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Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims via its YouTube channel. (Screenshot)
º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims via its YouTube channel. (Screenshot)
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Updated 02 June 2025

Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering religious programming to serve pilgrims.
  • Digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, SPA said

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has intensified its digital broadcasting output throughout the current Hajj season, delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims and global Muslim audiences via its official YouTube channel.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry’s digital strategy features four daily lectures in three distinct programs: “Barnamaj Dahawi†(Religious Program), “Khayr Al-Ayyam†(Best of Days) and the fourth iteration of “Hajj Talk,†with broadcasts continuing through 13/12/1446 AH (June 9, 2025).

“Religious Program†episodes are broadcast twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while “Best of Days†airs at 4 p.m. The flagship “Hajj Talk†program concludes the daily schedule at 6 p.m. This systematic approach shows the ministry’s commitment to harnessing contemporary digital platforms, aligning with technological progress while amplifying the reach and impact of Islamic messaging. The live streaming format enables real-time engagement with audiences domestic and international audiences.

The daily programming addresses themes relevant to the pilgrimage season, including detailed explanations of Hajj purposes and legal rulings, the spiritual significance of righteous deeds during the days of Dhul-Hijjah, and proper conduct during sacred rituals.

“Hajj Talk†distinguishes itself by focusing on prophetic values, delivered through modern presentation methods while extracting practical guidance from the Prophet Mohammed’s pilgrimage example.

According to SPA, digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, supporting its broader mission to promote religious moderation and ensure universal access to authentic Islamic content. It allows pilgrims and viewers worldwide to access religious guidance regardless of location or time constraints.

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Palestinian and Montenegrin PMs arrive in Riyadh for FII9

Palestinian and Montenegrin PMs arrive in Riyadh for FII9
Updated 9 sec ago

Palestinian and Montenegrin PMs arrive in Riyadh for FII9

Palestinian and Montenegrin PMs arrive in Riyadh for FII9

RIYADH: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic arrived in Riyadh on Saturday ahead of their attendance at the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) conference.

Both leaders were received at King Khalid International Airport by Riyadh Region Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and other senior officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Kingdom arrests 22,613 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 22,613 illegals in one week
Updated 25 October 2025

Kingdom arrests 22,613 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 22,613 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 22,613 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 13,652 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,394 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 4,567 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,699 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 54 percent were Ethiopian, 45 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 35 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 23 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
 


New program to empower youth in traditional arts

New program to empower youth in traditional arts
Updated 25 October 2025

New program to empower youth in traditional arts

New program to empower youth in traditional arts

RIYADH: A new scheme in Jazan is teaching young people traditional craftsmanship and fostering creativity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Crafts Market program is a joint initiative by the Alrowad Youth Association and the Cultural House under the Heritage Commission.

Workshops are led by distinguished local artisans, giving attendees hands-on experience and professional guidance.

The scheme runs until the end of November, with sessions every Friday and Saturday at the Cultural House, the SPA added.

Attendees can explore crafts including pottery, sculpture, painting, candle and perfume making, leatherwork, embroidery, jewelry and accessory production.

In addition to artistic skills, workshops cover practical aspects such as branding and product packaging, helping young people turn their crafts into businesses.

Last week, the Cultural House hosted a pottery-making workshop to revive traditional crafts that reflect the region’s rich heritage.

The course covered the full production cycle, from clay extraction and processing to shaping, firing and glazing, all using eco-friendly materials.

Attendees also learned to identify different clay types, prepare raw materials, implement designs, and build and use a traditional kiln.


Kingdom extends lifesaving medical assistance to Gaza’s young patients

Kingdom extends lifesaving medical assistance to Gaza’s young patients
Updated 25 October 2025

Kingdom extends lifesaving medical assistance to Gaza’s young patients

Kingdom extends lifesaving medical assistance to Gaza’s young patients

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief took the initiative to provide treatment for seven-year-old Eileen Rami Al-Kilani from the Gaza Strip.

Eileen suffers from a critical case of colon cancer requiring urgent medical intervention, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Given the need for specialized treatment unavailable in Gaza, KSrelief arranged and funded her transfer to Jordan.

She began treatment at the King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman, where she is now under the care of a specialized oncology team providing comprehensive support on her journey to recovery.

The child’s family expressed deep appreciation to the leadership and people of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ for this initiative, the SPA reported.

They said that KSrelief’s efforts had given them crucial support and a chance for survival amid the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.

KSrelief recently facilitated a surgical operation for Palestinian child Mira Suhaib Aqqad, who suffered from a congenital heart defect, at the Ministry of National Guard’s King Abdulaziz Medical City.

Mira has since left the Kingdom following a full recovery, supported by comprehensive medical care and follow-up provided by the Saudi leadership.

The child’s family said that º£½ÇÖ±²¥ had extended a helping hand to those in need worldwide and praised the efforts of the Saudi medical staff, which contributed to their daughter’s swift recovery.

Earlier this month, KSrelief initiated the treatment of six-year-old Mohammed Abdullah Al-Kutnan, who suffers from neuroblastoma cancer.

KSrelief responded urgently to his critical condition and facilitated his transfer from the Gaza Strip to Jordan. He is undergoing an intensive treatment program at the King Hussein Cancer Center under the supervision of a specialized medical team closely monitoring his health.

KSrelief also initiated emergency medical treatment for three-year-old Seleen Shadi Abdul Salam from the Gaza Strip. She suffers from acute leukemia, a critical condition requiring urgent intervention, the SPA reported.

KSrelief managed her transport and care at the King Hussein Cancer Center, where medical teams immediately began monitoring her condition and administering treatment according to the highest health standards.

KSrelief is implementing a specialized project to treat cancer patients among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in cooperation with the King Hussein Cancer Center. The project benefits 150 individuals at a cost of more than $3.6 million.


Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors

Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors
Updated 25 October 2025

Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors

Boulevard World brings global cultures to Riyadh Season visitors

RIYADH: As part of Riyadh Season, the China zone at Boulevard World offers visitors a rich journey through Chinese heritage, arts, and traditions.

Designed with traditional Chinese architecture, the area features cultural highlights such as tai chi demonstrations that embody the Chinese philosophy of movement, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.

The zone also includes a tea-tasting pavilion showcasing traditional preparation methods, along with exhibits of traditional clothing and handicrafts from China’s diverse regions.

Meanwhile, the Indonesia zone invites visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Indonesia.

This new destination offers an interactive experience showcasing the country’s diverse heritage, traditional arts, and authentic cuisine, the SPA reported.

The zone features architecture inspired by traditional Indonesian houses, handcrafted goods, and live entertainment, offering visitors a deep experience of Indonesian culture.

The South Korea zone, another new destination in Riyadh Season, offers an immersive cultural experience that reflects the richness of South Korean heritage and civilization.

The attraction is part of efforts to promote cultural diversity and encourage interaction among different peoples, the SPA added.

Visitors can explore key elements of South Korean culture through traditional architecture, artistic performances, authentic cuisine, and shops offering handicrafts and cultural products.

This addition is part of Boulevard World’s expanded lineup for the current Riyadh Season, which features 24 zones representing cultures from around the world.

The Kuwait zone highlights the authentic Kuwaiti identity and pride in its cultural heritage. It welcomes visitors with a design inspired by prominent Kuwaiti landmarks, both historical and modern.

Notable features include recreations of the Kuwait Towers, traditional wooden ships, and old Kuwaiti houses.

The zone offers a comprehensive cultural experience with performances reflecting Kuwaiti folklore, traditional food stalls, and shops displaying local products and handicrafts that embody Kuwait’s cultural identity.

Boulevard World has quickly become a major tourist attraction, captivating both local and international visitors, and cementing its status as one of Riyadh Season’s top destinations, the SPA reported.

On Friday, General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season has attracted 1 million visitors since its launch on Oct. 10.