JORDAN: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association has been helping Hajj pilgrims for 47 years, adapting along the way to keep up with changing times and making use of new technologies.
In the past 15 years, the association has worked to develop its camps and the training and qualifications of its members by providing them with expert knowledge and important skills which, along with the hard work and diligence of members, has greatly improved the quality and professionalism of the services it provides.
The work to serve pilgrims began in 1961 with a group of 100 scouts from Makkah. At that time, their job was limited to providing assistance to the Ministry of Hajj. Scouts from Jeddah and Taif joined the efforts in 1963 and their work, under the patronage of the association, became official and the scouts began assisting the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in providing medical services.
After joining the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1963, and given the association’s experience and expertise in helping pilgrims during Hajj, it was decided to encourage all Muslim scouts around the world to stand with the Saudi scouts and forge closer bonds with them by working together on providing assistance to pilgrims of all nationalities and languages.
The late King Faisal approved the establishment of Islamic and Arab scout gatherings, which were held every two years between 1964 and 1974. The first was attended by 120 scouts from 16 countries, and participation grew to a peak of 24 nations and 145 scouts in 1974.
Following this experience, the association wanted to have the honor of serving people from all nations and has been doing so each year since 1975.
This year, 4,500 scouts, rangers and leaders are set to serve pilgrims in Makkah and the holy sites, and 1,500 others are set to serve pilgrims in Madinah and land, air and sea exit-entry points. The association has completed its preparations to serve pilgrims, and seeks to provide the best services.
As part of its efforts to provide the best possible services, it will establish 10 camps in Makkah and the holy sites and another in Madinah. In addition, it will oversee some camps established by the Scouts of Education Ministry at exit and entry points.
The association has also worked closely with the authorities as part of its efforts, and entered into a number of partnership agreements.
The authorities include the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Health, Makkah municipality, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Islamic Development Bank.
The chosen scout leaders that will be volunteering this year have been invited to take part in workshops in Riyadh, and there have been training sessions for leaders accompanying scouting units in Makkah and at its medical clinics. For a third consecutive year, the association will help to guide pilgrims to and from Al-Jamarat.
The use of information technology has been enhanced to increase the efficiency of many services provided by the scouts, including help to reunite lost children with their parents.
The association this year is making even more efforts to improve the environmental aspects of camps in Mina and Arafat. There have also been advances in the implementation of programs and cultural events.
Saudi scouts: Serving Hajj pilgrims since 1961
Saudi scouts: Serving Hajj pilgrims since 1961
- This year, 4,500 scouts, rangers and leaders are set to serve pilgrims in Makkah and the holy sites
- The late King Faisal approved the establishment of Islamic and Arab scout gatherings
Riyadh schools switch to remote learning as stormy weather continues
- City of Unaizah in Qassim province sees record levels of rainfall
RIYADH: Schools in Saudi Arabia’s capital region Riyadh were instructed to switch to remote learning on Wednesday as storms and heavy rains continued to lash the country.
The Ministry of Education said it had taken the decision “based on reports received from the National Center of Meteorology and in the interest of everyone’s safety.”
Lessons would be conducted using the Madrasati and other e-learning platforms, it said.
The rain continued to fall in Riyadh on Wednesday, while the temperature ranged from 17-25 degrees Celsius.
Unaizah, a city in the central region of Qassim, saw its highest ever rainfall on Tuesday night.
Abdullah Al-Misnad, vice president of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, said on X that “70 mm of rain fell … in just 60 minutes, half the annual average.”
Over the course of the night, the city saw 94.4 mm of rain, while Buraidah, also in Al-Qassim saw 17.5 mm, he said in the post, which was accompanied by images of flooded streets.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense on Wednesday issued warnings and safety instructions as the Kingdom braces for more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
“The Civil Defense calls for caution … due to the inclement weather situation witnessed in Qassim, Baha, Northern Borders, Jouf, Jazan, Asir, Makkah, Madinah and Riyadh regions,” it said.
The authority appealed to people to “stay away from valleys and waterlogged areas” and said “your safety is our goal.”
The National Center of Meteorology said on Monday that moderate to heavy rainfall would affect many parts of the country through Friday.
On Tuesday it said there was likely to be “higher than average rainfall” throughout the month of May, with Makkah, Jazan, Asir, Baha, Eastern Province and the Riyadh region likely to be the worst affected.
Saudi Heritage Commission, Japan’s Kanazawa University join forces on archeological surveys
DUBAI: The Saudi Heritage Commission and Japan’s Kanazawa University are to collaborate on archeological work at two prehistoric sites.
The scientific cooperation agreement, which was signed on Tuesday, relates to survey work at Jouf and Tabuk.
It highlights the commission’s commitment to expanding its field work and archeological surveys across the Kingdom and enhances its scientific partnerships with specialist universities and centers around the world.
The strategic agreement will involve scientific field studies, expanding the dissemination of survey and excavation results, and attracting distinguished scientific expertise. It will also mean more scientific data and reports to help track pastoral patterns at both sites.
The signing, which took place in Riyadh, was attended by Saudi Heritage Commission CEO Jasser Al-Harbash and Iwai Fumio, the Japanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi students explore intersection of science and art
- Exhibition organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts runs until May 2
JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts has launched an exhibition in Jeddah showcasing 25 artworks exploring the link between science and art.
The second annual exhibition organized by the arts society, in collaboration with the Biology Club at King Abdulaziz University, was opened in the presence of Mohammed Al-Subaih, director-general of the organization, Mona Al-Harbi, vice dean of the college of science, local artists, and parents.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The Sci-Art exhibition was organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Biology Club at King Abdulaziz University.
• It is being held to encourage students to showcase their creativity.
The exhibition, which will run until May 2 at the organization’s Abdul Halim Radwi Auditorium, presents an artistic interpretation of scientific inquiry. It is being held to encourage students to showcase their creativity.
Fifteen female students presented their paintings, sketches and other projects at the opening of the event.
The students chose as subject matter the body’s various systems, the solar system, human mind, natural world, animals, mathematics, computer programming, global warming and more.
The Sci-Art exhibition allows participants to engage their creative and analytical minds to forge new connections between ideas and learn about the world through art.
Mona Al-Harbi, Vice dean of the college of science, King Abdulaziz University
Al-Subaih praised the students for their work. “This exhibition comes as part of our role in spreading culture and arts … we thought of creating a platform for students to exhibit their talents and showcase their innovative ideas and this exhibition is an exciting moment for us to share with our community.”
Al-Harbi added: “The sci-art exhibition allows participants to engage their creative and analytical minds to forge new connections between ideas and learn about the world through art.
“This exhibition is a way to provide a platform for students and others to express that side of themselves and bring art and science together. Our aim is to encourage students to show their artistic talents and create paintings that related to subjects that they have learned in science.”
French consul general hosts cultural exchange steeped in flavor
- Nehad told Arab News: “Today’s invitation aims to introduce you to the delights of French cuisine. This longstanding tradition highlights the elegance and flavor of French cooking”
JEDDAH: A top chef has brought French flavors to the Kingdom as part of 'Good France,' an event aimed at promoting French cuisine abroad.
The Jeddah residence of the French consul general, Mohammed Nehad, hosted a group of Saudi press representatives on Monday as part of the festival’s closing day.
Renowned French chef Stephane Collet and his assistant, Florian Atteleyn, served an exclusive lunch that showcased the artisanship and elegance of French gastronomy.
Nehad told Arab News: “Today’s invitation aims to introduce you to the delights of French cuisine. This longstanding tradition highlights the elegance and flavor of French cooking.”
French gastronomy was recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage in November 2010.
My journey to becoming a chef began with family meals that ignited my passion for cooking. I fondly remember the dishes prepared by my grandmothers and parents, each imbued with love and joy.
Stephane Collet, French chef
Collet told Arab News: “My journey to becoming a chef began with family meals that ignited my passion for cooking. I fondly remember the dishes prepared by my grandmothers and parents, each imbued with love and joy.
“Influenced by renowned chefs during my training at the Touquet Hotel School, I embarked on a path to become a Meilleur Ouvrier de France.”
Years of professional experience both in France and abroad honed Collet’s culinary skills, and he was guided by passionate mentors and colleagues. Since 2011, he has taught new chefs.
In 2018, Collet was honored with the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France. “I cook with love and I respect ingredients … I like to preserve techniques rooted in our French gastronomic heritage. My expertise is sought after for events where I share my culinary journey and skills,” he added.
In preparation for the day’s seafood banquet, Collet visited Jeddah’s central fish market, where fresh delicacies were a “delight for the eyes with a rich diversity in fish and shrimp varieties.”
The first course featured delicate shrimp and mousseline with a creamy tomato broth.
The main course, a fresh fillet of white fish with creamy sauce served alongside a medley of asparagus and a mini sweet pepper stuffed with ratatouille, was a classic French dish featuring seasonal vegetables and rich aromas.
To end the meal, guests were served crepes drizzled with citrus-inspired caramel sauce, adorned with fresh orange slices and marmalade.
Collet and his team served more than 80 guests during the Francophonie Festival’s closing ceremony.
As the festival concluded, the celebrations continued into the night with a vibrant showcase of music, dance and traditional attire from Francophone countries.
Deal signed to advance Saudi agriculture
- The agreement aims to build capabilities, boost skills, and transfer agricultural technologies, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030
RIYADH: Ahmed Al-Eyada, the undersecretary at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, witnessed the signing on Tuesday of a cooperation agreement between the National Agricultural Development Company, and Delphy, a global company specializing in agricultural services.
The agreement aims to build capabilities, boost skills, and transfer agricultural technologies, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The deal is part of the ministry’s initiative to adopt modern systems, technologies, and innovations in the sector through local, regional, and international partnerships to achieve national objectives.
It is hoped the agreement will help in the training of agricultural advisers, while building capacities and adopting best practices and technologies. This will contribute to enhancing farmers’ efficiency and advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
