MAKKAH: Darb Zubaida, or the Zubaida Trail, is one of the most important humanitarian and social projects of Islamic civilization. It stretches from Kufa, in Iraq, to Makkah, covering 420 kilometers inside the Kingdom alone, and was once known as a route for pilgrims and traders.
The trail was named after Zubaydah bin Jafar, wife of Caliph Harun Al-Rashid, who contributed to its construction and revival for convoys and passersby.
Ten days ago, more than 100 men and women took the initiative of reviving the Zubaida Trail, participating in a camel convoy along the historical path.
Turki Al-Muhaifer, one of the initiators, said that the project seeks to revive the heritage of the trail by charting it as it would have been in Zubaydah’s era.
“The road has an important historical dimension, which tells of a rich culture lived by our ancestors,” he told Arab News.
Al-Muhaifer explained that the road is valued for its vital role in connecting Iraq and Saudi Arabia and allowing pilgrims a passageway to Makkah to perform Umrah.
He noted that participants in the initiative started on Jan. 4 and will continue until Jan. 19, after traveling the 420 kilometers.
“We passed through several historical stops and through monuments that are still standing, despite the great passage of time,” he said.
Each day, the team wakes up early before the morning prayer. Following prayer, they have breakfast, get ready and then start off on the journey, stopping every 10 kilometers to rest. This continues until they stop for the night to sleep and repeat the process the next morning.
Thirteen nationalities were supposed to be represented in the convoy. Due to the exceptional circumstances created by the pandemic, however, that number was limited.
So far, the group has completed half the distance, traversing a variety of terrains, including rocky territory and sand.
“The project provides good lessons for youth and history lovers,” Al-Muhaifer said.
Fureih Al-Shamri, another member of the team, said that the main goal of the initiative is not so much to explore the Zubaida Trail as it is to shed light on this civilizational achievement, give the deserved historical and civilizational recognition to the place and encourage walking.
Al-Shamri said the unique experience was sure to delight lovers of history, archaeology, photography and the environment.
“Our goal is to allow them to practice their hobby and protect this historical heritage,” he said.
Another of the initiative’s goals is to show the world the Islamic civilization’s strong identity.
“This trail shows only a small part of the Islamic civilization and its wonderful legacy,” he said. “We are not only cameleers or shepherds, as we are portrayed in some Western media, but we are people with a rich and enduring legacy.
We had a civilization before petrol, and the Zubaida Trail is a testament to this. This road passes through stations, each containing wells and ponds. There were small markets, some of which were buried hundreds of years later, while others still exist.”
Sarah Al-Modaymagh, a businesswoman participating in the initiative, said that this is one of the most important experiences of her life. She described being part of a motivated group and traveling the Zubaida Trail as an enriching experience, encouraging physical fitness and promoting the study of culture and history.
“This initiative tells the story of a great lady who dedicated her life and effort to humanitarian and cultural work and managed to create a trail from Kufa to Makkah, despite the circumstances and hardships, in order to secure trade and Hajj routes,” she said.
She described the Zubaida Trail as a piece of “forgotten heritage” with an untold story and praised the initiative for bringing attention to it.
“It renews hope and sheds light on the story of a woman whose actions and foresightedness will last forever,” she said.
From Kufa to Makkah: Reliving the Zubaida Trail
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From Kufa to Makkah: Reliving the Zubaida Trail
- The trail was named after Zubaydah bin Jafar, wife of Caliph Harun Al-Rashid
- Ten days ago, more than 100 men and women took the initiative of reviving the Zubaida Trail, participating in a camel convoy along the historical path
King Salman issues royal decree to appoint investigative lieutenants at Public Prosecution
RIYADH: King Salman issued a royal decree on Saturday to appoint 261 investigative lieutenants at the Ministry of Justice’s Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib thanked the king for the royal decree and said it reflected the support provided by the King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the ministry and its departments, SPA added.
Al-Mujib praised the commitment to advancing the development and prosperity of the justice ministry in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Saudi foreign minister reaffirms support for Palestine at OIC forum in Gambia
- Prince Faisal also called for restructuring, developing, and reforming the OIC
BANJUL, The Gambia: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan reaffirmed on Saturday the Kingdom’s call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, safe humanitarian corridors, and the fulfillment of Palestinians’ legitimate rights, including their right to self-determination and an independent state.
Prince Faisal, who was speciaking at the 15th Islamic Summit Conference in The Gambia, also called for restructuring, developing, and reforming the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to tackle regional and international challenges.
Representing Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Prince Faisal led the Saudi delegation at the conference.
During his address, he expressed regret over the failure of the UN Security Council and the international community to halt Israeli attacks on Palestinians.
“The Palestinian cause has remained a priority for the OIC since its inception,” Prince Faisal said
“It is unfortunate to witness the failure of the Security Council and the international community to halt unprecedented Israeli attacks, which have escalated through indiscriminate shelling, destruction of hospitals, schools, shelters, and infrastructure in Gaza, leaving thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, as victims,” he added.
On the sidelines of the forum, Prince Faisal met with the Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministers, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Ishaq Dar respectively, to discuss the situation in Gaza.
Saudi Yoga Committee teams up with ministry for community wellness initiative
- As part of agreement between the committee and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, workers will be encouraged to integrate yoga into daily routines
- Workers in ministry-run care centers and shelters will also get tools to help manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall levels of physical and mental health
RIYADH: The Saudi Yoga Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on Saturday signed an agreement to collaborate on promoting the benefits of yoga in the community, with the aim of enhancing well-being and presenting the activity as a way to improve quality of life.
Under the agreement, officials said, employees will be encouraged to integrate yoga practices into their daily routines, and workers in ministry-run care centers and shelters will be provided with tools to help them manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall levels of physical and mental health.
They added that the committee and the ministry are committed to creating harmonious and balanced workplaces that prioritize the holistic well-being of employees and people they work with, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development plan.
Princess Mishael bint Faisal, the vice chair of the Saudi Yoga Committee, and Huda Al-Haidari, director of the ministry’s social responsibility department in Riyadh region, took part in the signing ceremony for the agreement.
“It’s a very important step for creating equal opportunities for all segments of society and investing in youth human capital, which is considered as one of the goals of Vision 2023,” said Princess Mishael.
“The crown prince said that it is the largest wealth owned by the Kingdom, so investing in it is a renaissance for society and the realization of the vision.”
The collaboration will offer people the chance to participate in a variety of sports and therapeutic yoga techniques and help harness the benefits of sports science to serve society, she added.
Kingdom mourns death of pioneering Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen
- The prince, affectionately known as the ‘word engineer’ and an influential figure in contemporary Saudi poetry, died in Paris at the age of 75
- Saudi and Arab officials and celebrities paid tribute to him and acknowledged his significant contributions to literature and culture
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia on Saturday mourned the loss of poet and national literary icon Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, who died at the age of 75 in Paris after an illness.
The prince, affectionately known as the “word engineer,” was a legendary figure in contemporary Saudi poetry whose influence in the art form was felt across the country and the wider Gulf region, where his eloquent verses and poignant prose left an indelible mark on the people’s hearts and minds.
A pioneer in the popularization of Saudi poetry among Arab audiences, Prince Badr’s verses were immortalized in songs by many esteemed Arab artists, including Talal Maddah, Mohammed Abdu, Kadim Al-Sahir and Assala. His patriotic words and songs struck a deep chord with Saudis in particular, creating a strong bond between him and the people of his nation.
Saudi and Arab officials and celebrities expressed their sadness upon learning of the prince’s death on Saturday, and acknowledged his significant contributions to literature and culture.
Turki Al-Sheikh, chairperson of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, expressed his condolences to the royal family and the people of the Kingdom, describing the profound sense of loss as being similar to losing a father figure.
“May the soul of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen rest in peace, and may he be granted the highest paradise,” he said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his esteemed family, his children, and the people of Saudi Arabia.
“While this is indeed a sorrowful moment, feeling the loss akin to losing a father, I can only express gratitude to Allah in every circumstance.”
In a message posted on social media platform X, Saudi Minister of Commerce Majed Al-Qasabi wrote: “Today, our nation mourns the loss of a literary, poetic and cultural icon. May Allah bestow His mercy upon my dear brother, the ‘Word Engineer,’ Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, and grant him the highest place in paradise. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the royal family, his children, and all who loved him. May the Almighty grant them patience and comfort during this difficult time. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”
Ameerah Al-Taweel, a prominent Saudi philanthropist, paid tribute to Prince Badr and his legacy, highlighting in particular his role as a beacon of wisdom and generosity, his invaluable contributions to Saudi culture, and his enduring influence on future generations.
“Today, we bid farewell to our prince and trailblazer of words, Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen,” she said. “May patience and solace comfort his children, family and all who cherished him. In this transient life, we leave behind our deeds and the essence of our character.
“Prince Badr not only enriched our culture but also imparted invaluable lessons in nobility, humility and generosity to future generations. Although many of us never met him, we held him dear as a father and brother.
“His departure evokes the sorrow of losing a close relative, for his noble character leaves an indelible mark. The grief is profound, especially for those who were privileged to know him personally.”
Renowned Emirati singer Ahlam expressed her sense of sorrow, and said she prayed for peace for the prince’s soul and strength for his loved ones during this difficult time.
Prince Badr was born on April 2, 1949, and his journey as a poet and cultural figure began at a young age. He studied in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UK and the US as he took his early steps on the path to becoming a significant figure in Arab literature.
As president of the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts, he played a crucial role in fostering artistic expression and influencing the development of poetry organizations in the Kingdom. In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field, King Salman honored Prince Badr with the prestigious King Abdulaziz Medal in 2019.
Soon after, the Kingdom’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission announced plans to collect and publish his complete literary works to commemorate his enduring legacy and celebrate the profound impact he had on the Saudi creative movement during a five-decade career.
Green cover in Imam Turki Royal Reserve grows to 8.5%
RIYADH: Green cover in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve has grown to 8.5 percent, the reserve’s development authority has said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Covering an area of 91,000 sq. km, the reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom. It is a popular destination for visitors, particularly people interested in eco-tourism, bird watching, hiking and similar activities.
Based on research and field studies, the authority said that the reserve has experienced significant plant growth since last spring, driven by improved air quality and reduced severity of dust storms in several central regions of the Kingdom.
The reserve has planted more than 600,000 trees through desert forestation projects, in line with the national targets of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant more than 600 million trees by 2030, the SPA reported.
The reserve authority’s efforts focus on protecting wildlife, restoring environmental balance and reviving vegetation cover. The rate of green cover across the reserve has grown from 1.4 percent in 2018 to the 8.5 percent recorded this year.
More than 180 plant species from 38 plant families have been identified in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, representing 7.5 percent of the total plant species in the Kingdom, according to the SPA.
The reserve also offers cultural experiences, allowing visitors to interact with the local Bedouin communities, learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy authentic cuisine.
It is one of six royal reserves in Saudi Arabia, established in 2018 by royal order. Within the reserve, there are villages and deserts where about 80,000 to 100,000 people reside.
