3 weeks ago
Pilgrims departing Saudi Arabia after completing their Umrah can now carry Zamzam water with them more easily by following a set of official procedures outlined by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The simplified process is designed to ensure both convenience and compliance, while preserving the sanctity of the sacred water revered by millions of Muslims. According to the ministry, Zamzam bottles must be purchased from authorised sales points located within the airport terminals. Once acquired, each bottle should be placed on specially designated conveyor belts for secure handling. The ministry emphasised that Zamzam water should not be packed in checked luggage, a measure intended to protect the quality of the water and maintain compliance with aviation safety standards. Each pilgrim is allowed to carry one bottle only, and must present a valid Umrah visa or a permit issued via the Nusuk app to complete the purchase and transportation process. Drawn from the historic Zamzam well near the Kaaba in Mecca, the water holds profound spiritual and cultural importance for Muslims around the world. For centuries, pilgrims have carried it home as a cherished gift for loved ones — a symbol of blessing and devotion. The ministry noted that the updated procedures are part of ongoing efforts to […]
3 weeks ago
Eid al-Fitr will fall on Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Saudi Royal Court announced after the crescent moon was spotted at Sudair and Tamir observatories in the Kingdom. The UAE and Qatar have also confirmed Sunday as the first day of Eid al-Fitr. The sighting committees began the process of spotting the crescent moon at sunset in Saudi Arabia. Chief astronomer Abdullah al-Khudairi at Sudair Observatory had said “Sunset today, Saturday, at the Sudair Observatory site is at 6.12pm (Saudi time), and the crescent moon will set 8 minutes later.” In an official announcement, the Supreme Court earlier this week called on anyone who sights the moon—either with the naked eye or using binoculars—to report their observation to the nearest court and register their testimony.
3 weeks ago
Islamic countries worldwide are preparing to sight the crescent moon for Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan. The first day of Ramadan is determined by competent authorities based on moon sightings in each country. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent will officially signal the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr. Follow the updates to find out the official date of Eid Al Fitr in countries around the world: Saudi Arabia announces first day of Eid Al Fitr Saudi Arabia announced that Sunday, March 30, will mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Oman announces first day of Eid Al Fitr Oman has officially announced Eid Al Fitr will be on Monday. This follows sunset marking the 28th day of Ramadan, with the crescent moon predicted to be visible to the naked eye tomorrow, Sunday. Iran announces first day of Eid Al Fitr Iran has officially announced Eid Al Fitr will be on Monday. This follows sunset marking the 28th day of Ramadan, with the crescent moon predicted to be visible to the naked eye tomorrow, Sunday. Saudi Arabia prepares for Eid Al Fitr moon sighting Ten astronomical observatories across Saudi Arabia are actively monitoring the Shawwal […]
3 weeks ago
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about birth data for 2023 is out. For everyone concerned about the long-term decline in America’s birth rate, the report doesn’t show strong signs that much has changed. Why should we care about declining birth rates, and what’s driving the trend? As a recent Heritage Foundation report warns, U.S. fertility is now below replacement. Fewer births and our historic low fertility rate will affect the future economy. It will affect programs like Social Security. Don’t forget the military. What about caregiving as the elderly age? A declining population will affect our nation’s future in more ways than we can count. If you ask 10 people why the number of births keeps going down, you’ll probably get 10 different answers, from housing and child care costs to economic anxiety to student loan debt. While there’s not one sole reason (and therefore not one single policy solution,) at the heart of the issue is marriage—fewer marriages, specifically. Fewer Americans are getting married, and those who do are getting married later, which in turn delays having kids (and how many they eventually have). My colleagues recently published a Special Report analyzing trends in marriage, childbearing, and other important factors of American […]
4 weeks ago
Omanis flocked to Eid Habta markets in large numbers across the country ahead of Eid Al Fitr. Eid Habta is a traditional livestock market with centuries-old roots, primarily selling livestock. These markets, which open on the 24th of Ramadan and continue until the last day of Ramadan, also offer other essentials like gifts, nuts, children’s toys, household items and more. Many of the products at these markets are provided by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local artisans, reflecting traditional entrepreneurial culture. The exhibits include ready-made clothing, perfumes, household supplies, and Omani cuisine. Self-employed families also showcase local crafts. Habta markets can be found in provinces such as Rustaq, Nakhal, Awabi, Nizwa, Yanqul, Bahla, Ibri, Izki, Adam, Mudhaibi, Ibra, Sinaw, Bidbid, Sur, Jaalan, Bidyah, Khasab, Seeb, and Muscat. In these markets, professional auctioneers oversee livestock auctions. Auctions start at 200 riyals, with goat prices ranging from 50 to 300 riyals. Local livestock, including Omani goats, sheep, and cows, are typically priced twice as much as imported animals. Many Omanis prefer local livestock due to its tender meat and ease of cooking. High demand for local animals Auctioneers earn a commission of at least 3% from each sale and can make […]
4 weeks ago
The UAE Fatwa Council has invited Muslims across the country to participate in sighting the Shawwal crescent moon on the evening of Saturday, Ramadan 29, 1446 AH, corresponding to March 29, 2025. The council urged anyone who spots the crescent—whether with the naked eye or through binoculars—to promptly report their sighting to the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee to register their testimony. This step is essential in confirming the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid Al Fitr, the festival that marks the end of a month of fasting, devotion, and spiritual reflection. The Moon-Sighting Committee, responsible for verifying the crescent sighting, will convene after Maghrib (sunset) prayers on Saturday evening to deliberate and announce the official start date of Eid Al Fitr based on the moon sighting. Muslims in the UAE and beyond eagerly await this announcement, which holds deep religious significance, as it determines the commencement of one of Islam’s most joyous celebrations.
4 weeks ago
As more Kuwaiti families fracture under the weight of outdated legal frameworks, calls are mounting for urgent reform of the country’s Personal Status Law. With divorce rates reaching unprecedented levels, 84,442 cases recorded last year alone an average of 231 divorces per day — lawyers and human rights advocates warn that the current system is failing families, deepening social divides, and undermining women’s rights. Legal professionals are urging the government to prioritise amendments to key provisions related to alimony and child visitation. Among their top demands is the reinstatement of court-supervised visitation arrangements and stricter penalties for parents who fail to comply with rulings. Others have pushed for raising the legal marriage age to 18 for both men and women, arguing that early marriages deprive young people —especially girls — of education, autonomy, and the opportunity to choose a suitable partner. Attorney Fawaz Al Shallahi welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing efforts to modernise the law, describing them as long overdue. He emphasised the need for a revised legal framework that introduces tighter restrictions on divorce procedures and strengthens protections for children post-separation. “This is not just a legal reform — it’s a social necessity,” he said. Al Shallahi also […]
1 month 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.
1 month 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 month 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 […]
7 hours ago
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