Latest news with #Al-Hamidi
Arab News
06-03-2025
- Arab News
Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram
MAKKAH: Five stations have been set up in the courtyard of Makkah's Grand Mosque for pilgrims to have their heads shaved in the Islamic practice of exiting from the state of ihram. The new service allows pilgrims to shave their head or cut their hair at designated locations. The initiative was introduced for the first time this Ramadan by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. These stations can be relocated as needed during periods of high congestion and are staffed by experienced specialists using sterilized equipment. Mohammed Asiri, a Hajj and Umrah affairs specialist and religious researcher, said that exiting from ihram after completing the Umrah rituals is an essential final step in completing Umrah, where pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair after completing the Sa'i walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa. 'This practice follows the Prophetic Sunnah, as Prophet Mohammed instructed his companions to shave or trim their hair after performing Umrah,' Asiri said. He added that men typically prefer complete shaving, while women need only trim a small portion of their hair. The ritual symbolizes purification and renewal after worship and marks the end of ihram restrictions that began when pilgrims entered the miqat, or boundary, where ihram is required. Fahd Al-Hamidi, who used the service at the Grand Mosque, said the initiative was 'an extension of Saudi Arabia's significant efforts to serve pilgrims from around the world.' He said that the service is just one of thousands provided by Saudi Arabia to simplify the rituals of Umrah performers. Al-Hamidi described the exit from ihram as a joyful moment that brings a sense of relief and spiritual closeness to Allah. He said that this simple procedure carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing renewal and purification from sins and beginning a new page full of faith and piety. The ritual is 'a profound spiritual symbol of submission to Allah's commands and the Prophet's Sunnah,' Al-Hamidi said. 'With these modern solutions, like mobile barbershop units, this important final step of Umrah has become more convenient and efficient for pilgrims.'
Arab News
05-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
SDB hosts training camp for productive families
The Social Development Bank has successfully concluded an initiative to empower productive families in the culinary sector. The 'Almarai Chefs' camp was organized in partnership between SDB — represented by the Dulani Business Center — and Almarai, and ran for five months in Riyadh, supporting 43 participants through 12 expert speakers and 14 specialized consultants. The program provided intensive training and knowledge-building sessions to equip participants with essential marketing and financial skills, enabling them to establish competitive projects in the Saudi market. It also included more than 215 specialized consultations, the development of brand identities for participating businesses, and educational field visits to explore best industrial practices and emerging trends in the culinary industry. Sultan Al-Hamidi, CEO of SDB, said: 'The Almarai Chefs camp exemplifies the effective partnership between the public and private sectors, forming a comprehensive ecosystem to build the capacities of productive families and enable them to develop and manage entrepreneurial ventures. This initiative aligns with SDB's efforts to bridge the gap toward entrepreneurship by providing innovative financial solutions and comprehensive empowerment services, thereby enhancing the sustainability of projects and contributing to a dynamic and diversified economy.' Al-Hamidi added: 'SDB takes pride in having provided over SR2.8 billion ($746.5 million) in financing during 2024 to support more than 76,000 productive families and freelancers across the Kingdom. We also focus on delivering non-financial support, such as training and advisory services, to enhance the capabilities of productive families, enabling them to achieve financial independence and successfully enter the labor market.' Abdullah Al-Badr, CEO of Almarai, said: 'Our partnership with the Social Development Bank has yielded a tangible impact in empowering productive families. The Almarai Chefs camp was centered on fostering innovation in the culinary field, enabling small businesses to achieve growth and sustainability in line with market demands. Additionally, it provided necessary training and facilitated access to sales channels, exhibitions, and events, as well as digital applications, helping these projects expand their reach and create new job opportunities.' SDB is considered a leading institution in empowering productive families and facilitating their transition into entrepreneurship, with the goal of supporting local communities, contributing effectively to the national economy, and achieving sustainable development.
