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Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj

Ministry of Interior is supporting families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with humanitarian program reflecting leadership’s commitment to citizens. (SPA)
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Ministry of Interior is supporting families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with humanitarian program reflecting leadership’s commitment to citizens. (SPA)
Ministry of Interior is supporting families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with humanitarian program reflecting leadership’s commitment to citizens. (SPA)
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Ministry of Interior is supporting families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with humanitarian program reflecting leadership’s commitment to citizens. (SPA)
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Updated 09 June 2025

Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj

Ministry of Interior is supporting families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with humanitarian program.
  • A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense
  • Psychological, medical and social care is provided to relatives of martyrs and injured personnel throughout the year

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior, through the Agency for Military Affairs, is supporting the families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with a humanitarian program reflecting the leadership’s commitment to citizens.

A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense, along with providing psychological, medical and social care throughout the year.

One beneficiary speaking from Mina, Ibrahim bin Abdulkarim Al-Zahrani — injured in the line of duty and brother to two martyrs — expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s support.

He said such care reassures families that the Kingdom stands by them and gives them strength to continue serving, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Al-Zahrani added that the ministry’s efforts, under Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, represent the state’s respect for the sacrifices of martyrs and its commitment to their families.

Chief Sgt. Salem Al-Qahtani of the General Department for the Care of Martyrs and Injured Families shared his 14-year experience serving the group, highlighting the department’s close, familial bond with their families.

“We have followed the children of the martyrs since their early years, watching them grow — some are now our colleagues, while others are performing Hajj through this program under the leadership’s close supervision,” he said.

The department develops support programs for beneficiaries, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to honoring those who gave their lives for the nation and continuing support for their families.

It also reflects the leadership’s approach to supporting citizens and honoring the sacrifices of martyrs.


Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh
Updated 6 sec ago

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Kuuru, an ambitious Saudi concept from Leylaty Group and Peru’s MCK Hospitality, delivers on its promise of a vibrant fusion of Peruvian passion and Japanese precision.

The experience begins upon entry. The interior is undeniably sophisticated, radiating a chic, fine-dining ambiance perfect for a special culinary journey. 

Visiting the Riyadh branch located in the King Abdullah Financial District, the service was impeccable, significantly elevating the evening. Our server was a knowledgeable guide, tailoring recommendations and orchestrating a seamless flow of dishes.

The culinary adventure started strong. The Kuuru ceviche was a standout, incredibly fresh and complex. Be advised: Its vibrant acidity is boldly and intensely sour, a hallmark purists adore but some palates might find assertive.

The hotate aburi offered rich, creamy scallop perfection. The tiradito hotate, featuring luxurious Hokkaido scallops and truffle, delivered exquisite flavor, though a touch more textural contrast (perhaps a crisp element) would have elevated its otherwise soft composition. 

The Nikkei-style nigiri maintained excellence. The nakka truffle (salmon belly) was beautifully balanced and simple, while the wagyu a lo pobre with the quail egg added to the umami experience.

The niku karashi main course featured a succulent grilled ribeye, perfectly complemented by Nikkei chimichurri and Japanese sweet mustard atop smooth potato puree.

Dessert provided a satisfying finale. The Lima chocoreto combined moist chocolate cake with Peruvian manjar (dulce de leche), ganache, and honeycomb — rich yet not cloying.

The signature Aka sour cocktail proved a vibrant companion throughout but may have been overpowering on the palate, especially with the already sour element to the dishes I ordered. 

My verdict is that Kuuru offers a compelling, multisensory Nikkei experience within Riyadh’s upscale dining scene. While the ceviche’s sourness is authentic and the tiradito hotate could benefit from added texture, these are minor notes in an otherwise superb symphony. 

Backed by stellar service, a distinctive menu, and an elegant setting, Kuuru is a must-visit destination for adventurous food lovers seeking memorable fusion.
 


Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze
Updated 50 min 2 sec ago

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze
  • Ornate balconies symbolize ֱ’s architectural heritage and climatic ingenuity

RIYADH: In the heart of Al-Wajh’s historic old town, the rawasheen — ornately carved wooden balconies — are enduring symbols of ֱ’s architectural heritage and climatic ingenuity.

These elegant, protruding structures once lined the homes of coastal residents, offering more than aesthetic beauty, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.

Adorned with intricate arabesque patterns and interlocking geometric designs, the rawasheen served a vital function: cooling homes in the sweltering summer heat.

Their design allows outside air to circulate freely while shielding interiors from direct sunlight, functioning as a natural ventilation system long before modern air conditioning.

The ornate balconies in the heart of the historic Al-Wajh governorate symbolize the Kingdom’s architectural heritage. (SPA)

During the height of the summer, they transformed into protective barriers that welcomed Red Sea breezes and offered shade and comfort to residents, the SPA report explained.

The old town of Al-Wajh, with its preserved port, ancient walls, castles, and historic buildings, remains a testament to the region’s building techniques and rich heritage.

Once known as the port of Hegra (Madaen Saleh), Al-Wajh’s strategic location on the northern Red Sea coast played a key role in shaping its cultural and architectural legacy.
 

The ornate balconies in the heart of the historic Al-Wajh governorate symbolize the Kingdom’s architectural heritage. (SPA)

 


GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM
Updated 21 min 45 sec ago

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi was received by Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya at the ministry’s headquarters in Kuwait on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint efforts to advance the collaborative Gulf process as well as the latest regional and international developments, the general secretariat said in a report.

They also reviewed topics on the agenda for the upcoming 165th session of the GCC Ministerial Council of Foreign Ministers of the Cooperation Council states, scheduled for early September.


 


Developing countries must get help to access global markets, says Saudi minister

Developing countries must get help to access global markets, says Saudi minister
Updated 06 August 2025

Developing countries must get help to access global markets, says Saudi minister

Developing countries must get help to access global markets, says Saudi minister
  • Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji was speaking in Turkmenistan at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
  • He also holds talks with Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs

RIYADH: ֱ’s deputy foreign minister, Waleed Elkhereiji emphasized the Kingdom’s support for the global economy during a speech on Wednesday in Awaza, Turkmenistan, at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

He stressed the important need to provide assistance for such countries so that they can more easily access global markets, and as a result enhance their security, stability and sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Elkhereiji also highlighted the importance of international collaborations and strategic partnerships in efforts to achieve global economic stability and sustainable development, particularly in landlocked developing countries, and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to global economic challenges and obstacles to trade and development.

ֱ aims to help implement global plans for sustainable development through smart investments and projects in line with the goals of the nation’s own Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, he added, while also supporting cooperation between countries through its membership of international organizations.

Also on Wednesday, Elkhereiji held talks with Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, about cooperation, and regional and international developments.


Saudi agencies hold training workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship

Saudi agencies hold training workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship
Updated 06 August 2025

Saudi agencies hold training workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship

Saudi agencies hold training workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the Social Development Bank, launched a series of specialized training workshops for members of the local community, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The initiative is part of the authority’s community empowerment programs aimed at enhancing economic skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting individuals’ aspirations for financial independence and professional sustainability. 

A series of workshops — titled “Financial Freedom,” “Your First Steps Toward Entrepreneurship,” “Freelancing: Your Future Project,” and “Franchising: Promising Opportunities to Enter the Market” — will be held from Aug.10-13. 

All workshops will be held remotely via the Zoom platform, with registration available through the following links: “Financial Freedom” (https://2u.pw/uPm69), “Your First Steps Toward Entrepreneurship” (https://2u.pw/XFuEk), “Freelancing: Your Future Project” (https://2u.pw/KMEET), and “Franchising: Promising Opportunities to Enter the Market” (https://2u.pw/ky3jz). 

These workshops are part of the authority’s efforts to maximize the social and economic impact of the reserve through effective partnerships with developmental entities, foremost among them the Social Development Bank. 

The goal is to empower local community members with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage in freelancing and entrepreneurial fields.