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.


Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

Updated 03 February 2026
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Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”