RIYADH: Economic experts have attributed the fall in remittances made by foreign workers in the Kingdom to lower economic growth and the suspension of some government projects, among other factors.
Foreigners working in the Kingdom sent home SR10.77 billion ($2.87 billion) in February 2017, 15 percent less than the same time last year, according to data released by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA).
Remittances made by Saudis fell to SR4.13 billion in February, 30 percent lower than the same period last year, the SAMA report said.
Experts said the drop of remittances made by foreign workers could be attributed to a decline in economic growth, a drop in activities of small-and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) and the slowdown seen in several business sectors.
Such factors led to the service termination of some foreign workers, driving some to work in the black market, according to Dr. Fahd bin Jumaa, Shoura Council member and economic expert.
When foreign workers are laid off, cases of concealment increase, and a bigger proportion of salaries are remitted through unofficial means rather than banks, Jumaa told local media.
The economic expert said this hidden economy has a negative impact on the Kingdom’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Economic expert Yasir Al-Mazid attributed the decline in foreign remittances to many factors including the suspension of some government projects.
This has led to a drop in the foreign workforce, a consequent fall in the volume of regular remittances, and a boost in the amount of money sent abroad via non-official channels, he said.
The economic expert said government controls have to be activated to monitor channels undertaking remittance operations illegally and enabling foreign workers to smuggle money out of the Kingdom.
Economy, project suspensions ‘hit Saudi expat remittances’
Economy, project suspensions ‘hit Saudi expat remittances’
Gulf leaders congratulate Saudi leadership for organizing successful Hajj
- Leaders from UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait commend King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
RIYADH: Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations have congratulated the Saudi leadership on successfully managing and organizing the Hajj pilgrimage, which nearly 1.4 million Muslims have undertaken since Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Sunday congratulatory messages from the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar, and Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia has employed artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to manage this year's Muslim pilgrimage, one of the world's largest annual gatherings.
The Kingdom's authorities provided over 1 million Muslim pilgrims with essential services during the Hajj, including water, food, accommodation, transportation, and healthcare at various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Centuries of Hajj documented in travelers’ chronicles
- Pilgrims’ writings provide valuable insights into the history of Muslim civilization
- Journeys of barefoot pilgrims, seafaring voyagers and desert caravans preserved
MAKKAH: For centuries, the Hajj pilgrimage has stood as Islam’s most profound convergence of spiritual devotion and physical endurance.
This sacred journey, where the trials of travel merge with the sanctity of worship, has been meticulously documented by countless travelers, scholars and rulers whose written accounts have become invaluable chronicles of the history of Islamic civilization.
From barefoot pilgrims to seafaring voyagers and desert caravans, the Hajj experience has been preserved across generations through detailed testimonies, books and manuscripts that illuminate both the ritualistic and human dimensions of this transformative journey.
According to researcher and historian Saad Al-Joudi, the Hajj transcended its purely ceremonial function to become a comprehensive documentation project that captured the essence of Islamic society across different historical periods.
The Andalusian explorer Ibn Jubayr was one of the most meticulous chroniclers, providing exhaustive accounts of his maritime route from Andalusia through Alexandria to the Hejaz from 1183-1185.
His writings detail every stage of the pilgrimage sequence: The ritual consecration at designated boundaries (Ihram), the circumambulation of the Kaaba (Tawaf), the Sa’I (running between Safa and Marwa), the overnight vigil in Mina, the standing at Mount Arafat, the symbolic stone-throwing ceremony, and the final farewell circumambulation.
HIGHLIGHTS
• This sacred Hajj journey has been meticulously documented by countless travelers, scholars and rulers.
• Their written accounts have become invaluable chronicles of the history of Islamic civilization.
• The Andalusian explorer Ibn Jubayr was one of the most meticulous chroniclers, detailing every stage of the pilgrimage sequence.
• Ibn Battuta, who set off on his pilgrimage in 1325, focused extensively on the logistical infrastructure supporting the routes to Makkah.
The renowned traveler Ibn Battuta, who set off on his pilgrimage in 1325, focused extensively on the logistical infrastructure supporting the routes to Makkah.
His accounts express wonder at the remarkable unity displayed by Muslims of diverse languages, ethnicities and cultures as they performed identical rituals in perfect synchronization.
He documented the overland passages from the Levant to Madinah, describing rest stations, temporary pilgrim markets and mobile medical facilities.
Majed Al-Yazidi, of Umm Al-Qura University, said that Hajj documentation extended beyond travel writers to include sultans and kings.
Abbasid caliph Harun Al-Rashid is said to have performed the pilgrimage several times, notably traveling on foot as an expression of humility.
The 13th-century Mamluk ruler, Baibars, established comprehensive supply networks and security installations for pilgrim caravans throughout the Levant and Arabian Peninsula, transforming the Hajj into an integrated socio-political undertaking.
The geographic scope of the pilgrimage routes reflects the civilizational breadth of the Islamic world.
Al-Yazidi said that pilgrims from Andalusia and Morocco predominantly traveled by sea, while those from Yemen and the Indian subcontinent used both sea and land routes.
Pilgrims from the Levant, Iraq and Egypt followed established paths, including the famous Darb Zubaidah, Darb Al-Kufa and Egyptian corridor.
These pilgrimage highways catalyzed the development and prosperity of numerous cities along their paths.
Al-Joudi highlighted how these travel accounts provided systematic documentation of Hajj rites.
These chronicles also captured behavioral patterns, regional clothing styles, commercial activities and accompanying cultural practices with remarkable precision.
Humanitarian and social dimensions of the pilgrimage are exemplified in the works of Abdul Ghani Al-Nabulsi, the scholar who began his journey in 1693.
Al-Nabulsi documented the extensive cultural exchanges occurring between pilgrims from East Asia to North Africa, recording gift exchanges, manuscript trading and intellectual discussions.
Al-Joudi emphasized that Hajj journeys were cultural, spiritual and humanitarian occasions that motivated numerous writers and travelers to document their rich details.
He said that among the most prominent was Ibn Battuta, who dedicated extensive passages in his book the Rihla to describing Hajj rituals, sanctuary conditions and caravan movements.
Al-Yazidi also highlighted scholar Mohammed Al-Amin Al-Shanqiti, who authored “The Hajj Journey to God’s Sacred House.”
His writings combine precise descriptions with jurisprudential insights and religious rulings, alongside personal observations and interactions with pilgrims from across the globe.
Modern Arabic literature has been enriched by numerous Hajj memoirs. Abbas Mahmoud Al-Aqqad’s “The Hejazi Journey” captures the spiritual atmosphere through a literary lens, while Ibrahim Abdul Qadir Al-Mazini’s “Journey to Hejaz” employs contemplative prose to explore both humorous incidents and profound spiritual experiences.
Mohammed Hussein Haikal’s “In the House of Revelation” offers intellectual and spiritual analysis of his Arabian journey.
Shakib Arslan’s “Pleasant Impressions in the Pilgrim’s Mind” and Ali Al-Tantawi’s “To the Land of Prophecy” combine travel narrative with reformist and educational perspectives.
The documentation tradition extends beyond Arab authors to include remarkable accounts by converts to Islam.
Leopold Weiss (Muhammad Asad) in “The Road to Makkah” and Takeshi Suzuki (Muhammad Saleh) in “A Japanese in Makkah” provide insights into the pilgrimage experience from the perspective of recent converts, demonstrating Islam’s universal appeal across cultural boundaries.
Al-Yazidi said that these diverse travel accounts, despite variations in language and approach, constituted a living historical archive of the Hajj across centuries.
Novice UK sailors arrive in Jeddah after surviving epic Hajj voyage
- 6 crew members set out on ‘sacred journey’ — with no sailing experience
- Saudi authorities win praise for treating pilgrims ‘like honored guests’
MINA: A group of six pilgrims with no previous sailing experience who set off from London on a 59-day maritime adventure have praised Saudi authorities for the welcome they received after finally completing their Hajj voyage.
The UK-based group, aged between 27 and 47, set sail on April 1 and arrived in Jeddah on May 27, just one week before the start of Hajj.
Each member brought a unique set of skills, from IT professionals to community organizers, but none had formal maritime training. Together, they learned to navigate, maintain their vessel, and endure weeks at sea, often facing unpredictable weather and challenging conditions.
The six pilgrims — Abdul Wahid, Tauseef Ahmed, Jody McIntyre, Dobbir Uddin, Taher Akhtar, and Ayaz Khan — made several stops across Europe and North Africa during their journey, sharing the highs and lows of life at sea with a growing community of followers on social media.
Speaking to Arab News at Mina during Hajj, Wahid, the captain, said that the voyage had been a memorable and life-changing experience.
His favorite moment came after setting off from the Gulf of Suez on the final leg of the journey. Seeing mountains in the distance — the first sign of Saudi Arabia after days of storms and rough seas — brought pure joy. In that moment, he knew they had made it.
Reflecting on their arrival and experience of Hajj, Wahid praised the exceptional care and organization. He said the pilgrimage itself felt calm and manageable compared with the challenges of the sea voyage.
Wahid said the Saudi authorities treated pilgrims like honored guests, with ambulances stationed throughout, volunteers offering water and ice packs, and a clear sense that everyone was committed to making the experience spiritual and memorable.
“They’re (Saudi authorities) looking after them (pilgrims), and they’re trying to make sure that there’s nothing you need. You’re walking down the street, the Boy Scout is there handing you an ice pack to put on your hot head... The policeman passes you a bottle of water... The fire station isn’t just a fire station, they’re standing outside spraying people down with water to cool them off,” he said.
“Every single person here is engaged in trying to make sure that Hajj is an enjoyable, spiritual, wonderful experience.”
Another crew member, Ayaz Khan, said that the challenge of sailing to Hajj was “about pushing himself beyond limits and embracing the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.”
Khan also spoke of the profound welcome awaiting them onshore, saying that the reception was beyond anything he imagined — a dream come true.
His family had never been to Hajj before. When he told his mother he was sailing, she was worried, but he told her that this was bigger than him — it was the chance to complete a sacred journey.
The adventure route led the group through the English Channel and on to Marseille before passing the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Crete. They sailed through the Suez Canal and finally the Red Sea before arriving in Jeddah.
The seafaring pilgrims spent almost two months off-grid and battling storms on the 1978 Westerly 33 ketch.
Khan said that the maritime pilgrimage has reminded the crew members that the path to spiritual fulfillment often requires navigating uncharted waters — both literally and metaphorically. But with perseverance, humility, and trust, even the most turbulent seas can lead to sacred destinations.
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 pilgrimage, 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.
