Saudi pavilion draws crowds at Cairo book fair

A highlight of the corner is the daily distribution of hundreds of copies of the Holy Qur’an, printed in various sizes by the King Fahd complex in Madinah. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 28 January 2025
Follow

Saudi pavilion draws crowds at Cairo book fair

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair has attracted significant visitor numbers since opening on Jan. 23.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ corner at the pavilion is showcasing its efforts to serve Muslims in line with Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A highlight of the corner is the daily distribution of hundreds of copies of the Holy Qur’an, printed in various sizes by the King Fahd complex in Madinah.

Visitors have been captivated by interactive displays detailing advanced Qur’an printing technologies, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving and spreading the Holy Qur’an globally, the SPA reported.




Visitors have been captivated by interactive displays detailing advanced Qur’an printing technologies (SPA)

The ministry’s corner also features rare historical Islamic manuscripts, highlighting works of jurists, linguists and scholars.

A 3D virtual Hajj and Umrah app offers a step-by-step guide to sacred rituals, while digital services like the Rushd and Correct Quotation apps enhance the visitor experience.

Many attendees have praised the ministry’s efforts, expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Muslims, according to the SPA.

The fair, organized by the Egyptian General Book Organization, is hosting 1,345 publishers from 80 countries. It runs until Feb. 5.




A 3D virtual Hajj and Umrah app offers a step-by-step guide to sacred rituals (SPA)

 


KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

Updated 4 sec ago
Follow

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

  • Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food baskets to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In Bangladesh’s Bagerhat district, 100 packages were distributed to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.

In Djibouti, 900 parcels supported 5,400 people in Balbala, while 581 parcels were distributed in Western Beqaa, Lebanon, benefiting 2,900 individuals.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of over SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 1,200 baskets in Khartoum, Sudan, benefiting 8,670 people. The project will also distribute 30,000 parcels to displaced people returning home in several Sudanese states.

In Somalia, 600 clothing kits were provided to vulnerable families in Hargeisa, benefiting 3,600 individuals. This is part of the shelter assistance project for displaced and affected people in the country.


New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance

Updated 33 min 48 sec ago
Follow

New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance

  • The platform educates visitors on performing rituals according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad in an interactive format

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched an awareness platform on its website, offering 180 educational topics for pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.

The platform educates visitors on performing rituals according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad in an interactive format, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It focuses on essential topics, addresses pilgrims’ needs and enhances their spiritual journey at Islam’s holiest sites, the SPA added.

The platform includes 580 minutes of videos, 365 presentations and 220 educational designs. It is organized into four learning tracks and 12 educational journeys for a comprehensive experience.

Content is available in eight languages, including English, French, Persian, Indonesian and Hausa, the SPA reported.

The platform allows users to progress through learning stages in a structured way, with progress statistics to motivate further learning. It can be accessed at learn.haj.gov.sa.


Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

Updated 18 March 2025
Follow

Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

  • Initiative part of government’s efforts to improve quality of life, enhance standard of living

RIYADH: The Saudi leadership has approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries as part of an aid initiative during the holy month of Ramadan.

Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme will address the needs of beneficiary families and fulfill their requirements during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Over SR3 billion will be given as follows: each breadwinner will receive SR1,000, and each dependent in the household will receive SR500. The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries on Tuesday, March 18, the SPA said.

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for helping to provide citizens with a decent livelihood.

The initiative is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to improve the quality of life and enhance the standard of living for social security beneficiaries, especially during Ramadan, the SPA added.


Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

Updated 18 March 2025
Follow

Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

  • Number iftar meals provided during Ramadan to has increased this year due to growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims at Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, officials say

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.

The authority said the number of iftar meals it provides during Ramadan to pilgrims performing Umrah, and other visitors to the mosques, has increased this year due to growth in the number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The food is served in designated iftar areas at the mosques, in adherence with strict health standards to ensure the safety of worshippers, it added.

In the run-up to the holy month, the authority introduced an online service through which individuals, charitable organizations and endowments could submit requests to donate iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, the SPA added.


Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia are awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. SPA
Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

  • Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia were awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. 

Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji awarded the sashes on the directive of King Salman, SPA added.