Latest news with #UmmAlQuraUniversity
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Umm Al-Qura University study connects tradition with modern design
RIYADH: Researchers at Umm Al-Qura University have developed modern home accessories inspired by traditional Saudi handicrafts, aiming to integrate cultural heritage into contemporary interior design. Led by Ahoud Hassanein from the Interior Design and Arts Department, the study explores how classical craft elements — such as wooden carvings, Sadu patterns, pottery, and palm frond weaving — can be adapted for modern living spaces while preserving cultural value and supporting local artisans. 'Our approach merges functionality with cultural relevance. It highlights the potential of Saudi handicrafts as design assets in today's market,' Hassanein said. The research also looks at practical and economic applications, proposing ways to turn these designs into marketable products, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The project aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 reform plan and the Ministry of Culture's designation of 2025 as the 'Year of Handicrafts.' Recommendations include encouraging designers to incorporate traditional visual elements into modern decor, establishing craft-based production lines, and offering workshops to help artisans improve product quality and reach wider market
Arab News
11-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Makkah mosques discovered during the Hajj season: Untold stories of sacred sites
MAKKAH: In Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, spiritual significance extends far beyond the Grand Mosque. Scattered throughout the city are historic mosques that witnessed pivotal moments in Islamic history. Yet, amid the dense crowds and the rapid pace of modern development, many pilgrims and Umrah performers remain unaware of these sacred sites, quietly tucked away within the city's expanding urban landscape. Fawaz Al-Dahas, professor of history at Umm Al-Qura University, said that Makkah is home to several mosques of profound historical and religious value, yet they remain largely overlooked, receiving neither the media attention nor the organized religious visits they merit. Al-Dahas highlighted the significance of Namirah Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage. He said that this mosque was not merely a physical structure, but a sacred site where the foundational principles of Islam were proclaimed. He also referenced the Bay'ah Mosque in Mina, which commemorates the pivotal moment when the Ansar pledged allegiance to the Prophet, paving the way for the Hijrah and the establishment of the Islamic state. According to Al-Dahas, the importance of these mosques transcends their geographic locations, reflecting their profound political and religious significance in Islamic history. Al-Dahas shed light on Al-Rayah Mosque: 'Located in the Jarwal neighborhood, where the Prophet's banner was raised on the day of the Conquest of Makkah, a powerful symbol of victory tempered by forgiveness.' He also drew attention to Al-Hudaibiya Mosque, situated west of Makkah, where the historic Bay'at Al-Ridwan pledge took place, an event referenced in the Holy Qur'an. He said that while the mosque still stands on the original site of the Treaty of Hudaibiya, it remains largely unknown, with few visitors aware of its exact location. Mohammed Al-Joud, a Hajj and Umrah specialist, said that these mosques were not merely historical structures, but vital educational landmarks that enrich a pilgrim's understanding of the deeper spiritual dimensions of Hajj. He pointed to Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina, where the Prophet and prophets before him are believed to have prayed, as a powerful symbol of the continuity of prophethood: 'Yet, many pilgrims remain unaware of its significance outside the Hajj season.' Al-Joud also highlighted Al-Mashar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, which is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, emphasizing that awareness of such sacred sites bridges the rituals of Hajj with their Qur'anic and historical roots, enhancing the spiritual journey. Al-Joud also drew attention to Al-Kabsh Mosque in Mina, linked to the story of the sacrifice of Ismail. He explained that the mosque symbolizes the values of sacrifice and obedience, yet remains largely overlooked in media coverage and excluded from most pilgrimage programs. He described it as an essential part of a broader, interconnected network of sacred sites that trace the prophetic journey — from revelation to migration, and from peace to conquest. Al-Dahas underscored the importance of launching awareness initiatives to shed light on these mosques and restore their rightful standing. He said that safeguarding Makkah's Islamic heritage was not limited to preserving its prominent landmarks, but also required reviving these historically significant mosques, which once stood as pivotal markers along the journey of the prophetic message. He said that reconnecting pilgrims with these sacred sites revived the educational and historical depth of Hajj, enriching the journey with a more profound, informed, and spiritually immersive experience.
Arab News
08-06-2025
- Arab News
Umm Al-Qura University becomes academic hub for Hajj
MAKKAH: As millions of pilgrims undertake Hajj pilgimage, Umm Al-Qura University is leveraging its research capabilities to support one of the world's most complex religious gatherings. Dr. Wardah bint Abdullah Al-Asmari, vice rector for investment and community partnership, told Arab News that the university has committed all available resources to support Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah infrastructure, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives. 'We mobilize our human, scientific, administrative, and research capacities annually through specialized educational and training programs, field studies, and consulting services designed to elevate pilgrim experiences and service standards,' Al-Asmari said. The university's flagship effort this season, the Licensing and Qualification Program for Helpers of Pilgrims, has provided over 300,000 training opportunities through 20 worker modules and 50 packages for pilgrims available in 15 languages. Other initiatives include the Rafid Al-Haramain program, offering more than 100,000 training slots and engaging over 3,000 participants from 30 organizations; and the Bus Guide Training Program, which certified 3,500 guides to assist with pilgrim transport. As part of its global outreach, the university translates Friday sermons and Arafat Day speeches into more than 20 languages, reaching an estimated 600 million Muslims worldwide. • Umm Al-Qura University's flagship effort this season, the Licensing and Qualification Program for Helpers of Pilgrims, has provided over 300,000 training opportunities. • The university translates Friday sermons and Arafat Day speeches into more than 20 languages, reaching an estimated 600 million Muslims worldwide. • This year, 2,027 volunteers were trained in partnership with relevant authorities in health, awareness, and organizational services. Academic departments have also integrated Hajj-focused curricula in medicine, nursing, computer science, and social sciences, covering crowd control, disaster management, and emergency response. Students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with the Ministry of Health at seasonal medical facilities. Umm Al-Qura's research arm, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, deployed 34 researchers and 458 data collectors to conduct 17 studies this season. These focus on crowd management, security protocols, sustainability measures, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence applications, and pilgrim satisfaction in 20 languages. The Institute for Research and Studies also contributes to national projects through consulting and research implemention. Digital transformation is another major pillar. The university delivered 34,000 remote training courses through its Specialized Training platform. The modules cover critical areas such as elderly and disabled assistance, translation, guest experience, crowd management, and safety protocols. Other digital initiatives include AI-driven data analysis, pilgrim-focused smart apps, innovation hackathons, and operating the Nusuk Card project center through Wadi Makkah Co. Al-Asmari noted ongoing collaboration with key government bodies including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Municipal Affairs, as well as the Royal Commission for Makkah City, Pilgrim Experience Program, Civil Defense, Border Guard, and Makkah Health Cluster. These partnerships span research, training, performance metrics, and volunteer mobilization. Volunteerism is central the university's social responsibility mission. This year, 2,027 volunteers were trained in partnership with civil defense, health, and border authorities in health, awareness, and organizational services. To meet growing sector needs, the university launched degree and diploma programs in Hajj and Umrah management through its specialized institute and colleges, attracting students pursuing careers in the expanding pilgrim services sector. Looking ahead, Al-Asmari affirmed Umm Al-Qura's ambition to expand research, partnerships, and tech innovation in line with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
Arab News
06-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
The women empowered through service during Hajj
RIYADH: The role played by women during Hajj has evolved considerably in recent years, highlighting their contributions to one of the world's largest gatherings of humanity. One inspiring woman involved in the pilgrimage is Alyaa Malibari, a professor at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. She has dedicated her career to enhancing pilgrims' experiences while also empowering other women and works with several operators to run courses for members of the public interested in volunteering during Hajj. She devised the Qaidat program, a leadership initiative for women that introduces them to various roles and responsibilities. Another, Hunna, is a female-led project that aligns with Vision 2030 and focuses on applying innovative practices during Hajj. Meanwhile, the Aguadyat program empowers women in food safety, enhancing the quality of meals provided to pilgrims. Women have been integral to Hajj ever since its inception, offering hospitality, preparing meals and sharing religious knowledge. Today, their roles have expanded to reflect their educational and professional advancements. Malibari has been a pivotal figure. With a background in leadership training and communication, she began her journey at a young age, inspired by her family's commitment to serving pilgrims. 'My earliest memories of Hajj are filled with admiration for my father and the work he did. I always knew I wanted to contribute in some way,' she said, adding that empowering women was a lifelong commitment: 'I want to ensure that women have the tools and knowledge to thrive during Hajj.' Malibari's earliest memories of Hajj are of when she was five years old and accompanied her father. Her formal involvement began in 2005 when she volunteered with the Women's Assembly at Umm Al-Qura to assist female pilgrims. She later studied abroad, which allowed her to bring international attention to Saudi efforts in serving pilgrims. 'It was important for me to share our story with the world and highlight the dedication of those who serve,' she said. In 2019, Malibari led a translation project for the Ministry of Media, producing multilingual content to enhance communication. Beyond her contributions during Hajj, Malibari is a dedicated doctor and academic. She is keen to emphasize the importance of education and aims to inspire the next generation of leaders. 'Education is the key to unlocking potential. I want my students to understand that they can make a difference,' she said.
Arab News
05-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Guardians of the sacred: SRCA and university volunteers unite to shield pilgrims
ARAFAT: Beneath Makkah's unrelenting sun, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, or SRCA, and university volunteers have engineered a sanctuary of safety for Hajj 2025. From SRCA's 7,517 paramedics to Umm Al-Qura University's medical students, this human tapestry works in lockstep across Islam's holiest sites. The SRCA's logistical symphony spans 578 ambulances, nine helicopter surveillance teams and 80 rapid-response vehicles threading through human currents. Mobility support includes 500 electric scooters and 205 golf carts pre-positioned at ritual grounds, while 633 logistics specialists orchestrate medical supply chains. Fourteen emergency clinics and 32 first-aid stations anchor operations, with nine ambulance buses drilled for mass casualties. Volunteers confront predictable yet constant health threats. Kholood Abdulwasea, an SRCA volunteer who traveled from Madinah to serve in Makkah, reported: 'The cases we face, mostly they were having heat exhaustion. Some of them had hypoglycemia.' She credited mitigation efforts: 'It wasn't much because of the water sprays and the efforts put into providing water.' Medical students corroborated this clinical landscape. Rawabi Omar Al-Arabi, a fifth-year Umm Al-Qura University medical student leading the Systematic Hajj Program, cited heatstroke, dehydration and hypoglycemia as predominant issues. Jannah Halawani, a second-year peer heading the Media Committee, expanded the list, as she told Arab News: 'Heatstroke, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, plus fractures or wounds needing stitches.' Coordinating 10,000 caregivers across shifting pilgrim tides presented particular hurdles. Al-Arabi highlighted accommodation logistics as her team's steepest challenge: 'Coordinating large volunteer groups across field hospitals while ensuring 24/7 oversight. That's the toughest part.' Transportation emerged as another pressure point. Halawani emphasized the complexity of reaching ritual sites such as Arafat and Mina, calling it a 'massive time and coordination' effort. Beyond statistics, the human spirit defined the mission. Abdulwasea called her contribution an enduring honor: 'It was a good day and I'm honored to be part of this noble mission.' For university volunteers, the experience resonated deeper. Al-Arabi described serving pilgrims as 'life-changing,' stressing that sacrificing seven days with family was 'worth every second' for the privilege of honoring Allah's guests. Halawani captured the sentiment: 'An indescribable privilege. Being chosen by Allah to serve Hajj pilgrims honors both the location and the moment. If you get this chance? Grab it. It's truly unmissable.'
