Field teams from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance detected an electrical violation on one of the electricity meters registered under the ministry’s name and connected to a prayer hall in an automotive industrial area east of Riyadh.
Electricity was connected to 3 barracks belonging to an institution working in automobiles and contracting
The ministry clarified in a statement about the incident that the electrical current was drawn from the meter and connected through irregular means to 3 barracks belonging to one of the institutions operating in the automotive and contracting sector.
The ministry, in coordination with the relevant authorities, promptly removed the violation and took regulatory measures against the involved party to ensure deterrence of violators and prevent the recurrence of such behaviors.
The inspection revealed that all 3 barracks were used completely outside the regulatory framework, prepared to serve as worker housing and hospitality lounges, equipped with several air conditioners to cool the rooms, lighting distributed inside and outside, and electrical points connected to the official meter, revealing its exploitation to operate complete facilities in an irregular manner, in clear and explicit violation of regulations and instructions.
The ministry emphasized that it will not tolerate such violations and will deal with them with utmost firmness and strictness.
It noted that its facilities are dedicated to serving mosques and worshippers, and will not be allowed to be exploited for private interests or employed for personal uses.
barracks
A barracks is a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel. Historically, they originated as permanent structures for standing armies in the 17th century, evolving from temporary camps to provide soldiers with standardized living quarters. They remain a fundamental feature of military bases worldwide.
prayer hall
A prayer hall is a dedicated space for communal worship found in various religious traditions, most notably in Islam and Judaism. In Islam, the main prayer hall of a mosque is a large, open area where the congregation gathers to perform salah (prayers), often featuring architectural elements like the mihrab (a niche indicating the qibla) and minbar (pulpit). Historically, these spaces have been central to community life, serving as both a spiritual and social gathering point since the religion’s earliest days.
automotive industrial area
An automotive industrial area is a specialized manufacturing region that emerged in the early 20th century, most famously pioneered by Henry Ford’s moving assembly line in Detroit. These zones became the economic engines for many cities, concentrating factories for vehicle production and their supply chains. While some historic areas have declined, they remain vital centers for the automotive industry, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, historically a walled oasis town and a pivotal trade hub on the ancient incense route. It rose to prominence in the 20th century after its capture in 1902 by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, who used it as the foundation to unify the kingdoms and establish the modern Saudi state. Today, it is a modern metropolis and a major financial center, known for its striking contemporary architecture juxtaposed with historic districts like Diriyah.
mosques
Mosques are Islamic places of worship that have served as spiritual, educational, and community centers since the religion’s foundation in the 7th century. The first mosque was established by the Prophet Muhammad in Medina, and their architectural styles have since evolved to reflect diverse local cultures across the globe.