Poland mufti, Syrian minister visit Qur’an complex in Madinah

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The grand mufti of Poland and head of the Supreme Council of the Muslim Religious Association, Tomasz Miskiewicz, toured the complex’s facilities and sections. (SPA)
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Syria’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abdul-Sattar Al-Sayyed praised the Saudi government's efforts to help print, publish and educate people on the Holy Qur’an. (SPA)
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Updated 24 December 2023
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Poland mufti, Syrian minister visit Qur’an complex in Madinah

  • Polish mufti visited the Quba Mosque, along with several historical and archaeological sites
  • Syria’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abdul-Sattar Al-Sayyed praised the great Saudi efforts to help print, publish and educate people on the Holy Qur’an

RIYADH: The grand mufti of Poland and head of the Supreme Council of the Muslim Religious Association, Tomasz Miskiewicz, recently visited the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah and met with the secretary-general of the complex, Atef bin Ibrahim Al-Olayan.

During his visit, he toured the complex’s facilities and sections, where he reviewed various publications and statistics related to printing the Holy Qur’an.

Miskiewicz also visited the Quba Mosque, along with several historical and archaeological sites.

The grand mufti acknowledged the substantial efforts undertaken by the government of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the service of the Holy Qur’an through its printing and distribution.

He emphasized that this endeavor aimed at serving Islam and Muslims globally by disseminating the Holy Qur’an stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and international cooperation, a message it has upheld since its foundation.

The spouse of the grand mufti of Poland, a member of the publishing house of the Polish Muslim Religious Union, Barbara Miskiewicz, said that visiting the Qur’an printing complex is a unique and astonishing experience.




The spouse of the grand mufti of Poland, Barbara Miskiewicz, pointed the progress Saudi Arabia has witnessed since her last visit in 2018. (SPA)

She stated that the complex contributes to the dissemination of the Qur’an worldwide in various languages.

On her second visit to the Kingdom having previously spent time in Saudi Arabia in 2018, she also commended the country’s urban renaissance.

Comparing the two visits, she observed the implementation of numerous new regulations by the Kingdom’s leadership to realize the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

She expressed her wishes for the Kingdom’s success in its extensive efforts to serve Islam, Muslims, pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abdul-Sattar Al-Sayyed also visited the complex and praised the great efforts of the Saudi government to help print, publish and educate people on the Holy Qur’an.

He also commended the Kingdom’s endeavors in serving the Two Holy Mosques and its commitment to ensuring the comfort of pilgrims and visitors.


Lucia festival lights up Swedish Embassy in Riyadh

Updated 11 December 2025
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Lucia festival lights up Swedish Embassy in Riyadh

RIYADH: A celebration of light and traditional choir singing illuminated the Swedish Embassy in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter on Wednesday evening for the country’s Lucia festival.

Based on ancient pre-Christian traditions intertwined with the story of Saint Lucy, who is depicted wearing a crown of candles, the festival is cherished for bringing some respite from the dark Scandinavian winter.

The Riyadh embassy hosted a number of dignitaries and members of the Swedish community in Saudi Arabia, with catering provided by Ikea.

Swedish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Petra Menander spoke to Arab News about the significance of the festival.

“It's a very, very old tradition that leads back to our peasant times when we needed to fight the darkness with light,” she said.

“And so we actually adopted an old tradition from Italy where Lucia comes with light in her hair and that made us all feel very, very comfortable.

“And it’s something that we actually celebrate just as much as the other holidays, like Christmas or so on. It’s inescapable, at all schools, everywhere.”

Holding the festival in Riyadh was particularly special as it not only brought a glimpse of Swedish culture to Saudi Arabia, but also helped Swedish nationals living in the Kingdom reconnect with their homeland.

“I think it’s a very nice way to bring Swedish culture overseas, but it’s also a nice way of getting the Swedish community together,” said Menander.

“We just have many people who come from mixed backgrounds and they’re very happy that they can introduce their children to this tradition even if they’re living very far away from Sweden. So, it’s a very warm feeling for me.”