OFF THE COAST OF JEDDAH: The sky is clear, the sun is shining, and the sea is a glimmering turquoise. Nouf Alosaimi is on a discovery dive around a small, sandy island in the Red Sea that’s home to busy crabs and a few seagulls.
Jellyfish float near the edge of the boat in waters so translucent the fish are visible deep below. The 29-year-old Saudi woman is wearing a diving suit and a necklace with a silver charm in the shape of shark’s tooth, a nod to her nickname, “Sharky.” In the water, she wears a swim cap and dive suit. At sea, the sole woman diver among a group of men, she’s momentarily free from the edicts that govern life on shore.
Out here in the Red Sea, it’s easy to forget this is Saudi Arabia, a conservative Muslim country where the vast majority of women cover their hair and face with black veils, wear long, loose robes, known as abayas, in public, are largely segregated from men and cannot travel abroad without the permission of a male relative.
The serene waters north of the bustling city of Jeddah are the scene of a dramatic experiment to encourage tourism in the reserved and traditionally closed kingdom. It’s exciting for Alosaimi on multiple levels. It’s bringing new opportunities for women, as a corner of the country is carved out with somewhat relaxed rules. And it’s opening up miles of untouched coastline teeming with unexplored seascapes for her and other divers.
“We are here on an island in middle of the Red Sea. We want to discover this place,” Alosaimi said before her dive. “We may find this island beautiful for a picnic. We are creating a diving product here.”
Alosaimi, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, is a pioneer in her field, holding a local record for the deepest dive by a Saudi female at 345 feet (105 meters). The technical dive required five tanks and lasted more than 70 minutes.
Her passion for diving takes her on an hour-long bus ride to work each day from Jeddah to King Abdullah Economic City. There, she works at a dive center recently opened at the Bay La Sun Marina and Yacht Club in preparation for the kingdom’s plans to open up to tourists later this year.
For decades, visitors to Saudi Arabia have largely either been pilgrims heading to Makkah and Medina or business travelers heading to the capital, Riyadh, or other major cities like Jeddah and Dammam.
Saudi Arabia’s 32-year-old heir to the throne, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is trying to change that with the introduction of tourist visas. It’s part of a much larger plan to overhaul the economy in the face of sustained lower oil prices. Tourism is being promoted as a way to create more jobs for Saudis, attract foreign investment, boost the economy and improve the country’s image abroad.
Tourism official Salah Altaleb said the country isn’t targeting mass tourism, but select tour groups interested in nature, diving, hiking and cultural sites.
“Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country that hosts the two holiest sites in Islam and these facts need to be respected whenever (tourists) travel around, enjoy themselves and engage with people,” he said.
The government’s sovereign wealth fund, which the crown prince oversees, has identified a 125-mile stretch (200 kilometers) of Red Sea coastline that it plans to transform into a global luxury travel destination with diving attractions and a nature reserve. The fund says the area will be a semi-autonomous destination “governed by laws on par with international standards,” suggesting veils and abayas won’t be required for women.
The Red Sea is also the site of an ambitious $500 billion project called “Neom” — an independent economic zone in a corner of the country near Egypt and Jordan that sits on 10,230 square miles (26,500 square kilometers) of untouched land, an area bigger than the US state of Maryland. Prince Mohammed has said he envisions it as a hub for technological innovation that will create jobs and attract investment.
One lesser-known change has already had a huge impact on Alosaimi’s life. She says the Saudi Coast Guard no longer stops women from going out on boats without a male guardian, such as a husband, father or brother. Rather than do shore dives, she can now explore the waters freely.
Egyptian diver Tamer Nasr, who worked in Egypt’s Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh for more than 20 years, said it could take divers years to map out Saudi Arabia’s nearly 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) of Red Sea coastline.
“They have here a huge area to discover,” he said, adding that divers from Bay La Sun Marina have already found a number of underwater wrecks and dive sites that could draw tourists.
Diving remains rare among Saudis. To connect with other female divers in Saudi Arabia, Alosaimi created a group called “Pink Bubbles Divers” and organized a day in Jeddah last year for women to dive together and enjoy a private day at the beach.
Once the ban on women driving is lifted this summer, Alosaimi plans to take a road trip with friends to discover new dive sites further north.
“I used to feel bad because I know the Red Sea in Egypt more than the Red Sea in Saudi,” Alosaimi said. “Now, I have the opportunity to see all these places, the reefs.”
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea divers explore freedoms off the coast
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea divers explore freedoms off the coast
Firefighting and rescue drone to be used during Hajj for first time
- The drone, enhanced with artificial intelligence, is specifically designed for firefighting and rescue operations in high-altitude or otherwise challenging-to-access locations
RIYADH: A firefighting drone called “Falcon” will be deployed during this year’s Hajj for the first time, the General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense announced on Sunday.
The drone, enhanced with artificial intelligence, is specifically designed for firefighting and rescue operations in high-altitude or otherwise challenging-to-access locations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It boasts an operational flight time of up to 12 hours at high altitudes and can carry a payload of approximately 40 kilograms, SPA added.
It is equipped with a versatile multi-purpose firefighting system, along with integrated rescue, control, and safety systems. Its capabilities include thermal cameras and the ability to broadcast live footage from the site, which can be directly linked to the command and control center.
The drone offers diverse applications for high-rise buildings, industrial sites, areas containing hazardous materials, crowded environments, and forest fires. Its key advantages include rapid response speed, reduced risk to personnel, and enhanced decision-making capabilities through real-time imaging, SPA said.
Director General of Civil Defense, Major General Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, made the announcement at the Press Conference of the Hajj Security Forces Commanders.Al-Faraj emphasized the importance of preventive measures through pre-inspection tours of pilgrims’ residences, conducting safety patrols, and implementing a number of joint scenarios and exercises with the relevant authorities a the holy sites.
These efforts aim to enhance coordination and optimal response to emergency situations, with support from rapid intervention teams deployed around the clock, he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Security Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami said 269,678 non-residents of Makkah without permits were stopped from entering the holy city, 252 fake Hajj campaigns were apprehended, 1,239 people transporting others in violation of Hajj regulations were arrested, and 109,632 vehicles violating Hajj rules were sent back.
A dream fulfilled: Saudis accompany parents to Hajj for the first time
- Young Saudis reflect on experiencing the pilgrimage of a lifetime with their parents
RIYADH: Hajj is often described as the journey of a lifetime. For many Saudis, it is even more meaningful when it is shared with their parents.
Young pilgrims accompany their mothers and fathers to Hajj as a way of renewing their commitment to family and to create a deeper sense of spiritual responsibility, especially among first-time pilgrims.
The experience becomes an intergenerational bond built through shared rituals, resilience and reflection.
“You need someone to guide you — and who better than your mother?” said 22-year-old Ethar Abdulrahman.
For her, the idea of going to Hajj alone felt overwhelming: “It’s not easy for someone my age to go through Hajj alone. You need someone to guide and support you, and emotionally you need someone to ease the loneliness of being away from family. Having that person be your parent is just beyond amazing.”
While accompanying her mother, Abdulrahman’s role quickly shifted from daughter to caregiver — one who packed thoughtfully, walked attentively and remained emotionally present through every stage of the pilgrimage.
I wasn’t just performing rituals. I was also caring for someone I love — holding her hand in Tawaf, supporting her through heat and crowds. I’ll never forget those moments.
Rania Al-Mutairi
“I packed medications and creams in case she got tired or needed anything,” she said. “The most meaningful moment was after we finished the stoning ritual and returned to the camp. She would tell me stories about the Prophet and how difficult Hajj used to be before all the services and facilitation. It brought a sense of history to the present.”
Spending days and nights side by side, praying, walking and resting, had a profound effect on their relationship.
“It brought me much closer to my mother,” said Abdulrahman. “I realized how wise and spiritually grounded she is.”
For Rania Al-Mutairi, 24, the decision to accompany her mother held deep intentions.
At first I was anxious about the time and logistics, but soon I realized Hajj isn’t a race. Slowing down with (my father) gave me more time to reflect and be present. It was a spiritual recalibration.
Hamad Al-Qahtani
“I wasn’t just performing rituals,” she said. “I was also caring for someone I love — holding her hand in Tawaf, supporting her through heat and crowds. I’ll never forget those moments.”
She described the journey as a spiritual and emotional balancing act: “When your focus is on someone else, it can be easy to forget your own needs. But somehow Hajj makes you grow into both roles — servant and seeker.”
The role of a caregiver during Hajj is not limited to carrying bags or fetching water. It is about constant emotional attentiveness — watching for signs of exhaustion, navigating crowds carefully, and offering reassurance when the heat or pressure becomes overwhelming.
Hamad Al-Qahtani, 26, accompanied his elderly father and said the experience transformed his understanding of patience.
“My dad walks slower and needs frequent breaks,” he said. “At first I was anxious about the time and logistics, but soon I realized Hajj isn’t a race. Slowing down with him gave me more time to reflect and be present. It was a spiritual recalibration.”
One of the most moving aspects of these journeys is the storytelling, with older pilgrims recalling their first Hajj decades ago under vastly different conditions.
“Every time we sat down to rest, my mother would tell me how she did this 30 years ago,” Abdulrahman recalled. “Back then, it was tents with barely any cooling, long walks with no shade, and limited access to health services.
“Today I watched her marvel at the buses, the apps, the water stations. It reminded me of how far we’ve come as a country — and how much easier it is now, thanks to the efforts of the Saudi authorities.”
You need someone to guide you — and who better than your mother?
Ethar Abdulrahman
While many young pilgrims embark on Hajj focused on their own internal transformation, those who accompany parents often find their biggest growth comes from the act of service.
Serving a parent during Hajj is, for many, a form of worship — one that aligns with Islamic values of honoring one’s mother and father, especially in moments of vulnerability and need.
Al-Mutairi said: “I think I learned more from serving my mother than I did from any book. Hajj gave me the space to observe her strength, her patience and her unwavering faith. It taught me what submission really looks like.”
The young Saudis feel there is something profoundly symbolic about guiding a parent through the same rituals they once performed for their own elders. The circular nature of the experience — care being returned, support offered back — creates a spiritual loop that extends across time and generations.
While every pilgrim walks their own path, those who share it with a parent carry more than just ihram and water bottles. They carry legacy, love and a living reminder that faith is not only inherited but also nurtured.
49th Hajj symposium highlights pilgrimage in a changing world
- Authorities, experts discuss strategies to enhance safety, experience
JEDDAH: The 49th Grand Hajj Symposium was held in Jeddah on Sunday and gathered scholars, intellectuals and officials from across the Islamic world to reflect on the evolving significance of Hajj in the context of current global challenges.
Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), this year’s symposium was held under the theme “Capability in Hajj and Contemporary Developments.”
The event underscored how Hajj remains a deeply spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian ritual that has adapted to today’s logistical and societal challenges.
It sought to align the foundations of Islamic teachings with the practical realities of modern Hajj, from technological and health developments to logistical transformations affecting every step of the pilgrimage.
The Grand Hajj Symposium has served as a platform for scholarly exchange for over four decades, fostering dialogue on Hajj among academics and religious leaders.
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said: “This year’s preparations for Hajj are the result of integrated efforts aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Guests of Allah Service Program.”
He noted that the efforts of the Saudi authorities had significantly improved pilgrim satisfaction from 74 percent in 2022 to 81 percent in 2024. The readiness level for Hajj this year, as of Saturday, had reached more than 97 percent, compared to 81 percent last year.
He added: “We have focused on enhancing the digital Hajj experience and leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate the pilgrim’s journey, ensure their safety, and enhance their comfort.”
Key initiatives include infrastructure upgrades led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, including 170,000 sq. meters of shaded areas, 20,000 newly planted trees, and the construction of rubberized pedestrian walkways at the holy sites.
Healthcare provisions have also been expanded with a new emergency hospital, 15 ambulance units, 71 rapid response stations, and 64 two-story health complexes.
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has implemented an advanced operational package encompassing enhanced mobility systems, improved spatial guidance, upgraded audio systems, children’s hospitality centers, and an enriched itikaf (spiritual retreat) experience.
Al-Rabiah said: “What we witness today in terms of harmony and readiness among various sectors reflects the leadership’s care for the pilgrims and its commitment to enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and seamless environment.
“We strive and hope that these efforts will contribute to the continual development of the Hajj system and the elevation of the pilgrim’s experience year after year.”
Saleh Al-Rasheed, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said that the commission was established to deliver integrated services in line with Vision 2030.
He added that a newly launched general transport center had brought together more than 10 entities to streamline the transportation of pilgrims.
With over 23,000 buses and the Al-Mashaaer train system in place, the transportation network provides safe and efficient mobility for pilgrims.
Enhancements to Makkah’s central area and the completion of ring roads have further improved access.
Al-Rasheed also stressed that projects managed by the Kidana Development Company — including upgrades in signage, shading and pedestrian facilities as part of a broader strategy — had helped to elevate the overall experience of Hajj.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Grand Mufti, said that those unable to obtain a Hajj permit fell under the ruling of lacking istita’ah (capability), even if they were physically and financially able.
Educating pilgrims on the jurisprudence of istita’ah was among the key duties, as it served to facilitate the rituals and protect lives, he explained.
Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami emphasized the importance of complying with Hajj permit regulations to ensure public health and safety.
He said that performing Hajj without a permit “causes significant harm to law-abiding pilgrims and every visitor to the holy sites.”
The Ministry of Interior, alongside other agencies, has led a campaign to curb violations to help contribute to smoother crowd control and reduce risk of overcrowding.
Prince Faisal bin Salman, the special adviser to King Salman and chairman of Darah, noted the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to pilgrims.
He said: “Serving the pilgrims has been regarded as a sacred honor, a duty, and a historic responsibility entrusted to the leadership of this nation — generation after generation.
“Their diligent efforts (King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) have led to the implementation of major infrastructure projects and comprehensive services — both logistical and humanitarian — that accompany the pilgrims from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom until their safe departure to their destinations.”
Darah also announced a new knowledge-based project to expand research and documentation to reinforce the cultural and scholarly role of the Two Holy Mosques and facilitate scientific and scholarly exchange among researchers and experts from across the Islamic world.
The symposium’s program also featured a series of insightful sessions and workshops focused on enhancing the Hajj experience.
“Facilitating the Ritual and Empowering Pilgrims” highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic approach to improving pilgrimage services, while another session explored the religious and practical dimensions of a pilgrim’s ability to perform Hajj.
Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, the deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, delivered a keynote address on enhancing service quality and leveraging capabilities to care for pilgrims.
The symposium also included two specialized workshops: one focused on health services, and the other on media and awareness to support and inform pilgrims.
Ithra serves up 3 days of festive fun for Eid Al-Adha
- ‘Ribbons of giving’ festival features concerts, movies, games for all ages
- Highlights include performance by oud maestro Islam Al-Qasabgy
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is celebrating Eid Al-Adha with three days of activities.
From June 7-9, visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 31 events, including music, storytelling, games and workshops, under the theme “ribbons of giving.”
Many of the activities will be in Arabic but are open to all.
Among the highlights will be a concert at Ithra Theater by Egyptian oud virtuoso Islam Al-Qasabgy, who is renowned for blending classical Arabic music with modern styles.
Ithra Cinema, meanwhile, will showcase the Japanese manga character Chibi Maruko-chan and also screen the Japanese animated fantasy movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service” with Arabic subtitles.
Another screening will be “Saleeq,” a short animated film about a lonely grandmother who faces a flood after a pot of rice boils over.
Among the other festive offerings are a 96 km trek along the historic Hajj trail that revives stories of persistence and generosity echoing across generations.
Entry to the center is free but some events are ticketed. The center will be open from 4-11 p.m. during the Eid celebrations.
KSrelief extends aid to Syria, Somalia, Sudan
- Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
The organization has distributed 2,290 food baskets and hygiene kits in Sarmada in the Idlib Governorate of the Syrian Arab Republic, benefiting 6,870 individuals. This effort is part of the second phase of a project to ease the suffering of Syrian families.
KSrelief in Somalia has distributed 1,200 food baskets to the neediest families in the Baidoa district in Bay region, assisting 7,200 people and supporting food security for vulnerable groups.
KSrelief in Sudan has distributed 825 food baskets to the most needy families in Blue Nile State, helping 3,986 people. This aid forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts to support the Sudanese population amid the ongoing crisis in the country.
Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.
