Saudi Arabia cracks down on non-compliant Umrah transport

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The authority clarified that this campaign is part of its ongoing monitoring efforts to ensure that transport facilities comply with regulations (SPA)
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The authority clarified that this campaign is part of its ongoing monitoring efforts to ensure that transport facilities comply with regulations (SPA)
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Updated 25 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia cracks down on non-compliant Umrah transport

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has apprehended several violators for transporting Umrah performers using non-compliant buses as part of a field control initiative it conducted.

The authority clarified that this campaign is part of its ongoing monitoring efforts to ensure that transport facilities comply with regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The initiative aims to enhance the safety and security of Umrah performers, and the authority has urged all establishments to adhere to the approved regulations.

It emphasized that these campaigns are designed to enhance compliance, elevate service quality, and ensure the safety of transport service users, SPA added.

Recently, the Transport General Authority fined over 400 foreign trucks in several regions of the Kingdom for regulatory offenses.


Saudi ministry supports Balkans Qur’an contest

Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi ministry supports Balkans Qur’an contest

RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, through the religious attache at the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has concluded the preliminary qualifiers for the largest international Holy Qur’an memorization competition in the Balkans.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Islamic Sheikdom in Kosovo and coordinated with the Saudi Embassy in Albania, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

There were 2,350 contestants from 22 countries, including Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Italy, Turkiye, Greece, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Estonia, Belgium, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Belarus and San Marino.

Of these, 160 contestants qualified for the final round, to be held May 8-11 in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, where they will compete in five categories.

The competition offers a total prize pool of SR500,000 ($133,000), with an estimated organization cost of SR1.2 million.

Sheikh Naim Ternava, grand mufti and head of the Islamic Sheikhdom in Kosovo, expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its ongoing support.

He praised the ministry’s various programs aimed at promoting a moderate understanding of Islam and reinforcing the values and teachings of the Holy Qur’an among Muslims in the Balkans, particularly in Kosovo.


Kingdom ensures health, safety for Hajj pilgrims

Updated 21 min 3 sec ago
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Kingdom ensures health, safety for Hajj pilgrims

  • Saudi authority to oversee food, medicine, medical facilities under comprehensive plan

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority is implementing a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of food, medicine, and medical products provided to pilgrims during the Hajj season.

These efforts are being carried out under government directives, reflecting its commitment to serving pilgrims and ensuring their comfort and safety, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The authority will monitor and inspect products under its supervision at air, land, and sea ports of entry for pilgrims, the SPA added.

It will also oversee food and pharmaceutical facilities and medical sites in Makkah and Madinah, as well as seasonal medical facilities affiliated with Hajj affairs offices, in coordination with the Ministry of Health.

In addition, the authority will monitor products arriving via air freight from Hajj affairs offices at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

Its initiatives during the Hajj season include field studies and awareness workshops for staff in approved food preparation kitchens to ensure compliance with health standards to provide safe meals to pilgrims, in collaboration with the municipalities of Makkah and Madinah.

The authority will also deliver multilingual awareness messages and informational programs to pilgrims on food and drug safety, according to the SPA.

The initiatives reflect the authority’s ongoing efforts to deliver optimal regulatory services, enhance coordination with government agencies for a successful Hajj season, and reinforce the Kingdom’s leadership in crowd management.


KSA highlights labor reforms at Cairo conference

Updated 23 min 56 sec ago
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KSA highlights labor reforms at Cairo conference

RIYADH: Abdullah Abuthnain, vice minister of human resources and social development for labor, led Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the 51st Arab Labor Conference, taking place in Cairo until April 26.

The conference brings together labor ministers and representatives of employers and workers from member states of the Arab Labor Organization, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia’s participation reflects its ongoing efforts to support joint Arab initiatives in labor and its key role in fostering trilateral dialogue among governments, employers and workers.

The agenda includes discussions on social policies for economic inclusion, economic cluster strategies for sustainable development, and adapting labor laws to economic and technological changes.

In his speech, Abuthnain highlighted the ministry’s initiatives to develop the Saudi labor market and boost its competitiveness locally and globally, in line with national economic diversification goals.

The Saudi delegation also took part in the 62nd coordination meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs, held on the sidelines of the conference.

GCC labor ministers discussed shared priorities, labor market developments, and enhanced cooperation with international and regional organizations.


Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

Updated 20 April 2025
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Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

  • Tabletop games bring families together for unplugged fun and real connections

RIYADH: In a screen-saturated world where social interactions often shrink to notifications, analog fun is reshaping Saudi leisure. Board games, once dismissed as childish relics, are experiencing a revival across the Kingdom. Whether at home, in cafes, or at traditional majlis gatherings, Saudis are increasingly turning to tabletop games for fun, connection and cultural relevance.

What began as a simple form of entertainment during family nights or holidays has grown into a social phenomenon, with games like Jackaroo, Sequence and locally designed options such as Saudi Deal, Elaab Bel Khames (Play With Five), La Tagool (Don’t say), and Ensan, Hayawan, Khashaabalan (Person, Animal, Nonsense) now staples in Saudi homes.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“It became a trend because people miss real-life connection,” said Roaa Al-Johani. “Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.”

This sentiment is echoed across Saudi homes, where board games have moved from being a once-in-a-while pastime to an essential part of gatherings.

I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way.

Wojoud Aziz

“Board games are a big part of our culture now,” Al-Johani added. “You see them in cafes — some cafes are fully built around them. Every Saudi home probably has either a Jackaroo or a Carrom board, especially after the (pandemic) era.”

During the pandemic, with more people spending time at home and looking for ways to unplug from screens, tabletop games offered a low-tech yet highly engaging alternative.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

Al-Johani shared how her own family embraced this shift: “I come from a family that loves board games to the point that my grandpa has a Jackaroo board in his majlis and invites his friends and neighbors to play. It’s kind of how we bond — when we play, age doesn’t really matter.”

The appeal lies in the shared experience. Unlike video games, which are often isolating or limited to a few players, board games bring people together physically and emotionally.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“Even though I’m a hardcore gamer, I still prefer board games sometimes,” she said. “It’s really about the people you’re with — not just the game. The vibes, the laughs, the face-to-face time … it just feels more real.”

Norah Shobili, who recently tried Jackaroo, was similarly surprised by how engaging it was. “I used to think it was a kid’s game because they were the only ones playing it, but once I learned it, it was genuinely fun!”

People miss real-life connection. Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.

Roaa Al-Johani

More than the gameplay itself, Shobili highlighted the intergenerational aspect of local games. “‏Back when Monopoly was the trend, kids wouldn’t play with elderly, because they’re kids they don’t know how to play, but with Jackaroo you see the elders team up with the young ones because they’re very good!”

CaptioA retro-style football board game draws family members together in an evening of lighthearted rivalry. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)n

Wojoud Aziz said that Saudi-made games resonate deeply with local culture: “They speak our language — literally. The humor, the names, the style — it all feels like home. You can tell they’re made by people who understand our culture and how we hang out.”

According to Aziz, board games are now a fixture in Saudi social life. “They weren’t always this big, but now? They’re part of the plan. I always see people playing them during family gatherings or chill hangouts.

A traditional Saudi game night with a personal twist — pastel-colored Hello Kitty cards meet local wooden game boards in a nostalgic, floor-style setup. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

“It gets super competitive but in a fun way, and everyone’s into it — even those who don’t usually play games.”

While most local games focus on fun, she believes there is more to them than meets the eye. “Some games really push you to focus, plan ahead and even read other players’ vibes. It’s low-key educational, too, but without making it feel like school, you know?”

Casual dominos outdoors. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The social value of these games is clear. “Board games have the advantage of being present with your family — if not verbally then at least physically,” Shobili said. “The whole family in one room, and as long as whoever you call will answer, that’s more than enough to spend quality time for me. It’s more about being there rather than doing something or talking.”

She also believes that Saudi game developers can take creative liberties, as long as they do not lose what matters most. “As long as they preserve the spirit of gatherings — being able to play as a big group regardless of age — they can develop however they want.”

That inclusivity is crucial. “Not all international games are translatable,” she said.

Looking ahead, both players and creators hope to see more storytelling and cultural depth in locally made games. “I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way,” Aziz said. “Something that mixes nostalgia with creativity — and hopefully goes global.”

As Saudis seek richer, more engaging ways to connect with friends and family, board games have become more than just entertainment — they are a bridge between generations, a spark for laughter, and a reason to put phones down and just be present.

 


The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans

Updated 20 April 2025
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The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans

  • As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province has, historically, been a hub for the making of gold jewelry. Families in Al-Ahsa and Qatif have been passing down this intricate art for centuries, forging the region’s cultural identity and fueling its commerce.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid the Kingdom’s economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Mohammed Al-Hamad, former head of the Gold and Jewelry Committee at the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared insights into the historical development of this profession in an interview with the SPA.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid  economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft. (SPA)

Al-Hamad comes from a long line of jewelry manufacturers and gold traders. He described the traditional methods of shaping gold using rudimentary tools to create distinctive jewelry. He explained that the traditional goldsmithing process began with melting gold in a crucible over hot coals using a leather bellows, followed by shaping it with a hammer and anvil, the essential tools of the trade.

According to Al-Hamad, early goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops, selling their creations, and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons.

Some even traveled extensively to trade in used gold, silver, and the gold embroidery of traditional cloaks (bisht), using scales and traditional weight measurements before the widespread adoption of the gram system.

FASTFACT

Early Saudi goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons.

Transactions were often based on trust, with gold frequently sold on credit or entrusted to the goldsmith for repair or modification.

This change has sparked customer demand for unique designs, encouraging jewelers to use advanced machinery to innovate. (SPA)

Al-Hamad recalled that, as a child, he accompanied his father to purchase a 10-tola gold ingot —about 116 grams — for SR 600, a hefty sum back then.

He also mentioned a remarkable relic of the craft’s storied past — a legal document more than 200 years old recording the sale of a gold sandal, a testament to the artistry’s deep roots in the Eastern Province.

Artisans, he said, often crafted their own specialized tools and displayed their finished pieces in a traditional box known as a matbakah.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid  economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft. (SPA)

As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting. Some opened shops, workshops, or even factories, while others pursued opportunities in national companies or government positions.

Al-Hamad sees his generation as a bridge, connecting the days of pure handcrafting to a new era of gold trading and specialized workshops.

Jaafar Al-Nasser, a young electrical engineering graduate from the US, chose to carry forward his family’s goldsmithing legacy, the SPA reported.

He has built a factory packed with cutting-edge technology. Al-Nasser said that the gold and jewelry industry has transformed dramatically, shaped by economic, cultural, and social shifts, particularly greater exposure to international cultures.

This change has sparked customer demand for unique designs, encouraging jewelers to use advanced machinery to innovate.

Al-Nasser said soaring gold prices have hit the industry hard. Larger pieces are costlier to craft, pushing designers to create lightweight jewelry. This focus on minimal weight is a core goal for today’s manufacturers, he noted — a delicate balance of artistry and practicality driving this traditional craft forward.