JEDDAH: As Hajj winds down, congratulations poured in hailing the peerless facilities by the government of Saudi Arabia in giving pilgrims a memorable experience of a lifetime journey.
Hajj season of this year was a huge success and an incredible way to show the world the spirit of a united religion, international media and social media played a major role in proofing that to the globe by sharing many articles, videos, and picture of this huge event.
Reaction from all over the Arab and Islamic world was overall positive complimenting the overarching organization, relentless efforts and the wide range of service provided by all agencies involved in Hajj from security personnel to Saudi Boy Scouts and female volunteers.
Anwar Gargash, UAE State Minister for Foreign Affairs, took to Twitter his praise the successful Hajj season. “In a nutshell, the huge success of Saudi Arabia in the Organization of Hajj is a success for all Muslims and Arabs,” Gargash tweeted.
Hajj this year was a success according to the Adviser to King Salman Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
Prince Khaled thanked him and all Saudi officials for their efforts in organizing Hajj, saying the pilgrimage “was exceptional this year on all levels through the provision of services, execution of plans and conduct of workers.”
He expressed hope that reporters convey pilgrims’ “message of peace,” adding: “We do not tolerate any violations in Hajj... We reject the politicization of Hajj, and hope that all pilgrims come for worship, not for politics.”
The Kingdom does not interfere in the affairs of other countries, and does not allow any country to interfere in its affairs, Prince Khalid said, adding that Saudi Arabia is open to all Muslims.
“We do not claim to be perfect, but every year we will improve transport and accommodation services,” he said, confirming that this year’s Hajj saw more than 2 million pilgrims. He expressed hoped that the services provided by the Kingdom matched their expectation.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman received a cable of congratulations from His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, prince of Kuwait, on the occasion of the success of this year’s Hajj season.
He mentioned the great efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia’s wise government represented by all sectors and concerned authorities that have harnessed their utmost energies to serve pilgrims.
For his part, Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Jarrah Al-Sabah sent a cable to Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saudi congratulating him on the successful organization of Hajj season. He lauded the tremendous efforts of the Saudi Interior Ministry and all security personnel who ensured pilgrims safety and the smoothness of their movement during rituals.
A similar cable was also received by King Salman from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha noting the great and sincere efforts of the wise government in serving and caring for the guests of God, Kuwaiti news agency (KUNA) reported.
Dr. Ahmed Atiyah, Yemeni minister of Endowments and Guidance, announced the success of the pilgrimage season for this year without recording any accidents among Yemeni pilgrims.
Atiyah said in a statement to the media that “the success of the Hajj season for this year came as a result of the efforts of specialized technical committees and ministry staff, and the accredited marketing agencies to promote the Yemeni pilgrims.”
According to Al-Tahlia News, the head of the Office of the Affairs of the pilgrims of Nigeria, Abdullah Mukhtar Mohammed, stressed that what has been provided this year can not be described, considering the success of the Hajj season this year, especially with the increase in the number of pilgrims as it is a witness to the good management and organization of the Kingdom’s Hajj system.
Meanwhile, several Hajj-related hashtags have been trending in the past 48 hours as Muslims from all over the world extensively circulated pictures and videos captured in Hajj while lauding the Saudi government’s efforts in making this year’s Hajj a success. #CustodianOfTheTwoHolyMosques hashtag was circulating with more than 23 million tweets, according to Sky News Arabia, where people recalled the word of King Salman in which he thanked God for enabling his country to serve pilgrims.
The second hashtag on the list was #SaudiArabiaWelcomesTheWorld, which was trending even before the Hajj days started, where it received 17 million interactions and tweets within just two days of its launching.
The third hashtag was #GodsGuests, which received more than 11 million tweets.
Muslims laud successful Hajj season
Muslims laud successful Hajj season
Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season
- Unique taste, aroma make it popular locally, internationally
RIYADH: The Asir region is currently in the midst of the Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees.
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sidr honey, which is renowned for its health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system.
The unique taste and aroma of the honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally, the SPA reported.
Beekeepers in Tihama Asir have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SR350 to SR500 ($93-133) per kg.
The region’s diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative improve practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.
By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey while contributing to the global market.
Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability
- Al-Ahsa event to promote communities’ role in economic growth
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al-Ahsa from Dec. 16-18, aiming to strengthen rural communities, and promote their role in driving sustainable development.
Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, said: “The forum is pivotal in advancing rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will support rural communities, while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture.”
Aldhahi said that the forum will unite regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, a widespread issue. To counter this, the forum will propose practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable.
Additionally, it will explore innovations in agriculture and rural development, fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion, she added.
Aldhahi said that the forum builds on the Saudi Reef Program, recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as the world’s largest development initiative of its kind.
The program has supported over 77,000 agricultural projects, achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in vital sectors, and provided upskilling and career opportunities for rural communities.
Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Saudi Reef Program, said: “The program is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment.”
Bakri added that the forum will feature dynamic discussions on key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, rural entrepreneurship, and the role of modern technology in agriculture.
The three-day event will also include an exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, handicrafts, and the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. It will highlight how traditional techniques integrate with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods.
Kingdom arrests 19,696 illegals in one week
- A total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws
Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 19,696 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,176 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,184 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,547 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 32 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 71 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Gaza victims praise Saudi Arabia’s lifesaving humanitarian efforts
Riyadh: Palestinians in Gaza who received Saudi aid have expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its humanitarian support through aid agency KSrelief.
They likened the Saudi assistance to rain that quenches their thirst for hope, alleviates suffering and rekindles optimism amid immense challenges, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Samaher Eid Awkal, 47, said she struggled with health issues while living in Khan Younis with her blind mother in a basic tent. She thanked KSrelief for providing her family with a suitable tent, which has eased their hardship and restored hope.
A Gaza mother who endured freezing conditions with her children without shelter also expressed appreciation after receiving essential aid. She described the support as a source of joy and hope during difficult times.
Mahmoud Nabil Abu Alwan, displaced from Rafah to Mawasi in Khan Younis, thanked KSrelief after he received a new tent. He previously lived in a dilapidated tent borrowed from relatives amid shelling and harsh displacement conditions.
Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says
TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra’s performance in Tokyo is “bridging cultural boundaries” as part of Vision 2030, the CEO of the Kingdom’s top music body has said.
Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, added that music has a “very important part to play in each of the three main pillars of Vision 2030” as it represents a proud nation, a vibrant society and diversified economy.
Bringing the Saudi National Orchestra to Tokyo has given people the opportunity “to communicate with our language and it allows everybody to come together and share an experience that allows us to appreciate each other’s cultures, and really to be in harmony,” Pacifico said.
“And that’s why I think it’s so special that the orchestra is here for the first time.”
The program for the performance last night included traditional music directed by Saudi director Reab Ahmed, as well as the Japanese Imperial Court Orchestra “Gagaku.”
Pacifico said: “We’re able to show Saudi culture on one of the most prestigious stages in one of the world’s great cultural capitals here at Tokyo Opera City, and we’re doing that with authentic Saudi music, and authentic traditional Japanese music with Gagaku.
“But also with that great fusion between the two sets of musicians coming together and doing something really unique and beautiful.
“The Saudi National Orchestra and choir is really at the vanguard of developing the music landscape in Saudi Arabia as it builds the depth and richness and uniqueness of its beautiful culture, both traditional and modern.”
Pacifico said it was “an honor” to share the stage with the Japanese Imperial Orchestra performers. “It also shows how our cultures are different and yet similar: The regard for tradition and modernity, the appreciation of music, the sense of formality in public, but warmth and a sense of fun as well in private.”
He hoped that Friday’s performance was not a one-off but the foundation of a rich and longstanding collaboration with “our Japanese friends, the Tokyo College of Music, who we’re collaborating with on this concert.
“We hope that Saudi artists will start to have opportunities to play on stages here in Tokyo, like the Blue Note and Billboard Live and the Cotton Club, or festivals like Summer Sonic or Fuji Rock. And equally, we’d love to see Japanese artists playing more in Riyadh and all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia has a very exciting story to tell.”
