DUBAI: Royal Saudi Navy celebrated the launch of its first Avante 2200 corvette, state news agency SPA reported.
The ship – named Al-Jubail – was unveiled by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia on Wednesday and is one of the five in the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, RSNF.
The corvettes are being built by a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries, SAMI, and Navantia, named SAMI Navantia Industries, SAMI-Navantia. They will be delivered in 2024, a year later than initially planned, and will feature special combat and fire control systems and integrated communications among other technologies.
Royal Saudi Navy Vice Admiral Fahad AL-Ghofaily and Navantia’s President Susana de Sarria attended the ceremony.
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Saudi navy celebrates launch of new vessel
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Saudi navy celebrates launch of new vessel
- The ship named Al-Jubail was unveiled by a Spanish shipbuilder earlier this week
- The newly built corvettes will feature special combat and fire control systems along with integrated communications technology
Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs
- Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance
- Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an
MAKKAH: Throughout their profound journey of faith, especially as Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts.
They flock to the malls and markets of Makkah, particularly those around the Grand Mosque. This tradition expresses their spiritual fulfillment and prepares them for their return home, blessed by Allah for having performed the sacred rites, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
Gift buying represents joy at Hajj’s successful conclusion and strengthens social bonds between relatives, SPA added.
Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance. Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an.
Pilgrims also frequently buy perfumes like incense and musk, along with various types of dates — ajwa dates being especially sought after.
The markets of Makkah and Madinah see a significant boom after Hajj, bustling with pilgrims of diverse nationalities.
These vibrant markets include modern malls in the Haram area, the traditional Aziziyah Market, the Hijaz Market, and bazaars near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Merchants actively meet this demand, offering a wide range of products, special offers for pilgrims, and often discounts on bulk purchases.
Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj
- A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense
- Psychological, medical and social care is provided to relatives of martyrs and injured personnel throughout the year
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior, through the Agency for Military Affairs, is supporting the families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with a humanitarian program reflecting the leadership’s commitment to citizens.
A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense, along with providing psychological, medical and social care throughout the year.
One beneficiary speaking from Mina, Ibrahim bin Abdulkarim Al-Zahrani — injured in the line of duty and brother to two martyrs — expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s support.
He said such care reassures families that the Kingdom stands by them and gives them strength to continue serving, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
Al-Zahrani added that the ministry’s efforts, under Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, represent the state’s respect for the sacrifices of martyrs and its commitment to their families.
Chief Sgt. Salem Al-Qahtani of the General Department for the Care of Martyrs and Injured Families shared his 14-year experience serving the group, highlighting the department’s close, familial bond with their families.
“We have followed the children of the martyrs since their early years, watching them grow — some are now our colleagues, while others are performing Hajj through this program under the leadership’s close supervision,” he said.
The department develops support programs for beneficiaries, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to honoring those who gave their lives for the nation and continuing support for their families.
It also reflects the leadership’s approach to supporting citizens and honoring the sacrifices of martyrs.
Saudi interior minister commends security forces for Hajj efforts
- Prince Abdulaziz said the work of the security and military sectors reflected a strong sense of national and religious responsibility
MAKKAH: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has conveyed greetings and congratulations from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to personnel involved in implementing Hajj security plans following the successful completion of the season.
This includes members of the Ministry of Interior, the Presidency of State Security, and supporting military agencies from the Ministry of National Guard, Ministry of Defense, and General Intelligence Presidency.
The minister’s remarks were made during a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Makkah with senior officials, commanders of security sectors, Hajj security forces, and supporting military and security agencies.
Prince Abdulaziz affirmed that following the directives of the leadership — who provided all necessary resources and ensured coordination among government and security bodies — the approved plans for this year’s Hajj were successfully executed.
Prince Abdulaziz, as chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee, praised the security and military sectors for their unity, sincerity, and dedication during this year’s season.
He emphasized that their work reflected a strong sense of national and religious responsibility, honoring the privilege of serving pilgrims.
Makkah exhibition welcomes pilgrims among its visitors
MAKKAH: The third Wahat Exhibition, which is being organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in Makkah, is continuing to welcome visitors — including Hajj pilgrims, citizens, and residents — from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The exhibition runs until June 15, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It features a section devoted to the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, as well as rare manuscripts from the Makkah Library.
The exhibition also includes historic photographs of Makkah along with a documentary film which showcases past Hajj experiences and the development of services for pilgrims.
Visitors have praised the high-quality content, commending the ministry’s efforts in raising awareness, advancing technology, and improving communication and services for pilgrims.
They have said the exhibition reflects the Kingdom’s comprehensive efforts to serve pilgrims, promote religious awareness, and uphold the values of moderation and tolerance.
The Hadiyah Charity Association organized an exhibition in Mina during Hajj to showcase the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims to reflect the rich cultural and geographical diversity of the Islamic world.
As a vibrant representation of global Islamic cultures, the exhibition underscored the Kingdom’s message of unity and hospitality toward pilgrims from all nations, the SPA reported.
Through immersive displays, it highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering harmony among civilizations and promoting mutual respect and appreciation.
Thousands of pilgrims continue spiritual journey to Madinah
- Authorities prepare to welcome worshippers with comprehensive security, service plans
MADINAH: As pilgrims bid farewell to Makkah on Monday after completing Hajj — the fifth pillar of Islam — many departed for Madinah with cherished memories.
Hajj authorities in Madinah have begun implementing their operational plans for the second season, expecting thousands of pilgrims in the coming days.
The Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security have completed preparations to receive the pilgrims, as part of a comprehensive plan to ensure their safe and smooth arrival, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The field plan focuses on regulating pilgrim movement, facilitating entry and exit from Madinah, maintaining traffic flow, and reducing congestion.
Preparations include increased security presence on major routes, providing assistance and guidance, and ensuring emergency teams are ready to respond to health cases and other situations.
Government and volunteer bodies have raised readiness levels to support reception centers, entry points, and historical sites, while enhancing efforts in transport, guidance, hospitality, and healthcare through an integrated, 24/7 system.
These efforts reflect the leadership’s commitment to serving pilgrims and ensuring their safety during their journey between the holy sites and Madinah, the SPA reported.
Meanwhile, 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, also traveled to Madinah after completing Hajj.
During their stay, they will pray at the Prophet’s Mosque, visit Quba Mosque, and explore significant historical landmarks.
The pilgrims expressed gratitude for the services provided by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which met their needs and facilitated smooth movement between sites.
They shared their joy at completing the Hajj rituals, including standing at Mount Arafat, staying in Muzdalifah, the days of Tashreeq in Mina, stoning the Jamarat, and concluding with the farewell Tawaf.
A coordinated program is in place to transfer pilgrims from their accommodations to Madinah airport, overseen by the Hajj and Visit Committee and relevant authorities to ensure timely flight departures.
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport recorded a successful pre-Hajj phase, receiving pilgrims smoothly and efficiently. During the arrival period, the airport handled 719,400 pilgrims — 49 percent of all air-arriving pilgrims this Hajj season — via 1,910 flights from 196 cities in 53 countries.
The General Directorate of Passports confirmed its readiness to finalize departure procedures at the Kingdom’s international air, land, and sea ports, supported by modern security systems and trained personnel.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser also inspected King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to assess its readiness for pilgrim departures.
He reviewed procedures for receiving and dispatching pilgrims, including departure hall operations, service performance, and overall efficiency, aiming to ensure a smooth travel experience that meets international standards.
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