JEDDAH: Civil Defense forces rescued 400 people in Makkah region who were trapped due to rainfall, and responded to 250 reports of electrocution, said Makkah Civil Defense spokesman Col. Saeed Sarhan. Two of those electrocuted died, and three are in stable condition.
The Disaster Management Center in Makkah announced the continuation of rainfall in the region, extending to the city of Al-Leith, and warned people against being in valleys.
Makkah Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal has been monitoring the situation at the center along with the deputy governor of Makkah for security affairs, and representatives of all relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mojeb on Tuesday issued directives to the head of the Public Prosecution Branch in Makkah region and head of the Department of Jeddah province and all branches and departments in all parts of the Kingdom that the Public Prosecution should be fully ready to proceed with all matters related to any cases associated with the recent flash flooding in Jeddah.
He underlined that all officials should carry out their duty “to the fullest extent with no nepotism, and that they have the power to arrest, investigate and prosecute.”
The General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GAMEP) said rainfall will continue in the region, and will include Jeddah, Usfan, Dhaban, Bahra, Khulais, Makkah and Taif.
Flooding is expected, accompanied by active surface winds and possible hail showers. Relevant authorities said they have received thousands of calls from citizens and residents.
Sarhan said the rain has caused some damage to public and private properties, and people are urging authorities to investigate the causes of the delay in implementing drainage projects in Jeddah.
He added that coordination rooms have been set up in the Department of Civil Defense for all affected cities and towns. The rain started in Rabigh and continued south through Thuwal, reaching Jeddah. The Civil Defense said the rain has created pools of water that are dangerous to children.
GAMEP said the weather observatory at King Abdul Aziz Airport was struck by lightning, causing damage to the exterior that is being repaired, but the observatory is functioning as normal.
Meanwhile, Border Guards in Makkah activated the Clouds 38 plan, which is designed to support the Civil Defense in case of rain and flooding in the area.
The Search and Rescue Coordination Center for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba is implementing the plan.
Regular reports are being sent to the coordination center, as per the instructions of the commander of the Border Guards in Makkah, Maj. Gen. Talal bin Ali Al-Shamrani. Search-and-rescue teams are supporting Civil Defense operations when needed.
Border Guards spokesman Maj. Fares Al-Malki urged all citizens and residents to follow the instructions and heed the warnings of the Civil Defense.
Rain brings pain back to Jeddah
Rain brings pain back to Jeddah
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah
RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.
He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.
They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.
Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”
He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.
The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.
According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.
The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.
It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.
Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.
The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.
