The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, has directed, based on the recommendation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, the disbursement of more than 3 billion Saudi riyals as Ramadan aid to beneficiaries of social security. This generous directive reflects the wise leadership's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of families benefiting from the social security system, its tireless efforts to provide them with a dignified life, and its dedication to ensuring their essential living requirements are met as the holy month approaches.

Details of Ramadan aid disbursement

In accordance with the royal directive, the royal aid payments are scheduled to be deposited directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts within the next few hours. The aid amount has been set at (1000) Saudi Riyals for each head of household and (500) Saudi Riyals for each dependent family member registered in the system. This is to ensure comprehensive support and alleviate the financial burden on social security families before the start of Ramadan, a season in which consumer needs typically increase.

Thanks and appreciation from the Minister of Human Resources

In this context, His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – for this compassionate and humanitarian gesture towards their children who are beneficiaries of social security. Al-Rajhi emphasized that this generous support reflects the leadership's close connection to its citizens and its awareness of their needs. He prayed to God Almighty to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and to reward them abundantly for their exceptional care and attention to the citizens.

Extension of the social welfare approach in the Kingdom

This Ramadan aid is an extension of the long-standing approach adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its founding in caring for the most vulnerable members of society. The Saudi leadership consistently takes the initiative on religious and national occasions to provide direct financial support to citizens, reinforcing the principles of social solidarity and economic stability. This initiative is particularly significant as it comes at a crucial time, helping families prepare for the month of fasting and secure essential food and supplies without hardship.

Government support and the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This direct support aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the social protection sector. The social security system has undergone significant developments aimed at empowering beneficiaries and transforming them from recipients of aid to productive members of society, while social safety nets continue to provide direct cash support to eligible groups. Injecting this substantial sum (over 3 billion riyals) into local markets within a short period will stimulate economic activity and purchasing power, benefiting the local economy as a whole and achieving the desired social balance.

In a move reflecting the deep interest in Islamic architectural heritage, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques continues its tireless efforts to revitalize the Kingdom's ancient religious landmarks, most notably the Al-Awda Mosque in Diriyah. This mosque holds a special place, not only as a center of worship, but also as a living testament to the region's history and an integral part of the collective memory of the residents of the historic Al-Awda neighborhood.

The development of Al-Awda Mosque is of paramount strategic importance due to its prime location in Diriyah, the historical jewel of the Kingdom and the capital of the first Saudi state. Situated on the western bank of Wadi Hanifa, adjacent to the road leading to Al-Ulb Dam, the mosque's location makes it a vital link between the past and present. At the heart of the neighborhood, it serves as the main mosque for the residents, and its development has been intertwined with the urban and social evolution of the area over many decades, making it a heritage icon deserving of meticulous care.

Historically, the mosque was initially built in the traditional Najdi style using mud bricks, distinguished by its unique design of arcades and triangular arches resting on stone columns. Over time, specifically more than thirty years ago, the mosque underwent modern construction using concrete, and haphazard extensions of iron and corrugated iron were added to accommodate worshippers, negatively impacting its visual identity and harmony with the surrounding environment. However, the current project aims to restore the mosque to its original architectural character.

As part of the comprehensive development process within the second phase of the project, Al-Awda Mosque underwent a significant transformation in its size and capacity. The mosque's total area increased from 794 square meters to 1,369.82 square meters, positively impacting its capacity, which rose from 510 to 992 worshippers. This expansion was not merely a numerical increase, but a carefully planned initiative to enhance the mosque's religious and social role while preserving its heritage character.

This project is part of a broader vision aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great importance on national heritage as a cornerstone of Saudi identity. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques aims not only at restoration but also at achieving a delicate balance between traditional building standards and modern technologies to ensure the sustainability of these structures. This is accomplished through specialized Saudi companies and national engineering teams working to integrate heritage elements with contemporary needs, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's cultural dimension and showcasing its rich heritage to the world.

In conclusion, the completion of the development of Al-Awda Mosque in Diriyah represents a model to be emulated in how to preserve historical assets and employ them to serve the community, stressing that development does not mean obliterating the past, but rather reviving it and presenting it in a manner befitting the Kingdom’s religious and cultural status.