分类： society

Saudi Arabia has officially inaugurated the groundbreaking ‘Ala Khutah’ project, an ambitious cultural and spiritual initiative that recreates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) historic migration from Makkah to Madinah. The project, launched under the supervision of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), represents a significant development in religious tourism and cultural preservation.

Spanning 470 kilometers of historic terrain, the immersive experience features 41 meticulously documented landmarks, 59 educational stations, and 5 major event locations that collectively trace the original Hijrah route. Visitors will undertake 305 kilometers of the journey on foot, following the precise path taken during the first year of the Islamic calendar.

The project incorporates cutting-edge augmented reality technology to recreate historical events and provide workshops, offering participants both educational and spiritual enrichment. Infrastructure along the route includes seven dedicated accommodations, over 112 restaurants, and 68 retail establishments to support pilgrims throughout their journey.

GEA Chairman Turki Al Sheikh emphasized the project’s dual purpose of documenting historic milestones while fostering deeper understanding of the Prophet’s life. According to official statements, the initial phase aims to welcome one million visitors, with ambitious targets of five million by 2030 and potential expansion to accommodate ten million participants.

The ‘Ala Khutah’ initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to enhance cultural tourism and religious visitation experiences. This project follows other recent developments in spiritual tourism infrastructure, including expansion projects around the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The United Arab Emirates mourns the passing of Ramesh Shukla, the renowned royal photographer whose iconic images chronicled the nation’s remarkable journey from its formative years to global prominence. Shukla, who passed away on February 14, 2026, left behind a visual legacy that has become embedded in the nation’s collective memory, with his work appearing on postage stamps, currency notes, and in prestigious collections throughout the country.

In an emotional tribute, Tarulatta Shukla, his wife of 61 years, shared intimate details of their life together, revealing the extraordinary dedication behind his celebrated career. “Everybody knew him by name—my Ramesh,” she stated, emphasizing how her husband was not just a photographer to the royals but a beloved figure who belonged to the people he documented.

The couple’s journey began with profound challenges when they arrived in the UAE in 1970. With limited resources and no proper equipment, they demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by converting their living space into a makeshift darkroom. “We used plates (thalis) that we ate in to develop pictures since no other equipment was available,” Tarulatta recalled during an interview with Khaleej Times.

Without a stopwatch or proper darkroom facilities, Shukla taught his wife the intricate art of photography development. “He almost made me a professional developer,” she noted, explaining how they would cover their single room with curtains and carefully calculate development times based on sunlight conditions and weather patterns.

Shukla’s access to the highest levels of UAE leadership was earned through decades of trust and dedication rather than formal status. His wife recounted how he frequently traveled with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and how “even very famous people knew him by his first name,” eliminating the need for special permissions.

The octogenarian photographer remained active until his final days, driven by his passion for capturing the essence of Emirati life. His work now enjoys permanent exhibition at the Etihad Museum, representing the pinnacle of his artistic journey.

Tarulatta also expressed admiration for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s photography, noting that true photography demands “the struggle behind the lens and the immense patience it demands”—qualities she witnessed firsthand throughout her six decades alongside her husband.

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches in February 2026, Muslim communities worldwide are engaged in profound spiritual and practical preparations. From the bustling markets of Pakistan to the resilient neighborhoods of Gaza, diverse traditions are unfolding in anticipation of Islam’s most sacred period.

In Pakistan, vibrant marketplaces are witnessing unprecedented activity as families stock up on essential supplies. Specialized Ramadan markets are emerging with traditional foods, decorative items, and religious materials, creating a festive atmosphere despite economic challenges. Community kitchens are being organized to ensure food security for all economic backgrounds during the month of fasting.

The Gaza Strip demonstrates remarkable resilience as residents prepare under difficult circumstances. Community organizations are coordinating pre-Radaman food distribution programs and arranging collective iftar meals. Spiritual lectures and Quran study circles are being organized in makeshift venues, emphasizing the month’s spiritual significance beyond physical deprivation.

Across Southeast Asia, distinctive cultural traditions are emerging with elaborate night markets and special charitable initiatives. Mosques from Indonesia to Malaysia are undergoing thorough cleaning and maintenance, while religious authorities are coordinating moon-sighting committees to determine the exact start of the holy month.

European and North American Muslim communities are preparing through interfaith dialogues and public education initiatives. Mosques are organizing open houses and distributing informational materials to foster greater understanding among non-Muslim neighbors. Digital platforms are being leveraged to create virtual preparation guides and spiritual development programs.

The global Muslim ummah is demonstrating extraordinary unity in diversity, with each region contributing unique cultural elements while maintaining the universal principles of Ramadan – spiritual reflection, communal solidarity, and heightened devotion.

As the Year of the Horse commenced, the coastal city of Yantai in Shandong province extended a unique invitation to experience Chinese New Year through its rich cultural tapestry. The city’s celebrations showcase an extraordinary blend of traditional craftsmanship and coastal charm, offering visitors an immersive journey into China’s cultural heritage.

Yantai’s festivities feature meticulously preserved handicrafts that have been passed down through generations, alongside vibrant folk art performances that capture the spirit of the lunar new year. The city’s picturesque coastal location adds a distinctive maritime dimension to the traditional celebrations, creating a unique fusion of land and sea cultural elements.

The local tourism authorities have curated special experiences allowing visitors to engage with time-honored traditions while enjoying the natural beauty of this eastern Chinese coastal destination. The celebration theme incorporates horse symbolism throughout its events, drawing on the animal’s cultural significance in Chinese mythology as a bearer of good fortune, strength, and perseverance.

This cultural showcase forms part of Yantai’s broader initiative to preserve intangible cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism development. The city’s approach demonstrates how traditional celebrations can evolve while maintaining their authentic cultural core, offering both domestic and international visitors a genuine experience of Chinese New Year traditions within a contemporary coastal setting.

In the bustling heart of Manila’s Quiapo district, the Golden Mosque stands as the Philippines’ largest Islamic place of worship outside Mindanao. This iconic structure, which becomes the focal point for Ramadan celebrations in the capital, carries a history far younger than most assume—marking just half a century since its construction.

The mosque’s origins trace back to a pivotal diplomatic mission in November 1976 when former First Lady Imelda Marcos visited Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., sought Libya’s assistance in negotiating peace with the Moro National Liberation Front. The subsequent Tripoli Agreement granted limited autonomy to Muslim Mindanao, and during discussions, Gaddafi inquired about prayer facilities should he visit Manila.

This query triggered an ambitious building spree. Imelda Marcos, renowned for her architectural projects, commissioned four mosques simultaneously: the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, the Blue Mosque in Taguig City, one within Malacañang Palace grounds, and another in Marcos’ hometown of Paoay. Remarkably, construction of the Golden Mosque concluded within just 40 days through the concerted efforts of local Muslim residents, many of whom still reside in the community.

The mosque’s distinctive gold-colored dome pays homage to the brass cannons forged by Muslim blacksmith Pira that defended Manila against Spanish colonizers in the 1570s. Spanning 2,000 square meters on a 3,000-square-meter property, the complex houses Hadji Ali Alawi’s Arabic School and a Quranic institution for young students.

Historical context reveals the significance of this Islamic revival. After Spanish conquest in the 16th century transformed Manila into a Catholic stronghold, no major mosques remained in what was once a Muslim-ruled kingdom. Historian Hadji Ali Alawi notes that Manila’s original mosque likely stood where the Roman Catholic Cathedral now resides, evidenced by Quranic inscriptions within the Christian structure.

Today, only the Golden and Blue mosques remain operational—the Malacañang mosque was converted to a library after the Marcos regime fell, while the status of the Paoay mosque remains uncertain. Despite Gaddafi never making his anticipated visit, the Golden Mosque endures as a vibrant center for Manila’s Muslim community, surrounded by thriving markets and residences that maintain Quiapo’s dynamic character.

The ancient city of Weifang in Shandong Province became a vibrant cultural crossroads during this year’s Spring Festival celebrations as international students immersed themselves in authentic Chinese traditions. Visitors from abroad enthusiastically participated in yangko dancing, calligraphy sessions writing the character ‘fu’ (blessing), and hands-on experiences with intangible cultural heritage crafts including copper rubbing and intricate paper-cutting techniques.

Meanwhile, Weifang’s cultural influence continues to expand globally through strategic international exchanges. Students from Qingzhou have successfully transported Chinese cultural traditions to Malaysia through cultural demonstrations, while the city of Anqiu has maintained a remarkable four-year streak of presenting Spring Festival greetings at Germany’s premier Spring Festival gala celebrations.

The cultural fusion continues digitally through the innovative ‘AI Broadcast: Weifang Weekly Insights’ program, featuring virtual anchor Douglas, which provides comprehensive coverage of these cross-cultural festive experiences. This multimedia approach offers global audiences an intimate look at how traditional Chinese customs are being preserved, shared, and reinvented through international participation.