Day: June 14, 2024

Switzerland announced today, Friday, a contribution of 10 million Swiss francs ($11.2 million) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The Foreign Policy Committee of the Swiss House of Representatives said that this financial payment came in response to UNRWA's appeal for humanitarian aid, and aims exclusively to cover the organization's most urgent needs in Gaza in the period until next December, as those needs include food, water, shelter, and health care. Primary and logistics services Source: Maan News Agency

Mina: The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques is broadcasting all sermons at the Grand Mosque through the Manarat Al-Haramain digital platform and FM radio. The authority provides live translations of Friday sermons, the Istisqa (prayer asking for rain) prayer, lunar and solar eclipses prayers, and lessons at the Grand Mosque into 10 languages. Also translated are the Eid Al-Adha and Eid Al-Fitr sermons, the Day of Arafat sermon, and continuous 24-hour live broadcasts. The authority also offers live translations informing about programs and initiatives during the Umrah and Hajj seasons. The authority also offers guidance service for pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in more than 50 languages, including English, French, Malay, Persian, Urdu, Russian, Chinese, Hausa, Turkish and Bengali. This service entails guiding and directing inquiries to designated locations at the Grand Mosque and its courtyards. It informs pilgrims of prayer times, lesson schedules, lecture timings, and exhibition visit schedules. The authority enriches the pilgrims' experience with cultural and historical information about the Grand Mosque, live sermons, lessons, and electronic broadcasts, and distributes wireless headsets to access them. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Makkah: According to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), the weather forecast indicates partly cloudy skies in Makkah and Madinah and clear skies in Jeddah. The temperature in Makkah is 43 degrees Celsius, with winds from the southwest to the west at a speed of 14 km/h. In Madinah, the temperature is 47 degrees Celsius, accompanied by winds from northwest to southwest, with a speed of 12 km/h. Meanwhile, in Jeddah, the temperature stands at 40 degrees Celsius, with winds from the southwest to the west at a speed of 10 km/h. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Mina: The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) is committed to providing essential weather data and services during the Day of Tarwiyah. It works closely with various stakeholders supporting the holy sites to ensure all parties have access to the latest weather information and weather forecasts. NCM utilizes its technology, weather stations, and dedicated staff stationed within the holy sites to deliver these services in accordance with best international practices. Furthermore, NCM offers a comprehensive awareness program in five languages targeting pilgrims and service providers. This program aims to educate everyone on weather risks and ensure a safe and comfortable Hajj experience. The center forecasts high temperatures today in Mash'ar, potentially reaching 43°C with winds reaching 34 km/h. It also monitors cloud formations in the Taif highlands and their potential impact on the holy sites. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Makkah: Umm Al-Qura University has achieved second place among Saudi universities and is ranked 55th internationally. This ranking is in line with the university's focus on providing quality education and based on the Times classification of the impact of global universities on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2024. The university has stated that this achievement aligns with its strategic plan and aims to establish itself as a destination for outstanding students and scholars. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Rafha: Al-Bida' site, also known as Al-Tha'labiah, located 90 kilometers south of Laynah village in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region, is an unearthed treasure trove of history and architecture. Part of the Darb Zubaydah (Zubaydah Trail), a historic Makkah-Kufa pilgrimage route submitted to the UNESCO tentative list in 2022, the site boasts significant cultural and archaeological significance and lies within the vast Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. Al-Bida' features over 120 architectural units. Its crown jewel is the magnificent circular stone well that exceeds 12 meters in diameter. The well stands out for its unique entrance -- a one-meter-wide and two-meter-high corridor located at the base of the well -- that leads to the ground surface on the western side. Remarkably, the well has provided fresh water for centuries, quenching the thirst of travelers along this historic route. The surrounding area is dotted with numerous additional wells, while three fortresses and various architectural st ructures of varying sizes and purposes hint at the site's former bustling activity. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, which encompasses a staggering 91,500 square kilometers, protects over 400 kilometers of the Zubaydah Trail. Besides Al-Bida', the reserve shelters numerous significant landmarks within its boundaries. These historical, archaeological, and cultural gems, most centered around the Zubaydah Trail, offer a glimpse into the past, with remnants whispering tales of pilgrims and traders who traversed this path for centuries. The reserve's diverse topography, encompassing valleys, mountains, and the vast Nafud Desert, further enriches the visitors' experience. Source: Saudi Press Agency