Makkah forum promotes Islamic unity, counters extremism

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International conference, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” was organized in Makkah on Sunday. (Supplied)
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International conference, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” was organized in Makkah on Sunday. (Supplied)
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International conference, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” was organized in Makkah on Sunday. (Supplied)
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International conference, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” was organized in Makkah on Sunday. (Supplied)
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International conference, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” was organized in Makkah on Sunday. (Supplied)
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International conference, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” was organized in Makkah on Sunday. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 August 2023
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Makkah forum promotes Islamic unity, counters extremism

  • Conference highlights the need for dialogue to deal with challenges faced by the Islamic world

MAKKAH: The international conference, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” was organized in Makkah on Sunday.

Held under the theme “communication and integration,” the two-day conference will be attended by about 150 leading Islamic scholars, muftis, religious leaders and thinkers from 85 countries.

Heads of Islamic associations and sheikhdoms, as well as academics from a number of international universities, are also taking part in the event, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

The conference is sending a message to the world about Saudi efforts to serve Islam and Muslims, and to promote the values of moderation.

Saudi Islamic Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said that the conference was a continuation of the Kingdom’s efforts to promote moderation, a key principle of true Islam. Its objective was to advance the Kingdom’s mission of fostering unity among Muslims and combating terrorism and extremism. The ultimate goal was to “establish peace, stability, and prosperity in Islamic countries and globally.”

Al-Asheikh said: “We are meeting in this conference, which embodies Islamic unity and underlines cooperation, partnership, and solidarity, which constitute a great prophetic approach. The conference is initiated in this blessed country, which has adopted this principle since its founding, and carries the pure message of Islam.

“It also spreads the principles of justice, mercy, and moderation in an authentic approach that has become an example to follow in calling out to God according to the approach adopted by the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet and being introduced to the nation’s predecessors. This approach combines authenticity and modernity, preserves constants, and adopts variables in a manner that achieves religious and worldly interests.”

Al-Asheikh added that under the leadership, the people of the Kingdom were experiencing a global renaissance. Despite this progress, they remained deeply religious and upheld Islamic values. They were also inviting the world to embrace this approach, which promotes goodness, mercy, the call to Islam, moderation, and rejects extremism and decadence.

He emphasized the urgent need to meet, consult, and cooperate based on righteousness and fear of God in order to uphold the Islamic approach. This was necessary due to the increasing intensity of violence and extremist ideologies, as well as the adoption of corrupt practices that go against the tolerance and justice of Islam. Additionally, the “politicization of Islamic groups in an attempt to achieve partisan goals, even at the expense of true religious values, is a concerning trend. It is crucial to distance ourselves from this falsehood and extremism and embrace a moderate understanding of religious discourse.”

Hissein Brahim Taha, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said that the Kingdom had become a destination for peaceful coexistence and human values, given its humanitarian and civilized heritage and assets, as its leaders were concerned with promoting concepts between religions.

“Saudi leaders have greatly supported OIC in all fields to be able to achieve its mission to the fullest. This conference is held amid burdensome challenges that the Islamic world is facing, in addition to geopolitical developments, ideological challenges, and aggressive tendencies aiming to distort the image of Islam.

“We are required to stand firm against these tendencies and hostile currents and to evoke the concept of Islamic unity, which is known to be a civilized, cultural, and human unity based on cooperation, cohesion, interaction, and enrichment of human civilization in all fields.”

Taha emphasized the need to establish a comprehensive Islamic platform, encompassing countries, governments, and institutions. “This platform should prioritize consensus, dialogue, and strengthening relations within the Islamic nation. It should also promote peace, brotherhood, and solidarity, while upholding the principles of Islam and defending its authenticity.”

Nauryzbai kazhy Taganuly, the mufti of Kazakhstan, stressed the importance of “issuing new fatwas accommodating to different realities, which would launch initiatives and fatwas capable of adapting in all aspects of life.”

He also referred to the recurrence of the actions of burning the Holy Qur’an in many European countries, which angered the Islamic world. He said that those who had committed this extremist act should be condemned.

Dr. Mohammed Matar Al-Kaabi, chairman of the Emirati General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, stated that at the conference, “we come together to share concerns, ideas and experiences.

“The aim is to cooperate in launching initiatives, overcoming challenges, setting priorities, and agreeing on strategies that serve Islam and Muslims,” he said.

“This conference is held amid tough and specific challenges in the world, which are overtaking the system of human values which were called for by the divine messages and unanimously approved by sound minds as well as correct education curricula, the most important of which is faith education,” he said.

Al-Kaabi highlighted the challenges faced by the system, including currents that reject the existence of a Creator, mock religions, and incite rebellion against divine principles. He also mentioned the threats to family values, such as attempts to redefine marriage and disregard innate characteristics. These challenges pose a risk to the innocence of children, values, and the future of humanity.

“The values of moderation and tolerance are being exposed to conceptual and behavioral challenges posed by political Islam currents, which take over sophisticated Islamic concepts and interpret religious texts in an extremist way to brainwash their followers, incite them to violence and terrorism, and invite them to bully others,” he said.

Ahmed Al-Murabit Al-Shinqiti, the grand mufti of Mauritania, said: “The Saudi leaders have always been keen to serve Islam and Muslims in various fields of Islamic work all around the world.”

He highlighted that the conference addressed the urgent needs of the entire Islamic nation, calling for the confrontation of complex modern issues. It emphasized the “importance of finding solutions and understanding the significance and relevance of Islamic law, rules, and purposes in relation to reality.”


Indian diaspora provides key link between India and Saudi Arabia, says former foreign minister

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Indian diaspora provides key link between India and Saudi Arabia, says former foreign minister

  • Salman Khurshid, president of the India Islamic Cultural Center, visits Riyadh to discuss with Indian expatriates their experiences of living and working in the Kingdom
  • Akhtarul Iman, of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, says authorities in India have failed to address the concerns of Indian Muslims in an appropriate manner

RIYADH: Salman Khurshid, president of the India Islamic Cultural Center and his country’s former foreign minister, said Indians living and working in Saudi Arabia play a key role in relations between the two countries.

He added that he and his team are working on implementing changes and reforms at the cultural center to improve the support and services it provides for all Indians, not only in India but in other countries.

Khurshid, who was elected president of the center in August last year, was visiting Riyadh for an event on Friday during which he discussed with Indian expatriates their experiences of living and working in the Kingdom.

Former Indian Foreign Minister and president of the India Islamic Cultural Center Salman Khurshid during media interaction in Riyadh on Friday. (Supplied)

“I am in here to interact with the Indian community and discuss the ground realities,” he said. “They are keen to know about the developments in India.

“I am very pleased that the IICC is in focus, people are looking at what possibilities there are, and how much we can develop the organization as a hub that links different parts in the world and connects with how important it is for that dimension of the Indian culture and the Indian society to be understood in the world.

“The Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia can provide an important bridge between the people of India and the people of Saudi Arabia, and this has been an important aspect for successive governments in India.

“We will brainstorm on key issues and ground realities, we will talk about those issues and what positive contribution can be made by people who have left their homes and families to come out into the world and make a mark with their presence here in the Kingdom.”

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi laid the foundation stone of the center’s headquarters in New Delhi on Aug. 24, 1984. The aim of the organization was to promote understanding among people of different religions and aid the cause of national integration. It was inaugurated by Congress party president Sonia Gandhi on June 12, 2006.

Regarding possible changes and development of the organization, Khurshid said there are plans to establish branches in states across India, and beyond, to support the decentralization and democratization of the center.

“It’s not just about chapters in different parts of India but also in other countries, as IICC overseas chapters, (for example) in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

“My view is that there should be chapters and we should support those chapters, but if people want fully fledged centers to be set up in states, I would say they should be affiliated centers supported by local members. Members from Delhi cannot control centers in the states, it must be truly democratic.”

Former Indian Foreign Minister and president of the India Islamic Cultural Center Salman Khurshid, AIMIM Bihar president Akhtarul Iman in Riyadh for an interaction with the Indian diaspora. (Supplied)

Khurshid was joined at Friday’s event by Akhtarul Iman, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen party, who represents the constituency of Amour in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. He said it is the responsibility of the government and state authorities to protect the lives, property, honor and safety of all Indian citizens, yet Muslims have increasingly been targeted by those who wish to spread fear among them.

In the past decade, he added, there has been an increase in cases of injustice and atrocities committed against Muslims under the rule of Bharatiya Janata Party-led central and state governments, and the leaderships of both the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Janata Dal (United) parties have also failed to address these issues in an appropriate manner.

“They ask Muslims for support but fail to address their concerns,” Iman said, adding that his party is committed to ensuring that the grievances of all Indian Muslims who have faced problems since 2014 are addressed.
 


How Saudi Arabia is advancing clean combustion while meeting global energy demand

Updated 08 February 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is advancing clean combustion while meeting global energy demand

  • Kingdom’s carbon capture initiatives are cutting emissions and boosting oil recovery, paving the way for a sustainable energy future
  • KAUST has partnered with major stakeholders like SEC, the Ministry of Energy, and NEOM to develop innovative carbon capture solutions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas industry is increasingly adopting carbon capture technologies to reduce industrial emissions while enhancing oil recovery. This approach addresses environmental concerns while supporting global demand for cleaner, more reliable energy.

Carbon capture technologies are methods to trap and store carbon dioxide — or CO2 — emissions before they reach the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases from industrial processes, power plants and other sources.

As a leading oil producer, Saudi Arabia acknowledges its responsibility to combat climate change while maintaining energy security. Its efforts align with Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification and reducing reliance on oil, paving the way to net-zero emissions by 2060.

And in line with this target, the Kingdom aims to reach 44 million tonnes per annum of carbon capture, use and storage capacity by 2035.

To this end, institutions such as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology are making significant advancs in carbon capture and storage, driving innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

“Saudi Arabia’s investment in carbon capture technologies is driven by its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil,” William L. Roberts, a professor of mechanical engineering at KAUST and director of the Clean Combustion Research Center, told Arab News.

“Carbon capture enables Saudi Arabia to reduce emissions from its hydrocarbon sector while supporting global demand for cleaner, affordable, reliable energy.”

Opinion

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KAUST has partnered with major industry stakeholders, including the Saudi Electricity Company, the Ministry of Energy and NEOM, to develop innovative carbon capture solutions, including a 30-tonne-per-day CO2 capture initiative at the Duba power plant.

The pilot project, launched in 2022, aims to capture 30 tonnes of CO2 daily from SEC’s Green Duba Integrated Solar Combined Cycle power plant at NEOM.

The integration of captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery offers an important opportunity for the oil and gas sector. In this process, supercritical CO2 is injected into reservoirs, changing the physical properties of residual oil and making extraction easier.

This not only boosts production efficiency but also supports a more sustainable approach to energy extraction.

The Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery Demonstration Project at the Uthmaniyah oil field is a prime example of this technique. Located in the Eastern Province, the large-scale project captures and stores about 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually from a natural gas production facility, with CO2 transported via a 85-km pipeline to the injection site.

Saudi Aramco's project at the Uthmaniyah oil field in Al-Ahsa captures and stores about 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually from a natural gas production facility. (Aramco photo)

Roberts of KAUST stressed the importance of careful management in these projects. “Monitoring CO2 injection to prevent leakage and optimizing injection rates is crucial for balancing production efficiency with environmental safety,” he said.

And although the potential benefits of carbon capture are clear, the industry faces significant challenges, including high costs and scalability.

A 2025 study published in the Carbon Capture Science and Technology journal shows that the average CO2 capture cost is $69 per tonne, with significant variability across industries. Ammonia production is the most cost-efficient, at $11 per tonne, due to its high CO2 concentration, while smaller-scale operations can face costs as high as $189 per tonne.

Emphasizing the need for a collective effort to overcome challenges, Roberts said that “collaborative research and pilot projects help to drive innovation and enable scalable, economically viable solutions for industrial carbon capture applications.”

Looking ahead, further advances in carbon capture technologies are on the horizon.

KAUST’s cryogenic carbon capture project is a promising technology that removes CO2 at low temperatures, offering high efficiency and scalability. (KAUST photos)

KAUST’s research group is actively exploring cryogenic carbon capture, a promising technology that removes CO2 at low temperatures, offering high efficiency and scalability.

Roberts said that relying on a single technology would not be enough to meet ambitious environmental goals.

“A diverse portfolio of solutions — including cryogenic capture, direct air capture, advanced membranes and chemical absorption — will be necessary to address emissions across various sectors,” he said.

This approach will lead to more flexible, cost-effective and sustainable carbon capture solutions, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

KAUST plays a crucial role in educating the next generation of engineers and scientists to advance carbon capture technologies. The university offers specialized programs in sustainability and carbon capture, equipping students with the skills needed to address key challenges in CO2 capture, storage and use.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Industrial sources are responsible for nearly 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Carbon capture can reduce up to 90 percent of CO2 emissions from industrial sources.

•. Saudi Arabia aims for 44 million tonnes of carbon capture, use and storage capacity a year by 2035.

Roberts said that a holistic approach was key to fostering innovation and ensuring the successful implementation of carbon capture solutions.

“While carbon capture is essential for reducing industrial emissions, it must be part of a broader, multi-technology strategy to meet global emissions reduction targets,” he said.

Roberts advises policymakers and industry leaders to “focus on a technology-driven approach that prioritizes scalability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”

As a leading oil producer, Saudi Arabia acknowledges its responsibility to combat climate change while maintaining energy security. (Aramco photo)

He also emphasized the need for investment in experimentation and predictive modeling to avoid potential pitfalls at large scale and called for continued support for research into innovative CO2 capture methods.

“There isn’t one answer, and we need to identify as many solutions as possible,” he said.

Roberts advocates using pilot projects as platforms to optimize technologies before large-scale implementation.

He stressed the need for collaboration between research institutions, industry and government to align policies with technological advancements.

In addition, he said that establishing clear regulatory frameworks that incentivized carbon capture deployment was crucial to making these technologies economically viable and integrating them into industrial practices.


 

 


Renowned Ramsi tomatoes still a staple on Saudi tables

Farmer Saeed Sulail is pictured here at a Ramsi tomato farm in Qatif. (AN photo by Hind Alkhunaizi)
Updated 07 February 2025
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Renowned Ramsi tomatoes still a staple on Saudi tables

  • Local farmers have been growing the crop for centuries
  • Used in salads, stews, sauces, and the famous Kabsa dish

DHAHRAN: Nestled in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, Qatif is celebrated for its fertile soil, inviting climate, and rich agricultural heritage.

One of the region’s most prized crops is the Ramsi tomato, which is native to Saudi Arabia.

It is also the main product of Mohammad Al-Ghawy’s Ramsi Tomato Farm, which spans 45,000 sq. meters in Al-Awamiyah and produces other seasonal delights including local watermelon and cantaloupe.

Ramsi tomatoes have been a staple in Qatif for centuries due to the region’s significant role as a major agricultural producer. (AN photo by Hind Alkhunaizi)

The succulent tomatoes are celebrated nationwide for their vibrant color, firm texture, and sweet-tangy flavor.

They are grown using traditional farming methods, which involve careful nurturing and attention to detail.

Saeed Sulail, a farmer from Qatif, told Arab News: “In terms of the harvest, the growing season lasts for more than three months, from December to the beginning of April.”

FASTFACTS

• The succulent tomatoes are celebrated nationwide for their vibrant color, firm texture, and sweet-tangy flavor.

• Despite their popularity, production faces challenges, including climate change, desertification, water scarcity, and soil degradation.

He added: “If we add the duration of planting seeds and nurseries (the greenhouses), it is approximately eight months. The soil in Qatif is enriched with nutrients and minerals that foster robust growth.”

He highlighted the importance of proper fertilization. “These are the industrial fertilizers that trees and plants need to grow well, but they must be in specific ratios for each stage of the plant’s life.”

The result of this labor of love is a delicious product packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

Ramsi tomatoes have been a staple in Qatif for centuries due to the region’s significant role as a major agricultural producer. Their popularity has spread throughout the Kingdom, making them a staple in many Saudi households.

Today, Qatif remains the primary producer of Ramsi tomatoes, with many local farms dedicating their land to their cultivation. Ramsi tomatoes hold a special place in Saudi culture, particularly during the summer months when they are in season.

They are often served as a refreshing side dish, sliced and dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper.

In many households, Ramsi tomatoes are used in traditional dishes including salads, stews and sauces, as well as the famous Saudi Arabia dish, Kabsa, which consists of meat, spices and vegetables.

Despite their popularity, production faces challenges, including climate change, desertification, water scarcity, and soil degradation.

Local farmers and authorities are working together to implement sustainable farming practices, such as drip irrigation and crop rotation.

 


Kiswa on display at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Updated 07 February 2025
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Kiswa on display at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

  • Offers unique perspective of Kiswa manufacture and phases of Islamic art over centuries

JEDDAH: The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, at King Abdul Aziz International Airport’s Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, is hosting a unique event where the Kaaba’s complete Kiswa is being displayed for the first time outside Makkah.

This exceptional experience at the biennale’s “Al-Bidaya” (The Beginning) section, offers visitors an opportunity to examine the aesthetics of Islamic craftsmanship, in particular the Kiswa’s gold and silver embroidery.

The display of the Kiswa is a part of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s efforts to promote awareness of the rich history and cultural legacy of Islamic art, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The biennale offers an immersive journey in the making of the Kiswa, including the selection of the finest silk, hand-weaving, as well as the gold and silver embroidery. (SPA)

The biennale offers an immersive journey in the making of the Kiswa, including the selection of the finest silk, hand-weaving, as well as the gold and silver embroidery.

Additionally, the biennale is screening a film outlining the evolution of the Kiswa across different eras and the artistic techniques used in its ornamentation, narrating a story of innovation and dedication over centuries, the SPA reported.

It also has a selection of rare artifacts from Makkah and Madinah, alongside contemporary artworks that highlight the spiritual aspects of Islamic art.

The “Al-Bidaya” section offers an interactive experience that blends visual and auditory elements, through light shows and soundscapes, that unveil the symbolic meanings behind the Kiswa’s inscriptions and ornamentation.

The display of the Kiswa not only showcases its artistic beauty but also highlights Saudi Arabia’s leading role in serving the two holy mosques.

This show serves as a significant milestone in the exploration of Islamic art, spreading cultural awareness and deepening appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the making of the Kiswa, the SPA reported.

 


Saudi forces conclude military exercises

Prince Turki laid the foundation stone for the first expansion of the center. (SPA)
Updated 07 February 2025
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Saudi forces conclude military exercises

  • Prince Turki highlighted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the Air Warfare Center in 2019, with a vision to make it a world-class facility

RIYADH: The Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force Lt. Gen. Prince Turki bin Bandar attended the closing ceremony of the “Victory Spears 2025” exercise at the Air Warfare Center in Dhahran on Thursday.

The exercise involved the Saudi Armed Forces, Ministry of National Guard, Presidency of State Security, National Cybersecurity Authority, and forces from 15 nations.

Prince Turki also laid the foundation stone for the first expansion of the center, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exercise included various air and maritime operations, demonstrating a high level of readiness in planning, preparation and execution by the armed forces, the SPA added.

Prince Turki highlighted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the Air Warfare Center in 2019, with a vision to make it a world-class facility.

Prince Turki emphasized the inclusion of cyber warfare as a new dimension of the exercise, underscoring the air force’s commitment to developing the center.

He thanked Saud Arabia’s leadership for continuing to support initiatives that have enabled the Royal Saudi Air Force to achieve the highest levels of combat readiness.