Latest news with #Darah
Arab News
20-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, has released a new book on the history of the adhan (call to prayer) and biographies of the muezzins of the Two Holy Mosques throughout the centuries. The book was authored by Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, member of the Council of Senior Scholars and imam and preacher at the Grand Mosque. It meticulously examines the adhan ritual in the Two Holy Mosques, covering its origins, virtues, and significance, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The book is divided into three sections: the adhan's history, biographies of 95 Grand Mosque muezzins, and 147 Prophet's Mosque muezzins. It presents biographies of muezzins who have issued the call to prayer from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the present, the SPA reported. Drawing on credible historical sources and interviews, the author used a scientific approach to document the evolution of adhan tools and the relationship between the muezzin and the mosque. The book also highlights the Saudi government's support in selecting skilled muezzins and using advanced audio technology for local and global broadcasts. This publication enriches the foundation's collection, serving as a vital resource for researchers and those interested in the history of the Two Holy Mosques and Islamic rituals.
Arab News
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Indian family donates century-old Saudi royal letter
RIYADH: An Indian family has given the Saudi Arabia government a 1925 letter written by King Abdulaziz, the nation's founder and first monarch, addressed to a scholar Ghulam Rasul Meher. Nadir Akram told Arab News recently that his great-grandfather Meher and his family have a history of scholarship, education, and journalism. The letter was a part of an extensive collection of writings, books, and documents belonging to his great-grandfather, and was entrusted to him, because he lives and works in the region, said Akram. 'Given my deep connection to Saudi Arabia and the time I have spent here, I have developed profound admiration for the pivotal role played by King Abdulaziz in shaping history and laying the foundations of the Kingdom. 'I firmly believe that the most fitting place for this letter was the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah), where it could serve as a valuable historical resource for generations to come, enriching our collective understanding of its significance,' Akram said. Akram gave the letter to the chairman of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, Prince Faisal bin Salman, at Darah's headquarters in Al-Murabba district, Riyadh. 'The letter provides a glimpse into the warm and cordial exchanges between King Abdulaziz and my great-grandfather Meher. It has reference to 1925 meetings and highlights Meher's reputation as a distinguished author and journalist,' Akram noted. Beyond its historical value, the letter reflects King Abdulaziz's diplomacy and the Kingdom's long-standing tradition of honoring scholars and writers, said Akram. Akram emphasized the historical significance of the letter, noting that it goes beyond personal correspondence, offering insight into key developments in the country at the time. It underscores King Abdulaziz's dedication to unifying the nation, fostering peace, and strengthening diplomatic ties with diverse communities on a global scale. Akram praised Darah for preserving, documenting, and showcasing significant aspects of King Abdulaziz's life and legacy. He described his visit to the foundation and museum as a remarkable experience, and encouraged others to explore the exhibits and historical records. Akram, who works as a strategic partner at Bain & Co., said he was honored to make the contribution.
Saudi Gazette
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Exhibition in Riyadh marks 80th anniversary of historic Saudi-US meeting
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), in collaboration with the US Embassy in Riyadh, has launched a special exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the historic 1945 meeting between King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the USS Quincy in the Great Bitter Lake of the Suez exhibition, held at the Stone Building in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, will be open to visitors until February 17, 2025. It features rare documents and archival photographs that highlight the details of this pivotal diplomatic encounter, which laid the foundation for the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States — a relationship that has evolved over the past eight decades across political, economic, cultural, and technological historic meeting was not just a diplomatic engagement but a turning point in international relations, leading to the establishment of embassies, diplomatic representation, and a long-standing bilateral relationship based on shared interests and mutual understanding. Over time, this partnership has played a key role in regional and global this exhibition, Darah aims to educate new generations about the significance of this landmark event, offering visitors an immersive experience that explores its historical, political, and strategic dimensions. The exhibition underscores how the Saudi-US alliance remains a cornerstone of regional and global security and cooperation to this day.
Zawya
30-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt: Urban Development Fund to deliver first phase of 'Darah' in early 2025
Egypt - The Urban Development Fund (UDF) has announced that the first phase of its flagship 'Darah' project will be delivered in the first half of 2025. This phase includes 5,000 housing units across multiple governorates, with infrastructure and utility installations already completed. The project, valued at over EGP 72 billion, aims to provide integrated communities with residential, educational, and healthcare facilities. Spanning 1,400 acres across 13 governorates, 'Darah' is part of UDF's broader efforts to advance urban development in line with Egypt's Vision 2030. The second phase of the project will expand into five additional governorates, offering competitively priced housing solutions. Chairman Eng. Khaled Saddik highlighted UDF's success in real estate, with sales reaching EGP 20 billion in 2024, doubling expectations. He noted strong demand for gated communities in governorates like Sohag, Mansoura, and Kafr El-Sheikh. Beyond 'Darah,' UDF is advancing key projects, including Fustat Gardens, a 500-acre park in Cairo, and the regeneration of Historic Cairo, a UNESCO-listed site. The fund is also evaluating investment opportunities worth EGP 29 billion, including mixed-use developments in Kafr El-Sheikh and El Mahalla El Kubra. UDF's expertise has gained international recognition, with Saudi Arabia seeking its support in regenerating urban areas. The fund's expansion into global markets, including Italy, positions Egypt as a competitive real estate investment destination. As Egypt's largest real estate developer, UDF remains committed to sustainable urban development and improving citizens' quality of life. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
29-01-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Saudi universities unite at Darah event to innovate heritage preservation
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Public Foundation for Research and Archives, Darah, concluded its three-day National History Lab on Tuesday at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, showing ways to preserve and celebrate Saudi history. Themed 'History in the Eyes of the Future,' the event brought together 30 Saudi universities and 15 national and international organizations to inspire innovative approaches to documenting and sharing Saudi history. The initiative featured two streams: the digital innovation track, which focused on developing technical solutions for documenting and sharing history; and the social impact track, designed to create initiatives that strengthen community connections to history. A panel of 13 judges evaluated the submissions, supported by more than 20 facilitators who guided participants in refining their ideas. Al-Jouf University took first place with its innovative project to preserve Saudi heritage through an online platform promoting historical sites across the Kingdom. Wajd Al-Huzaim, a student from the winning team, explained the concept: 'Al-Majlis is a Saudi social media app connecting the Kingdom's regions through communities. Each region is represented as a 'majlis,' such as Majlis Al-Jouf, Majlis Riyadh, and so on. 'People share posts about historical sites, their homes, and interact through likes and comments.' She said that the app awards badges for visiting historical sites where users can check in at these locations to earn badges. 'Once they collect a certain number, they achieve the title of 'guide.'' Al-Huzaim emphasized the app's impact, saying: 'It connects people to local landmarks and encourages citizens to promote their region's history. By turning Saudi heritage into a trend, it appeals to the younger generation, making history relevant and engaging.' The event included workshops, exhibitions, and talks by various experts. At one of the booths by Darah, visitors were able to learn how colors and inks were traditionally extracted from plants. Munirah Al-Qahtani, a researcher at Darah, said: 'In the past, our ancestors used these natural methods to color doors, windows, and houses where they would dissolve gum arabic to create a liquid substance that was mixed with the colors. This process ensured the durability of the piece and preserved its quality, preventing it from deteriorating over time.' Aligned with Vision 2030, the National History Lab gave youth and organizations passionate about preserving Saudi heritage a platform to collaborate and compete, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
