Darah Launches ‘History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques’ Forum

Muslim pilgrims walk out after the Friday prayer at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 17, 2018.REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
Muslim pilgrims walk out after the Friday prayer at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 17, 2018.REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
TT

Darah Launches ‘History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques’ Forum

Muslim pilgrims walk out after the Friday prayer at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 17, 2018.REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
Muslim pilgrims walk out after the Friday prayer at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 17, 2018.REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) launched Monday the “History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques” forum at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the “Pilgrim Experience Program”.

The forum aims to highlight the Kingdom’s historical and organizational efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, document the architectural and artistic transformations of the holy sites, and adopt the latest digital methods for studying the history of Hajj, SPA reported.

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, and member of the Supreme Supervisory Committee for the Hajj and Two Holy Mosques History Project Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered a speech underscoring the importance of preserving the history of Hajj and its landmarks. He emphasized the scholarly responsibility to document the Kingdom’s prominent role in serving pilgrims and caring for the Two Holy Mosques throughout history.

For his part, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah highlighted major advancements in the Hajj ecosystem, including administration, organization, and services. He stressed the importance of harnessing historical research and modern technologies to support decision-making, shape the future of Hajj and Umrah, and enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims.

The forum aims to promote specialized scientific research in this field and translate its outcomes into educational and media content. It also seeks to shed light on the historical evolution of the Hajj in the Islamic world, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep commitment to documenting and preserving the legacy of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques, two of Islam’s greatest rituals and enduring symbols of civilization.

The forum’s significance lies in its focus on Hajj as a pillar of Islamic identity and a manifestation of unity among Muslims. Through this platform, Darah seeks to transform research outputs into accessible cultural and educational content. Organized as part of the broader project on the history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques, the forum aligns with the Foundation’s mission to preserve and document the Kingdom’s history and that of its holiest sites.

It aspires to serve as a national and global reference for chronicling the Hajj ritual and promoting the Kingdom’s cultural and civilizational image, in line with Vision 2030 objectives in culture and tourism, through interactive scientific and digital content that showcases the historical depth of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques.



Louvre Museum Says Shutting for the Day Due to Strike

People walk next to the Louvre Museum covered in snow in Paris, France, 07 January 2026. (EPA)
People walk next to the Louvre Museum covered in snow in Paris, France, 07 January 2026. (EPA)
TT

Louvre Museum Says Shutting for the Day Due to Strike

People walk next to the Louvre Museum covered in snow in Paris, France, 07 January 2026. (EPA)
People walk next to the Louvre Museum covered in snow in Paris, France, 07 January 2026. (EPA)

The Louvre Museum was forced to close on Monday due to strike action from staff in the latest disruption at the world's most-visited museum, management said.

"Due to public strikes, the Musee du Louvre is closed today," the museum said in a message posted on its website, informing disappointed tourists and art lovers that their entry tickets would be automatically reimbursed.

The museum closed for a full day last month and has been only partially open on several other days since.

Nearly three months after an embarrassing daylight heist, which has heaped pressure on Louvre bosses, staff are calling for more recruitment and better maintenance of the vast former royal palace.

Questions continue to swirl since the October 19 break-in over whether it was avoidable and why thieves were able to steal crown jewels worth more than $100 million.

Two intruders used a truck-mounted extendable platform to access a gallery containing the jewels, slicing through a glass door with disk-cutters in front of startled visitors before stealing eight priceless items.

As well as the robbery, two other recent incidents have highlighted maintenance problems inside the building, which chief architect Francois Chatillon has described as "not in a good state".

A water leak in November damaged hundreds of books and manuscripts in the Egyptian department, while management had to shut a gallery housing ancient Greek ceramics in October because ceiling beams above it risked giving way.


20-Year-Olds Gathering in Kimonos for Coming of Age Day Ceremony in Japan

Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
TT

20-Year-Olds Gathering in Kimonos for Coming of Age Day Ceremony in Japan

Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

Young women in brightly colored long-sleeved kimonos and young men in formal suits or traditional hakama and haori gathered Monday at Yokohama Arena to mark Coming-of-Age Day, an annual celebration for those who have turned 20.

The ceremonies, which are a widely observed public rite of passage in Japan, lasted less than an hour. Before and after the events, young adults gathered near the arena entrance, sidewalks and nearby train stations, greeting friends they had not seen for a long time. Smartphones were raised repeatedly as participants took pictures of each other and themselves.

Among the many participants wearing black and navy suits, a large number of young men chose traditional hakama trousers and haori jackets.

Legally, adulthood in Japan now begins at 18, following a revision of the Civil Code in April 2022. Even so, most local governments continue to hold Coming-of-Age ceremonies for 20-year-olds.

Inside Yokohama Arena, participants stood for the national anthem, then sang Yokohama’s city song together. Many then switched on the lights of their mobile phones, illuminating the hall.


Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture
TT

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

The Saudi pavilion at Global Village in Makkah, part of the Makkah winter season, reflects the richness and uniqueness of the Kingdom's culture and heritage.

It features interactive and engaging sections that introduce visitors to the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, including live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and artwork inspired by the local environment, SPA reported.

The pavilion’s presence at Global Village reflects ongoing efforts to highlight the nation’s cultural heritage, promote its civilizational legacy, and strengthen its cultural presence at major events.