RIYADH: Sandstorms shrouded a number of Saudi Arabian cities in a blanket of dust on Thursday, including Riyadh, while rain and thunderstorms are expected on Friday in central, eastern and southern parts of the Kingdom.
The General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection said in a statement that “a cold wave in major parts of the Kingdom accompanied by high-speed winds causing dust storms limiting horizontal visibility” is expected on Friday.
“Moreover, rainy thunder clouds are expected to be accompanied by active winds on the southern parts of the Riyadh and the Eastern regions, as well as in the highlands of Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and Najran,” it added.
As per the forecast, a thick blanket of sand swept through major parts of the Kingdom on Thursday, including Riyadh, Tabuk, Yanbu, Madinah, and coastal areas. The maximum temperature recorded during the storm was 31 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature was 15 degrees. The relative humidity was pegged at 17 percent.
In Riyadh, where a wind speed of 25 km per hour was recorded, the storm was expected to last for at least eight hours, from noon until 8 p.m.
The road safety authority and Saudi Highway Security cautioned motorists to drive slow and carefully in the affected regions, as the storms would reduce visibility considerably on most roads.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense also advised people to avoid visiting open, sandy areas during the storms. People with respiratory issues were advised to avoid going outside at all, if possible, as the weather could exacerbate their conditions.
Sandstorms hit Saudi Arabia; rain expected on Friday
Sandstorms hit Saudi Arabia; rain expected on Friday
- Sandstorms also enveloped Tabuk, Yanbu, Madinah, and coastal areas
- Motorists advised to drive slow and carefully in the affected regions
US Congress honors Muslim World League chief for efforts to combat hate
WASHINGTON: Members of the US Congress from both the Republican and Democratic parties have honored the secretary-general of the Muslim World League in recognition of the organization’s efforts to combat hate and promote coexistence among religious communities.
The honor was presented to Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., where members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate signed a certificate commending the MWL’s role in strengthening social cohesion and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing conflict and division in diverse societies.
The certificate highlighted the league’s international efforts to counter racist attitudes and hate-driven narratives that threaten the security and dignity of people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
Leaders from the Muslim community who attended the ceremony described the recognition as an honor for the wider Muslim community in the US, noting that it marked a first-of-its-kind event at the Capitol.
Commenting on the honor, Al-Issa said the efforts being recognized reflected Islamic values that call for global peace and harmony within societies.
He reaffirmed the MWL’s commitment to promoting constructive dialogue and cooperation to foster greater understanding and awareness.
He added that embracing diversity and engaging with differences through reasoned and civilized dialogue, rather than conflict, remained central to the league’s work in addressing global challenges related to intolerance and division.
