MAKKAH: The Hajj pilgrimage is an obligatory spiritual journey for Muslims around the world, but for many it also a time to connect with loved ones.
“I feel my mother is with me on Hajj every step of the way,” Danyah Bennett told Arab News.
The 25-year-old’s mother died four years ago, just a week after her daughter’s wedding.
“I think about her a lot during Hajj. I wish she was here with me,” Bennett said.
Bennett — an American national born and raised in Saudi Arabia — said that her father had performed Hajj for her mother after she died.
Her father, Hudifah Abdul Rahim, was a talk-show host of a Saudi TV program called “The Rap Session” in the early 1990s. Bennet explained that he had converted to Islam after he moved from America to Saudi Arabia. He met her mother after moving to Makkah to study Arabic.
While Bennett remembers her mother during her pilgrimage with a heavy heart, she says she feels a mix of emotions during Hajj.
“I feel sad because I miss her, but I also feel happy and blessed,” she said.
Bennett left her two-year-old son with her sisters in Jeddah to perform Hajj with her husband, Muhammad Siddiq.
“I felt it’s something I have to do to complete my faith to God,” Bennett said.
She explained that she felt her son was too young to endure Hajj as it is physically demanding and his immune system is not strong enough.
For Muslims, performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah — the holiest city for Muslims. It is mandatory for Muslims and must be carried out at least once in their lifetimes.
However, with more than 2 million people making the journey, the spread of diseases is considered a risk. The Saudi government states that it is mandatory for pilgrims to take vaccinations for meningitis and influenza before arriving in Makkah.
Aside from the spread of illness, scorching temperatures that reach 42 degrees in August also put pilgrims at risk of heatstroke — which if left untreated can be deadly.
Despite the physical challenges of Hajj, Bennett said that it has been an “amazing” experience for her.
“My favorite part of Hajj is the holy feeling,” she said, explaining how she enjoyed walking to Mount Arafat.
Mount Arafat is a hill that reaches a height of 230ft. On the ninth day of the Dhu Al-Hijjah Islamic month, pilgrims go to Arafat from Mina for what is considered the most important part of Hajj. Pilgrims spend the whole day on the hill, praying.
“The view was beautiful and there were so many nationalities. It was amazing,” she said.
Pilgrim reconnects spiritually with loved one as she performs Hajj
Pilgrim reconnects spiritually with loved one as she performs Hajj
- “I feel my mother is with me on Hajj every step of the way,” says Danyah Bennett
- Her American father was a talk-show host of a Saudi TV program in the early 1990s
Joy Awards 2026 spotlights arts in Arab world
- Event held annually since 2022
RIYADH: Riyadh hosted its annual Joy Awards on Jan. 17, bringing together stars and creative projects from across the Arab world for an event that has been held annually since 2022.
The 2026 ceremony continued its focus on recognizing storytelling and creative work, while highlighting projects released over the past year.
Awards were presented across six sectors; music, cinema, series, directors, sports and influencers. In addition to the category awards, the ceremony also honored recipients of special accolades, including Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Joy Honorary awards.
Previous events have recognized Arab and international figures for their contributions to the arts, including Matthew McConaughey, who received the Personality of the Year Award in 2025.
Amid the Kingdom’s expansion of its entertainment sector — spanning film, music and sports — the Joy Awards reflected Riyadh Season’s role in hosting large-scale cultural events.
This year’s fan-favorite nominees, many of whom were Saudi nationals, were cheered as they walked the Joy Awards’ iconic lavender carpet, where fashion once again took center stage as a key expression of the region’s evolving creative identity.
Among winners who took home the awards was Saudi 14-year-old Rateel Alshehri, who won Favorite Female Influencer. Speaking to Arab News on the lavender carpet, Alshehri shared her excitement, saying: “I’m so excited about being at the Joy Awards. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to. Everyone here deserves to be here.”
Alshehri shared that she was wearing a sky-blue gown by Saudi designer Adnan Akbar.
Alshehri’s excitement was echoed by both Arab and non-Arab guests on the lavender carpet, as many took in the unique atmosphere that Riyadh offers.
Lebanese actor Laila Abdullah also shared her enthusiasm toward both the award show and the Kingdom’s ambitions in creating a hub for creative voices.
Speaking to Arab News, she said the awards had “this mix of culture and luxury. It has that Gulf Arab character, the Saudi touch, you know? And that’s what really makes it stand out.”
The event was filled with a bustling energy that gave a platform to artists and talents who have been waiting to showcase their visions within the Arab world.
It was a celebration that went beyond mere award-giving; reflecting the same ambition and creative momentum that defines Riyadh Season.
Speaking to Arab News, Australian actor Luke Arnold shared his excitement toward attending the event, and added: “What I’m most excited about is kind of what I love about film and television, which is people from all over the world coming together to tell stories and share their expertise.
“It’s really exciting hearing about some of the potential projects happening (and) meeting some of the local talent here. (I am) just really excited to have more stories out in the world.”
Lebanese fashion influencer Karen Wazen reiterated the sentiment on Riyadh giving the Joy Awards a special and unique energy for the arts, saying: “I am so impressed. I’m so proud to be at an event like this in our region, in Saudi Arabia. This is probably the most impressive and big carpet that I’ve ever seen. I’m very excited to watch the ceremony, but also I think to just meet so many people from our industries; it’s a beautiful place to do so.”
Millie Bobby Brown won the Personality of the Year Award while the Lifetime Achievement honor went to actor Forest Whitaker.
On the stage, American pop star Katy Perry performed her iconic songs, while British singer Robbie Williams also gave a standout performance.
The Joy Awards 2026 once again proved that setting new benchmarks in entertainment and creative expression is not only achievable, but celebrated when driven by local talent and support.
As stars from around the world took to Riyadh’s lavender carpet, Arab culture was placed firmly at the forefront — spanning film, music, and digital creativity. The Joy Awards stand as a symbol of the broader cultural transformation that Riyadh is championing across the Arab world’s entertainment industry.
