RIYADH: A total of 1,519,427 pilgrims benefited from the electronic services provided by the General Presidency of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice during this year’s Hajj season. The e-services were provided during the first period of Hajj through digital awareness tools in 15 different languages, as instructed by the general president of the commission, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Sanad, to help pilgrims perform their Hajj with ease.
The commission, represented by the Committee of Awareness, Guidance and Publications, developed its services for Hajj, and provided many programs and digital initiatives that made it easier for visitors to complete their pilgrimage.
One of the most useful e-services were screens and interactive devices that worked around the clock, where the user could experience audio, video and printed guidance materials in 15 languages. A total of 113,625 pilgrims benefited from these services, which also offered instruction manuals and download links on how to better use them.
Broadcasting via Wi-Fi technology made content available on screens, covering an area of 100 cubic meters indoors, and 360 cubic meters outdoors, for the largest number of beneficiaries. Each screen offered services to 6,000 pilgrims at the same time through wireless technology.
Users could download the content directly to their mobile phones without the need to go through the internet, as screens contained 210 guidance materials, 1,207 audio materials, 32 books, and screens that featured 5,760 guidance segments 24 hours a day.
The presidency provided its new services in its steering centers in addition to King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Taif International Airport, Haramain High-Speed Railway Station, Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz International Airport and Al-Qassim Railway Station.
More than 1.5 million Hajj pilgrims benefit from e-services
More than 1.5 million Hajj pilgrims benefit from e-services
- Broadcasting via Wi-Fi technology made content available on screens, covering an area of 100 cubic meters indoors, and 360 cubic meters outdoors, for the largest number of beneficiaries
Saudi and Egyptian foreign ministers hold talks on cooperation, discuss situation in Gaza
- Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Badr Abdelatty review bilateral relations then co-chair a high-level meeting between representatives of their countries
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met his counterpart from Egypt on Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The prince and Badr Abdelatty reviewed the state of relations between the their nations and discussed ways in which cooperation might strengthened in various fields, along with other issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They then co-chaired a high-level meeting between representatives of their countries that focused on the enhancement of mechanisms for cooperation, deeper coordination on responses to regional and international issues, and how best to serve shared interests.
The talks also addressed key developments in the region, foremost among them the latest situation in the Gaza Strip, and efforts to support regional stability.
Other participants included Saud Al-Sati, undersecretary of the Ministry for Political Affairs; Saleh Al-Hussaini, the Saudi ambassador to Egypt; and Ghazi Al-Anzi, director general of the Foreign Ministry’s General Administration for Arab Countries.
The Egyptian representatives included Ihab Abu Sarea, the country’s ambassador to the Kingdom; and Ihab Fahmy, assistant minister of foreign affairs.
More than 150 caves reveal their secrets in Saudi Arabia
- More than 150 caves have been recognized for their significant scientific value
- Caves have a growing role in the development of sustainable ecotourism
RIYADH: They may look dark and forbidding, but caves across various regions of Saudi Arabia are shedding new light on some of Earth’s oldest secrets.
According to the Saudi Geological Survey, caves and geological features in the Kingdom are unique natural treasures providing a vital foundation for scientific research.
More than 150 caves have been recognized for their significant scientific value, with some serving as natural records of the planet’s geological and climatic history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Caves also have a growing role in the development of sustainable ecotourism, the Saudi Geological Survey said.
The organization is working to uncover and study these sites as part of the national strategy, the SPA added.
Studies offer precise scientific evidence of environmental changes the region has undergone over thousands of years, including rare plant and animal remains from species that become extinct due to natural shifts.
Tariq Aba Al-Khail, spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, said that the organization enables researchers and specialists in geosciences, archaeology, and paleobiology to study these caves within a structured scientific framework.
He highlighted the organization’s role as a reference for accurate geological data and its commitment to building partnerships with academic and research institutions to strengthen the knowledge base and raise community awareness about the value of these natural resources.
Farasan Islands celebrate annual harid fish arrival
RIYADH: The shores of the Farasan Islands are witnessing the annual arrival of large schools of harid fish, which travel for months from the Indian Ocean, through the Arabian Sea, and into the Red Sea.
The harid fish, or parrotfish, is a diverse species inhabiting coral reefs and plays a key role in the marine ecosystem.
Recognizable by its parrot-like beak and vibrant colors, the harid thrives in coral-rich habitats, with over 90 species, each having unique shapes and colors.
Farasan, a group of coral islands 40 km off Jazan’s coast, becomes the site of this natural event as vast schools of harid fish gather, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Residents can predict the fish’s arrival by a distinct scent carried from the sea after sunset on the 15th day of the lunar month.
The annual harid catch, celebrated in late April, is a tradition reflecting the islands’ cultural heritage and has brought joy to Farasan for centuries.
Recognizing the cultural and tourism significance of harid fishing, Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Nasser inaugurated the first Farasan Islands Harid Festival in 2005.
The 21st edition of the festival launched on Monday, showcasing the islands as a promising destination for tourists and investors.
The festival highlights Farasan’s unique customs, traditions, folk games, handicrafts, and historical sites, while also showcasing local handicrafts such as fishing traps, palm weaving, bag and rug creation, and hat knitting.
Saudi aid agency helps crisis-hit people worldwide
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief continues to deliver vital humanitarian assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
In Kenya, a KSrelief volunteer medical team performed 28 cochlear implant surgeries for children in a single day, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
They also provided speech and language rehabilitation for the children and held education sessions for their families.
In the Syrian Arab Republic, KSrelief distributed 650 clothing bags to orphaned children in Al-Bab, Afrin, and Akhtarin in Aleppo governorate.
The bags included new clothes suitable for children of various ages, to meet their needs and bring them joy.
In Jordan, KSrelief concluded its 30th volunteer program at the Zaatari refugee camp, involving 12 medical volunteers.
During the week-long campaign, the team provided healthcare to 1,141 beneficiaries, offering treatments in dermatology, gynecology, oncology, pediatrics, family medicine, and physical therapy.
In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 176 shelter bags and 45 tents in Al-Shihr district, Hadramout governorate, benefiting 1,056 individuals.
In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 1,660 food baskets to displaced and needy families in Ad-Daba, Northern State, benefiting 9,960 individuals.
Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,393 projects worth nearly $7.9 billion across 106 countries, in partnership with more than 309 organizations.
Red Crescent invites volunteers for Hajj season
JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has opened volunteer registrations for this year’s Hajj season, continuing its mission to promote volunteerism and encourage community participation in humanitarian services.
As part of the initiative, volunteers are invited to join one of four main tracks, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The paramedic track focuses on delivering emergency first aid and rescue services before specialized teams arrive.
The humanitarian track involves offering care and assistance to pilgrims, including distributing snacks, water and guidance.
Those with creative skills can join the media track, which documents volunteer efforts through photography, videography and editing.
Meanwhile, the logistics track supports operations by handling the distribution, transportation, and storage of essential materials and equipment.
The authority encouraged people to register through its volunteer platform, describing volunteering with the Red Crescent as a meaningful opportunity to gain valuable skills, contribute to life-saving efforts and support the wider community.
