Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Revitalizes 19th-Century Al-Habish Mosque in Al-Hofuf

This comes as part of the Kingdom-wide initiative to safeguard ancient mosques and highlight Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage under Vision 2030 - SPA
This comes as part of the Kingdom-wide initiative to safeguard ancient mosques and highlight Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage under Vision 2030 - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Revitalizes 19th-Century Al-Habish Mosque in Al-Hofuf

This comes as part of the Kingdom-wide initiative to safeguard ancient mosques and highlight Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage under Vision 2030 - SPA
This comes as part of the Kingdom-wide initiative to safeguard ancient mosques and highlight Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage under Vision 2030 - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques restored Al-Habish Mosque in Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Governorate, preserving its authentic architectural character and enhancing its religious and cultural significance, as part of the Kingdom-wide initiative to safeguard ancient mosques and highlight Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage under Vision 2030, reflecting the governorate's rich religious and intellectual legacy.

Situated in the heart of Al-Hofuf, it is considered one of the oldest historical mosques in Al-Ahsa. Its name is deeply intertwined with the history of the neighborhood and the lives of its inhabitants across generations, SPA reported.

Dating back to the 13th century AH (19th century CE), the mosque served not only as a place of worship but also as a beacon of knowledge, hosting classes in Islamic sciences. Among its most prominent teachers was Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Alaji, a leading scholar of Al-Ahsa, reflecting the mosque's esteemed scholarly standing in the region's history.

Covering approximately 318 square meters, the mosque can accommodate around 90 worshippers. It comprises a prayer hall measuring 13.56 by 3.18 meters, a private retreat room measuring 13.73 by 2.68 meters, an 84-square-meter courtyard, an imam's room with an attached restroom, and a distinctive square minaret standing approximately 5.48 meters high.

The mosque underwent extensive development and rehabilitation in 2020 through the project, expanding its facilities to include the main prayer hall, the retreat room, the courtyard, and the minaret. The project also added a storage room, a dedicated women's prayer room, and modern restroom facilities, all while meticulously preserving the mosque’s original architectural features.



Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
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Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA

The Red Sea Fund, affiliated with the Red Sea Film Foundation, announced the opening of applications to support film projects in the production stage within the second round of this year’s support program, which will continue until March 21, as part of its efforts to enhance the cinema industry and empower innovators in the region, SPA reported.

The round aims to support promising cinematic voices from the Kingdom and the Arab world, as well as filmmakers from Africa and Asia, through financial grants that help complete film projects and present their creative narratives globally, with a special focus on projects ready to enter production and begin filming.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has completed the restoration of Al-Jami' Mosque in Duba, Tabuk Region, as part of its mission to preserve the Kingdom's architectural heritage under Vision 2030.

As one of Duba’s oldest landmarks, the mosque is deeply intertwined with the city’s maritime history, traditionally serving as a central meeting point for sailors. Throughout its history, the mosque underwent several construction phases, including significant contributions by King Abdulaziz and King Fahd, before its selection for the current national development project, SPA reported.

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity, increasing its area to 972.23 square meters and its capacity to 779 worshippers. The architectural style is inspired by traditional Red Sea heritage, incorporating natural materials like stone, mud, and wood for intricate mashrabiyas.

Executed by specialized Saudi firms, the project balances traditional standards with sustainability to rehabilitate the site for worship while highlighting its cultural significance. By restoring such landmarks, the project ensures the preservation of the Kingdom’s diverse architectural and social memory for future generations.


Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
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Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA
Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA

The Dia Aziz Dia Award for Portrait, hosted by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah, is a leading platform for portraiture and the only competition of its kind in the Middle East. It fosters national identity through contemporary art, connecting veteran and emerging artists.

Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives, including Saudi women, the Arabian horse, the Saudi Green Initiative, and King Abdulaziz.

These themes highlight art's role in reflecting social transformations and contributing to the cultural goals of Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.

The current ninth edition, with a theme focused on King Salman, invited artists to depict the leadership and humanity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This edition attracted significant participation, with 787 submissions from 42 cities, including international entries.

Of these, 61 works were shortlisted for the final competition, with prizes totaling SAR170,000 awarded to three main winners and seven incentive recipients.