MAKKAH: Director General of Civil Defense Gen. Sulaiman Al-Amro said the directorate is fully prepared with all human cadres and equipment to handle any situation that might arise during Hajj.
The Special Emergency Forces bear a great responsibility in knowing how to deal with accidents and risks. These teams normally undergo a series of training programs to carry out their missions during the Hajj season, in addition to the implementation of daily training programs in areas where they are stationed. The training covers mock and field applications and programs to reach the highest readiness levels to safeguard the pilgrims. Two drills have already been carried out and a third was being staged in the Arafat camps to simulate a fire, he said.
Police dogs have been trained to deal with potential risks such as floods and landslides arising from heavy rains. The mountains and valleys of Makkah were the scene of the training for the Civil Defense staff on how to use trained dogs in rescue situations. The search section, which works under the Special Emergency Forces within Civil Defense during Hajj, comprises a group of trained sniffer dogs. They are assigned to joint search and rescue operations for victims who are trapped under rubble or buried beneath mud in the valleys.
For his part, the Civil Defense commander in Arafat, Brig. Gen. Abdullah Al-Hammad, said that Civil Defense forces conducted the necessary training programs in all specialties. Coordination with other concerned parties for a major mock exercise was also carried out, he said.
Preparations in place to deal with potential risks during Hajj: Saudi Civil Defense
Preparations in place to deal with potential risks during Hajj: Saudi Civil Defense
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
