Latest news with #SaudiPressAgency
Leaders
13 hours ago
- Leaders
Qurh: AlUla's Historic Stop for Pilgrim, Trade Caravans
Nestled about 20 km south of AlUla's old town, near the village of Mughayra, Qurh was a vital hub for pilgrims and traders throughout the ages, according to the Saudi Press Agency. As one of the Royal Commission for AlUla's archaeological sites, Qurh features prominent architectural structures. Qurh's ruins boast remnants of architectural structures, marketplaces, streets, and palaces which perfectly highlight the city's once-thriving economic and urban life. Interestingly, those architectural features which date back to the early Islamic periods indicate that settlement and cultural growth were in progress even after the advent of Islam. The historian Hisham bin Al-Kalbi noted that Qurh was the capital of Wadi Al-Qura and a center for Arab markets. Al-Kalbi also described it as a commercial and cultural center and a cradle of the arts. Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, the RCA's Vice President for Culture stated that the excavations in Qurh serve as a living proof 'that there was some interaction with China at the beginning of the Islamic period.' 'Evidence exists of interactions and trade extending as far as China,' he said in an interview produced by FT Longitude in partnership with the RCA. 'With China, for example, (there were) merchants who brought porcelain, medicines and silk to Arabia with incense for sure, ivory, while other valuables travelled in the opposite directions,' Alsuhaibani added. Related Topics: AlUla, UNESCO Inaugurate 'Deep Surfaces' Exhibition in Venice AlUla Launches 'Arch Rock and Stargazing' to Promote Environmental Awareness Arabian Warrior AlUla: Challenging Obstacle Races amid Breathtaking Landscapes Short link : Post Views: 14
Barnama
19 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Madinah Ranks Third in Saudi Arabia's Date Output, Touted as Investment Hub
MADINAH (Saudi Arabia), May 29 (Bernama-SPA) -- The Madinah Region is ranked as the third-largest date-producing region in Saudi Arabia, with an annual output of approximately 344,000 tonnes from more than eight million palm trees, known for producing some of the finest dates. According to a report by the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Chamber of Commerce, Qassim Region led national date production by the end of 2023, accounting for 30 per cent (578,100 tonnes) of the total output, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. It was followed by Riyadh region with 24 per cent (453,100 tonnes), Madinah with 18 per cent (343,100 tonnes) and the Eastern region with 14 per cent (258,700 tonnes). bootstrap slideshow The report highlighted Madinah's competitive advantages in date palm cultivation, offering opportunities for innovative projects in farming and production. It also encouraged the development of modern farms equipped with advanced irrigation technologies. It noted the rising demand for organic date production, driven by consumer preferences for healthy and natural products, along with the growing role of research and development in improving varieties and enhancing crop quality. The report further pointed to investment prospects in the manufacturing of date-based products, such as date paste as a natural sugar alternative, date syrup for local and international markets, and a range of goods including pastries, sweets, beverages and energy supplements marketed as health products. Significant export potential was also highlighted, particularly through the creation of specialised companies focused on packaging dates to meet international standards and attract global buyers. There is also room to expand into new export markets across Europe, Asia and North America. In addition, the report identified the potential for launching projects that collect date seeds from consumers for use in animal feed and the production of eco-friendly items, such as industrial wood made from palm by-products.
Gulf Today
20 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Faith and dedication: Indonesian sanitation worker, wife fulfill Hajj dream after 40 years of savings
Gulf Today Report In an inspiring testament to unwavering faith and perseverance, an elderly Indonesian sanitation worker and his wife have fulfilled their lifelong aspiration of performing the Hajj pilgrimage, embarking on their momentous journey to the Holy City of Makkah from the Makkah Route Initiative terminal in Solo, Indonesia, after nearly 40 years of diligent saving. Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Haj Legiman expressed his deep joy, saying, "The happiness is overwhelming. I never imagined I would finally see the Holy Kaaba with my own eyes. I thank Allah first, then everyone who supported us, especially those responsible for the Makkah Route Initiative, who made the journey easier than I ever imagined." Recounting their remarkable savings journey, he explained, "I began saving in 1986 with my wife's support, putting aside no more than 1,000 rupiah a day despite difficult living conditions and the hard work of collecting waste, all in pursuit of my dream to perform Hajj. Despite the challenges, we never lost hope. My wife and I kept saving steadily until we finally managed to register for this year's Hajj." Haj Legiman and his wife expressed their deep gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing exceptional services to Indonesian pilgrims. They highlighted the seamless, efficient, and professional completion of their travel procedures by the Saudi team at the Makkah Route Initiative lounge in Solo.
Leaders
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Cultural Attaché Showcases Saudi Identity at Woodrow Wilson House Exhibition
The Saudi Cultural Attaché in the United States has participated in the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition at Woodrow Wilson House, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The exhibition witnessed the participation of more than 50 countries along with an elite of diplomatic, cultural, and media figures. Woodrow Wilson House Exhibition Saudi Arabia has showcased the Saudi Thobe Al-Nashal, the same outfit worn by the Saudi women's delegation at the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The selection of this outstanding dress reflects the attaché's unwavering support for the creativity of Saudi female designers as well as the growing presence of Saudi women across various domains. Woodrow Wilson House Exhibition Commenting on the occasion, Saudi Cultural Attaché to the US and Canada Tahani Al-Baiz noted that the exhibition serves as a unique platform to introduce the Saudi national identity through the visual arts. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural dialogue with several countries around the world. In this regard, Al-Baiz stressed the significance of culture and the arts as prominent soft power tools for the Kingdom to foster its global presence and highlight its unique identity. Woodrow Wilson House Exhibition Meanwhile, the General Supervisor of Public Relations at the Cultural Attaché, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Turki, indicated that the attaché's participation seeks to display Saudi cultural components in international forums. He also stated that the event represents an effective means of cultural influence, civilizational communication, and building bridges of understanding with different cultural backgrounds. Woodrow Wilson House Exhibition Related Topics: Saudi Ambassador to UK Meets Cultural Attaché in UK and Ireland The Saudi Cultural Attaché in Cairo follows the conditions of Saudi students Saudi Flag Day 2025: Celebrating National Pride and Identity Short link : Post Views: 18
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Security Forces Detain 6 Visit Visa Holders Attempting to Enter Makkah Illegally
The Hajj Security Forces detained six people holding visit visas who violated Hajj regulations by attempting to enter the holy city of Makkah, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday. The violators, who entered the Kingdom on tourist visas, were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action. Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Interior cautioned the public against fraudulent Hajj campaigns and unlicensed pilgrim service offices. It urged everyone to disregard deceptive online advertisements across various websites and platforms. It stressed the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations, which are designed to ensure the security and safety of pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals smoothly. It also urged citizens and residents to report any violators.
