RIYADH: The minister of Islamic affairs in the Maldives, Ahmed Zahir Ali, and undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance for Islamic affairs, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Samel, visited the construction site of King Salman Mosque — destined to be the biggest mosque in the Maldives — on Saturday.
The mosque is located in the capital Male and, along with the outdoor squares, will accommodate more than 10,000 worshippers.
Al-Samel is visiting the Maldives as it prepares to sign a memorandum of understanding in Islamic affairs with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.
The minister’s delegation toured the mosque project, which is viewed as a symbol of the strong relationship between the two countries.
Al-Samel also held a meeting at which plans for the next phase of the project were outlined.
When complete, the six-story mosque will cost around SR356 million ($95.2 million), which will be undertaken by Saudi Arabia.
The site will include multi-purpose halls, an international library, a teaching center and conference hall.
Saudi delegation tours $95 million Maldives mosque
Saudi delegation tours $95 million Maldives mosque
- Al-Samel also held a meeting at which plans for the next phase of the project were outlined
Jazan honey exhibition helps boost sustainability
JAZAN: The honey exhibition, which is a highlight of the annual Jazan Festival, showcases the biodiversity and agricultural richness in Saudi Arabia’s southwest.
Some 60 local beekeepers are this year presenting nearly 10 tonnes of honey across more than 15 premium varieties unique to Jazan’s mountains and plains, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Beyond serving as a premier marketing platform, the exhibition underscores beekeeping as a sustainable activity supporting ecological balance and food security.
By empowering local producers and attracting thousands of visitors, the event integrates Jazan’s natural resources into the Kingdom’s broader tourism and economic landscape.
Held at the cultural center in Al-Edabi governorate, the event features exhibitor booths and sales outlets which have experienced strong demand from visitors drawn to high-quality local products and exclusive offers.
Suleiman Al-Ghazwani, the exhibition’s executive director, said the event aimed to highlight the quality of local honey and its derivatives while encouraging beekeepers to expand production through new marketing opportunities.
He added that the exhibition featured activities for all ages, including a children’s theater and bee-themed games, while providing the opportunity to take home a variety of gifts and prizes.
Al-Ghazwani added that the exhibition provided an engaging educational experience and introduced visitors to beekeeping as a key part of Jazan’s tourism landscape and a promising contributor to its future development.
