JEDDAH: A 104-year-old Indonesian woman has expressed thanks to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman for being hosted by the Kingdom during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Ibu Mariah Marghani Muhammad and her escorts are being hosted under the Guests of King Salman for Hajj and Umrah Program on account of her health needs.
Ibu Mariah, one of the oldest pilgrims performing Hajj this year, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday and was met at King Abdul Aziz International Airport’s Hajj Terminal by several Saudi television reporters, as well as officials from the Indonesian Consulate and various airport dignitaries.
Expressing appreciation for the king’s gesture, the Indonesian pilgrim said the special treatment offered to her is a reflection of the Kingdom’s keenness to offer extraordinary services to pilgrims. “Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), I am going to Makkah, Alhamdulillah I am going to Hajj,” she said.
Dressed in her ihram, the white head-to-toe dress used for Hajj and Umrah, Ibu Mariah said she had been to Saudi Arabia once before when she was younger — at the age of 90 — to perform the Umrah.
She will join about 221,000 pilgrims from Indonesia who will perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year.
The Kingdom seeks to provide comfort for pilgrims during the Umrah and Hajj seasons and has reached out to various pilgrims with specialized needs.
Hajj at 104: Indonesian pilgrim thanks King Salman
Hajj at 104: Indonesian pilgrim thanks King Salman
Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage
- Festival now established as a premier annual event
AlUla: The Winter at Tantora Festival launched on Thursday in AlUla. It runs until Jan. 10 and presents a cultural season which celebrates the region’s rich civilizational, cultural, and historic legacy.
The festival’s program includes a wide array of cultural, artistic, and traditional activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.
FASTFACT
In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities.
In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.
The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities. The modern festival honors this tradition by marking the onset of winter and the start of the planting season.
This year’s edition offers a range of experiences to celebrate heritage, genuine local culture, and traditional craftsmanship.
As part of AlUla Moments, the Winter at Tantora Festival supports efforts to boost cultural and tourist engagement while enhancing the visitor experience.
The initiative reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing cultural tourism and promoting the Kingdom’s historic landmarks.
The festival has established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, consistently attracting both domestic and international audiences.
