Coinciding with the celebration of International Education Day on January 24th, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received widespread praise from the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, which highlighted the Kingdom's pivotal and pioneering role in supporting and developing the education sector both domestically and internationally. The Assembly affirmed that education is the cornerstone of achieving sustainable development and building prosperous knowledge-based societies, a fact recognized by the Saudi leadership and placed at the heart of its national strategies.

Historical context and Vision 2030: A strong boost for education

This focus is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long history of investment in human capital. Since its founding, the Kingdom has prioritized education, from literacy programs to the establishment of a vast network of prestigious schools and universities. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, this focus has gained unprecedented momentum, as educational development has become a cornerstone for diversifying the national economy and building a sustainable, knowledge-based, and innovative future. The Vision aims to prepare globally competitive generations by equipping them with 21st-century skills, promoting the values ​​of moderation and tolerance, and developing scientific research capabilities.

Local and regional impact: Quality initiatives and tangible results

Domestically, the Kingdom's impactful initiatives have contributed to a genuine transformation of the education system. These initiatives included developing curricula to meet the latest international standards, intensifying teacher training and development programs, and expanding digital transformation through advanced educational platforms such as the "My School" platform, which proved its effectiveness during global challenges. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening technical and vocational education to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.

Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's influence extends to supporting educational institutions in numerous countries. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program is a prime example of this role, providing tens of thousands of Saudi and other students with the opportunity to study at the world's most prestigious universities, thus contributing to the transfer of knowledge and expertise and building bridges of cultural exchange. Furthermore, the Kingdom provides generous support to international organizations concerned with education, such as UNESCO, and contributes to funding educational projects in developing countries and communities affected by crises.

The role of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth

In a related context, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth indicated that it continues its mission of supporting education through its independent programs and initiatives targeting youth worldwide. These programs focus on capacity building, knowledge dissemination, and leadership development, contributing to the preparation of conscious and intellectually qualified generations capable of serving their communities and humanity as a whole.

The symposium concluded its statement by emphasizing that the International Day of Education is not just an occasion for celebration, but a call to renew the global commitment to making quality and inclusive education an inherent right available to all, as the most effective tool for achieving peace, inclusive development and consolidating the values ​​of understanding among peoples.

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its weather forecast, indicating a continued chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms across most regions of the Kingdom. The center warned that these storms could lead to flash floods and will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that may stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility.

Areas affected by the rainy weather

According to the center's report, the weather conditions will affect large parts of the Kingdom, most notably the Riyadh region, particularly its northern areas, as well as the regions of Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province. The report also indicated the possibility of light to moderate rain in parts of the Makkah and Al-Baha regions. The center did not rule out the formation of dense fog during the night and early morning hours in parts of these regions and the southwestern highlands, urging drivers to exercise caution.

The climatic context and the importance of rainfall for the Kingdom

This wave of rain comes within the context of a typical seasonal pattern experienced by the Kingdom during transitional periods between seasons, known locally as rainy seasons such as "Al-Wasam" and "Al-Murabba'aniyah." These rains are of paramount importance given the desert nature of most of the Kingdom's land. They contribute directly to replenishing groundwater reservoirs and dams, which are vital water sources. They also play a pivotal role in revitalizing vegetation and natural pastures, which positively impacts the agricultural and livestock sectors, particularly in regions like Al-Qassim and Hail, renowned for their agricultural production.

Expected effects and calls for caution

Locally, this weather system is expected to affect traffic in major cities like Riyadh. Authorities such as the Civil Defense and the General Directorate of Traffic are urging citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution and stay away from valleys, floodplains, and areas of water accumulation. These authorities emphasize the importance of following alerts and warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology and adhering to instructions to ensure everyone's safety. While heavy rainfall has significant benefits, it also carries risks that require public awareness and full preparedness from relevant agencies to deal with any emergencies that may arise from flash floods or strong winds.

The Saudi media landscape lost one of its most prominent figures in radio broadcasting on Saturday, the esteemed broadcaster Abdulkarim bin Saleh Al-Muqrin, who passed away in Riyadh after a battle with illness. Al-Muqrin is considered a historic voice, deeply ingrained in the memories of generations of listeners of the Holy Quran Radio and its dignified religious programming.

The deceased had been suffering from a severe health crisis since late December, following gallbladder surgery, which resulted in serious complications affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys. His condition necessitated his transfer to intensive care, where he remained until his passing. His family announced that the funeral prayer will be held after the Asr prayer today, Saturday, at Al-Rajhi Mosque in Riyadh.

A distinguished career in the service of Islamic scholarship

Abdulkarim Al-Muqrin was more than just a broadcaster; he was a bridge of knowledge between leading scholars and the wider public in the Arab and Islamic world. His calm and composed voice became synonymous with programs that left an indelible mark, most notably "Nur Ala Al-Darb" (Light on the Path), one of the oldest and most renowned fatwa programs in the Islamic world. He co-presented this program for decades, engaging in dialogue with a select group of prominent jurists and scholars in the Kingdom, making his voice a distinctive feature for listeners seeking reliable religious rulings.

Holy Quran Radio: A Media Beacon

The passing of Al-Muqrin serves as a reminder of the historic role played by Saudi Arabia's Holy Quran Radio since its establishment in 1972. This radio station was, and remains, a beacon for disseminating the Holy Quran, its sciences, and the Prophet's Sunnah. Programs such as "Nur Ala Al-Darb" (Light on the Path) and "Fatawa" (Religious Rulings), presented by Al-Muqrin, became essential references for Muslims worldwide. These programs addressed contemporary jurisprudential issues and answered listeners' questions directly from the Council of Senior Scholars, thus earning them widespread credibility and profound influence.

Regional impact and broad interaction

Al-Muqrin's influence wasn't limited to the local audience in Saudi Arabia; his voice resonated across the airwaves, reaching millions of listeners throughout the Islamic world. Upon the announcement of his death, social media platforms were flooded with condolences from his media colleagues, admirers, and listeners, who reminisced about his distinguished career and his voice, which had been a part of their daily lives and a symbol of tranquility and intellectual reassurance. His passing represents not only a loss for Saudi media but also the loss of an influential Islamic voice that left a rich legacy in the service of religion and knowledge.