Saudi King orders Thursday official day off for schools in Qassim, Hail

King Salman arrived in Qassim region on Tuesday as part of a widespread tour of the Kingdom and its regions. (SPA)
Updated 07 November 2018
Follow

Saudi King orders Thursday official day off for schools in Qassim, Hail

  • King Salman arrived in Qassim region on Tuesday as part of a widespread tour of the Kingdom and its regions
  • Thursday will be an official day off for schools in the regions of Hail and Qassim on the occasion of the king's visit

JEDDAH: King Salman has ordered Thursday an official day off for schools in the regions of Hail and Qassim on the occasion of his royal highness’ visit.

King Salman arrived in Qassim region on Tuesday as part of a widespread tour of the Kingdom and its regions.

The king was received at Qassim airport by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prince Faisal bin Meshaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Qassim region. On Thursday, he arrived in Hail on the next stage of his tour.

Earlier in Qassim, King Salman inaugurated 600 development projects worth  SR16 billion ($4.27 billion) in the region.

The king also pardoned prisoners serving time on financial charges. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the government would pay debts of up to SR1 million on behalf of each of the pardoned prisoners.During the royal tour, the king was also briefed about different development projects in the region.

Citizens of the region also called on the king at Al-Wadi Palace.
 


Ramadan in Madinah: A blend of tradition and modernity

Updated 21 February 2026
Follow

Ramadan in Madinah: A blend of tradition and modernity

  • Ramadan iftar tables in the neighborhoods have evolved into a community initiative that promotes solidarity and neighborliness

MADINAH: In the holy city of Madinah, Ramadan highlights a seamless blend of ancestral traditions and modern celebrations, as residents decorate homes and streets with lanterns.

Women play a central role in creating this spiritual atmosphere, transitioning from handmade ornaments to curated prayer spaces and Ramadan diaries for children.

Social solidarity remains the city’ cornerstone, manifested through the exchange of Ramadan baskets and the organization of massive communal iftar meals at the Prophet’s Mosque and in local neighborhoods.

Ramadan iftar tables in the neighborhoods have evolved into a community initiative that promotes solidarity and neighborliness.

The project has been undertaken by “Mujtamaei,” the Neighborhood Centers Association in Madinah Region, in partnership with the Madinah Regional Municipality, and covers 97 locations across residential districts.

The initiative organizes daily iftar gatherings that bring together residents, volunteers, and partner entities, reflecting strong community cohesion and fostering volunteerism and social connection among neighborhood residents and visitors during the holy month.

The program provides more than 80,000 iftar and sahoor meals, benefiting over 40,000 individuals, with 1,600 volunteers overseeing site organization and service delivery in accordance with quality and safety standards.

The project is part of a community development system that expands annually, focusing on increasing volunteer participation and strengthening partnerships, thereby reinforcing social values and revitalizing the spirit of neighborliness in Madinah.