Politics

Abdullah Al-Harthi: I broke my fast with a piece of bread dipped in "tea"!

Former Civil Defense spokesman Major General Abdullah Thabit Al-Harthi considered serving the pilgrims in the holy sites to be among the most beautiful

Published

3 years ago

April 11, 2023

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Former Civil Defense spokesman Major General Abdullah Thabit Al-Harthi considered serving pilgrims in the holy sites one of the most cherished acts he performed during the blessed month of Ramadan. He noted that his memories of Umm Hadijan during Ramadan nights remain vivid, and he still holds fond memories of his peaceful village of Al-Murayfiq, south of Taif.

dipped disc

What does Ramadan mean to you, and what memories do you have of it?

•• A spiritual state of purity and sublime manifestation between the servant and his Lord, and moments of faith that are unparalleled in other months; because of what the memory stores of childhood days, for the holy month is the most beautiful of memories. We used to live patterns of behaviors and upbringing, including fasting half the day, then breaking the fast, then fasting again, and what accompanies that is the ignorance of a child in hiding in a hidden corner for a sip of water or a piece of bread dipped in a cup of tea. And we had roles due to the absence of microphones in the mosques, shouting when the muezzin called for Maghrib, “Your breaking of the fast, O fasting one, is for you Paradise forever.”.

• What memories remain of the first Ramadan he fasted?

•• I don’t remember that day exactly, but I remember that my father – may God protect him – was very keen to train and prepare us for fasting from a young age, through encouragement and motivation. On a personal level, they encouraged me because I am the eldest of my brothers, and I am a role model. Truly, fasting at a young age had a feeling of pleasure and a sense that you had become one of the adults.

A little rice and stew

• How did you fast, break your fast, and eat your pre-dawn meal?

•• Breakfast was very simple, in keeping with the nature of life and the lack of luxury. Dates and soup were provided according to the living conditions of the families and what they received in charity. The same was true for Suhoor: “bread, stew, and a little rice.” Now we thank God for many blessings and a journey with all sorts of delicious foods.

• Who is your favorite character during Ramadan?

•• My paternal grandmother, “Maslaha,” may God have mercy on her, was a significant figure in my life, and she played a major role in my life during Ramadan. I learned many behavioral patterns from her.

• What do you read during Ramadan?

•• Since we are negligent in reading the Quran throughout the year, I spend most of my time reciting the Holy Quran.

• What is the most popular dish on the table?

•• Dates, samosas, soup, and berries.

Tash and Al-Asouf

• What television program do you make sure to watch?

•• My television viewing during Ramadan is very limited, and it is restricted to the period after Maghrib prayer. Previously, I watched Umm Hadijan, Sheikh Ali Al-Tantawi, the writer Hussein Zeidan, then Tash, then Al-Asouf.

• Who are you inviting to break your fast with?

•• Relatives, family, friends, and anyone who honors us, we are honored by them.

What do you miss most about Ramadan?

•• We believe that it is a blessed month, and it has a special character in which we must change and our behaviors must change.

• What is something you wish everyone would adhere to?

• Tolerance, rejection of disputes, and reconciliation with people and with oneself.

I feel nostalgic for them

Which television show is unforgettable?

•• Umm Hadijan, Tash Ma Tash.

• Does retirement mean a person is finished?

•• I don’t see it that way. Rather, it is a stage that should be the most splendid and beautiful in a person’s life, and should be full of activity, vitality, optimism and work.

• How did you manage to balance media work and fasting during Ramadan, especially during your work in Mecca?

•• The feelings of honor in working to serve visitors and pilgrims are unparalleled in their beauty, comfort, and enjoyment. God is my witness that it is a pleasure, as it is different from any other work task. The more the work pressures increase, the more you feel that you are at the peak of your happiness and comfort. Truly, serving visitors and pilgrims is an honor that everyone desires and dreams of. When I see my colleagues these days, I feel nostalgia and a desire to be with them. May God grant them success.

What memories do you have left of your beautiful village?

•• Wadi Al-Murayfiq Bani Al-Harith village, south of Taif, is about 160 kilometers away. It is a peaceful village that holds the most beautiful memories of my childhood and my relatives. It holds the memories of my companions on the journey, our farms, and I remember the amazing and distinctive bonds of affection, love, solidarity, and closeness among its people. Honestly, it is one of the most beautiful and tender days of my life. May God have mercy on those who have died and protect those who are still alive.

Politics

The Crown Prince receives German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Riyadh

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is holding official talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Riyadh to review bilateral relations and the latest regional and international developments.

Published

34 minutes ago

February 4, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

The Crown Prince receives German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Riyadh

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Royal Court in Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh this evening, on an official visit aimed at strengthening the bonds of joint cooperation between the two friendly countries.

A formal welcoming ceremony befitting the guest's status was held for the German Chancellor, after which His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Chancellor held extensive talks. At the outset of the meeting, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince welcomed the Kingdom's guest, wishing him and his delegation a pleasant stay. Chancellor Merz expressed his great pleasure at visiting the Kingdom and meeting His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, praising the warm reception and generous hospitality.

Strengthening bilateral relations and economic partnership

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the long-standing bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Germany and discussed ways to develop them across various vital sectors. These talks come at a time of remarkable progress in Saudi-German relations, driven by a shared desire to deepen economic and investment cooperation, particularly given the promising opportunities offered by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and Germany's advanced industrial and technological expertise.

The meeting addressed opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, manufacturing, and technology, given Germany's status as a key economic partner for the Kingdom in Europe. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of joint efforts to enhance trade and encourage mutual investments that serve the interests of both nations.

Discussion of regional and international issues

On the political front, the two sides reviewed the latest regional and international developments and the efforts being made in this regard. Discussions touched upon the importance of strengthening security and stability in the Middle East region and the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in supporting peace efforts and resolving conflicts through diplomatic means. They also exchanged views on a number of issues of common interest, emphasizing the need to coordinate positions to address current global challenges.

High-level attendance

The Saudi delegation attending the talks included: Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. Also present were Minister of State and Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan (the accompanying minister), Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Ambassador to Germany Fahd Al-Hathal.

On the German side, State Secretary and Federal Government Spokesperson Stephan Cornelius, German Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Kindsgrab, State Advisor to the Federal Chancellor for Foreign and Security Policy Dr. Günter Sautter, State Advisor to the Federal Chancellor for Economic and Financial Policy Dr. Levin Höle, and a number of senior officials in the German government were present.

Politics

German Chancellor arrives in Riyadh: Details of the visit and the future of relations

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Riyadh today on an official visit. Learn about the details of the reception and the importance of the visit in strengthening the economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Germany.

Published

1 hour ago

February 4, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

The Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Friedrich Merz, arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, today, accompanied by a high-level delegation, at the start of an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aimed at discussing ways to enhance joint cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Official welcoming ceremony at King Khalid International Airport

The reception delegation also included the Acting Chargé d'Affaires at the Kingdom’s Embassy in Germany, Mr. Fahd Al-Hathal, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom, Mr. Michael Kindsgrab, His Excellency the Acting Director of Riyadh Region Police, Major General Mansour bin Nasser Al-Otaibi, and His Excellency the Undersecretary of Royal Protocol, Mr. Fahd Al-Sahil.

Dimensions of the visit and the future of Saudi-German relations

The German Chancellor’s visit to Riyadh is of great importance in light of current international changes, as Germany is the Kingdom’s largest economic partner in Europe, while Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal political and economic force in the Middle East and the G20.

The presence of Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan as an accompanying minister to the German guest indicates that economic and investment issues will top the agenda of the talks. Through its Vision 2030, the Kingdom seeks to deepen partnerships with major industrial nations like Germany, particularly in the renewable energy, green hydrogen, technology, and manufacturing sectors, where German companies possess extensive expertise that can contribute to accelerating development and economic diversification in the Kingdom.

This visit comes as an extension of a long history of diplomatic and economic relations between Riyadh and Berlin. The talks are expected to address regional and international issues of common interest, which will enhance the prospects for peace and stability in the region, in addition to exploring opportunities to increase trade and open new horizons for mutual investments between the private sectors in both countries.

Politics

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in Riyadh: Details of the official visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Riyadh today on an official visit. Learn about the details of the official reception and the importance of the visit in strengthening Saudi-German relations.

Published

1 hour ago

February 4, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

The Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, today, accompanied by a high-level delegation, on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aimed at discussing ways to enhance joint cooperation between the two friendly countries in various fields.

Among those who welcomed the German Chancellor upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport were His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, and His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh. Also present were the Minister of Finance, Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan (the accompanying minister), the Chargé d'Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Germany, Mr. Fahd Al-Hathal, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom, Mr. Michael Kindsgrapp, the Acting Director of Riyadh Region Police, Major General Mansour bin Nasser Al-Otaibi, and the Deputy Chief of Royal Protocol, Mr. Fahd Al-Sahil.

Dimensions of the visit and its strategic importance

This visit is of paramount importance in both its timing and substance, as it comes within the framework of the strong historical ties that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Germany. Germany is a key economic and trade partner for the Kingdom in Europe, and both sides continuously strive to develop these relations and propel them towards broader horizons in a way that serves the interests of both friendly nations.

The presence of Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan as an accompanying minister underscores the significant economic focus of this visit, with economic and investment matters expected to top the agenda. In line with Vision 2030, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen partnerships with leading German companies, particularly in the technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, where Germany possesses extensive global expertise.

Cooperation in the fields of energy and the future

The energy sector, particularly clean energy and green hydrogen, is a cornerstone of the modern cooperation between Riyadh and Berlin. The Kingdom aims to become the primary supplier of green hydrogen to Europe, and Germany is considered a promising and pivotal market in this regard, given its focus on energy transition. The visit is likely to include in-depth discussions on how to activate previous agreements and accelerate joint efforts to address global climate challenges.

In addition to the economic aspect, political consultations play a pivotal role in such high-level visits, as the Kingdom and Germany are key pillars of stability in their respective regions. It is expected that views will be exchanged on regional and international issues of common interest, and ways to enhance international peace and security will be discussed, reflecting the depth of political and diplomatic coordination between the two leaderships.