MAKKAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for supervising the services offered to pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Khalid said all Saudis were proud of the efforts made to help pilgrims during their stay in the Kingdom.
He thanked local and international media representatives for their coverage of the pilgrimage, telling a press conference in Mina that the number of Hajj pilgrims this year reached 2,489,406.
Of these, 1,855,027 were from outside the Kingdom and 634,379 were from inside Saudi Arabia.
He said that the number of people violating Hajj permit and entry regulations was 298,379, a 29 percent drop from last year’s figure.
The Makkah governor said that more than 350,000 people had worked to provide pilgrims with support and services. He also said that 35,000 volunteers, in addition to 120,000 security personnel, 30,000 health practitioners and 200,000 workers from other sectors, had contributed to the success of the Hajj season.
Prince Khalid told the media that health services were provided for more than 500,000 pilgrims. As many as 173 hospitals, health centers, and mobile clinics with a capacity of 5,000 beds were available. Health professionals carried out 336 open heart operations and cardiac catheterizations, as well as 2,700 other procedures.
Violations by Hajj pilgrims dropped 29% compared to 2018, says Prince Khalid Al-Faisal
Violations by Hajj pilgrims dropped 29% compared to 2018, says Prince Khalid Al-Faisal
- Prince Khalid told the media that health services were provided for more than 500,000 pilgrims
Outgoing US ambassador praises transformation in Saudi Arabia
- Ambassadors from the US, Egypt and Oman bid farewell to the Kingdom
- Dean of the diplomatic corps hosts farewell ceremony for outgoing envoys
RIYADH: The dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosted a farewell ceremony for outgoing ambassadors of the United States, Egypt and Oman at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh on Monday.
“We have gathered here for ambassador of Egypt, Ahmed Farouk, ambassador of Oman, Sayyid Faisal bin Turki, and the US ambassador Michael Ratney. The meeting marks the conclusion of their tenure as ambassador to Saudi Arabia. We have them here representing three continents, Africa, Asia and America,” Bamakhrama said in his opening remarks.
“All of them were very close to me and to many of our colleagues. Ambassador Farouk was here for more than five years, which is extraordinary for an Egyptian ambassador. Sayyid Faisal was my neighbor in the DQ (diplomatic quarter) and we had a great time. Michael has been here for two years. I wish them all the very best in their future endeavors. We will miss you, and wishing you all the best,” said Bamakhrama, who is also Djibouti’s ambassador in Riyadh.
On behalf of the diplomatic corps Bamakhrama presented souvenirs to the outgoing ambassadors.
At the same event he introduced new ambassadors in Riyadh from Romania, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Palestine, Peru and Uruguay.
Ratney, in his farewell speech, said: “I wish I were staying in this country longer. It’s been, for me, an amazing experience to have a front row seat for what’s going on in Saudi Arabia, the amazing transformations of this country. And to have played even a small part in strengthening the relationship between Saudi Arabia and my country was an honor.
“Saudi Arabia is a country of tribes,” he said. “I feel like you are my tribe. Every time I walk in this room or one of your homes or an event, I feel like I am home. And I tell you, when I got to the country and started meeting the diplomats, I remarked that the quality of diplomats that all of your governments were sending to Saudi Arabia was extraordinary. And I thought, I need to step up my game. You all gave me a standard to try to meet, and it’s been just an extraordinary pleasure every time I am with you. I will miss all of you. I hope this is the end of my 34-year diplomatic career, and it’s time to move on.”
Farouk at the gathering said: “Thank you all for convening all our distinguished colleagues here. I have mixed feelings after 40 years of diplomacy since 1985. This is the end of my diplomatic career, and I believe that life has to come to a crossroads sometime.”
On a lighter note he added that sometimes there is a chance to make a U-turn and come back.
“I am glad, and I feel that I have achieved something for my country in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I wish you all the best and wish the very best in your future endeavors, we will be in touch.”
Bin Turki said: “Just like my colleagues, I think, I definitely have mixed feelings. As a non-diplomat, I joined the ministry of foreign affairs in 2017. I never thought I would be appointed as an ambassador, but I ended up being an ambassador. And the first thing I had in mind when I came here, I said I wish they would give ambassadors a manual, the do’s and don’ts, but it doesn’t happen.
“For someone who is not coming from that background it’s quite a challenge. And the first thing I told my team when I walked into the embassy, I said, I have two options: I either become a classic ambassador, or someone who thinks out of the box. And I said, you will be teaching me everything that you are good at as diplomats, and I will be sharing with you everything that I know as a non-diplomat. And now I am the new diplomat. And it has been an extraordinary journey in this country, an amazing place. Four years, and it feels like yesterday.
“I keep telling people about the amazing things that are happening in Saudi Arabia and the amazing people that I meet every day. It’s a journey and I would like to thank everyone, the dean of diplomatic corps, all of you extraordinary people. I learned a lot and back home, I would love to share those stories, whether it’s with family and others as well.”
Saudi commission’s deep dive to protect Red Sea heritage sites
- Second phase builds on a series of national initiatives to preserve the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage
- Includes developing a sustainable approach to conserving underwater heritage, with a focus on sites spanning the governorates of Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has launched the second phase of a project focused on studying underwater cultural heritage sites along the Red Sea coast.
In partnership with King Abdulaziz University and the University of Naples L’Orientale in Italy, the second phase builds on a series of national initiatives to preserve the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage.
This includes developing a sustainable approach to conserving underwater heritage, with a focus on sites spanning the governorates of Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
International partners of the initiative include the Alexandria Center for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage, the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage in South Korea, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
The project seeks to provide accurate information for the management and protection of these sites, and expand research and scientific studies related to them. The ultimate goal is to enhance knowledge and documentation of this cultural heritage, SPA reported.
Expected outcomes include comprehensive reports analyzing archaeological findings, a developed management plan, and detailed scientific documentation of submerged heritage elements.
These will contribute to the national archaeological registry and enhance the national protection of underwater cultural heritage along the Red Sea coast, SPA reported.
This project will also highlight the historical and cultural connections between Saudi Arabia and other countries, as the Red Sea coast is a major historical maritime route.
The Kingdom has made significant efforts in this field, which aligns with the UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001 Convention. These include establishing a dedicated center for underwater cultural heritage, a key initiative within Vision 2030 aimed at achieving sustainable development in the field of national heritage.
Saudi aid provides relief to thousands in Syria, Gaza
- Ongoing support offers food, shelter and medical supplies to those affected by conflict
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has continued to provide aid to the people of Syria as part of various humanitarian missions.
On Monday, a relief plane — the 14th so far — arrived in Damascus from Riyadh, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies for those facing challenging conditions, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
In Harasta town, Rural Damascus governorate, KSrelief distributed 399 bags of flour, blankets and personal care kits, benefiting 532 people.
The Saudi aid agency also distributed shopping vouchers to 56 beneficiaries in Jindires town, Aleppo governorate, enabling them to purchase winter clothing from designated stores.
In Talbiseh town, Homs governorate, KSrelief distributed 327 food baskets, winter kits and personal care kits for 529 people.
These efforts, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, are part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.
According to KSrelief, Saudi Arabia’s total aid to Syria from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.
Meanwhile, in the northern Gaza Strip, the Saudi aid agency is providing support to returning residents in Jabalia.
KSrelief’s executive partner in Gaza, the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, has provided essential items such as blankets, mattresses, cooking utensils and more to help families who lost everything due to the widespread destruction.
Since its launch in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,306 projects worth almost $7.3 billion in 105 countries, in partnership with 461 local, regional and international organizations.
Its programs include food security, water sanitation, health, education, emergency aid, nutrition, protection, early recovery and telecommunications.
Saudi commission joins Asian film network
- Nonprofit network includes more than 50 members from 19 Asian countries and regions, comprising film commissions, production offices and related organizations
- Membership highlights the commission’s work to support local and regional film projects, encourage co-productions and promote the Kingdom’s film industry
RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has joined the Asian Film Commissions Network to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Founded in 2004, the nonprofit network includes more than 50 members from 19 Asian countries and regions, comprising film commissions, production offices and related organizations.
The membership highlights the commission’s work to support local and regional film projects, encourage co-productions and promote the Kingdom’s film industry, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The commission aims to create new opportunities for filmmakers by providing platforms to showcase their work, supporting distribution channels and offering competitive incentives, the SPA added.
In June 2024, the commission also joined the Association of Film Commissioners International to boost Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global film industry and promote collaboration among production companies.
Riyadh foundation hosts event to preserve history
- Event, which is on at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh until Tuesday, features workshops, exhibitions and talks by 20 experts on innovation and heritage
- Aligned with Vision 2030, the lab provides a platform for youth and organizations passionate about history to collaborate and compete
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Public Foundation for Research and Archives staged a National History Lab event in collaboration with 30 Saudi universities and 15 national and international organizations to promote creativity in preserving and sharing national history.
The event, which is on at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh until Tuesday, features workshops, exhibitions and talks by 20 experts on innovation and heritage.
Aligned with Vision 2030, the lab provides a platform for youth and organizations passionate about history to collaborate and compete, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative encourages students to develop ideas, technical projects and social initiatives that show Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and history in engaging and innovative ways to diverse audiences, SPA reported.
The initiative has two tracks: the digital innovation track, which focuses on developing technical solutions for documenting and sharing history; and the social impact track, which aims to design initiatives that strengthen community connections to history.
Thirteen judges will evaluate the projects, with support from more than 20 facilitators who will guide participants in refining their ideas.
