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Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Ƶ’s Northern Borders

Ramadan bonfire gatherings in Northern Borders region hold a special place in the community, strengthening family and neighborly bonds. (SPA)
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Ramadan bonfire gatherings in Northern Borders region hold a special place in the community, strengthening family and neighborly bonds. (SPA)
Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Ƶ’s Northern Borders
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The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)
Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Ƶ’s Northern Borders
3 / 3
The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)
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Updated 03 March 2025

Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Ƶ’s Northern Borders

Ramadan bonfire tradition rekindles roots in Ƶ’s Northern Borders
  • Reflects the ‘spirit of love, communication,’ reinforces social values

RIYADH: During the holy month, the Northern Borders region lights up with one of its standout traditions: the Ramadan bonfire.

These Ramadan gatherings hold a special place in the community, strengthening family and neighborly bonds.




The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

They provide a space for exchanging stories and experiences about the past, present and future, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the fire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.

FASTFACT

In an interview with the SPA, local inhabitant Marawi Al-Sudairi explained that the bonfire is a symbol of generosity and togetherness, and an integral part of the region’s culture.

Karim Al-Dhaidi, another local, said the gatherings are open to everyone, and serve to strengthen social ties. They also connect people with their past, he said.




The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

Jazaa Marji, board chairman of the Retirees Association in the Northern Borders region, said the Ramadan fire has always been a part of the local heritage.

“We grew up with it, and it brings generations together, offering an opportunity to recall memories and share experiences with the youth,” he said.

“Ramadan is the perfect time to revive such traditions, as they reflect the spirit of love, communication, and the reinforcement of social values between generations.”

Even today, the Ramadan fire remains a tradition at many homes in the Northern Borders region. Residents are keen to revive it during Ramadan nights.


Bargain hunters galore at Madinah International Book Fair

Bargain hunters galore at Madinah International Book Fair
Updated 01 August 2025

Bargain hunters galore at Madinah International Book Fair

Bargain hunters galore at Madinah International Book Fair
  • Discounted books help make reading accessible to wide range of visitors
  • Move reflects organizers’ commitment to broadening access to knowledge

MADINAH: The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission has introduced a dedicated section for discounted books at the Madinah International Book Fair, offering a broad array of publications at prices appealing to all sections of society.

The initiative reflects the fair’s commitment to broadening access to knowledge while reinforcing the value of printed books in an age of rapid digital change.

The discounted section offers readers the chance to explore a diverse collection spanning literature, history, self-development, science and children’s books, including titles in both Arabic and English.

The initiative intends to enrich visitors’ choices and underscore the fair’s inclusive approach to meeting the varied interests of its audience.

Visitor Salma Rashid said: “I love the concept of this section — it makes books accessible to everyone. I picked up this book for just SR30 ($8), which is a great deal.

“While the space isn’t lavishly decorated, the real draw is the chance to discover hidden gems at the book fair without breaking the bank.”

Recognized as one of the fair’s most popular attractions, the section aligns with the commission’s objectives to promote reading and encourage book ownership among families and young readers.

The Madinah International Book Fair is offering a cultural experience until Aug. 4, featuring a rich program of intellectual seminars, interactive workshops and poetry and literary evenings.

Notable local and international writers and thinkers are participating, while the book-signing corner gives readers the opportunity to engage directly with authors and discover their creative journeys.

The lively atmosphere further elevates the status of books and inspires a culture of reading and meaningful dialogue.


Grape cultivation plays key role in Qassim agriculture

Grape cultivation plays key role in Qassim agriculture
30,000 tonnes of grapes are produced each season in the Qassim region. (SPA)
Updated 01 August 2025

Grape cultivation plays key role in Qassim agriculture

Grape cultivation plays key role in Qassim agriculture
  • 30,000 tonnes of the fruit produced each season
  • Ministry official says grapes contribute to local market and hold export potential

RIYADH: Grape cultivation is an important aspect of the central Qassim region’s agricultural activity, with about 30,000 tonnes produced each season.

The fruit plays an important role in the economy of the region, which also produces 35 percent of the Kingdom’s dates — about 528,000 tonnes per year — as well as crops such as figs, berries and wheat as well as a range of livestock.

Farms in Qassim benefit from fertile soil and a climate well suited to producing high-quality fruit, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Grape cultivation is particularly concentrated in several governorates, notably Uyun Al-Jiwa, Al-Badayea, and Al-Mithnab.

The region produces a variety of grape types, including green and red Thompson seedless, Black Magic, and Halwani.

The mayor of Qassim, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Majali, emphasized the municipality’s commitment to organizing seasonal agricultural festivals.

These events support farmers and stimulate economic and tourism activity.

Al-Majali highlighted the abundance and variety of grape products featured at the festival as a source of pride and a testament to the region’s agricultural success.

He also mentioned efforts to empower local farming families by involving them in festival activities, in collaboration with local municipal branches such as Al-Qawara Municipality and other government entities.

Meanwhile, director-general of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s Qassim branch, Salman Al-Suwaina, described grape farming as a promising agricultural resource.

He pointed out the strong regional support for investment and related manufacturing industries.

Al-Suwaina said Qassim’s 30,000 tonnes of grapes produced seasonally serve local markets and hold significant export potential.

He also pointed to the growing demand for grape-derived products such as juice, molasses, raisins, and natural vinegar, which offer value-added opportunities for farmers.

The region continues to expand grape cultivation and provides technical and advisory support to farmers, aiming to boost productivity and contribute to food security in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The grape festival, currently underway in Uyun Al-Jiwa, continues through Friday, where it is drawing large numbers of visitors and shoppers.


Madinah wins new WHO ‘healthy city’ accreditation

Madinah wins new WHO ‘healthy city’ accreditation
Updated 01 August 2025

Madinah wins new WHO ‘healthy city’ accreditation

Madinah wins new WHO ‘healthy city’ accreditation
  • Middle East’s second-largest ‘healthy city’ after Jeddah
  • 15 other cities in Ƶ included in WHO list

MADINAH: The World Health Organization has renewed its accreditation of Madinah as a “healthy city,” with Islam’s second-holiest location scoring an impressive 80 points, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah region, received the WHO accreditation certificate from Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel during a ceremony on Thursday.

Prince Salman said Madinah’s renewed accreditation exemplifies the leadership’s dedication to enhancing quality of life for the Kingdom’s people in urban centers.

 

With the new accreditation, Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, next to Jeddah. (SPA photo)

He emphasized Madinah’s ongoing transformation as a leading development model regionally and internationally, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, after Jeddah, the SPA reported.

To win the WHO’s nod, an entrant must meet 80 criteria, including parks, walking areas, and the promotion of health through primary care centers and schools.

The WHO has also recognized 14 other healthy cities in Ƶ. These include Taif, Tabuk, Ad-Diriyah, Unaizah, Jalajel, Al-Mandaq, Al-Jumum, Riyadh Al-Khubra and Sharurah, according to Leaders MENA Magazine.

With the new accreditation, Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, next to Jeddah. (SPA photo)

 


Saudi interior minister visits Interpol head office

Saudi interior minister visits Interpol head office
Updated 01 August 2025

Saudi interior minister visits Interpol head office

Saudi interior minister visits Interpol head office

LYON, France: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif visited Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France on Thursday where he was received by the organization’s president, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi.

During the visit, Prince Abdulaziz affirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing support for Interpol and its efforts to strengthen international cooperation in combating transnational crime.

He praised its role in supporting international security efforts and enhancing cooperation among security agencies around the world.

Interpol's current president is from the United Arab Emirates. Al-Raisi was elected at the 89th General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkiye, in November 2021. His term ends this year.

 


Ƶ welcomes 1.2 millionUmrah pilgrims

Ƶ welcomes 1.2 millionUmrah pilgrims
Updated 01 August 2025

Ƶ welcomes 1.2 millionUmrah pilgrims

Ƶ welcomes 1.2 millionUmrah pilgrims
  • Number of Umrah visa holders entering Ƶ this year up 30 percent from last year’s
  • Pilgrims have been able to secure Umrah permits directly through the Nusuk mobile application

JEDDAH:  Ƶ’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that more than 1.2 million pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah since the season launched. The faithful have traveled from 109 countries worldwide, reflecting surging international interest and the Kingdom’s enhanced service capabilities for religious visitors.

Ministry data shows a significant 30 percent jump in Umrah visa holders entering Ƶ this year compared to the same period last year. Visa issuances also climbed 27 percent, while more than 4,200 partnership agreements were executed between domestic Umrah service providers and international agents, bolstering the Kingdom’s capacity to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.

The Umrah season was launched with digital visa processing handled through the government’s Nusuk platform. The scheme represents the latest advancement in Ƶ’s efforts to streamline religious tourism as part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s comprehensive modernization blueprint.

Pilgrims have been able to secure Umrah permits directly through the Nusuk mobile application, which functions as a centralized digital gateway for pilgrim services. The platform offers streamlined booking and permit processing, complemented by additional digital tools designed to improve the overall pilgrimage experience.