JEDDAH: Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq has applauded the services rendered by his country’s Haj volunteers to the guests of God last year and pledged full support to them.
His comment came during the Pakistan Haj Voluneers’ Group (PHVG) certificate distribution ceremony recently in Jeddah which was also attended by Consul General Shehryar Akbar Khan.
More than 800 Haj volunteers from different parts of the Kingdom were given certificates recognizing their services.
“Assisting the pilgrims is our religious responsibility and those who participate in this noble act would be rewarded by Allah Almighty,” the envoy said.
Haq said the Haj volunteers’ efforts in this regard have helped the Pakistani Haj Mission in many ways. Islamabad is doing its level best to ensure a safe and convenient Haj for all Pakistani pilgrims each year, he said.
Haq said the Pakistani government would provide the volunteers with shelter and security to ensure best possible output during the Haj seasons.
He advised the volunteers to be well disciplined and urged them to respect the Kingdom’s laws and to follow them strictly.
Speaking at the event, DG Haj Sajid Yosufani said it was an honor for him to render his services to pilgrims in the land of the Two Holy Mosques.
“Prior to their arrival in the Kingdom, the pilgrims are offered training courses. Once they land in the Kingdom, the Haj volunteers make sure they perform all the rituals without hassle,” he said.
He thanked the Saudi Haj Ministry for its cooperation to Pakistani Haj Mission.
Community leaders, including PHVG coordinator Salman Araayn and director Haj Syed Imtiaz Shah also attended the ceremony. Prof. Wasim Bukhari moderated the event.
A short documentary highlighting the PHVG contributions during last year’s Haj was shown to the large number of Pakistanis present at the event.
Pak envoy hails volunteers’ services to Haj pilgrims
Pak envoy hails volunteers’ services to Haj pilgrims
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
