Hajj through history: A 1,400-year spiritual odyssey

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Updated 19 August 2018
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Hajj through history: A 1,400-year spiritual odyssey

  • The railway was built on the order of the Ottoman Empire, financed by Deutsche Bank, and strongly supported by the then-German Empire
  • Modern transportation in the form of aircraft effectively began after World War II, with the Kingdom establishing the Arabian Transport Company in 1946

JEDDAH: The annual Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj is an Islamic practice more than 1,400 years old that holds an incomparable spiritual value for Muslims when performed during their lifetime.
It is one of the five pillars of Islam, and a journey that every Muslim must embark on at least once in their lifetime (so long as they are financially and physically able). It is a physically taxing five-day voyage that begins in Makkah, and has pilgrims trekking more than 50 kilometers by foot. Comparing a pilgrim’s Hajj journey in the past with today, the hardships have been greatly reduced as the advancements of the Saudi government in technology, logistics, hospitality, and security have considerably eased the burdens on pilgrims and their families.

Rocky road for pilgrims
Before the Saudi state was founded and the current monarchy formed, the Arabian Peninsula consisted of many small tribes and sheikhdom-governed territories. This frequently led to constant states of chaos and instability within the region, and often the most prone to this violence were often defenseless Hajj pilgrims making their way through unfamiliar territories. At the turn of the 19th century, the security conditions en route to Makkah were unforgiving. When pilgrim began their Hajj journey, most had full knowledge that they were indeed risking their very lives while leaving worried families behind, putting their faith to the ultimate test.
Nomadic Bedouin tribes would often attack convoys, pillaging vital food and supplies. Those who resisted would often pay the ultimate price. Others would be left with insufficient supplies to stay properly hydrated. The unforgiving weather conditions would naturally claim additional casualties.
The beginning of the 20th century saw additional advancements in transit methods with the Hejaz Railway opening in 1908, running from Damascus to Madinah.
The railway was built on the order of the Ottoman Empire, financed by Deutsche Bank, and strongly supported by the then-German Empire. Seemingly from one Hajj season to the next, a pilgrim’s journey to Makkah was now drastically reduced from weeks by steamboat to only four days by train.

King ushers in era of security
By the late 1920s King Abdul Aziz, Saudi Arabia’s founder-to-be, was consolidating his power having overrun most of the central Arabian Peninsula. After capturing the holy city of Makkah in 1925 from Sharif Hussein, he ended more than 700 years of Hashemite rule. Prominent figures from Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah now acknowledged King Abdul Aziz as the King of Hejaz. Najd was soon elevated to a monarchy as well in 1927, and for the next five years King Abdul Aziz ran a dual Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd, operating them as separate territories but both firmly under his control. In 1929, King Abdul Aziz would formally unite Hejaz and Najd into what we now recognize as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in 1932.
Not long after that, oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938 by American geologists working for the Standard Oil Company partnered with Saudi officials. King Abdul Aziz’s tremendous influence over the region had increased exponentially. Rather than use this tremendous power to conquer additional territories, King Abdul Aziz used this heavy influence to promote peace and stability across his newfound Kingdom, forcing Bedouins to abandon intertribal conflicts that frequently involved Hajj pilgrims. For King Abdul Aziz, establishing the safety and security of Hajj pilgrims was of paramount importance.
Modern transportation in the form of aircraft effectively began after World War II, with the Kingdom establishing the Arabian Transport Company in 1946 and the Bakhashab Transport Company in 1948. Although the first official air transit contract for Hajj pilgrims was established between the Saudi government and Misr Airlines of Egypt in 1937, the airline frequently experienced engine trouble that disrupted the transport flow of pilgrims. This, coinciding with the impending WWII from 1939 to 1945, had Hajj pilgrim numbers decrease greatly. Once the war ended, though, traveling by plane proved highly effective for the pilgrims. By 1950, the use of camels as a means of transport during Hajj virtually ended.

Comfort, guidance for all
Today’s Hajj pilgrimage, in many ways, bears little resemblance to its early 20th-century counterpart. Aircraft have, for the most part, replaced sea and rail travel, and in doing so, have transformed Hajj from a months-long multi-site journey into a much more rapid, safe, and fairly direct voyage to Makkah.
Today, the Makkah Metro is expected to shuttle more than 350,000 pilgrims from Mina to Arafat and back to Mina. That is more than two million pilgrims every day. There are electronic maps equipped with multiple languages to accommodate the diversity of pilgrims, and water supply has improved considerably, as well as waste management, with more than 36,000 restrooms readily available. Thousands of government security officials, emergency services, and volunteers constantly guide pilgrims at every stage of their journey.
New medical equipment is regularly updated to adapt to the wide range of illnesses and changing environmental factors. Free medical care is provided with more than 100 ICU ambulances, each equipped with a physician, a nurse, and the latest technology on board.

While many aspects of Hajj have evolved with the times, some traditions have stood the test of time. Pilgrims used to pray on open fields on their Hajj journey, and likewise today, people do not hesitate to pray on the open path. The means of transport may have changed but the commitment to the punctuality of prayer has always endured. While larger in numbers, and many tents are now equipped with air-conditioning, Saudi Arabia has maintained this aspect of Islamic heritage. During Hajj, the “Kiswa,” made of pure silk with gold and silver threads that drape over the Kaaba, is annually replaced and folded up about 10 feet to protect it from harsh weather conditions, as well as overcrowding during the peak days of Hajj. To this day, this practice is maintained to prevent the cover of Kaaba from suffering any damage.
Throughout the 20th century, and still to this day, Makkah is constantly going through changes. The biggest is the expansion of the Holy Mosque itself, but many advancements have been made in the form of logistics, hospitality, security, and medical care. Some traditions and methods, however, have remained the same. A balance of tradition and progression that has the Saudi government recognizing Islamic customs while taking into consideration pilgrims’ primary needs of safety and security.


Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push

Updated 08 July 2025
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Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push

  • Leaders discuss ties and regional stability
  • Prince Mohammed urges dialogue and diplomacy as means of resolving disputes

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Their meeting came as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries and navigate a turbulent regional landscape.

 

 

During the meeting, Prince Mohammed and Araghchi reviewed the state of Saudi-Iranian relations and exchanged views on recent developments across the region.

The crown prince underscored the Kingdom’s hope that the current ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel would help lay the groundwork for enhanced regional security and stability.

Reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for diplomatic solutions, the crown prince stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving regional disputes and reducing tensions.

For his part, Araghchi expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s stance in condemning Israeli aggression, and praised Prince Mohammed’s personal commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and National Security Advisor Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Iranian counterpart in Makkah, where the two officials also discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to foster regional cooperation.

Their talks focused on the evolving situation in the region and mutual efforts to safeguard security and stability.


Cabinet commends HRC adoption of resolution to protect children in cyberspace

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet held a session on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025
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Cabinet commends HRC adoption of resolution to protect children in cyberspace

  • Crown prince briefed the Cabinet on the contents of his discussions with Indonesian president and phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

RIYADH: The Cabinet commended on Tuesday the Human Rights Council’s unanimous adoption of a resolution submitted by the Kingdom to protect children in cyberspace.

The resolution, submitted by Saudi Arabia, aims to protect children in cyberspace and is rooted in the global initiative “Child Protection in Cyberspace” launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in October 2024.

The Cabinet said that Saudi Arabia maintaining its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook adds to a series of achievements made by this sector in record time.

Saudi Minister of State and Cabinet member Issam bin Saad bin Saeed said the Kingdom’s first-place ranking globally in the ICT Development Index 2025 issued by the International Telecommunication Union is a confirmation of the strength of the its digital infrastructure.

It was also testament to the attractiveness of its investment environment and the development of the local digital economy, which has reached SR 495 billion ($132 billion) in size, he added.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s efforts and contributions at the international level to support multilateral action and enhance global economic growth rates, including continued cooperation with OPEC+ producers to maintain stability in oil markets.

The crown prince also briefed the Cabinet on the contents of his discussions with the President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and a phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

 


Reimagining the road ahead in Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia rethinks how cities function, the role of local digital infrastructure is becoming more central. (Supplied/SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025
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Reimagining the road ahead in Saudi Arabia

  • A Saudi-developed navigation platform signals a deeper shift in how smart cities are designed

JEDDAH: As cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah grow at an unprecedented pace, they face mounting pressures that come with rapid urban expansion: increased traffic, infrastructure demands, and changing mobility patterns.

These challenges have sparked new conversations — and innovations — to support evolving everyday life.

Among the latest digital tools to emerge is Balady+, a Saudi Arabia-developed navigation app that is gaining traction with more than 1 million downloads on Google Play according to the app’s listing.

As the country continues its digital transformation, mobility solutions such as Balady+ are becoming a part of the conversation on how to make urban environments more efficient, accessible and responsive. (Supplied)

Launched in May, the app offers a locally tailored alternative to global platforms such as Google Maps and Waze to address navigation needs across Saudi cities.

Developed by Balady, a subsidiary of NHC Innovation, the app’s features include real-time traffic updates, indoor navigation in malls and multistory buildings, and alerts for roadworks and speed bumps with accurate spatial and timing information.

FASTFACT

Balady+, a Saudi-developed navigation app, is gaining traction with more than 1 million downloads on Google Play.

A notable moment for the platform came during this year’s Hajj season, when Balady+ collaborated with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites to support pilgrims with an interactive mapping system.

Yasser Alobaidan, CEO of Balady+

Over 11,000 key landmarks — including mosque entrances and exits, surrounding streets, hospitals, Red Crescent stations, restrooms, fountains, and more than 160 critical facilities — were updated in real time to ease the flow of people through dense and high-pressure areas.

“Navigation apps aren’t just tools anymore; they’re daily essentials,” said Abdulrahman Al-Babtain, a Riyadh-based commuter who has been using Balady+ for the past two months.

“What makes this app more useful for me is how it reflects the real condition of roads, especially when it comes to closures or construction zones.”

“Navigation apps aren’t just tools anymore; they’re daily essentials,” said Abdulrahman Al-Babtain, a Riyadh-based commuter who has been using Balady+ for the past two months. (SPA)

Built with an artificial intelligence-powered search engine, the app has generated a mix of enthusiasm and thoughtful critique from users on app stores.

Many have praised its realistic 3D mapping, with comments including “extraordinary” and “custom made” to better visualize surroundings.

Some reviews highlight standout features such as the “snap and send” municipal reporting tool, with one user noting that a damaged road was fixed within 12 hours of being reported.

Adel Alzahrani, ROSHN executive director of community development charters

While one review described the app as a “decent alternative to Google Maps,” others note a learning curve for new users and hope for future updates that make the interface more user-friendly and inclusive.

According to Al-Babtain, speed-bump alerts and government data integrations are particularly helpful in avoiding unexpected delays during his daily commute.

“The GPS is smart, but what really matters is having the most current local info — and that’s where Balady+ wins,” he said.

If we design cities for cars, we get traffic. If we design cities for people, we get life.

Adel Alzahrani, ROSHN executive director of community development charters

For Adel Alzahrani, executive director of community development charters at ROSHN, the app is part of a larger conversation about urban design and mobility.

“We’re not just developing real estate — we’re influencing how people move, live, and interact. Mobility behavior starts with design. I often say the cities of the future won’t be shaped by concrete alone — they’ll be sculpted by intelligence, data, and empathy,” he said.

While international apps dominate global markets, Alzahrani — who has used them all — sees Balady+ as an attempt to address local needs through an initiative that is “culturally aware, government-backed, and citizen-focused.”

“If we design cities for cars, we get traffic. If we design cities for people, we get life,” he said.

As Saudi cities are increasingly digitized, apps such as Balady+ represent a broader shift in how people interact with their surroundings, not just as commuters but also data contributors and active participants in shaping smart urban systems.

Yasser Alobaidan, CEO of the app, told Arab News it was built on a combination of local and global technologies.

It was “created through 3D modelling programs for areas like Hajj camps, the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and key landmarks across cities — and global technologies that convert residential and commercial buildings into 3D visualizations.”

“Work is currently underway to render the main roads across Saudi cities in 3D to provide drivers with a more realistic navigation experience,” he added.

Available on Android, iOS, and Huawei Store, it supports both Arabic and English, and features a voice assistant that guides users in both languages.

Alobaidan explained the technical challenges of rendering 3D environments, such the Grand Mosque and Hajj camps, on users’ mobile devices.

“Managing and optimizing the processing power and battery usage on users’ mobile devices when rendering 3D models was not easy.”

As the country continues its digital transformation, mobility solutions such as Balady+ are becoming a part of the conversation on how to make urban environments more efficient, accessible and responsive.

“Saudi Arabia stands at a unique moment. We have the chance to leapfrog the mistakes of car-first urbanism and become a global model of people-centered innovation — where design, policy, and technology converge to create cities that breathe, move, and serve with grace,” Alzahrani explained.

“It’s not just a digital tool, it’s a statement of intent. It tells us that Saudi Arabia isn’t just building smart cities — we’re designing smarter ways to live in them.”

Looking ahead, he said: “I’d love to see Balady+ connect with multimodal platforms, so users can seamlessly move between metro, bus, walking, or even autonomous shuttles.

“I’d also advocate for opening up APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), so urban developers and municipal agencies can build on top of the platform, creating custom layers for districts or temporary events.”

As the Kingdom rethinks how cities function, the role of local digital infrastructure is becoming more central.

Balady+ may not be the only tool in that transition, but it points to a growing appetite for locally developed, tech-driven solutions to urban challenges.

“It’s not following global models. It’s redefining them through a uniquely Saudi lens. And I think that’s something worth celebrating,” Alzahrani said.

 


Jazan’s stone castles draw travelers into the past

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025
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Jazan’s stone castles draw travelers into the past

  • Residents ingeniously utilized available resources to create functional homes tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their communities

RIYADH: The stone castles and ancient homes scattered across Jazan stand as silent witnesses to a rich history and architectural legacy spanning generations.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the structures play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and form an integral part of Jazan’s tourism and cultural heritage.

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)

The designs of these castles and stone houses vary widely and visitors are invited to gain insight into the traditional building methods and local materials used.

Residents ingeniously utilized available resources to create functional homes tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their communities.

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)

Far from being mere dwellings, these castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. They hosted countless family gatherings, celebrations and social events, highlighting the strong cohesion of the local community.

They remain emblematic of regional identity. Today, the castles and stone houses of Jazan draw history buffs and eco-tourists alike, offering a glimpse of the Kingdom’s cultural tapestry and efforts to preserve Jazan’s legacy.

 


HRC adopts Saudi-submitted resolution to protect children in cyberspace

A general view of a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. (File/AFP)
Updated 08 July 2025
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HRC adopts Saudi-submitted resolution to protect children in cyberspace

  • Resolution mirrors the key pillars of the crown prince’s initiative, calling for enhanced global cooperation, the exchange of best practices and raising awareness

RIYADH: The Human Rights Council has unanimously adopted a resolution submitted by Saudi Arabia aimed at protecting children in cyberspace, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The resolution is rooted in the global initiative “Child Protection in Cyberspace” launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in October 2024.

Presented during the council’s 59th session, the draft resolution was introduced by the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila.

The resolution, co-sponsored by Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam, received unanimous approval, reflecting broad international support.

In his address to the council, the official highlighted the dual nature of the digital space in children’s lives, noting that while it offers valuable opportunities for learning and interaction, it also presents growing risks that demand coordinated international responses.

He emphasized the need for strengthened national frameworks and international cooperation to ensure safety for children online.

The resolution mirrors the key pillars of the crown prince’s initiative, calling for enhanced global cooperation, the exchange of best practices, raising awareness, and the development of skills necessary to foster a safe and empowering digital environment for children.

It further underscores the importance of providing tailored technical assistance to meet each country’s specific needs and priorities, thereby building sustainable national capabilities in digital child protection.

With its unanimous adoption, the resolution underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing leadership in international efforts to create a secure, inclusive cyberspace for children worldwide, SPA said.

It also affirms Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in shaping global policy on child protection and cybersecurity.