In a scene that embodies the spirituality of the holy month and reflects the depth of social cohesion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the side streets in the city of Tabuk has turned into a festive icon and a favorite destination for locals and visitors, thanks to a community initiative that started with a simple individual effort and grew to become an annual event that everyone looks forward to.

The story begins: a passion that turned into reality

The roots of this inspiring story go back to 1444 AH (2022/2023 CE), when citizen Fahd Mohammed Al-Atwi decided to launch a personal initiative aimed at bringing joy to the residents of his neighborhood. Speaking to the news website "Akhbar 24," Al-Atwi explained that the initial spark was a simple decoration using traditional string lights. He drew inspiration from the unique Ramadan experiences he had witnessed while traveling within and outside the Kingdom, and he wanted to replicate those joyful atmospheres in his city of Tabuk.

Community interaction that reflects the spirit of harmony

What began as an individual effort quickly transformed into a collective movement, with Al-Atwi noting that the positive response from the neighborhood residents was the driving force behind the initiative's development. Neighbors rallied to support the project, whether through on-site participation in hanging decorations or by providing logistical support and moral backing free of charge. This solidarity led to the expansion of the decorations to include neighboring streets, transforming the area into a dazzling display of light.

The Ramadan atmosphere experienced by families in the street reflects the spirit of community harmony and gives the month a distinctive character

Cultural and social dimensions of the initiative

The importance of this initiative extends beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing profound social and cultural dimensions. In the context of the Kingdom's ongoing transformations, such volunteer initiatives are a vital component of the "Quality of Life" programs, creating inviting public spaces that enhance residents' mental well-being and provide a haven for families. Social studies demonstrate that festively decorated and illuminated environments contribute to boosting morale and fostering a sense of belonging.

Al-Atwi stressed that true happiness lies in seeing joy reflected on the faces of children and the elderly, emphasizing that these atmospheres revive old Ramadan memories and solidify them in the memory of new generations, thus strengthening the social fabric within the neighborhood.

Future plans and tourist attraction

Regarding the initiative's future, Al-Atwi revealed ambitious plans to develop the project in the coming years. These include installing traditional Ramadan gates at street entrances, increasing the number of lanterns and decorations, and organizing seasonal stalls and sales areas under the supervision of relevant authorities to ensure safety and sustainability. He noted that the street is no longer just a destination for residents, but has become a magnet for tourists from outside the Kingdom who come to visit the museum and experience this unique event.

A call for commitment and safety

The initiator concluded his remarks by inviting visitors to enjoy the atmosphere while fully adhering to traffic safety guidelines and paying attention to children during peak hours, stressing that the ultimate goal is to bring happiness to the community and make this street a symbol of civilization in Tabuk, while maintaining everyone's safety.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially announced the completion of depositing Ramadan aid payments into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, totaling over 3 billion Saudi riyals. This immediate action was taken in implementation of the generous directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques issued a royal decree authorizing this generous aid, based on a proposal submitted by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This initiative reflects the wise leadership's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of citizens, particularly families receiving social security benefits, ensuring a dignified life for them and meeting their increased living requirements during the holy month.

Thanks and appreciation from the Minister of Human Resources

Commenting on this event, 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, commending this compassionate and fatherly gesture towards social security beneficiaries. Al-Rajhi affirmed that this generous act reflects the leadership's awareness of the needs of the most vulnerable segments of society, praying to God Almighty to protect the leadership and reward them abundantly for their continuous care and attention to their citizens.

The context of support and its social and economic impact

This aid is particularly significant given its timing, as the holy month of Ramadan typically coincides with a surge in consumption and increased household expenses for food and other Ramadan necessities. This royal gesture is a long-standing annual tradition that reflects the deep bond between the leadership and the people, and underscores the priority given to social welfare on the national agenda.

From an economic perspective, injecting over 3 billion riyals directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts will stimulate purchasing activity in local markets, benefiting the microeconomic cycle across the Kingdom. This direct support also strengthens the social safety net and alleviates the financial burdens that low-income families may face amidst global economic fluctuations.

Developing the social protection system

This generous support aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on developing the social services system and increasing the efficiency of government spending to ensure that support reaches those who truly need it. The social security sector has witnessed radical transformations in recent years through the implementation of the "Enhanced Social Security" system, which aims to empower beneficiaries and transform them from individuals in need to productive members of society, while continuing to provide direct cash support to the most vulnerable groups to ensure their financial stability.