
Pilgrims from 100 Nations Welcomed in Makkah Under Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj Program
Upon arrival, 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries performed Umrah smoothly and with ease, grateful to be chosen this year to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, visit the Two Holy Mosques, and explore historical and archaeological sites, museums, and exhibitions designed to enrich their spiritual experience.
The pilgrims expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for hosting them to perform the Hajj.
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Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Once a symbol of Nadji homes, Al-Roshen fades from view
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia rapidly modernizes, some elements of its traditional architecture are becoming rarer, but not forgotten. Once a hallmark of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen remains a cherished symbol of Saudi hospitality and social values, even as lifestyles and housing designs evolve. 'Al-Roshen is a room for special guests,' said Mohammad Alhouti, a resident of Riyadh's Aldeerah neighborhood. 'As soon as a person enters the house through the door, there is a ground-floor sitting room and a staircase. This staircase leads to Al-Roshen, separate so that the guest can go up as soon as they enter the house.' Unlike the more common majlis, Al-Roshen offered a secluded space for important visitors. According to Abdulrahman Alhouti, some people would add plaster to the walls of Al-Roshen, creating shapes and decorations that would make it stand out from the main majlis in the house. • Once a hallmark of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen remains a cherished symbol of Saudi hospitality and social values, even as lifestyles and housing designs evolve. • Unlike the more common majlis, Al-Roshen offered a secluded space for important visitors. Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains. Mohammad and Abdulrahman are a part of Thuluthiyyat Almasmak, a weekly cultural gathering held in front of Riyadh's Al-Masmak Palace. Their group includes Fahad Alhidyyan, helping document and share Riyadh's history through stories of its neighborhoods, streets, schools and everyday life. Their weekly gathering has reached its seventh year and the group has welcomed all types of visitors, from locals to international tourists coming to Riyadh, to discuss the past and present of the Kingdom's capital. '(The gathering) tells the story of the history of Riyadh, its old alleys, streets, schools, farms and everything old, from the time of King Abdulaziz until the beginning of the development,' Abdulrahman said. Today, Saudis continue to express hospitality in new ways — hosting events in gardens, villas, or special venues, while maintaining the warmth and generosity that have always defined social gatherings. 'In the past, receiving guests was of great importance. The host would take great care in welcoming his guests, making every effort to provide them with the best he could,' Alhidyyan said. 'People now meet during Eid, weddings, or planned gatherings, though often outside the home. There is a difference, but the intention remains.' Rather than fading away entirely, Al-Roshen now lives on through cultural forums and conversations that highlight the evolution of tradition in a rapidly changing society. For those preserving these stories, the goal is not to resist change but to carry forward the values and meaning behind these cultural symbols.


Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
French ambassador highlights growing partnership with Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: On July 14, Bastille Day, France marks the founding values of its republic — liberty, equality and fraternity — and celebrates its ties with global partners. The holiday, rooted in the 1789 storming of the Bastille that marked a turning point in the French Revolution, was first celebrated in 1790 at the Fete de la Federation and officially declared a national holiday in 1880. It remains a symbol of unity, democracy and openness. Speaking to Arab News, Patrick Maisonnave, France's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reflected on relations between Paris and Riyadh. He noted the growing strategic partnership, expanding economic cooperation, increasing presence of French companies in the Kingdom, cultural and tourism exchanges and France's role in promoting regional stability. After a year in Riyadh, Maisonnave described the relationship as 'vibrant.' 'The dynamic is very positive,' he said. 'This first year allowed us to formalize our strategic partnership, as evidenced by the historic state visit of the French president last December.' The two countries had worked to deepen cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and defense fields, he said. France and Saudi Arabia were now trusted strategic partners, something that was evidence by the frequent meetings between the crown prince and the French president, he said. France is the second-largest foreign investor in Saudi Arabia, with major projects in energy, infrastructure, transport and healthcare. 'It's not said enough,' Maisonnave said. 'France is the second-largest foreign investor in Saudi Arabia, particularly in strategic sectors like renewable energy, transport and health.' Projects include TotalEnergies' partnership with Saudi Aramco in managing the SATORP refinery and developing the Amiral petrochemical complex. Engie has nearly $9 billion worth of energy and water assets and EDF is involved in desalination (Amaala) and power generation (Taiba and Qasim) projects worth about $5 billion. French firms are also contributing to the Riyadh Metro and the AlUla experiential tramway, while Airbus has secured more than 300 aircraft orders from Saudia, Flynas, Riyadh Air and AviLease. Other French companies active in Saudi Arabia include Veolia, Accor, Bouygues, Alstom, Thales and JCDecaux, contributing to urban development and infrastructure. 'I am pleased with the technologies we bring in support of Vision 2030,' the ambassador said. More than 200 French companies are operating in the Kingdom, employing about 13,000 people. The Franco-Saudi Business Council, which has more than 300 members, reflects this growing activity. Maisonnave said the council's membership was about 75 percent Saudi-French companies and 25 percent French firms operating in Saudi Arabia. Last month 34 French companies established regional headquarters in the Kingdom. The ambassador also welcomed the opening of the Public Investment Fund office in Paris. 'This sends a strong signal of the Kingdom's intention to deepen investments in France and Europe, especially in forward-looking sectors,' he said. On the subject of tourism cooperation, Maisonnave highlighted France's expertise in promoting landscapes, heritage, culture and gastronomy, which he said was appreciated by Saudis throughout the year. French expertise is being applied in the development of AlUla, supported by the French Agency for AlUla Development, in archaeology, sustainability, hospitality and tourism training. Maisonnave noted France's involvement in other parts of the Kingdom, including museum construction, sports infrastructure, hotel and event management, and training programs. He has visited several major projects such as Diriyah, Qiddiya, King Salman Park, the King Salman International Airport and Expo 2030. 'These projects will contribute to transforming the Kingdom's image. I am proud each time French expertise is called upon,' he said. The resumption of Air France's direct Paris–Riyadh route is seen as a step that strengthens ties. 'Saudis appreciate France and more French citizens are visiting Saudi Arabia, discovering its holy sites, archaeological heritage, beaches, entertainment options and its football league,' Maisonnave said. On cultural cooperation, he said more than 15 French archaeological missions were active in Saudi Arabia. Maisonnave also highlighted support for initiatives like the creation of Saudi Arabia's first national ballet and training programs for students in fashion and gastronomy. Two key projects are planned in the coming months. On Oct. 2, Villa Hegra in AlUla will be inaugurated as a residence for both Saudi and French artists. In January 2026, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale will open a Franco-Saudi 'Factory' dedicated to dance and immersive arts, the ambassador said. Following the president's visit, a French Institute was opened in Saudi Arabia to organize and enhance cooperation across various cultural and educational fields, he said. Maisonnave said lasting political solutions were essential for regional stability. Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said that real stability required implementing a two-state solution that addressed the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israel's security concerns. He condemned the violence, describing the events of Oct. 7, the massacres in Gaza and extremist settler attacks as violations of international law and shared human values. 'I am deeply concerned by short-term policies that will only lead to more atrocious suffering, bloodshed unfortunately calls for more blood,' he said. France and Saudi Arabia would soon co-chair a conference at the UN General Assembly to advance the two-state solution, with all countries invited to propose concrete measures, Maisonnave said. Beyond Palestine, he noted growing coordination between Paris and Riyadh on regional issues including Lebanon, Iran's nuclear program and Syria. He concluded by highlighting the strength of the political relationship between the two countries, expressing confidence that 'Saudi Arabia and France can play a constructive role across the region.'


Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Japan Embassy in Riyadh partners with IOM to fund Yemen youth training
RIYADH: Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yoichi Nakashima partnered with the International Organization for Migration to grant about $2.5 million in aid supporting vocational training for youth, including internally displaced persons in Yemen. Signing the exchange notes in Riyadh on Sunday alongside Nakashima were Ashraf El Nour, head of the IOM office in Riyadh, and Mansour Bajash, undersecretary for political affairs at Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Japanese envoy told Arab News that this cooperation is critical given the ongoing economic difficulties in Yemen, saying: 'We made this decision to support the Yemeni people who are going through this exceptional time and to address urgently needed areas such as vocational training.' He explained that Yemen faces rising unemployment due to the prolonged conflict. The country's public technical and vocational training centers have significantly reduced their operations due to infrastructure damage and lack of funds. Approximately 4.7 million IDPs — about one-seventh of the population — are unable to earn an income because they lack technical skills, making employment difficult. Nakashima highlighted that this agreement may benefit a large number of people, especially IDPs, who are particularly affected by the situation. This cooperation aims to rehabilitate technical and vocational training centers and provide capacity development training in three southern governorates: Aden, Lahj, and Taiz. It is also expected to help increase employment opportunities for young people by expanding vocational training and enhancing economic resources. A joint press statement from the embassies of Japan and Yemen noted that supporting peace and stability in Yemen, which borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, will contribute to securing sea lanes. The government of Japan expressed its commitment to continue working proactively toward achieving peace and stability in Yemen, in cooperation with the UN and relevant countries.