Latest news with #AbdullatifAl-Sheikh
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Minister Al-Sheikh directs to shorten time between adhan and iqamah in Makkah mosques
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh has directed the ministry's Makkah region branch to instruct imams and muezzins at mosques to reduce the waiting time between adhan (call for prayer) and iqamah (second call for prayer) during the Hajj season. The minister's directive covered all mosques frequented by pilgrims in Makkah, especially those in the central area and at the holy sites. The ministry stated that the waiting time between adhan and iqamah would be 15 minutes for Fajr, 10 minutes for Dhuhr and Asr, five minutes for Maghrib, and 10 minutes for Isha. The move aimed to ease worshippers' experience, enhance their comfort and focus, and help reduce congestion in the central area and near the holy sites.
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims flock to Saudi Arabia from all over world, with their number crosses 1.25 million by Wednesday
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports announced that a total of 1,255,199 pilgrims have arrived from abroad through all of the Kingdom's entry ports by the end of Wednesday. Of these, 1,186,810 pilgrims entered via airports, 63,301 through land ports, and 5,088 arrived by sea. The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating smooth and efficient entry procedures for the pilgrims by equipping its platforms with the latest technological systems, operated by qualified personnel fluent in multiple languages. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance announced the arrival of the second batch of guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit for the year 2025, totaling 1,053 male and female pilgrims from 76 countries around the world. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and General Supervisor of the Program Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh welcomed the guests, emphasizing that hosting them in Saudi Arabia embodies the wise leadership's keenness to care for delegations from the Islamic nation and to present a civilized model of warm welcome, generous hospitality, and integrated organization. The Acting Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba inspected the passports department at the Jadidat Arar border crossing to assess the services provided to pilgrims and facilitate their entry procedures. Maj. Gen. Al-Murabba urged the border crossing staff to provide exceptional service and do their utmost to serve the guests of God. The visit is part of an inspection tour to ensure the readiness of land, sea, and air ports to receive the guests of God. The Saudi authorities are making finishing touches to their preparations at the holy sites to facilitate the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. Acting CEO of the General Authority for Roads Eng. Badr Al-Dulaimi inspected the innovations of flexible rubber roads and road cooling at the holy sites on Wednesday. These are among the most important innovations offered to serve pilgrims at the holy sites. The flexible rubber roads innovation provides flexible roads made from recycled tires, which contributes to providing highly flexible roads that absorb shocks and stresses for pilgrims. The road cooling innovation reflects sunlight, thus reducing road surface temperatures. During his tour, Eng. Al-Dulaimi inspected a number of road projects in the Makkah region that contribute to serving pilgrims, ensuring their safety and quality. The Ministry of Tourism revealed a huge increase in the number of hospitality facilities that have obtained the necessary licenses to operate in Makkah to serve the pilgrims. The number of licensed facilities has reached more than 1,160, recording a growth rate of 54 percent during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Leaders
25-03-2025
- Climate
- Leaders
Eid Al Fitr 2025: Prayers to Start 15 Minutes after Sunrise
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, stated that Eid Al Fitr prayers will take place 15 minutes after sunrise at the allocated locations, according to Gulf News. The minister explained that prayers will be also held in mosques, except for those adjacent to Eid prayer grounds. As for towns and villages, mosques that are not typically used for Eid prayers will not hold prayers and residents will gather at local prayer grounds instead. According to the ministry's instructions, maintenance and operations companies will ensure mosques' preparedness for the occasion. Importantly, designated imams will lead the Eid Al Fitr prayer 15 minutes after sunrise, according to the Umm Al Qura calendar, across all regions. In case of rainfall, prayers should be conducted inside designated mosques in order to ensure the safety and comfort of worshippers and provide them with a calm, spiritual environment. Recently, the ministry ramped up preparations to ensure that all mosques and open-air prayer areas are fully prepared for the Eid Al Fitr prayer. For example, the ministry directed mosques to strictly implement hygiene protocols such as cleaning and sterilization. Furthermore, mosques carried out maintenance work on electrical systems, air conditioning, as well as audio equipment. Related Topics: Eid Al Fitr Vacation in Saudi Arabia for Students, Teachers Starts Thursday Saudi Arabia celebrates Eid Al Fitr with a host of traditions Saudi GEA Unveils Eid Al-Fitr 2025 Events Short link :
Saudi Gazette
24-03-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Islamic Affairs Minister: Eid Al-Fitr prayer to be held 15 minutes after sunrise
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh has directed the ministry's branches across the Kingdom to hold the Eid Al-Fitr prayer in all designated Eid prayer grounds 15 minutes after sunrise. The prayers will also take place in all mosques, except those adjacent to Eid prayer grounds and those not frequented for the Eid prayer in certain villages and towns, as residents will use their local Eid prayer grounds instead. The minister's directives instruct early preparation for the Eid prayer throughout the Kingdom, ensuring that all necessary services at prayer areas, including maintenance, cleanliness, and operation, are in place to provide a comfortable and tranquil experience. Currently, the Kingdom hosts 19,887 mosques and prayer grounds, all of which have been fully prepared with carpeting, maintenance, and cleanliness, adhering to the highest quality standards to create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Leaders
14-03-2025
- General
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Revives Historic Mosques: 60 Restored Under Crown Prince Vision
Saudi Arabia has successfully restored 60 historic mosques across all 13 regions under Prince Mohammed bin Salman's development initiative. Officials announced this milestone during a Riyadh review meeting on Tuesday, marking the project's halfway point toward rehabilitating 130 treasured mosques. The meeting outlined governance frameworks, phased implementation, and partnerships with government, nonprofit, and private sectors. Launched in 2018, the project blends architectural preservation with modern upgrades, reviving mosques as active worship and community hubs. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's oversight ensures unprecedented financial and institutional support, honoring the mosques' Islamic, cultural, and historical significance. Community Revival Through Heritage Preservation Restored mosques now feature enhanced capacities, women's prayer areas, and improved amenities while retaining original designs. Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, Islamic Affairs Minister, stressed the project's role in reigniting mosques as spiritual and social landmarks. Hani Al-Muqbil, steering committee head, highlighted a five-pillar strategy: architectural conservation, neighborhood revitalization, private-sector partnerships, public awareness, and systemic collaboration. Dr. Jasser Al-Harbash, Heritage Commission CEO, confirmed rigorous restoration standards and scientific methods to safeguard Saudi Arabia's Islamic legacy. The commission prioritizes mosques linked to the Prophet's biography, integrating historical integrity with modern functionality. Development aligns with Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global heritage guardian. Cultural Renaissance and Neighborhood Renewal Revitalized mosques have sparked economic and cultural revival in surrounding areas, fostering community cohesion. Saudi engineers and heritage experts lead restoration, ensuring adherence to Islamic architectural identity. With 70 mosques remaining, the project advances toward its 2030 completion, cementing Saudi Arabia's status as a cradle of Islamic civilization. 'This initiative bridges our rich past with a dynamic future,' said Al-Muqbil. 'Every restored mosque narrates Saudi Arabia's enduring legacy to the world.' Short link :
