The Director General of the Health and Population Office in the Socotra Archipelago Governorate, Dr. Issa Al-Shanqabi, praised the pivotal and strategic role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in rescuing and developing the health sector in the governorate. Al-Shanqabi emphasized that this generous support, provided under the direct guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been a cornerstone for the continued provision of medical services to the people of the archipelago during these exceptional circumstances.

Rapid response and high-level coordination

In exclusive statements to Okaz newspaper, Dr. Al-Shanqabi explained that the ongoing coordination between the local authorities and the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, with close follow-up from the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Yemen, Mohammed Al Jaber, has yielded tangible results on the ground. This support has included providing a comprehensive operational budget, securing medicines and medical supplies for the Socotra Hospital to be provided to patients completely free of charge, and supporting vital logistical services, most notably the electricity system, thus ensuring the continuity of medical services with high efficiency and without interruption.

Expanding the service map to remote areas

Saudi support wasn't limited to the main center; the Director of Health in Socotra revealed a strategic expansion of interventions to include districts and remote areas. He noted the tangible response from the Saudi program in supporting and operating the Qalansiyah and Nuqad hospitals, which significantly alleviated pressure on hospitals in the capital, Hadibu, and spared citizens in those far-flung regions the hardship of travel. Al-Shanqabi also announced the commencement of technical studies for the restoration and operation of the 22 May Hospital, with support from the Saudi program, so that it can once again serve as a central health facility for all residents of the archipelago.

Strategic projects and an anticipated qualitative leap

Speaking about future sustainable projects, Al-Shanqabi emphasized that Socotra eagerly awaits the completion of the King Salman Medical Complex, currently under construction next to the King Salman Mosque. He described the project as an unprecedented leap forward in the history of healthcare services on the island, as it will be equipped to be a comprehensive medical facility similar to the medical city in Al-Mahra Governorate, thus enhancing the archipelago's health security and reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment.

Sustainable human footprints

Dr. Al-Shanqabi concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the humanitarian contributions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are well-known to the people of Socotra. He commended the pioneering role of the Saudi field hospital and the equipping of health centers in Amdhan, Nuqad, and other vital facilities. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership for this noble humanitarian support, which directly addresses the needs of the Yemeni people, and looked forward to further cooperation to ensure the sustainability and development of health services to meet the aspirations of the province's residents.

In a spiritually uplifting atmosphere within the precincts of the Grand Mosque, the Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, affirmed that the blessed month of Ramadan transcends being merely a season for striving in fleeting acts of worship, becoming an integrated approach and a source of inspiration and creating a lasting impact in the lives of Muslims.

Ramadan: A comprehensive program for the family and community

During his Friday sermon, Sheikh Al-Sudais explained that the holy month of Ramadan represents a comprehensive program targeting all segments of society, from ambitious individuals to the Muslim family, which is the primary building block for future generations. He pointed out that this blessed season is a major opportunity for purifying the soul, refining behavior, and upholding noble Islamic values. He emphasized that the ultimate goal for which God ordained fasting is to achieve piety (taqwa), which is the foundation of righteousness and the well-being of both the individual and society.

Complementary roles: from child to woman

The Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque detailed the roles assigned to each member of the family during this month, explaining:

• For children: An opportunity to instill the meanings of fasting and patience in their early awareness through engaging and attractive educational methods.
• For young people: a field to direct their vital energies towards active participation in Ramadan volunteering programs and community service.
• For the Muslim woman: She is described as the pillar of the family and the maker of stability in the home, making the month a season of renewal and change for the better.

Preserving the five necessities and the purposes of fasting

In discussing the objectives of Islamic law, Al-Sudais explained that fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink, but rather a comprehensive act of worship aimed at regulating behavior and safeguarding one's limbs. He emphasized that one of the greatest objectives of this obligation is preserving the five necessities established by Islamic law: (religion, life, intellect, wealth, and honor). Fasting is an effective means of curbing desires, rectifying human conduct, and restraining the soul from forbidden acts, which positively impacts the security and stability of society.

Sustaining the impact after Ramadan

Sheikh Al-Sudais concluded his sermon by urging Muslims to maintain the positive impact of the holy month after its conclusion, warning against allowing worship to become merely seasonal, ending with the month's end. He emphasized that worship in Islam is a continuous way of life, and that the sign of acceptance of deeds is steadfastness in obedience and perseverance in good works. This transforms Ramadan from a mere annual tradition into an inspiring act of worship whose impact and rewards remain in this life and the hereafter, thus achieving lasting positive change in the Muslim's conduct.