Khaberni - The Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz called for the performance of the Istisqa prayer throughout the kingdom on Thursday.
The call comes amid a shortage of rainfall that regions in the kingdom have experienced recently.
Most regions of the kingdom have not seen rain, while other higher and mountainous areas are used to regular rainfall throughout the winter season, such as Taif and Asir in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Rainwater in Saudi Arabia is an important source for the development of groundwater and replenishing what is depleted from it. The Saudi government has worked on building a series of dams aimed at capturing rainwater for use in irrigation and drinking purposes after refining it.
Saudi Arabia primarily relies on desalination of saltwater for drinking water and uses groundwater sources for irrigation, with rainwater contributing additional amounts to these two sources.
The Istisqa prayer is performed by Muslims following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, when the descent of rain is delayed, gathering in mosques and public squares.
