Madinah’s Historic Islamic Landmarks Open to Visitors

The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors. (SPA)
The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors. (SPA)
TT

Madinah’s Historic Islamic Landmarks Open to Visitors

The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors. (SPA)
The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors. (SPA)

The historic Islamic landmarks of Saudi Arabia’s city of Madinah are now open to visitors.

The locations, castles and fortresses that Muslims had long read about in the history books can now be visited and admired up-close.

Authorities have sought to preserve these locations in the hopes of attracting visitors.

Over a hundred historic Islamic landmarks have been preserved and renovated in the Madinah and Makkah regions to consolidate their religious and cultural standing and offer a unique tourist experience to visitors.

Expert on modern history Dr. Abdulrahman al-Waqisi said: “Every corner and every aspect of Madinah is history and tells a story.”

It covers the history that predates Islam, post-Hijra and aspects of the Prophet Mohammed life, he added.

The city still boasts undiscovered historic sites despite the great efforts carried out by Saudi authorities to unearth them, he remarks.

The regions of Saudi Arabia are still rife with heritage treasures, he stressed.

In Madinah, he highlighted the Atban bin Malik Mosque where the Prophet Mohammed once prayed.

New discoveries were recently made at the mosque, demonstrating the city’s rich history, al-Waqisi said.

He acknowledged that some historic ruins had once been neglected and sometimes destroyed due to some conservative views and various other excuses.

Some important landmarks have indeed been razed to the ground for unjustified reasons, he lamented.

Others, however, have been salvaged thanks to the intervention of the authorities.



Dubai Culture Celebrates Winners of 3rd Dubai Festival for Youth Music

The competition featured 10 categories with intense rivalry among the finalists. WAM
The competition featured 10 categories with intense rivalry among the finalists. WAM
TT

Dubai Culture Celebrates Winners of 3rd Dubai Festival for Youth Music

The competition featured 10 categories with intense rivalry among the finalists. WAM
The competition featured 10 categories with intense rivalry among the finalists. WAM

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has crowned the winners of the third Dubai Festival for Youth Music during a ceremony hosted at Etihad Museum, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Thursday.

The festival is geared toward elevating the local music sector, discovering emerging talent, inspiring them to pursue their creative passion, and contribute to strengthening the cultural and creative industries, WAM said.

The closing ceremony was attended by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Dubai Culture, and poet Dr. Aref Alshaikh, who was honoured with the ‘Music Personality of the Year’ award in recognition of his longstanding literary contributions and influential role in enriching the local cultural landscape.

The event also welcomed the festival’s jury members, including composer Mohammad Malulla, maestro Fadel Hamidi, and artist Jasem Mohamed, WAM said.
The competition featured 10 categories with intense rivalry among the finalists, who unleashed their creativity through captivating musical and vocal performances. These were eagerly followed by the jury and audience, showcasing diverse skills in singing, music composition, instrumental performance, and more.