On behalf of the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the Deputy Governor of the region, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, sponsored the ceremony honoring the winners of the Makkah Excellence Award in its seventeenth session for the year 2025. The ceremony witnessed a remarkable attendance from officials of government agencies and the private sector, in celebration of the initiatives that contribute to raising the level of services and projects in the region.

List of winners in the nine award categories

The ceremony included a review of achievements and recognition of outstanding individuals in nine main branches covering all aspects of development. The results were as follows:

• Humanitarian Excellence: This award was given to the campaign of His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman for blood donation, in recognition of its great humanitarian impact.
• Economic excellence: It was won by the food cluster in Jeddah.
• Scientific and technical excellence: Jeddah Education Department won it for the "Nafes Challenge" initiative.
• Urban excellence: I went to the Jeddah Yacht Club project as a distinctive urban landmark.
• Social Excellence: The award was shared by Sanad City for Special Education and the Saleh Abdullah Kamel Foundation for Humanity.
• Administrative Excellence: Won by the Supreme Hajj Committee for its organizational efforts.
• Hajj and Umrah services: These were obtained by the Hajj Projects Management Office through the "Serving the Guests of God" program.
• Environmental Excellence: Awarded by the Environment Fund for the "Treatment and Protection of Beaches" initiative.
• Cultural Excellence: The General Entertainment Authority won it for the "Following in His Footsteps" project.

The history of the award and its role in promoting development

Since its inception in 2008, the Makkah Excellence Award has been one of the most important motivational platforms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to instill the principles of excellence and quality in work. This award reflects the vision of the Makkah region's emirate to encourage outstanding work and recognize efforts that contribute to the region's development. Over its successive cycles, the award has successfully attracted more than 5,300 projects and initiatives, reflecting the high level of positive competition and the desire for continuous improvement across various sectors.

Strategic importance and expected impact

The Makkah Excellence Award is not merely a recognition of achievements; it serves as a fundamental pillar in achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, particularly in improving quality of life and enhancing the efficiency of both the public and private sectors. By highlighting exemplary projects such as the Jeddah Yacht Club and environmental and humanitarian initiatives, the award contributes to establishing benchmarks that can be emulated in the implementation of future projects.

Furthermore, the award's focus on the Hajj and Umrah sector as a cornerstone of the region's identity is highlighted. The win by the Supreme Hajj Committee and the Hajj Projects Management Office reflects their ongoing commitment to developing the services provided to pilgrims, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's leading position in the Islamic world. The diverse range of winners—including government entities, non-profit organizations, and the private sector—underscores the award's inclusiveness and its role in fostering an integrated environment that drives sustainable development in the Makkah region.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the times for the Istisqa' prayer (prayer for rain) in all approved mosques and prayer areas across the Kingdom's various regions and governorates. This announcement comes in response to the gracious call of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to perform the Istisqa' prayer on Thursday, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when rainfall is delayed and the people and the land are in need of rain.

In its directive, the Ministry instructed all its regional branches to hold prayers 15 minutes after sunrise, in accordance with the Umm al-Qura calendar. The Ministry confirmed that all technical and logistical preparations are complete, with field teams having begun their work to prepare and clean mosques and maintain sound and lighting systems, ensuring that worshippers can perform their prayers in an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility.

The prayer for rain (Istisqa) holds profound religious and spiritual significance in Saudi society and the wider Muslim world. It is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice) performed during times of drought and lack of rain. This ritual is considered an expression of humility and dependence on God, as people go out in their usual attire, humbled and reverent, frequently seeking forgiveness, supplication, and repentance, beseeching God's mercy and the descent of rain to revive the parched land.

From an organizational standpoint, the leadership in Saudi Arabia is keen to periodically revive this Sunnah (Prophetic tradition), reflecting the state's commitment to religious observances and its close connection to Islamic values. This prayer typically witnesses a large turnout of citizens and residents, led by regional princes and officials, in a scene that embodies unity and solidarity in supplication to God.

It is worth mentioning that the prayer for rain is similar in its form to the Eid prayer, as it consists of two rak’ahs, in which the imam recites aloud. After the prayer, the imam gives a sermon to the people, admonishing them and urging them to repent, return injustices, and abandon sins, considering them as reasons for preventing sustenance. Then he concludes the sermon by turning his cloak inside out, as an expression of optimism for a change of circumstances from drought to prosperity, and from hardship to relief with the descent of rain.

As part of the extensive preparations for commemorating one of the most important national occasions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, conducted an important inspection visit to assess the readiness of the site for the "Founding Day" celebrations. This event is being jointly organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Riyadh Region Governorate, reflecting the integrated efforts to ensure that this occasion is presented in a manner befitting the stature and history of the Saudi state.

During the field visit, His Highness was briefed on all the existing arrangements and preparations. The visit included an extensive tour of the museum dedicated to the occasion, where His Highness viewed a collection of rare historical artifacts that tell stories of past glories. His Highness also paid special attention to inspecting the decorations and lighting work carried out at the historic Al-Masmak Palace, a heritage icon and a prominent symbol in the heart of Riyadh, the capital, and a testament to the epics of unification and the building of the state.

A historical depth spanning three centuries

During the visit, the Deputy Governor of Riyadh received a detailed and comprehensive briefing on the celebration program, which was designed to highlight the immense historical significance of the founding day. This occasion is of paramount importance as it commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 CE (1139 AH). This date represents a pivotal turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, as it laid the foundations for unity, security, and stability after centuries of fragmentation and disunity.

The accompanying events seek to evoke stories of resilience and struggle waged by imams, kings, and citizens over three centuries, thus contributing to connecting current generations with their ancient roots and acquainting them with the sacrifices made for the advancement of this nation.

Strengthening national identity and the goals of the vision

The importance of these celebrations extends beyond mere documentation, encompassing profound cultural and social dimensions. The program aims directly to enhance awareness of Saudi national identity and instill values ​​of belonging and loyalty in the hearts of children and youth. These efforts align with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on national heritage, considering it a fundamental pillar of the Kingdom's soft power and a key element in promoting cultural tourism.

The great attention that the leadership and concerned authorities, represented by the Riyadh Governorate and the Royal Commission, pay to the readiness of historical sites such as Al-Masmak Palace, confirms the keenness to provide an integrated cultural experience for visitors, reflecting the civilizational depth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its prestigious position regionally and internationally.