Day: July 22, 2024

The last group of pilgrims departed on Sunday evening via Saudia Airlines, the national carrier, flight No. (SV5712) from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah Region, heading to Kertajati in Indonesia, carrying 320 pilgrims, after fulfilling the Hajj and visit rituals in ease, comfort and reassurance. Saudia Airlines held a farewell ceremony for the departing pilgrims in the presence of the Vice President of Ground Operations, Mohammad Baakdah, thus concluding its Hajj season operations for 1445 AH. The arrival and departure phases of Saudia Airlines flights were extended for 74 days, offering operational efficiency and high rates of flight schedule discipline, especially as the Hajj season coincided with the implementation of the 2024 summer season plan. These flights also provided quality services to enhance the faith journey experience, involving digital services and services offered at airports to facilitate travel procedures, as well as in-flight hospitality and catering serv ices. In addition, various programs integrated into aircraft screens play an important role in educating pilgrims in many languages. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The last group of pilgrims departed on Sunday evening via Saudia Airlines, the national carrier, flight No. (SV5712) from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah Region, heading to Kertajati in Indonesia, carrying 320 pilgrims, after fulfilling the Hajj and visit rituals in ease, comfort and reassurance. Saudia Airlines held a farewell ceremony for the departing pilgrims in the presence of the Vice President of Ground Operations, Mohammad Baakdah, thus concluding its Hajj season operations for 1445 AH. The arrival and departure phases of Saudia Airlines flights were extended for 74 days, offering operational efficiency and high rates of flight schedule discipline, especially as the Hajj season coincided with the implementation of the 2024 summer season plan. These flights also provided quality services to enhance the faith journey experience, involving digital services and services offered at airports to facilitate travel procedures, as well as in-flight hospitality and catering serv ices. In addition, various programs integrated into aircraft screens play an important role in educating pilgrims in many languages. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today received a cable of congratulations from the Minister of Interior, HE General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, on the occasion of McLaren winning first place at the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix 2024. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today received a cable of congratulations from the Minister of Interior, HE General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, on the occasion of McLaren winning first and second place at the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix 2024. Source: Bahrain News Agency

The 'Haili Wooden Doors and Gypsum Carvings' pavilion, part of the activities of the third edition of the Beit Hail Festival at Aja Park, attracted many visitors from the region and beyond. They observed the methods, techniques, and tools used in crafting and engraving these beautiful artworks, which added an authentic traditional touch to the festival. Craftsman Abdullah Al-Khazzam, a native of Hail registered with the National Handicrafts Program (Bari), shared his beginnings in the clay building hobby that started in his childhood with a continuous passion and ambition to master the craft of making wooden doors and engravings, including the old Haili house door made from tamarisk and other types of wood. Al-Khazzam honed his talent in drawing and engraving on the Haili door and participated in various models, including the Najdi door, which consists of three beams, unlike the Haili door, which consists of four beams. These models received appreciation and admiration from festival visitors for the precise craftsmanship in the smallest structural details. In his pavilion, Al-Khazzam also presented Islamic gypsum carvings inspired by the region's environment, which are part of Najdi architecture to adorn buildings, entrances, and majlises. He also showcased traditional carvings for the historical majlises in Hail, symbolizing the owner's social and economic status at that time, attracting many festival visitors to purchase some of these doors and decorate their current majlises with them as a heritage feature. Al-Khazzam's talent was not limited to making wooden doors but extended to various models such as the pulley known in the past as 'Al-Suwani' and 'Al-Shadad' placed on camel backs. He also participated in drawing and engravings that adorned old mud houses, some containing Quranic verses, wise sayings, and decorative engravings, while others took shapes from trees and plants. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Teucrium oliverianum, commonly known as "Ahneh," is a captivating native plant flourishing in the Arabian Peninsula. Renowned for its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves and striking blue-violet flowers, this member of the Lamiaceae family has become an iconic symbol of the region's flora. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is home to a thriving population of Ahneh, a testament to its resilience and adaptability. Abdullah Al-Barrak, a wild plant expert, highlighted the plant's role as a valuable source for honeybees and its potential for ornamental use. With its ability to reproduce rapidly through seeds and maintain its beauty for over three months with proper care, Ahneh is a prized addition to any landscape. The reserve itself has witnessed remarkable ecological progress since its establishment in 2018. Vegetation cover has surged from 1.5% to an impressive 6.7%, showcasing a thriving ecosystem. The reserve now boasts over 179 plant species, including 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties. Sour ce: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest single-site smelter, launched its 2024 Summer Safety and Health (SandH) Campaign 'Safety Reflection for Family's Protection' with Ali Al Baqali, the Chief Executive Officer inaugurating its activities on 22 July 2024 at the Company's Oasis Hall. This comprehensive SandH Campaign prioritises the well-being of both Alba's employees and contracting company workers. Designed to mitigate summer-related health risks and injuries, this Campaign offers a dynamic mix of online and in-person educational sessions running from July 22 to 30. The CEO Ali Al Baqali emphasised Alba's commitment to fostering a Safety culture that extends beyond the workplace and into employees' homes and stated: "At Alba, Safety isn't just a company priority, it's a family value. Our SandH campaigns are about empowering our workforce to make smart choices that keep them healthy, not just for themselves, but for their loved ones waiting for them at home. This year, with everyone' s active participation, we're confident in reaching an eighth consecutive summer free of heat-related injuries. I encourage everyone to make Safety a top priority, not just at work, but throughout the summer." The "Safety Reflection for Family's Protection" Campaign offers a blend of informative presentations. In-house experts and external speakers will cover various summer safety topics, ensuring employees and contractor workers are well-equipped with the knowledge they need to stay safe. This Campaign will also feature interactive visits to shopfloor areas led by the Company's top officials to showcase practical summer safety strategies that employees can implement in their daily work routines. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Traditional handicrafts at the Beit Hail festival, in its third edition at Aja Park, attracted the attention of visitors and those interested in ancient handicrafts, for which the people of the desert were famous. A number of Sadu weaving practitioners have presented original works of art that contribute to the revival of the traditional hand-sewing craft that disappeared in the past, as they have been producing their works for years. Hessa Al-Turki has been producing her works for the last 30 years, in which she used various clothing fabrics such as Shalki, taffeta, chiffon and cloth cords, while Om Khalaf mentioned that she has been practising Sadu weaving for 45 years, inheriting the craft from her mother and grandmother. The aim is to revive, develop and preserve this female craft from extinction, highlight women's effective role in society and introduce the younger generations to folklore. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Abu Dhabi, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, at his residence in Abu Dhabi. His Majesty the King and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed exchanged cordial talks reflecting the strong and special fraternal ties between Bahrain and the UAE, their leaders, and their people. The two leaders also discussed their mutual interest to further strengthen ties and cooperation at all levels to serve the priorities of sustainable development and prosperity in the two countries and meet the aspirations of their peoples for more progress and prosperity. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and National Security Advisor; His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC); and senior officials were present. From the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and Shaikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court, were present. Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Black Mountain in Al-Raith Governorate is a breathtaking natural wonder that has captivated visitors from near and far. This majestic peak, located about 124 kilometers northeast of Jazan city, rises over 3,000 feet, its summit shrouded in a lush canopy of juniper trees and other perennial plants. The mountain's unique shape, with its peaks and slopes forming an arc, casts dramatic shadows during sunrise and sunset, lending it the name 'Black Mountain.' This verdant giant offers more than just stunning vistas. Local ingenuity has transformed its slopes into terraced farms, showcasing the region's rich agricultural heritage. The abundance of Sidr, Samr, Talh, and Marar trees has made the area a beekeeper's paradise, producing renowned white Majra honey. A visit to Black Mountain is an escape into tranquility. Surrounded by nature's splendour, visitors can relax, rejuvenate, and immerse themselves in the beauty of this extraordinary landscape. Source: Saudi Press Agency