadi Najran, enjoying views of historic homes, ancient palm trees, and sunsets over Raum Fortress, Al-Aan Palace, and Mount Abu Hamdan.