JEDDAH: The number of pilgrims who have left the Kingdom reached more than 400,000 as of Saturday, the General Directorate of Passports said.
“The total departures were 407,220 pilgrims. Pilgrims who left via land crossings reached 42,893; 359,508 departed from airports and 4,819 through sea ports,” the directorate added.
The directorate told pilgrims that leaving before their Hajj visa expires after performing their pilgrimage “avoids penalties prescribed by law.” Pilgrims were also warned not to travel outside Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah.
The directorate said companies providing services to pilgrims must not delay in reporting any pilgrims who overstay. “This delay may cause these companies to be subject to the prescribed penalties.”
The directorate has issued 90 administrative decisions against citizens and residents who transported pilgrims without a permit, with fines totaling SR5 million ($1,333,244). “The penalties varied between fines and prison sentences. It included deportation ... of the offender, and confiscation of the vehicle used to transport pilgrims.”
407,000 pilgrims leave Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj
407,000 pilgrims leave Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj
Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed
- Kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script
RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah faced the dawn of the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muharram, with the kiswa-changing ceremony by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.
This annual event embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to serve the Two Holy Mosques — not only in organizational and administrative aspects but also on a symbolic and sacred level, given the central place the Kaaba holds in the hearts of more than a billion and a half Muslims worldwide.
They installed the embroidered curtain with gold-plated threads, the hizam (belt), the samadiah (decorative elements), lantern-shaped pieces, and decorations surrounding the mizab (rainwater spout), the corners, and other adornments, creating a captivating scene infused with feelings of reverence and supplication.
The occasion also highlights the pioneering role of Saudi youth, who form the backbone of production, supervision, and execution within the complex.
National competencies demonstrate leadership in guiding work teams, overseeing design details, and innovative technical solutions that ensure the highest standards of precision — merging exquisite craftsmanship with modern technological aspirations.
The kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script, forming a masterpiece that demands precise engineering, care and artistic expertise to preserve its identity and quality over time.
This annual event is not merely a repeated occasion but an extension of a historical legacy established by the Founding King Abdulaziz — and reinforced by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is part of the national vision centered on serving the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and other visitors.
Every year, the ceremony to change the kiswa is a memorable scene in the collective memory of the Islamic nations and a living symbol of how the care for the holy sanctuaries has evolved from a responsibility into a leadership role.
Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day
- More than 922 kg of banned substances seized in KSA over 12 months
- A number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
RIYADH: More than 922 kg of banned substances, including more than 20 million pills, have been seized in Saudi Arabia over the past year, the Kingdom’s customs authority announced on Thursday as officials marked the UN’s world anti-drug day.
One recent drug bust in cooperation with authorities from the Syrian Arab Republic thwarted an attempt to smuggle 200,000 amphetamine tablets from the Levant nation, a Ministry of Interior spokesperson said via the Saudi Press Agency.
The announcement was made as a number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Events in the Riyadh and Asir regions will run until Saturday, educating members of the public about the dangers of drugs.
Smugglers have attempted to bring contraband into the country in various ways, by concealing the items in shipments of food, household utensils, vehicles, shoes and even inside their body cavities, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said.
The organization places the fight against drugs as one of its top priorities and will continue to tighten security at the Kingdom’s borders, it added.
Jasim Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that the GCC countries see drug control measures as a top priority.
The GCC states have formed a united front to tackle the use and trade of illicit substances which endanger families and society, he added.
Albudaiwi also stressed the importance of reintegrating recovering drug addicts into society, and highlighted the role that schools, the media, religious leaders and civil society’s institutions play in stopping the use of drugs.
Meanwhile, the Naif College for National Security in Riyadh celebrated the graduation of 63 trainees of various courses on Thursday, including anti-drug programs.
The ceremony was attended by Maj. Gen. Muhammad bin Saeed Al-Qarni, the director general of narcotics control, who congratulated the graduates and stressed that the Kingdom’s anti-drug programs received the full support of the country’s leadership.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has called on members of the public to contribute to the fight against drug smuggling in order to protect society and the Kingdom’s economy.
Reports can be made to the domestic telephone number 1910, internationally via 009661910, or via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa.
All reports are treated with confidentiality, the authority said, and accurate information will be rewarded financially.
Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy
- Tom Barrack, US envoy to Syria, visited Riyadh on Thursday
LONDON: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, received Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, in Riyadh.
During the meeting on Thursday, officials discussed ways to support the Syrian Arab Republic in enhancing its security, stability, and economic recovery, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Djibouti ambassador praises deep ties between African state and Saudi Arabia
- Djibouti Embassy celebrates 48th anniversary of independence
- Ambassador reaffirms Djibouti’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause
RIYADH: The Djibouti Embassy in Riyadh donned patriotic colors as its staff celebrated their national day on Wednesday night, hosting a befitting reception to mark the occasion.
On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the National Independence of Djibouti, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia and the dean of the Diplomatic Corps, hosted an official reception at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter.
The event was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Riyadh Region, as guest of honor and patron, and Prince Sultan bin Salman, the founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club.
The reception was also attended by numerous princes, ambassadors, distinguished business leaders, media professionals, artists, and members of the Saudi and Djibouti community.
Addressing the gathering the ambassador highlighted Djibouti’s remarkable achievements over the past five decades, particularly in terms of security, stability, and sustainable development.
He also emphasized the deep and sincere fraternal relations that unite the leaderships and people of the two nations.
Furthermore, the ambassador reaffirmed Djibouti’s firm and unwavering position in support of the Palestinian cause, advocating for the restoration of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Saudi Arabia also strongly supports the two-state solution as the path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Palestine is officially recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states and has observer status at the UN.
The ambassador also reiterated Djibouti’s commitment to a calm, constructive, and principled diplomacy, actively working to promote peace in the region and around the world, rejecting wars and advocating for dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.
Forecast of higher temperatures, rainfall in July and August in Saudi
- 1 C rise in central, northern and eastern regions
- Above-normal rain in south, west regions forecast
JEDDAH: Higher temperatures are expected in July and August in the central, northern and eastern parts of Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology has announced.
In a seasonal forecast carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday, the meteorology authority expects a rise of 1 degree Celsius in parts of Riyadh, Qassim and Hail, as well as the eastern and Northern Borders regions.
It is expected to peak in August with a rise of 1.2 degrees Celsius in Jouf, Tabuk, Qassim, Hail and the eastern regions.
The NCM has also forecast higher-than-normal rainfall in Najran, Jazan, Al-Baha, Asir, parts of Makkah and Madinah, southern Riyadh and the eastern regions, particularly in July and August.
The rest of the Kingdom is expected to have normal rainfall.
The Summer 2025 forecast, covering the months of June to August, is based on climatic conditions from 1991 to 2020, the SPA stated.
According to the report, the highest temperature was recorded in Jeddah in June 2010 at 52 degrees Celsius, while Al-Ahsa recorded 51.3 in July 2024.
Dammam and Al-Qaisumah in the eastern part of the Kingdom recorded August highs of 51 in 1998 and 2021.
For rainfall, the southwestern region of Jazan recorded the highest daily amount in August 2024 at 113 millimeters. It also held the record for July at 67.6 in 1995.
For the month of June, Sharurah, in the southern province of Najran, recorded the highest daily amount in June 1996 at 53.8.
