JEDDAH: The Ministry of Labor and Social Development on Sunday announced the launch of a plan to open bank accounts for domestic workers to guarantee they get their entitlements in terms of wages and their protection.
The plan aims to protect the rights of the parties in the contractual relationship between domestic workers and their employers, improve the domestic working environment, increase job security and enhance the principles of rights in the Kingdom, said ministry spokesman Khaled Abu Al-Khail.
The plan will force employers to electronically document labor contracts via the Musaned website (www.musaned.gov.sa), identify monthly wages for each worker and open bank accounts for domestic workers, he added.
He urged the ministry’s clients to report any violations or problems regarding domestic workers through official channels, such as the communications center for client services at the number 19911.
Saudi Labor Ministry launches plan for bank accounts for domestic workers
Saudi Labor Ministry launches plan for bank accounts for domestic workers
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 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.
