MAKKAH: Experts expect that the number of Umrah companies in Saudi Arabia will increase from 48 to 700 to meet the Kingdom’s vision of increasing Umrah and Hajj pilgrims to 30 million by 2030.
Marwan Shaaban, the head of the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah, said that new Umrah companies could benefit from the experiences of old ones.
Shaaban said that “the profession of caring for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims is very difficult, although it may seem easy.”
“It is one of the best investments but it remains linked to economic, cultural, social, political and security issues,” he said.
Osama Filali, a member of the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah, said that there were 180 Umrah companies 18 years ago but the number had then reduced to 48 companies.
Filali said that “there were errors in the system in the past and some companies were suspended, which caused damage to the Umrah industry.”
However he said that the new Umrah program was 70 percent different from the previous one, since the program was previously dependent on the agent to buy hotel accommodation and contract transport.
“Last season, the number of Umrah pilgrims reached 1.6 million, and in the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020 we must reach 15 million pilgrims and should reach 30 million pilgrims in 2030,” he said.
Filali said that there were particular specifications for the selection of foreign Umrah companies, including the choice of the right marketing, studying global markets and attending external exhibitions in a number of countries.
Hassan Qadi, deputy chairman of the National Committee for Umrah, said that there were currently 48 experienced companies.
“The number of Umrah companies is expected to rise to 700 after they have obtained preliminary approval and the necessary final licenses,” he said.
Qadi highlighted the importance of choosing the right external agent and being represented by an accredited and licensed tourist company that was registered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“The agent should be contracted from the beginning of the season to avoid irregularities and its eligibility to work with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah should be verified.”
There should also be a bank guarantee of the agents in 200 countries in a unified contract by the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah, he said.
Experts: 700 new companies needed to cover Umrah market
Experts: 700 new companies needed to cover Umrah market
Huge ‘800-year-old’ coral colony identified in Red Sea
- The discovery, off the northwestern coast of Saudi Arabia, is said to be one of the largest of its kind in the world
- It is expected to become a carefully managed tourist attraction for visitors to the Red Sea Global resort of Amaala
JEDDAH: A massive Pavona coral colony has been discovered in the Red Sea, off the northwestern coast of Saudi Arabia. The largest of its kind ever identified in the waters, it is expected to become a tourist attraction at the nearby Red Sea Global resort of Amaala.
This standalone colony — in contrast to a much larger reef, which is made up of many individual colonies — was described as one of the most significant environmental discoveries in the region and, although an exact size was not immediately given, it was said to rival the world’s largest-known individual coral colony, which is in the Pacific Ocean, covers an area of 32 meters by 34 meters and is 5.5 meters high.
Red Sea Global told Arab News it will offer visitors to the Amaala resort the chance to view the colony in a secure and environmentally responsible way that ensures it is properly protected and minimizes effects on the local ecosystem.
Ahmad Al-Ansary, the organization’s head of environmental protection and regeneration, told Arab News that “a discovery of this magnitude underscores both the Red Sea’s environmental importance and its natural beauty.”
FASTFACT
The discovery, off the northwestern coast of Saudi Arabia, is said to be one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Estimating the age of the colony poses a technical challenge because of the limited growth-rate data for this species of coral in the Red Sea. Based on its size, comparative growth rates from Pacific specimens, and photogrammetry techniques that create 3D models from two-dimensional images, conservative estimates put its age at between 400 and 800 years old. Red Sea Global and KAUST said they were carrying out additional research and will refine the estimate.
“These giant coral formations act as ‘time capsules,’ preserving critical data on past climate conditions and helping us anticipate future environmental challenges,” he added.
He went on to say that studying this colony will be essential for safeguarding coral reefs in the Red Sea and around the globe.
Red Sea coral ecosystems are among the hardiest in the world, genetically adapted to relatively high temperatures and salinity, and researchers said they will continuously monitor the colony to understand the nature of its resilience.
Ronda Sokka, a marine scientist at Red Sea Global and a co-discoverer of the colony, described it as “a natural treasure whose incredible hardiness in harsh conditions is truly rare.”
Her colleague Sylvia Yagerous said that mapping and documenting such large colonies is a core objective of the “Map the Giants” project, which aims to record all coral formations worldwide exceeding five meters in size. The latest find is the second giant colony documented by Red Sea Global in recent months.
First six Hajj flights from Pakistan depart for Saudi Arabia tomorrow
- Around 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia under the Kingdom’s Makkah Route Initiative, which aims to streamline the immigration process for pilgrims to Makkah
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s 33-day-long Hajj flight operation will be launched from Tuesday, with six flights set to depart for Saudi Arabia, state media reported on Monday.
This year’s annual pilgrimage will take place in June, with nearly 89,000 Pakistanis expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme and 23,620 Pakistanis performing Hajj through private tour operators.
“The Hajj flight operation to airlift intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia is commencing from tomorrow (Tuesday),” Radio Pakistan said in its report.
“On the first day of the Hajj flight operation, six flights will be operated: two from Lahore and one each from Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta and Multan.”
Around 89,000 pilgrims traveling under the government scheme will travel to Makkah and Madinah via 342 flights. The last Hajj flight will depart May 31.
Around 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia under the Kingdom’s Makkah Route Initiative, which aims to streamline the immigration process for pilgrims to Makkah.
The initiative was launched in 2019 by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and has been implemented in five countries: Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, and Bangladesh.
Under the initiative, pilgrims are able to complete their immigration requirements at their home country’s airports before they depart for Saudi Arabia. This saves pilgrims several hours upon arrival in the Kingdom, as they can simply enter the country without having to go through immigration again.
Under the Makkah Route Initiative, 28,000 pilgrims will depart for the Kingdom from Islamabad while the remaining 22,500 will fly from the southern port city of Karachi.
While a precise number of worldwide pilgrims for Hajj 2025 is difficult to determine in advance, projections suggest it will be a record-breaking year, with over 2.5 million Muslims performing the pilgrimage.
Saudi FM meets with Omani counterpart in Jebel Akhdar region
- Prince Faisal is on an official visit to the country and reviewed Saudi-Omani relations with Al-Busaidi
- The two ministers also visited the Rub Al-Khali border crossing linking the Kingdom and Oman
RIYAIDH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi in the Jebel Akhdar region of Oman on Monday.
Prince Faisal is on an official visit to the country and reviewed Saudi-Omani relations and ways to strengthen them in various fields with Al-Busaidi, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The latest regional and international developments and efforts made with regard to them were also discussed.
The two ministers also visited the Rub Al-Khali border crossing linking the Kingdom and Oman.
They were briefed on the crossing’s modern facilities, including passenger processing lounges and logistical and administrative facilities to facilitate transit traffic.
These facilities aim to promote visits, trade exchange, and ease movement between the two countries, SPA said.
Saudi-Italian Business Forum showcases robust trade relations
- Event highlights opportunities in Kingdom, success stories of Italian companies
MILAN: The Saudi-Italian Business Forum, which was held on Monday in Lombardy, showcased the robust economic relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
Spearheaded by prominent figures such as Veronica Squinzi, vice president for internationalization at Assolombarda, and Waleed Al-Orainan, secretary-general of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the forum aimed to enhance collaboration and explore new business opportunities between the two nations.
Squinzi welcomed the forum and spoke of the significance of the gathering in strengthening economic ties, underscoring the importance of governmental support in fostering international business.
She said: “This forum represents a vital step in enhancing our economic collaboration and building lasting partnerships.”
Al-Orainan stressed the historic relationship between the two nations, dating back to the 1930s.
He said: “The warm reception we receive in Italy reflects the mutual respect and eagerness to enhance our bilateral cooperation.”
Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, expressed optimism regarding future collaboration.
He said: “We are at a pivotal moment where collaboration can unlock significant value chains, invigorating our economies.”
He acknowledged previous visits of Italian officials to Saudi Arabia which had helped to lay a solid foundation for partnerships.
Discussions at the forum revealed a landscape rich with business potential. Maria Tripodi, undersecretary of state for foreign affairs, noted that Saudi Arabia had emerged as a priority partner for Italy, with exports exceeding €6 billion in 2024 — an increase of 27.9 percent from the previous year.
Tripodi said: “Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is not only growing, it is thriving, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
This growth positions Saudi Arabia as the second-largest market for Italian exports in the region, reflecting a burgeoning relationship across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and high-tech innovation.
The forum also highlighted opportunities in Saudi Arabia and success stories of Italian companies in sectors such as infrastructure and construction, renewable energy, and sport.
Barbara Cimmino, vice president for export and foreign investment at Confindustria, said: “When we align our strengths, we create a synergy that benefits both nations.”
Discussions at the event turned to the Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
Tripodi said: “This strategic plan presents numerous opportunities for Italian enterprises, particularly in technology, education, and public services.”
Innovators discuss future of STEM at Riyadh summit
- Prince Sultan emphasizes empowering Saudi youth in science, technology
- UNESCO’s Lidia Arthur Brito praises Mawhiba’s role in shaping future scientists
RIYADH: Innovators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from Saudi Arabia and around the world gathered in Riyadh on Monday for the Eye on the Future Summit, which aimed to share insights and discuss the future of STEM.
“Today’s gathering is a celebration of talent, creativity, and vision,” Lidia Arthur Brito UNESCO assistant director general for natural sciences, said.
“The scientists, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow are here with us today, and it is our duty to ensure they are equipped with all the tools, opportunities, and inspiration they need to address the complex challenges of our world,” she said.
The event was hosted in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as Mawhiba, the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, the Abdullah Al-Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM, the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the Ministry of Culture.
Brito praised Mawhiba’s efforts in supporting the next generation of innovators in STEM, concluding: “Let us continue working together to nurture a generation of scientists who will not only imagine the future but lead it.”
The session “From the stars to STEM” featured prominent speakers, including Prince Sultan bin Salman, special advisor to King Salman, who delivered the keynote on empowering Saudi youth.
Prince Sultan delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing valuable life and career lessons, including the importance of listening to one’s parents, staying connected to nature, preserving Saudi identity, and valuing continuous education.
He reflected on his years with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage since 2000, highlighting the generosity and unmatched hospitality of Saudi Arabia.
“Everyone comes to Saudi Arabia today to find their way, to learn things to enjoy life. They will not come to a better people who are more hospitable and generous, and I have heard that from all the people who have come to Saudi Arabia,” Prince Sultan said.
Following his remarks, the panel sessions began, featuring a distinguished lineup of local and international pioneers, innovators, and supporters in STEM, including Dr. Majd Abdulghani, a genomics lead at Lean Business Services and deputy national secretary for the Rhodes Scholarship in Saudi Arabia.
Abdulghani was also the first Saudi to receive a Rhodes Scholarship, and is dedicated to promoting the integration of genomic data into personalized, preventive healthcare in Saudi Arabia.
During the summit, she spoke about youth empowerment in STEM, emphasizing her mission to raise awareness of the opportunities available to Saudi youth in the field. “What I am focused on is trying to avoid missed opportunities,” she said.
The summit featured an memorandum of understanding signing between Mawhiba and Abdullah Al-Fozan Foundation for Education, which aims to continue support in providing access to STEM studies for the youth in Saudi Arabia.
During a visit to Mawhiba’s headquarters ahead of the event, Brito praised the foundation’s efforts to discover and nurture talented individuals in scientific fields.
“I think what unites UNESCO and Mawhiba is the true belief that STEM is very important for young people because it equips them with scientific knowledge, but also with critical thinking,” Brito said.
