The General Directorate of Civil Defense said the warning was based on projections from the National Center for Meteorology, which expects moderate to heavy rainfall across regions including Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, the Eastern Province, Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and Najran.

Authorities said the unstable weather could trigger flash flooding, hailstorms and strong downdrafts capable of generating dust storms that may significantly reduce visibility.In response, Hafar Al-Batin University suspended in-person classes on Monday, shifting to remote learning in its main campus and affiliated colleges in Khafji and Al-Nairyah following meteorological advisories.

The civil defense agency advised residents to remain in safe locations, avoid flood-prone areas and refrain from entering valleys or swimming in affected zones, while monitoring official updates.The warnings follow a series of escalating alerts issued over the weekend, including a red alert for the Madinah region, where forecasters predicted intense rainfall, hail and near-zero visibility conditions.

Weather authorities said the system developed over northern and western regions on Saturday before expanding into central and eastern areas on Sunday, bringing widespread rain and dust-laden winds.

Officials said they continue to monitor the situation closely as adverse weather conditions persist, urging the public to prioritize safety precautions.

The announcement was made on World Cities Day, reflecting the growing global appreciation of Madinah’s rich and diverse food culture. The city’s culinary identity is shaped by its agricultural roots, spiritual importance, and centuries of cultural exchange through trade and pilgrimage routes that have long connected it to the wider world.

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, expressed pride in this achievement, saying that the goal is to build a globally recognized and sustainable brand for Madinah’s cuisine. She explained that the city’s unique ingredients, such as Ajwa dates and traditional herbs, represent not just food items but living symbols of history, tradition, and community.

Badr emphasized that supporting local producers helps preserve these iconic flavors while improving livelihoods. She added that strengthening Madinah’s reputation as a culinary destination can enhance tourism and contribute to economic sustainability.

“Madinah should be seen not just as a spiritual center but also as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub,” she said. “By combining tradition with innovation, we can attract visitors who want to experience the essence of Saudi hospitality through food.”

The Culinary Arts Commission collaborated with multiple local partners to prepare the nomination for UNESCO. The proposal included detailed research, historical data, and cultural insights that highlighted how Madinah’s culinary practices align with UNESCO’s global standards for creativity, sustainability, and community engagement.

The project’s success relied on teamwork between government sectors, private institutions, and local communities. This collaborative model, Badr noted, could serve as a blueprint for other Saudi cities seeking international recognition for their cultural assets.

She also underlined that global recognition should not only celebrate elite chefs or high-end dining but empower small producers, home cooks, and family-owned food ventures. “This achievement belongs to every farmer, vendor, and cook who keeps our culinary traditions alive,” she said.

Authenticity, Badr explained, lies at the heart of Madinah’s cuisine. Yet, innovation ensures its continuity. By blending both, the city can sustain its food heritage while appealing to global tastes.

The recognition will open new opportunities for small and medium enterprises in the culinary field, encouraging them to expand their operations and contribute to local development. One such example is Al-Tabakha, Madinah’s first culinary market, which connects the public and private sectors to promote local food producers and traditional dishes.

Plans are already underway to replicate the Al-Tabakha model in other parts of the Kingdom. The goal is to empower families to share their food stories, sell their homemade products, and engage directly with tourists and international audiences.

Badr highlighted that this global honor must translate into tangible benefits for citizens — from greater income to stronger representation in local and global markets. “We want every small restaurant owner, every date farmer, and every artisan to feel the impact of this recognition in real terms,” she said.

Through its inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Madinah stands as a model of how culinary heritage can fuel innovation, tourism, and community empowerment. The achievement not only celebrates the city’s deep connection to food but also positions it as a global ambassador of Saudi culinary excellence.

As the world’s attention turns to Madinah’s kitchens and markets, the city continues to blend spirituality, culture, and flavor — reminding everyone that food is not just nourishment, but a story of heritage, identity, and connection.

According to a recent report by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, the holy city continues to captivate millions through its sacred heritage, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere that offers peace and tranquility to all who visit.

This milestone highlights Madinah’s enduring status as a destination that perfectly blends spiritual significance with modern development and hospitality.

The report revealed that Madinah has ranked among the top 100 global destinations and proudly secured the seventh position worldwide in the tourism performance index.

This achievement reflects the city’s growing appeal as a global hub for religious, cultural, and historical tourism. Visitors are drawn not only to its spiritual landmarks but also to its cultural experiences, world-class hospitality infrastructure, and commitment to continuous urban development.

Madinah’s deep connection to Prophet Muhammad makes it one of the most cherished cities for millions of Muslims, while its expanding facilities make it increasingly accessible and comfortable for all travelers.

Tourism performance indicators also highlighted the success of neighboring destinations within the Madinah region. The report showed that 47.2 percent of incoming tourists visited AlUla governorate, renowned for its cultural festivals, ancient archaeological sites, and UNESCO World Heritage locations.

Meanwhile, 14.1 percent of domestic tourists chose Yanbu for its pristine beaches, marine adventures, and family-friendly recreational activities.

Together, these destinations have strengthened the region’s reputation as a diverse tourism hub, offering both spiritual and leisure experiences that cater to global travelers.

The Madinah Chamber of Commerce emphasized that these results reflect the Kingdom’s strategic efforts to advance tourism in line with Vision 2030.

The national tourism system has played a pivotal role in supporting destinations like Madinah, ensuring that the region continues to attract international visitors while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Major investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and public services have transformed the visitor experience, making Madinah not just a sacred destination but also a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s progress and vision for sustainable tourism growth.

Madinah’s success story is also a result of the dedication of the Madinah Region Development Authority, which has implemented a wide range of projects to modernize facilities, improve transportation, and preserve the city’s historical and spiritual character.

These initiatives aim to ensure that every visitor experiences comfort, safety, and serenity while exploring the city’s mosques, museums, and heritage sites.

The authority’s work aligns with the broader national goals of enhancing religious tourism, boosting economic diversification, and fostering cultural exchange.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Madinah also recorded the highest occupancy rates in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector during the first half of 2025, reaching 74.7 percent.

This impressive figure highlights the city’s ability to accommodate its growing number of visitors while maintaining high standards of service.

The total number of licensed hospitality facilities in Madinah rose to 538, including 69 new licenses issued this year, with over 64,500 hotel rooms available—an increase of 6,628 rooms compared to the previous year.

Residents and visitors alike praise Madinah for its peaceful environment and spiritual energy. Ahmad Al-Otaibi, a Taif resident, described the city as incomparable in its calm and welcoming nature, crediting the development authorities for improving hospitality and infrastructure that elevate the visitor experience.

These efforts have not only enhanced the quality of services but have also strengthened the city’s role as a leading global destination for faith-based and cultural tourism.

Madinah’s continued growth and success represent the essence of Saudi Vision 2030—creating a vibrant society, thriving economy, and an ambitious nation that opens its doors to the world.

With ongoing projects, modern facilities, and a deep-rooted spiritual identity, Madinah stands as a shining example of how tradition and progress can exist in harmony.

This groundbreaking procedure allows patients with complex blood disorders to access world-class treatment close to home, providing comfort and support from their families while receiving highly advanced care. KFSHRC emphasized that this achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to offering innovative medical solutions in line with global healthcare standards.

The success of the transplant was made possible through the coordinated efforts of multidisciplinary teams, including clinical specialists, nurses, and laboratory experts. From the initial planning stages to the patient’s safe discharge, every step demonstrated precision, collaboration, and expertise, highlighting the hospital’s capability to perform some of the most sophisticated procedures in modern medicine.

Stem cell transplantation, widely regarded as one of the most complex treatments globally, involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy donor cells. It is a life-saving intervention for patients with leukemia, bone marrow failure, and severe immune disorders. By achieving this milestone, KFSHRC has positioned itself as a leading center for hematology and oncology care in the Middle East.

Operating with 400 beds, the Madinah facility offers specialized services across adult and pediatric oncology, ophthalmology, obstetrics, and gynecology. The hospital has also earned 14 accreditations in medical and nursing training, reflecting its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in healthcare education and practice.

KFSHRC’s reputation for excellence is recognized internationally. The hospital has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 15th globally among the top 250 academic medical centers for 2025. This recognition underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for advanced medical research and specialized treatments.

“This milestone demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing medical science and providing world-class healthcare for patients in the region,” a hospital spokesperson said. “By combining cutting-edge technology, expert teams, and patient-centered care, KFSHRC ensures that complex procedures can be performed safely and effectively.”

The successful stem cell transplant in Madinah is expected to inspire further advancements in hematology, oncology, and regenerative medicine across the Kingdom. It also reinforces the country’s Vision 2030 objective of elevating healthcare services to meet international standards and improve patient outcomes.

With this achievement, King Faisal Hospital continues to pave the way for innovative treatments in the Middle East, offering hope and life-changing care to patients with critical medical conditions while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in global medical research and healthcare excellence.

Both the Kingdom and the Muslim world have lost a distinguished scholar. Sheikh Abdulaziz dedicated his life to science, Islam, and the welfare of Muslims. King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered their condolences to his family and the global Muslim community.

Sheikh Abdulaziz also served as the President of the Council of Senior Scholars, promoting Islamic values and community harmony.

Funeral prayers will be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. King Salman has directed absentee prayers in Mecca, Madinah, and across the Kingdom’s mosques following afternoon (Asr) prayers.

His legacy will inspire future generations, highlighting his profound impact on many lives.