JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims, imposed as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the killer coronavirus, was on Thursday backed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The OIC’s General Secretariat stressed its full support for the Kingdom’s preventive measures aimed at protecting its citizens and worshippers intending to perform Umrah or visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision to suspend entry to the country for Umrah pilgrims was made to ensure public safety and stop the deadly virus, known as Covid-19, from spreading.
The common practice of foreign pilgrims visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah before or after the completion of their religious duties in Makkah, had also been halted, the ministry added.
Approving the move, the OIC said: “The Kingdom’s decision to ban the entry of pilgrims temporarily will help preserve their safety. It comes in line with the adopted international standards and supports the efforts of states and international organizations, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO).”
The OIC’s view was on Thursday echoed by the Council of Arab Health Ministers at the end of its 53rd session being held at the Arab League’s headquarters.
Council members highlighted the importance of “boosting cooperation between Arab states to implement joint measures preventing the transmission of Covid-19 and supporting the affected states when discovering new cases.”
The health ministers also emphasized the necessity of making the most of the adoption of risk assessment systems and approaches for dealing with the virus outbreak among Arab states.
The council commended measures already taken by Arab countries, in accordance with WHO guidelines, to respond, prevent and fight the spread of the coronavirus. It pointed out the importance of promoting communication, the exchange of information, and continuous coordination between Arab League member states and their relevant health bodies and sectors.
However, chairman of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s committee on hotels, Abdullah Filali, warned of tough times ahead for the holy city’s accommodation sector.
He told Arab News that with more than 1,300 hotels, Makkah was heading toward a difficult season with high financial losses if the Umrah ban continued and was extended until Ramadan.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Minister of Religious Endowments Sheikh Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, gave his support to the Saudi move. “The decision to ban Umrah visas is justified, as it intends to preserve the lives of pilgrims from a certain doom. The Saudi foreign ministry said that this measure is temporary and will be continuously re-evaluated,” he said.
“We all know that crowded places are more vulnerable to the spread of the virus, which was confirmed by the WHO’s reports. We ask Allah to save all humanity and protect Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world against all harm,” the minister added.
Sheikh Dr. Khalid Al-Halibi, director of the House of Expertise for Research and Social Studies, said: “We support our government’s decision which aims to preserve the lives and the well-being of the people. It is a necessary preventive measure that was appreciated by the professionals.”
The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques announced its readiness to deal with any epidemic, saying it would provide all necessary information to pilgrims and had doubled cleaning schedules for courtyards and corridors at the Two Holy Mosques.
Highly qualified cadres used the latest cleaning and sterilization tools, said Jaber Widaani, director of the mosques’ department of disinfection and carpets, noting that 13,500 prayer rugs were swept and fragranced on a daily basis.
The presidency added that it was raising media awareness in all languages and via information screens to pass on the latest medical instructions and emergency developments.
Saudi ban on Umrah pilgrims backed by OIC, Arab health ministers
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Saudi ban on Umrah pilgrims backed by OIC, Arab health ministers
- The Egyptian minister of religious endowments also gave his support to the Saudi move
- The common practice of foreign pilgrims visiting the Prophet’s Mosque before or after the completion of rituals in Makkah, has also been halted
Pakistan PM receives Saudi deputy interior minister in Islamabad
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood was received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday.
They reviewed bilateral relations and discussed topics of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Dawood also met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and discussed boosting security cooperation.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki was among the Saudi officials in attendance.
AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels
- Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment
- Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km Kids’ Run to a 100 km ultra-marathon
RIYADH: The AlUla Trail Race will take place on Jan. 23 and 24, 2025, offering a challenge with stunning scenery for adventure enthusiasts.
Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km “Kids’ Run” to a 100 km ultra-marathon, providing options for all skill levels across AlUla’s desert landscape and ancient oases.
The AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya (the world’s largest mirrored building), and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra.
The 1.6 km race, for children aged 6 to 12, offers a safe and fun introduction to competitive running. The “Sunset Run” (3 km) allows participants aged 13 and older to explore AlUla’s oasis at sunset.
The 10 km “AlUla Oasis” race is open to runners aged 13 and older, suitable for beginners or those seeking a moderate challenge.
The “Elephant Rock” 23 km race is aimed at more experienced athletes aged 16 and older, and is equivalent to more than half a marathon.
The 50 km “Al-Mejdar” race is the toughest trial for runners aged 18 and older, while the 100 km “Hegra” event is the ultimate challenge for professional runners aged 18 and older, testing endurance in one of the most scenic and demanding races.
The event spans two days. On the first day, participants will register, receive race numbers and equipment, and attend a briefing before heading to the starting locations. Day one will also feature races for children, families and after-sunset events.
On day two, the 10 km, 23 km and ultramarathon races will be held, concluding with a ceremony to honor the winners and distribute awards.
In addition to the competitive atmosphere, the sports village will provide a range of food and beverages, including premium coffee, along with live music and entertainment.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation spaces will be available for runners post-race.
Riyadh library launches cultural tourism initiative
Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has launched an initiative to position Saudi Arabia as a top global destination for cultural tourism by attracting visitors worldwide to explore the library’s diverse branches, both within and outside the Kingdom.
This project aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by strengthening national identity, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Through its efforts, the library seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, folk arts, and traditions, while deepening citizens’ connections to their cultural roots and contributing to economic diversification.
The library’s general supervisor, Faisal bin Muammar, affirmed its commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s cultural and tourism objectives.
The library’s cultural tourism approach goes beyond traditional collections, offering access to historical and rare manuscripts, art and more.
Art Films Week sparks dialogue in Riyadh
- Visitors can enjoy the screenings in Fenaa Alawwal’s outdoor area, where kiosks provide a variety of food and refreshments
Riyadh: Film enthusiasts have gathered at Riyadh’s Fenaa Alawwal for Art Films Week, an event showcasing a selection of acclaimed documentaries and animations aimed at fostering cultural exchange and dialogue, organized under Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission.
Running until Nov. 21, the five-day Art Films Week is presenting five films: “Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV,” “Van Gogh and Japan,” “Omar Sharif: A Nomad’s Life,” “The King and Mister Bird,” and “The Prince Voyage.”
The opening day featured “Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV” by director Amanda Kim, which chronicles Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his vision of a future where “everybody will have his own TV channel.”
South African visitor Gavin Eckhart emphasized the film’s potential to inspire self-expression in the modern age. “Showing this documentary in this context might allow people to find their own self-expression within the modern age,” he told Arab News.
He further highlighted the artist’s innovative use of technology to break boundaries despite a restrictive upbringing.
“I have really enjoyed his expressive nature in the context of manipulating the available technology,” he said. “He was able to break boundaries and innovate despite his restrictive upbringing, doing so in the most avant-garde way.”
The documentaries were selected to align with the event’s theme by exploring art and creativity, showcasing influential artists like Nam June Paik, and highlighting the intersection of art and culture.
Visitors can enjoy the screenings in Fenaa Alawwal’s outdoor area, where kiosks provide a variety of food and refreshments.
Under Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, Saudi Arabia is witnessing transformative progress across various sectors, with the cultural industry playing a key role. The number of cultural facilities in the Kingdom surpassed its 2023 target of 41, reaching 45, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering a diverse cultural landscape.
Fenaa Alawwal is a key cultural facility in the capital Riyadh and was established by the Ministry of Culture to promote culture as a way of life.
Its landmark building first opened in 1988 and was recently placed under the custody of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City as part of Saudi Vision 2030’s National Transformation Program.
Saudi cabinet highlights strengthened partnerships with France, India
- The session, chaired by King Salman in Riyadh, addressed key global and regional developments
The cabinet discussed on Tuesday the outcomes of the second Saudi-French Ministerial Committee meeting, focusing on enhancing cultural, tourism, and economic ties, particularly between AlUla and Paris.
The cabinet also praised the progress of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council in boosting cooperation on economic and security matters.
The session, chaired by King Salman in Riyadh, addressed key global and regional developments. The Cabinet condemned Israeli actions targeting civilians in Palestine and plans to expand West Bank settlements, citing their threat to regional stability and peace efforts.
Domestically, the council commended King Salman’s support of the Riyadh Economic Forum and the success of "Cityscape Global 2024," which saw transactions surpassing 230 billion riyals and attendance exceeding 172,000 visitors.
The cabinet lauded the "Jeddah Declaration" issued at the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, reaffirming commitments to tackle global health challenges. It also noted preparations for the Saudi Green Initiative Forum in December, which has already delivered significant achievements in renewable energy, tree planting, and wildlife resettlement.
