Hands-on faith: henna tradition inspires first-time fasters in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

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Families gather to decorate their daughters’ hands with henna, encouraging fasting while making it fun and memorable. (SPA)
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Families gather to decorate their daughters’ hands with henna, encouraging fasting while making it fun and memorable. (SPA)
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Families gather to decorate their daughters’ hands with henna, encouraging fasting while making it fun and memorable. (SPA)
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Families gather to decorate their daughters’ hands with henna, encouraging fasting while making it fun and memorable. (SPA)
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Updated 04 March 2025
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Hands-on faith: henna tradition inspires first-time fasters in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

  • These cherished customs are integral to the cultural and social identity of the people in the Northern Borders region

RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, the holy month of Ramadan brings a surge of traditions, including henna painting for young girls fasting for the first time.

Saudi Press Agency reports that families gather to decorate their daughters’ hands with henna, encouraging fasting while making it fun and memorable.




Families gather to decorate their daughters’ hands with henna, encouraging fasting while making it fun and memorable. (SPA)

The festive designs, which are tied to joy and celebration, boost the girls’ enthusiasm and pride as they showcase their decorated hands, strengthening Ramadan’s spirit.

Wejdan Al-Anzi, a resident of Arar, told SPA: “For years, we have made it a tradition to apply henna on our daughters’ hands when they begin fasting.




Families gather to decorate their daughters’ hands with henna, encouraging fasting while making it fun and memorable. (SPA)

“It is a delightful custom that helps children feel connected to the Ramadan spirit shared by the adults around them.”

Afaf Al-Thuwaini also highlighted that this tradition extends beyond mere aesthetics; it cultivates essential religious and social values in children, helping them connect fasting with an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

These cherished customs are integral to the cultural and social identity of the people in the Northern Borders region.

These simple yet meaningful traditions foster a deep appreciation for devotion in children, playing a significant role in shaping their religious and social character.

 


Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

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Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

  • New milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport 
  • Lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded a new historic milestone on Sunday with the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger for year 2025.

The 50 million milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

It also placed KAIA among the world's mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. The figure represents a 1.83 percent growth from 49.1 million passenger arrival recorded in 2024.

"This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at KAIA and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world," the report said.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah. (SPA)

It also underscores the airport's vital role in enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

KAIA serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah.

She was welcomed by the leadership of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion. 

JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar said that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years.