The National Center for Meteorology announced its full operational and technical readiness in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, as part of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at enhancing the accuracy of geographic coverage and utilizing advanced technological capabilities in the Makkah and Madinah regions. The plan focuses intensively on the Two Holy Mosques, the designated prayer times, international and regional airports, as well as the entry points and highways used by pilgrims.

This step comes within the framework of the utmost importance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places on serving pilgrims and visitors during religious seasons. The month of Ramadan, in particular, typically witnesses a high volume of people, requiring meticulous management of all logistical and security services, in which weather is a significant and influential factor. The relevant authorities are working in harmony to ensure that the rituals are performed in a safe and secure environment, leveraging the advanced digital infrastructure established by the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Through its seasonal plan, the center aims to provide real-time and future weather data around the clock, while enhancing the efficiency of monitoring and forecasting potential weather phenomena before they occur. To achieve this, the center has utilized a wide network of geographically distributed observatories across the Kingdom, supported by modern weather radars, high-resolution satellite imagery, the Saudi numerical weather prediction model, and manned observatories, as well as automated and mobile stations covering vital areas.

As part of the digital transformation and to facilitate access to information for beneficiaries, the operational plan focused on issuing specialized weather bulletins for prayer times and providing accurate and up-to-date coverage of the weather conditions in the Two Holy Mosques. The plan also included displaying weather forecasts and early warnings on highways via electronic road signs, making real-time weather information and 10-day forecasts available through the "Anwaa" application, and establishing direct technical links with national smart platforms such as the "Nusk" and "Tawakkalna" applications to ensure alerts reach the largest possible segment of pilgrims.

Regarding air navigation, the plan included raising the level of performance and efficiency at the center's observatories in various airports across the Kingdom to ensure air navigation safety and professional handling of the anticipated increase in air traffic during the holy month. Accurate meteorological information at airports is a fundamental pillar for flight scheduling and avoiding any weather disturbances that could affect air traffic.

The center concluded its preparations by utilizing 14 diverse media platforms to ensure the rapid delivery of information and weather alerts to the public and relevant authorities, thereby enhancing community awareness and readiness to deal with any weather fluctuations, and contributing to achieving the highest standards of security and safety for those visiting the Holy Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan each year, Jeddah is adorned with light and joy. However, this year the Al-Faisaliyah neighborhood witnessed an exceptional event that evoked memories of a beautiful past. Saudi citizen Mohammed Al-Lakhmi successfully transformed his home and surrounding area into a vibrant tourist and popular destination through a personal initiative that turned the neighborhood's tranquility into an artistic tableau imbued with the spirituality of the holy month.

The story of reviving Ramadan traditions

The idea wasn't born of chance; it stemmed from Al-Lakhmi's childhood memories in the Al-Balad district of historic Jeddah. This area, considered the beating heart of the Red Sea city, was where lanterns, mashrabiya screens, and traditional decorations were an integral part of the Hijazi identity during Ramadan. Al-Lakhmi decided to bring this cultural and aesthetic heritage from the alleyways of old Jeddah to his modern home in the Al-Faisaliyah neighborhood, creating a bridge between the authenticity of the past and the modernity of the present.

Project details: Effort and cost for the sake of happiness

Speaking to the media, Al-Lakhmi explained that transforming the house into this artistic masterpiece was no simple task; it took nearly two months of preparation and continuous work. The preparations included collecting and installing large decorative pieces, such as giant lanterns, a model of the famous Ramadan cannon, a crescent moon, and coordinated lighting that illuminated the house's facade and the surrounding street. The project cost more than 17,000 riyals, but Al-Lakhmi believes its true value lies not in monetary worth, but in the joy it brings to visitors.

Impact of the initiative: A destination for locals and photographers

The Al-Lakhmi House quickly became a destination for Jeddah residents and visitors alike, and a focal point for photographers who rushed to capture its spiritual atmosphere. The experience transcended mere visual admiration, touching a human connection; Al-Lakhmi recounted a moving story of a woman who makes a point of walking around the house daily to enjoy the view and reminisce about "the good old days." This community engagement underscores the pivotal role that individual initiatives in beautifying residential neighborhoods play in enhancing the urban landscape, strengthening social bonds, and spreading positive energy among residents.

Ramadan in Jeddah: A Renewed Heritage

The story of Beit Al-Lakhmi demonstrates how visual arts associated with religious occasions can boost domestic and local tourism. Jeddah, with its rich history, has long been a hub for unique Ramadan traditions, and initiatives like this revive those traditions in innovative ways, transforming residential neighborhoods into miniature entertainment and cultural destinations that contribute to enhancing the quality of life during the Ramadan season.