Paradise and Neighborhood Agreement: Unifying Standards for Honoring the Dead in Saudi Arabia
In a significant step reflecting the development of the non-profit sector in Saudi Arabia, the Al-Firdaws Association in Qatif Governorate and its counterpart, the Juwar Association in the Al-Baha region, signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at unifying efforts and enhancing the efficiency of services provided in the field of honoring the deceased. This agreement will chart a new course for institutional charitable work that transcends regional boundaries, ensuring an improved experience for beneficiaries and the application of the highest quality standards.
Dimensions of the agreement and its national context
This partnership is of particular importance in light of the significant movement witnessed by the third sector in the Kingdom, as charitable associations seek to move from traditional individual work to organized institutional work that is consistent with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The “honoring the dead” sector is one of the most sensitive and important sectors in society, as it requires dealing with a combination of commitment to Sharia rulings, human consideration for the feelings of the deceased’s relatives, and compliance with health and regulatory requirements.
The agreement reflects a model of integration between the different regions of the Kingdom (the Eastern Province and the Al-Baha region), which enhances the exchange of accumulated experiences between the two associations, and contributes to bridging the service gaps that some regions may face, especially with regard to complex logistical services.
Details of the signing ceremony and operational terms
The agreement was signed at the headquarters of Al-Firdous Association in Qatif Governorate, with Mr. Hafez Al-Faraj, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Firdous Association, and Mr. Saeed Al-Zahrani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Juwar Association in Al-Baha, representing both parties. This step marks the beginning of a new phase of collaborative work between the two organizations.
Among the most prominent aspects of the partnership is the launch of a unified coordination mechanism for the external transport of remains between regions of the Kingdom. This represents a fundamental solution to the suffering of many families who face difficulties in transporting the remains of their loved ones between cities. The agreement will provide transportation equipped according to approved regulations, thus expediting burial procedures and alleviating the psychological and financial burden on the families of the deceased.
Standardizing protocols and training personnel
The agreement was not limited to logistical aspects, but extended to include knowledge and technical aspects. The document stipulated that:
- Organizing joint training programs and workshops to qualify staff and volunteers.
- Standardizing death handling protocols to ensure a unified and high-quality service.
- Exchanging administrative and technical expertise to improve the operational efficiency of the facilities belonging to the two associations.
- Making service facilities available for mutual use when needed, to maximize the benefit from assets and reduce financial waste.
The partnership has been set to last for one full year, renewable, with both parties committed to prior coordination of any joint activity to ensure full readiness to deal with various emergencies with high professionalism and expertise.
