RIYADH: The visit of King Salman to Japan and China will add momentum to trade and investment relations with the Kingdom, according to an expert.
The visit, expected to result in the signing of several agreements, will expand partnerships between the Saudi business sector and Japanese and Chinese counterparts, Tariq Al-Qahtani, the board chairman of the Saudi-Japanese Business Council, told local media.
The Council of Saudi Chambers is dispatching two business delegations during the king’s visit to Japan and China, he said
Meanwhile, the Saudi-Japanese business forum will explore aspects of cooperation and shed light on strategic partnerships between Japan and the Kingdom, he said.
He said Japan is a key partner and strategic ally of the Kingdom, adding that cooperation covers many areas, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), young businessmen, knowledge exchange, technology transfer and localization, and training.
Saudi Arabia and Japan maintain strong economic relations. Japan is considered a key trade partner of the Kingdom.
The volume of trade between the two countries reached SR117.9 billion in 2015. Saudi exports to Japan stood at SR80.6 billion. Saudi imports from Japan reached SR37.2 billion, a trade balance of SR43.3b in favor of the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency said.
In 2014, the volume of trade exchange between the two countries stood at SR194 billion. Saudi exports to Japan reached SR156 billion and its imports from Japan totaled SR37 billion, or a trade balance of SR113 billion in favor of the Kingdom. The Kingdom’s key exports to Japan were represented in oil products, methanol and petrochemicals. Imports from Japan focused on vehicles and heavy industries, SPA said.
The number of Saudi-Japanese joint ventures in the Kingdom reached 83 projects, including 24 industrial and 59 non-industrial plans. The volume of capital invested in these projects hit SR56 billion, and the number of Saudi employees stood at 3,759, with a Saudization rate of 45 percent.
King Salman’s visit to Japan, China to expand bilateral partnerships, says expert
King Salman’s visit to Japan, China to expand bilateral partnerships, says expert
Umm Al-Qura University becomes academic hub for Hajj
- Umm Al-Qura’s research arm, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, deployed 34 researchers and 458 data collectors to conduct 17 studies this season
MAKKAH: As millions of pilgrims undertake Hajj pilgimage, Umm Al-Qura University is leveraging its research capabilities to support one of the world’s most complex religious gatherings.
Dr. Wardah bint Abdullah Al-Asmari, vice rector for investment and community partnership, told Arab News that the university has committed all available resources to support Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah infrastructure, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives.
“We mobilize our human, scientific, administrative, and research capacities annually through specialized educational and training programs, field studies, and consulting services designed to elevate pilgrim experiences and service standards,” Al-Asmari said.
The university’s flagship effort this season, the Licensing and Qualification Program for Helpers of Pilgrims, has provided over 300,000 training opportunities through 20 worker modules and 50 packages for pilgrims available in 15 languages.
Other initiatives include the Rafid Al-Haramain program, offering more than 100,000 training slots and engaging over 3,000 participants from 30 organizations; and the Bus Guide Training Program, which certified 3,500 guides to assist with pilgrim transport.
As part of its global outreach, the university translates Friday sermons and Arafat Day speeches into more than 20 languages, reaching an estimated 600 million Muslims worldwide.
FASTFACTS
• Umm Al-Qura University’s flagship effort this season, the Licensing and Qualification Program for Helpers of Pilgrims, has provided over 300,000 training opportunities.
• The university translates Friday sermons and Arafat Day speeches into more than 20 languages, reaching an estimated 600 million Muslims worldwide.
• This year, 2,027 volunteers were trained in partnership with relevant authorities in health, awareness, and organizational services.
Academic departments have also integrated Hajj-focused curricula in medicine, nursing, computer science, and social sciences, covering crowd control, disaster management, and emergency response. Students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with the Ministry of Health at seasonal medical facilities.
Umm Al-Qura’s research arm, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, deployed 34 researchers and 458 data collectors to conduct 17 studies this season.
These focus on crowd management, security protocols, sustainability measures, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence applications, and pilgrim satisfaction in 20 languages. The Institute for Research and Studies also contributes to national projects through consulting and research implemention.
Digital transformation is another major pillar. The university delivered 34,000 remote training courses through its Specialized Training platform. The modules cover critical areas such as elderly and disabled assistance, translation, guest experience, crowd management, and safety protocols.
Other digital initiatives include AI-driven data analysis, pilgrim-focused smart apps, innovation hackathons, and operating the Nusuk Card project center through Wadi Makkah Co.
Al-Asmari noted ongoing collaboration with key government bodies including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Municipal Affairs, as well as the Royal Commission for Makkah City, Pilgrim Experience Program, Civil Defense, Border Guard, and Makkah Health Cluster.
These partnerships span research, training, performance metrics, and volunteer mobilization.
Volunteerism is central the university’s social responsibility mission. This year, 2,027 volunteers were trained in partnership with civil defense, health, and border authorities in health, awareness, and organizational services.
To meet growing sector needs, the university launched degree and diploma programs in Hajj and Umrah management through its specialized institute and colleges, attracting students pursuing careers in the expanding pilgrim services sector.
Looking ahead, Al-Asmari affirmed Umm Al-Qura’s ambition to expand research, partnerships, and tech innovation in line with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
Osaka Expo pavilion celebrates 70 years of Japan-Saudi relations
OSAKA: Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom — the two countries first established their partnership on June 7, 1955.
“The relations go beyond a mere economic partnership to reflect the depth and diversity of our ties,” said Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and the pavilion’s commissioner-general.
“Today, we build on the strength of the past and harness the momentum of the present to jointly shape a new vision for the future. With Expo 2025 taking place in Osaka and Saudi Arabia hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh, our two countries stand at the forefront of global exchange, showcasing the latest innovations and sustainable technologies, and contributing to shaping an inclusive future for all.”
The Saudi Pavilion has hosted various business events and highlighted trade opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030, strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Additionally, it highlights the Kingdom’s role in bringing Japanese culture to the Middle East through local manga studios, whose works will be featured in August.
The pavilion aims to draw more Japanese tourists to Saudi Arabia, targeting 30,000 visitors annually before Expo 2030 Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is part of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 strategy, which includes more than 80 projects across industries including culture, food, media and entertainment, energy, and education.
The pavilion, which offers more than 700 diverse and engaging events such as daily shows and live performances, has attracted more than half a million visitors since it opened in April.
More than 5,000 volunteers support pilgrim healthcare
- The initiative aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program
MAKKAH: More than 5,000 healthcare volunteers are participating in this year’s Hajj season, the Ministry of Health said, as part of efforts to enhance the quality of services for pilgrims.
The initiative aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, aiming to increase volunteer participation and strengthen their role in serving pilgrims.
Volunteers support healthcare services in three main areas: preventive, curative, and support, the ministry said.
Their efforts cover various locations within the holy sites, including Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, as well as hospitals and healthcare centers.
According to a report, more than 147,000 medical services have been provided to pilgrims so far.
Healthcare data shows that 80,603 pilgrims benefited from primary care centers, while emergency departments received 35,176 cases.
Outpatient clinics treated 7,541 patients, and 5,619 cases were admitted to hospitals, including 2,626 in intensive care.
Additionally, 248 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries were performed.
Arab Parliament congratulates Saudi leadership on managing Hajj season
- Mohammed Al-Yamahi, the speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
- He said that Saudi Arabia’s use of the latest technologies and innovative services has contributed to safeguarding pilgrims during Hajj
LONDON: The Arab Parliament congratulated the Saudi leadership and the Kingdom for organizing and managing the Hajj season, which nearly 1.4 million Muslim pilgrims undertook from Wednesday.
Mohammed Al-Yamahi, the speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on their great success in managing the pilgrimage this year, the Kuwait News Agency reported.
Saudi Arabia has employed artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to manage the Hajj pilgrimage and provide the 1.4 million pilgrims with water, food, accommodation, as well as transportation and health services in various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Al-Yamahi added that the use of the latest technologies and innovative services has contributed to safeguarding pilgrims and creating an environment for performing rituals in a safe and comfortable manner.
He mentioned that the integration of advanced technologies in the Muslim holy sites in Saudi Arabia has greatly enhanced comfort, security, and safety for pilgrims and the approach serves as a model for effectively managing one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, the KUNA added.
Veteran Mutawwif on serving pilgrims: ‘A privilege, not a duty’
MAKKAH: For more than 30 years, Mohammed Sabgha has witnessed the evolution of one of Islam’s most sacred professions — serving as a “Mutawwif,” or official Hajj guide, a hereditary calling that has shaped Makkah families for centuries.
The Tawafa profession is one of the oldest Hajj-related occupations, practiced exclusively by Makkah residents devoted to welcoming, hosting and guiding pilgrims through their sacred journey.
These guides coordinate every aspect of the pilgrimage — from airport reception and accommodation, to healthcare and ritual guidance — according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
Sabgha described it as a sacred inheritance: “This work passes from fathers to sons through generations. Serving Allah’s guests is a privilege, not a duty.”
Throughout his career, Sabgha has witnessed remarkable changes to Hajj, especially the rapid improvements of recent years.
“The pilgrim service system is enhanced every year — from crowd management and group coordination to medical care, ritual facilitation and overall experience,” he said.
The transformation reflects Saudi Arabia’s systematic approach to service excellence. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah works with government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations in year-round planning cycles that begin immediately after each Hajj concludes.
“Every service is measured and evaluated. We identify areas for improvement and implement changes — all aimed at better serving pilgrims,” Sabgha said.
“The Kingdom invests enormous resources and spares no expense in fulfilling this sacred mission.”
He highlighted the Nusuk digital platform as particularly revolutionary, calling it “the foundation stone for delivering every service pilgrims need, regardless of type.”
Among countless pilgrim encounters, one story deeply moved Sabgha. “A few years ago, I served a man who had converted to Islam just months before his Hajj. He said his conversion was inspired by a specific Qur’anic verse.”
The pilgrim had been profoundly affected by verse 70 of Surat Al-Isra: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created.”
Sabgha said: “He reflected deeply on the verse’s meaning — that Allah, the One God, honored humanity with intellect to distinguish good from evil and benefit from harm, in both worldly and spiritual matters.”
