JEDDAH: Each year, a large number of young Saudis head to Makkah during Hajj season to work and earn some money. Private companies and government agencies offer a variety of seasonal jobs, whether helping pilgrims directly or working for a company that provides services and facilities.
Some of the more popular choices of work among Saudi youths include transportation, serving food and drinks, and selling top-up cards and chargers for cellphones, which are essential services for many pilgrims due to their limited access to the usual marketplaces.
“Today, the Saudi authorities prevent many residents and citizens from entering the holy sites without the required licenses,” said Bader Alshereef. “Locals were selling water and cold drinks directly to pilgrims, for good returns.”
Alshereef used to sell water during Hajj. He now works with The Saudi Project for Utilization of Hajj Meat, also known as the Adahi Project.
“Adahi Project opens its doors for people to apply for seasonal jobs in Makkah, as do many other agencies and organizations, including Hajj-services companies that have been one of the season’s main employers over the years,” he added.
Businesses that provide services to pilgrims prefer to contract Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) because they tend to be cheaper options than hiring larger businesses. As a result, SMEs provide transportation, food and drink, among other services for pilgrims and the camps that host them.
“It is worth using part of your annual leave as an investment to go to Makkah and start your own small, seasonal business,” said Ahmed Albdulkhaliq. He was contracted by one of the providers of Hajj services to supply soft drinks and water to a pilgrims’ camp.
Although it is banned by the authorities, many locals still provide motorcycle transportation for pilgrims. Both Alshereef and Abdulkhaiq confirmed that this is one of the most attractive options for making money during Hajj. There is no need for an office or store, and the size and maneuverability of motorcycles allow riders to easily avoid traffic jams — and security officials. After an initial investment of less than SR1,500 for a bike, a good return can be made during the season, they said, after which the motorcycle can be abandoned to avoid checkpoints.
“Serving pilgrims each year comes naturally to us, being from Makkah,” said Ahmed Alattas who worked as a barber during the previous Hajj season. “In the past, shaving pilgrims’ heads was somehow exclusive to expatriates. Now you need a license to be a barber and to work legally.”
During last year’s Hajj season, all barbers were licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and trained at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
This year, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development launched an electronic service to coordinate temporary and seasonal jobs during Hajj season, using the Ajeer portal.
Hajj is a great business opportunity for young Saudis
Hajj is a great business opportunity for young Saudis
- Serving pilgrims each year comes naturally to us, being from Makkah
- There is no need for an office or store, and the size and maneuverability of motorcycles allow riders to easily avoid traffic jams — and security officials
Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president
- Contests for athletes under 6 being planned, says Yasser Al-Misehal
- Aspiring Green Falcons players must ‘care’ about training, discipline
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for the nation’s 2034 World Cup squad, according to the president of the Kingdom’s football association.
Answering a question from Arab News at a press conference on Wednesday following the announcement of the Kingdom as host, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal highlighted the nation’s preparations for the 2034 Green Falcons side.
“My message to them that the dream we all had, to witness the World Cup in our country, has become a reality.
“My message to them is to be disciplined, to care about training, to care about all aspects of life, and we will hopefully see them in green in 2034 representing the team of the dearest country and achieving results that make us all proud as Saudis.”
In addition to under-17 tournaments, Al-Misehal said competitions are being held for under-11 players, and by 2027 for those under 6 years of age.
There are already several Saudi Arabia national team members playing for European clubs, including Saud Abdulhamid for Roma and Faisal Al-Ghamdi and Marwan Al-Sahafi for the Belgian team Beerschot.
Al-Misehal also spoke about the responsibility to deliver a successful event for the Kingdom’s football-loving population. “Today we are talking about more than 60 percent of the Saudi population being under 30 years old.
“A population that adores football … more than 80 percent of Saudis watch football daily. This places a great responsibility on us to present an edition that is suited to the ambitions of these audiences,” he said.
Al-Misehal added that the Kingdom had the support of more than 140 countries after announcing its intention to bid in October 2023.
“You feel the awe of the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You feel hundreds of messages pouring in … from all over the world, congratulating the Kingdom … it is a proud feeling,” he said.
It has not yet been decided if the World Cup will be held in summer or winter. Al-Misehal said discussions with FIFA would hopefully be settled next year, but that “we are ready anywhere and at any time.”
Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who is also president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said the Kingdom’s 18-section bid file had been six years in the making, with weekly meetings keeping track of every detail.
The country’s submission was uncontested after Australia dropped out of the running, but nonetheless received the highest-ever rating from FIFA.
“It’s an indescribable feeling, for us and for anyone, it is a dream to host the biggest event in the world, not just in sports,” Prince Abdulaziz said.
“This is indicative of the care of our wise leadership on this matter, on our athletes, and on developing sports in the Kingdom, as well as the determination of Saudi youth working in the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the World Cup bid unit. I thank you.”
“We promise everyone that the work will continue,” Prince Abdulaziz added, referring to developments taking place in transport and tourism.
King Salman reportedly said: “Through its people’s determination and spirit the Kingdom has succeeded in consolidating its position as one of the most prominent international sports destinations.”
Saudi Arabia intends to make history as the first single country to host a 48-team tournament.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a statement: “We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world.”
Celebrations broke out across the Kingdom on Wednesday evening as the news broke.
The tournament’s 15 stadiums are in Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Alkhobar and NEOM.
Saudi Arabia lights up after being named as host for FIFA World Cup 2034
- Dazzling firework displays reflected the spirit of unity and excitement surrounding the country’s historic achievement
- In celebration, dynamic drone shows are to captivate audiences in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, and Abha
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is celebrating being chosen as host of the FIFA World Cup 2034 with a series of events across the country.
The football-themed festivities, which run until Dec. 14, invite citizens and residents to showcase their national pride by wearing football jerseys and sharing their moments on social media using the hashtag #Saudi2034.
Fireworks illuminated the skies of Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, Abha, NEOM, Al-Qassim, and Jubail at 8:34 p.m. on Wednesday, after the official announcement from an online ceremony that was broadcast at a Riyadh event attended by Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and other officials.
The dazzling displays reflected the spirit of unity and excitement surrounding the country’s historic achievement.
In celebration, dynamic drone shows are to captivate audiences in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, and Abha.
There will also be an air show in Riyadh on Dec. 12 over the skies of King Abdullah Financial District, King Fahd Stadium, and King Fahd Road.
Riyadh’s municipality handed out scarves to football fans in Tahlia Street, Takhassusi Street, and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Road, and organized events with traditional dances at various urban parks.
A number of institutions held watch parties at the time of the announcement ceremony, including the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
Parks and buildings were adorned with Saudi flags, while public spaces in a number of cities and regions were bathed in green light to mark the occasion.
A series of public gatherings will take place until Dec. 14 between 5:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. at Boulevard City, Laysen Valley, Roshn Front, and Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh; and the Corniche Circuit, Roshn Waterfront, Corniche Obhur, Prince Majid Park, King Abdulaziz Cultural Center, and the Municipality Building in Jeddah.
Elsewhere, celebrations will take place at the Corniche, Half Moon Beach, Tharwa Corniche, and King Abdullah Park in Alkhobar; and Beach District Plaza Al-Baha Mall, Al-Hawiya Walk, Boulevard, and the Winter Festival in Al-Baha; in Buraydah at Bukhari Street; and in Abha at Al-Bahar Square, Art Street, Veranda, Ariash, High City, and Midmac.
Hail will host gatherings on Dec. 13 from 5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Al Fajr Walkway and Bahjah Park.
These activities offer football fans an opportunity to come together and share in the joyful atmosphere.
Saudi crown prince, Iraqi PM discuss regional developments during call
- The call also tackled ways to enhance bilateral relations in all fields
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani, the Saudi Press Agency said early Thursday.
The pair discussed the latest regional developments and efforts aimed at achieving security and stability.
The call also tackled ways to enhance bilateral relations in all fields.
Crown Prince congratulates King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host World Cup 2034
- The Crown Prince confirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to contribute to the development of football worldwide
- Later on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed announced the establishment of the “Supreme Authority for Hosting the 2034 World Cup”
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated King Salman, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, on Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034.
The Crown Prince confirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to contribute to the development of football sport worldwide and promoting messages of love, peace and tolerance.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s significant capabilities, the enthusiasm of the Saudi people, and their ability to overcome challenges, which ultimately led to their successful bid to host the World Cup 2034, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
On Wednesday, FIFA announced that Saudi Arabia will host the international football tournament in 2034.
Later on Wednesday, the crown prince announced the establishment of the “Supreme Authority for Hosting the 2034 World Cup.”
Setting up the authority showed the Kingdom’s determination to present an exceptional version of the tournament, SPA said.
Saudi Arabia became the first country in FIFA’s history to solely host the expanded format of the World Cup with 48 teams, featuring 16 additional football teams for the first time since Qatar’s World Cup 2022, SPA reported.
The US, Mexico and Canada will host the expanded format of World Cup 2026, while the 2030 event is set to take place in Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
In July, Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid to host the World Cup 2034 under the slogan “Growing Together.”
The Kingdom will host the football matches in 15 stadiums across five cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha and Neom.
It also plans to host entertainment activities for World Cup fans in 10 sites, including King Salman Park and the Jeddah Waterfront Park.
Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Maldives envoy in Riyadh
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Ambassador of Maldives to the Kingdom Ahmed Sareer in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Al-Asheikh focused on the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, spreading the values of tolerance and moderation and combating extremism in all its forms, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ambassador praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to catering to the needs of pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.
