Unifying standards for honoring the dead: A strategic partnership between Qatif and Al-Baha

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In a significant step aimed at elevating the social and charitable services sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Al-Firdaws Association for Honoring the Deceased in Qatif Governorate and the Juwar Association in Al-Baha region laid the foundation for a new phase of joint institutional work. This initiative is part of a roadmap designed to unify standards and exchange field expertise, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to develop the non-profit sector and enhance the efficiency of services provided to citizens and residents.

A qualitative shift from individual to institutional work

While funeral services in many regions have long relied on unregulated individual and voluntary efforts, recent developments indicate a strategic shift towards institutionalizing this noble humanitarian work. This was exemplified in a meeting hosted by the Al-Firdous Association for a delegation from the "Jiwar" Association, where they discussed ways to promote the "Certified Practitioner" license. This initiative aims to ensure that those responsible for preparing the deceased are legally, medically, and technically qualified, thus guaranteeing the preservation of the deceased's dignity and providing necessary support to their families.

A new path to unify national efforts

Hafez Al-Faraj, head of the Al-Firdous Association, affirmed that this collaboration represents a departure from the traditional model of charitable organizations operating within their geographical boundaries. He explained that the goal is to create a national consortium that integrates Qatif's pioneering experience in crowd management and cemetery organization with the accumulated expertise of the Juwar Association in Al-Baha. This integration will produce a unified national model applicable across all regions of the Kingdom, thereby improving the quality of funeral services and reducing disparities in performance levels between different regions.

Hafez Al-Faraj – President of Al-Firdous Association

The Paradise Experience: Numbers and Facts

The meeting reviewed the practical experience of Al-Firdous Association, which has successfully transformed volunteer work into a precise and professional system. The visiting delegation was briefed on the mechanisms employed, which have resulted in the issuance of 250 practice licenses, in addition to an ambitious plan to train more than 1,000 volunteers. The association also unveiled its schedule of 18 specialized training courses for 2026, covering legal, health, and technical aspects, making it a model of discipline and continuous development.

Praise for the level of governance and organization

For his part, Saeed Musfir Al-Zahrani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the "Jiwar" Association in Al-Baha, expressed his deep admiration for the organizational level in Qatif. Al-Zahrani pointed out that what distinguishes this experience is the presence of highly trained staff, strong administrative governance that regulates workflow, and an exemplary, integrated relationship with the municipality. He affirmed his association's determination to transfer this knowledge and implement this professional model in the Al-Baha region, describing what he witnessed as "heartwarming.".

Saeed Al-Zahrani, President of the Neighborhood Association

Saeed Al-Zahrani, President of the "Jawar" Association in Al-Baha

The complementary role of the municipal sector

The meeting did not overlook the pivotal role of the government sector. Ali Al-Matroud, Deputy Mayor for Services, explained that the municipality plays an enabling and supportive role for specialized associations. He emphasized that the association's handling of all matters related to the deceased in the governorate has reduced the municipality's operational burden and improved service quality. He stressed that these partnerships contribute directly to improving the quality of life, which is one of the most important programs of the Kingdom's Vision.

Meeting to unify standards for honoring the dead

The human and social dimension

Engineer Shafiq Al-Saif, a former member of the municipal council, highlighted the humanitarian dimension of this partnership, noting that cooperation between the regions has resulted in tangible benefits for citizens, such as the high level of coordination in transporting bodies between Riyadh and Qatif. He emphasized that these efforts transcend the technical aspects, touching the emotions of the bereaved families, as the efficient organization and swift procedures contribute to easing their grief.

Former Municipal Council Member, Engineer Shafiq Al-Saif

Future direction: Certified practitioner license

In a related context, Abdullah Al-Maharfi, Director General of the "Ikram" initiative at the Eastern Province Municipality, revealed a strategic plan to improve the quality of work in cemeteries by introducing a "Certified Practitioner License" under the supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. This license targets young people and retirees and requires completion of intensive training programs. Al-Maharfi praised the Al-Firdous Association as a pioneering model, noting the social nature of Qatif Governorate, which has provided a large number of volunteers, enabling the association to offer high-quality services that surpass those of many other regions.