Thousands flock to Prophet’s Mosque

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Updated 15 June 2017
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Thousands flock to Prophet’s Mosque

MADINAH/RIYADH: Worshipers perform Taraweeh prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque during this holy month of Ramadan, amid services provided by the government of King Salman.
Residents, visitors and worshipers in the city from early hours flock to the mosque to perform Isha and Taraweeh prayers.
Relevant government bodies make all possible efforts to provide the necessary services for visitors and worshipers to perform the holy rituals.
Inside the Prophet’s Mosque and its outside courts, officials arrange the iftar meal, a familiar image for the residents of Madinah that embodies cooperation and brotherhood. It expresses their pride and honor to be able to offer such services to visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
Moreover, extensive arrangements are being made for Qiyamul Layl, or midnight prayers, in the Two Holy Mosques and other places of worship across Saudi Arabia, beginning Thursday.
Qiyamul Layl in the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah generally begins at 12:45 a.m., lasting for about two hours. The prayers in other parts of the Kingdom normally start at 1 a.m. and last for one or two hours.

WATCH Taraweeh prayer live

Qiyamul Layl is held during the last 10 days of Ramadan. To make it smooth for the worshipers inside mosques, private establishments have been contracted to maintain mosques throughout the Kingdom. They have geared up their staff to be on duty throughout the night to ensure a smooth supply of power and water.
Philanthropists regularly supply soft drinks and water to worshipers who come to spend their time at the mosques during the midnight prayers.
Mohammed Obaidullah, imam at Sheebani Mosque in Riyadh’s Nasiriyah district, told Arab News on Tuesday that there are six rakats in three pairs, followed by prayers that comprise three rakats. It takes a minimum of 75 minutes to complete the prayers.
The last 10 days of Ramadan are considered highly significant since the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to mankind through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Laylat Al-Qadr (Night of Power or Night of Destiny). The imam said that good deeds of worshipers would be richly rewarded during the night prayers in the holy month.


14 sculptures go on display at public spaces in Riyadh

Updated 11 December 2025
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14 sculptures go on display at public spaces in Riyadh

  • The works were chosen by Riyadh Art from its international Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium to reflect its ‘vision of weaving beauty and intellect into the city’s fabric’
  • Initiative aligns with efforts to make art a key part of city’s identity that improves quality of life and promotes the cultural economy, says Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s Khalid Al-Hazani

RIYADH: Fourteen sculptures selected from the annual international Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium, a Riyadh Art program, went on display on Wednesday at three prominent public spaces across the Saudi capital: ROSHN Front, the SEDRA residential community, and Sports Boulevard.

The project is part of Riyad Art’s efforts to showcase artworks in public spaces, and the addition of more works in other places is expected later.

Khalid Al-Hazani, the executive vice president of the lifestyle sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said: “This step reflects (Riyadh Art’s) vision of weaving beauty and intellect into the city’s fabric, and creating vibrant and culturally rich public spaces, allowing art to become an integral part of people’s daily lives.”

It is also in line with Riyadh Art’s broader strategy for transforming the city into an open-air art gallery, he added, thereby “turning art into a central element of the city’s identity and a key contributor to improving quality of life and promoting the cultural economy.” 

The Riyadh Art Program installed on Wednesday 14 sculptures selected from the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium at prominent locations in Riyadh, including the ROSHN Front, SEDRA Residential Community, and Sports Boulevard. (Supplied)

The three chosen locations were considered perfect places to host the artworks because of their vibrancy, strong community connections and accessibility, Al-Hazani noted.

“This provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to engage with the sculptures in their everyday lives,” he said.

Seven of the sculptures have been installed at ROSHN Front, considered a key urban hub. The artworks on display there form a thought-provoking artistic landscape that encourages interaction, organizers said, and explores a number of themes including the values of urban transformation, community spirit, and creative curiosity.

Three sculptures are on display at the SEDRA residential community. Chosen to complement its serene character and nature-integrated urban planning, they blend in with their surroundings to reflect the values of environmental harmony, contemplation and renewal, organizers explained.

The remaining four sculptures are at Sports Boulevard, known for its open, green spaces. These works reflect several concepts, in particular ideas of nature, balance and public health.

All of the sculptures are part of Riyadh Art’s permanent collection, which includes works created by local and international artists during the Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium.