RIYADH: A visiting Kuwaiti delegation has praised Saudi Arabia for collecting and preserving various heritage items at the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center in Riyadh.
The delegation, led by Kuwait’s Education Minister Bader Al-Essa, was given a tour of the center by Saleh Al-Obaid, director general of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center’s visitor relations department, which included eight halls reflecting the history of the Arabian Peninsula.
These include Man and Universe, Ancient Arab Kingdoms, Pre-Islam, Prophetic Mission, Islam and the Arabian Peninsula, First and Second Saudi States, Kingdom Unification, and Haj and the Two Holy Mosques.
Al-Essa said Saudi Arabia should be commended for doing this work. He was presented with a gift of Al-Mosnad calligraphy by the center.
Kuwaiti praise for Saudi heritage collection
Kuwaiti praise for Saudi heritage collection
Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan
- Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
- Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month
ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.
While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.
Meteorological readiness
As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.
NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.
To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.
The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.
