Saudi iftar program benefits over 1m people

The Ramadan food baskets were distributed to needy people in 34 countries around the globe. (SPA)
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Updated 29 April 2022
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Saudi iftar program benefits over 1m people

  • Since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, more than 97,063 food baskets and 37,180 iftar meals have been distributed to 1,060,475 individuals

RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, in cooperation with the Kingdom’s embassies, has completed its King Salman program that saw the distribution of food to needy people in 34 countries around the globe.

Since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, more than 97,063 food baskets and 37,180 iftar meals have been distributed to 1,060,475 individuals.

The ministry also organized more than 24 group iftars in several countries.

Islamic Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for continuing to support the world’s poor. The minister said that this year’s aid was considerably more than last year’s because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the ministry, there were Ramadan baskets distributed in several countries, including 10 in Asia, 16 in Africa, four in Europe, and three in Latin America and Australia.

Jordan received 990 Ramadan baskets, distributed to 9,900 beneficiaries, while in India, 30,000 food baskets were distributed to 300,000 beneficiaries.

A total of 7,016 food baskets were distributed in Pakistan benefiting 70,160 fasting people, and in Thailand, 3,000 baskets were distributed to 30,000 beneficiaries.

A group iftar was held for 15,000 fasting people in Malaysia, and 12,500 food baskets were distributed in Indonesia, in addition to 5,000 meals for 130,000 people.

In Kazakhstan, 350 food baskets were distributed to 3,500 beneficiaries, and 3,500 in the Philippines for 35,000 fasting people.

The ministry also distributed food in nations including Mali, Djibouti, South Africa, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Argentina and Tajoura.

The ministry stated that it would continue to support Muslims during Ramadan and other times of the year.


Hail sets world record for largest off-road convoy

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Hail sets world record for largest off-road convoy

  • 501 vehicles drive through the dunes of scenic Tuwaren

JEDDAH: Hail entered the Guinness World Records at the weekend after producing the largest-ever off-road production car convoy.

The previous record, some 449 vehicles in Australia, was smashed with 501 vehicles driving through the dunes of the scenic Tuwaren area, 42 km northwest of Hail and a location surrounded by the Aja Mountains.

A large number of people from various regions of the Kingdom, Gulf and Arab countries gathered to navigate an unpaved desert trail of 7 km, showcasing their spirit of adventure and the diversity of the region’s terrain.

The event was open to both seasoned off-road drivers and newcomers looking for a unique winter entertainment. This made it suitable for individuals, groups of friends, and families.

The convoy was accompanied by a variety of cultural and entertainment activities that contributed to enhancing the experience for visitors and participants.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Hail Province and the chairman of the board of the Development Authority, thanked the Saudi leadership for supporting the development of the Kingdom’s regions. He also praised Hail’s youngsters for taking part in breaking the world record.

Omar Abdullah Al-Abdul-Jabbar, the CEO of Hail Region Development Authority, told Arab News that Hail’s entry into the Guinness World Records was a national achievement.

He said: “Hail’s achievement of this Guinness world record for organizing the largest off-road rally further solidifies its position as a leading destination for desert adventures and activities, and strengthens its presence on the local and regional tourism map.”

The event was organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority and Hail Region Development Authority, with sponsorship from the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, and Culture House.

In addition, 14 government entities supported the event, including the Principality of Hail Region, and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.