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19 hours ago
Kuwaiti markets are experiencing a surge in demand for truffles, particularly the prized Kuwaiti Zubaidi variety, known for its rich flavor and strong aroma, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Truffles are a sought-after delicacy during Ramadan, enhancing Iftar meals when Muslims break their fast at sunset. The lunar month, expected to end on March 29, is marked by family gatherings for the evening feast. As truffles are closely tied to the rainy season, their prices in Kuwait vary based on type and quantity. They start at KD7 ($22.7) per kilo and can reach up to KD25, with prices rising due to increasing demand across the country. Truffle dealers report significant imports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Morocco, Algeria, and Iran to meet market needs. Often called the “daughter of thunder,” truffles flourish after heavy rains. The seasonal truffle hunting begins in January in rain-affected areas, requiring hunters to carefully extract the fungus to preserve its quality.
19 hours ago
Kuwait has provided more than KD1.9 million (around $6.1 million) in social support to foreign wives of Kuwaiti men whose citizenships have been revoked, a government official has said. Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Amthal Al Huwaila, stated that the aid was distributed to 3,391 women in the first three months of this year. The decision follows directives from the political leadership to ensure the continuity of social support, she told Al Qabas newspaper. According to official figures, the ministry provided nearly KD412,000 in assistance to 485 women in January. In February, 1,111 beneficiaries received approximately KD595,000, while 1,795 women were granted over KD950,000 in March. “The ministry is committed to supporting this category in line with approved legal standards to ensure social justice and stability,” Al Huwaila added. These women are classified under Article 8 of Kuwait’s nationality law, as commonly referenced in Kuwaiti media. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission, which oversees government employees, has approved the continued provision of job-related perks for female employees whose citizenships were revoked under Article 8. These benefits include monthly salaries, bonuses, allowances, all types of leave, scholarships, training, and reduced working hours. Kuwait, a country of about 4.9 million people—most […]
1 day ago
As Ramadan enters its final 10 nights – Qiyam Al-Layl – several of Saudi Arabia’s regions experienced moderate to heavy rain on Thursday, including the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Al-Jami’ah district in Jeddah city recorded the highest levels with 24.8mm of rain. The National Center for Meteorology has forecast this to continue until Sunday. Parts of Makkah, Al-Baha, Aseer, Jazan and Najran, in addition to parts of Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, can expect gusty winds, moderate to heavy rain, and hailstorms. There will be dust-stirring winds in Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders region, The rain in Makkah came as a blessing for Umrah pilgrims, giving them some respite from hot weather. Faiz Al-Najdi, a Yanbu resident, told Arab News: “It was pleasant weather in Makkah, I performed Umrah with family with ease and even performed Friday prayer in the open courtyard at the grand mosque. I feel blessed to perform my religious duty and enjoy good weather.” Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has called for caution and the need to remain in safe areas, avoiding areas prone to flooding and low-lying valleys. It warned people to refrain from swimming in them and urged […]
2 days ago
Oman’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) has announced that entry to or residence in the city of Mecca will be restricted during the 2025 Hajj season, in coordination with authorities in Saudi Arabia. In a statement, the ministry said that, based on official communication from Saudi authorities, access to Mecca will be prohibited from 1 Dhu Al Qi’dah 1446 AH (April 29, 2025) until 14 Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH (June 11, 2025). The restrictions are part of crowd management and security measures implemented annually during the Hajj pilgrimage. MERA called on all citizens to fully comply with the regulations throughout the specified period, noting that the directive aims to ensure the safety and organisation of one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
2 days ago
As the days of Ramadan draw to a close, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued a fresh set of operational guidelines aimed at ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling Umrah experience for millions of worshippers expected to descend upon the holy city of Mecca during the last 10 days of the month. With crowd numbers reaching their annual peak, the Ministry called on pilgrims to adhere strictly to organisational procedures designed to safeguard both the safety and serenity of the pilgrimage. In an infographic released Thursday, the Ministry urged pilgrims to secure Umrah permits in advance and arrive strictly at their designated times to help ease congestion around the Grand Mosque. The Ministry also encouraged visitors to perform Umrah only once during this period and to conduct daily prayers in mosques across Mecca, rather than concentrating all worship inside the Haram, to relieve pressure on the sacred site. Public transportation use was strongly recommended to mitigate vehicular congestion, and pilgrims were advised to avoid overcrowding passageways and stairwells to facilitate the free movement of fellow worshippers. In an infographic released Thursday, the Ministry urged pilgrims to secure Umrah permits in advance and arrive strictly at their designated times […]
3 days ago
Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), has announced a strategic partnership with MFive Services, a UAE-based specialist in housekeeping and cleaning solutions. This joint venture marks a significant milestone in the evolution of outsourced housekeeping services in Bahrain. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by GHG CEO Ahmed Janahi and MFive CEO Max Baer, marking the beginning of this strategic collaboration. This partnership seeks to revolutionize the housekeeping sector by delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to hotels, resorts, and serviced residences across Bahrain. By combining GHG’s extensive market expertise with MFive’s specialized housekeeping services, the joint venture is set to introduce new benchmarks for housekeeping and cleaning services. The collaboration will offer tailored and high-quality housekeeping solutions designed to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Ahmed Janahi, CEO of Gulf Hotels Group, commented: “Our partnership with MFive Services represents a significant step in expanding our business into the cleaning and housekeeping services for hospitality sector. This strategic partnership aims to deliver comprehensive housekeeping and cleaning solutions to hotels, resorts, and serviced residences while enhancing operational efficiencies, optimizing costs, and elevating service excellence. Housekeeping is a cornerstone of guest experience, and through this joint venture, we are committed to providing innovative […]
6 days ago
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) today issued a circular announcing that the Eid Al Fitr holiday for the federal government sector will be observed from 1st to 3rd Shawwal 1446 AH, with official work resuming on 4th Shawwal. In the event that the Holy Month of Ramadan concludes with 30 days, the 30th of Ramadan shall be observed as an additional public holiday, thereby extending the Eid Al-Fitr break. On this occasion, the Authority extended its congratulations to the UAE government, its people, residents, and the Arab and Islamic nations, wishing them continued prosperity and well-being.
1 week ago
Demand is surging in Saudi Arabia for plastic and paper items associated with food gatherings in Saudi Arabia during the current Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan, which began this year on March 1, is noted for family gatherings and indulgent meals after a day-long fast. Sales of items such as cups, plates and spoons have seen an increase in the run-up and during the Ramadan season from restaurants and families, who use them extensively during the holy month. The upsurge has prompted some shop owners to take advantage and hike up prices. Since the last week of Shaaban, the lunar Islamic month preceding Ramadan, prices have gone up by SR4 for paper cups. Prices of plastic utensils, mainly plates, vary according to size, but generally they have doubled to reach SR10 apiece for large plates, the Saudi newspaper Al Watan reported. Mohammed Al Harabi, a vendor of paper products, said that since the first day of Ramadan, the demand for his items has increased. These items are so widely used at family gatherings during Ramadan that their prices have gone up. “They are the preferred choice for women in Ramadan,” Al Harbi said. He also cited a rise in […]
1 week ago
More than 3.7 million vehicles used roads leading to the Saudi city of Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest mosque, in the first 10 days of the current Islamic month of Ramadan, the kingdom’s road authorities have said. The rise in traffic rates was due to a surge in pilgrims performing the Umrah or minor pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque during Ramadan, the Roads General Authority added. The Authority said vehicle traffic was facilitated through an integrated system of services including major improvements to the road network infrastructure and implementing the highest safety and quality standards. The roads were surveyed and maintained, utilizing the latest technologies to ascertain the safety of road users. The month of Ramadan, noted for devout worshipping, traditionally marks the peak season for Umrah performers. The Grand Mosque houses the Holy Kaaba, the direction of prayer for Muslims worldwide. More than 25 million worshippers, including 5.5 million Umrah pilgrims, prayed in the mosque during the first 10 days of Ramadan that began this year on March 1, according to Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV. Millions of Muslims from all over the world flock to Saudi Arabia, Islam’s birthplace, to undertake the Umrah and pray in the Grand Mosque in […]
1 week ago
Saudi Arabia has called on imams and preachers to uphold sincerity in their worship and preaching during the holy month of Ramadan, warning against practices that may verge on self-promotion or hypocrisy. In a religious edict (fatwa), Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh expressed concern over the increasing trend of filming and broadcasting prayers and sermons from mosques on social media platforms, stating that such practices could compromise the spiritual purity of worship. “Sincerity is a condition for the acceptance of any act of worship,” he said, adding that public display of religious acts for praise or attention contradicts the essence of devotion. Filming and sharing online The Grand Mufti’s comments came in response to a question regarding the recent decision by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance to prohibit the filming and sharing of Ramadan prayers and lectures online. Al Sheikh supported the decision, describing the matter as a “serious issue” even prior to the ministry’s intervention, and emphasized that the ban aims to prevent potential violations and maintain the sanctity of worship. “There are two conditions for any work to be accepted by God: sincerity and adherence […]
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