One crew with a hundred and one stories to tell, Hajj unites all

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Hala Tashkandi, Rua’a Al-Ameri and Huda Bashatah set out to be the first and only all female on-the-ground editorial team to cover Hajj in 2019. (AN photo/ Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 02 August 2020
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One crew with a hundred and one stories to tell, Hajj unites all

  • Hala Tashkandi, Rua’a Al-Ameri and Huda Bashatah set out to be the first and only all female on-the-ground editorial team to cover Hajj in 2019
  • The Arab News female staff describe their journey

RIYADH/DUBAI: Joining a procession of millions taking part in their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, three Arab News female staff members embarked on a very personal, spiritual and professional journey in 2019.
Coming from three Arab News bureaus, reporter Hala Tashkandi from Riyadh, senior reporter Rua’a Al-Ameri from Dubai and photographer Huda Bashatah from Jeddah set out to be the first and only all female on-the-ground editorial team to cover Hajj that year.


On her first visit to the Kingdom, Al-Ameri was not sure what to expect. After 23-hour journey of connecting flights, delays and a few hours waiting at Jeddah airport, Al-Ameri joined the team as they made their way to the holy city of Makkah.
“The road leading to the holy city was jam-packed, and we were nervously waiting for our documents to be emailed from the ministry to allow us through the Saudi security checkpoints. Like in a James Bond movie, our passes arrived just seconds before we reached the guards,” said Al-Ameri.
Upon reaching the Ministry of Hajj camp, the three of them set out their plans to document the spiritual journey taken by millions of devoted Muslims while performing their own pilgrimage, a balance that required stamina, endurance and a strong will, characteristics that the trio are known for in their respective bureaus.
The granddaughter of a Hajj expert, Tashkandi co-led the team as she had performed her pilgrimage before and had heard stories from her grandfather about the tough journey ahead of them.

“I took the responsibility of showcasing the pilgrimage in more ways than one,” said Tashkandi. “As a Muslim, I loved being able to show the world one of the most beautiful and sacred rituals in our religion. As a Saudi, I was eager to laud our government for the amazing efforts they made in ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage for all of the holy city’s guests. And as a woman, and a member of an all-female main team, I was determined to prove that the three of us were just as capable of handling ourselves as our male colleagues during what was obviously a grueling, fast-paced, intense coverage.”
Hajj is not the easiest of rituals, and the team walked for hours under the blistering sun. The work never stopped in the evenings as they continued reporting. “It was tough, and despite packing light clothes and abayas, nothing could have prepared me for the blistering heat. And if I was not getting fried by the sun, I was getting drenched by the rain – which flooded the camp I was staying in,” said Al-Ameri.
Tashkandi recalled the noise, the chaos, the beauty and the unity she felt as if it were her first time. “You are reminded of all the things you have to be thankful for. It is beautiful. People from every country, in every skin tone, from every social class, from every level of education, all as close to equal as they can possibly get,” she said. “All heading in one direction, with one unstoppable goal, united in prayer and spirituality and love. It is a feeling you can only experience in one place on Earth.”

As the team photographer, Bashatah was tasked with a challenging role that is usually the preserve of men, yet she was able to send to HQ some of the most personal photos and stories ever featured in the newspaper. Meeting people from all walks of life with her camera in tow, Bashatah dived into the crowds, often getting lost but later returning with fascinating things to share.
“I didn’t see any female photographers at the holy sites. There were only men taking pictures during Hajj, which motivated me to work harder to give my best. Taking pictures in crowds, among children, women and old pilgrims, was the biggest challenge I have ever faced and a great responsibility since it was my first experience of Hajj, as well,” said Bashatah.
The trio’s experiences varied but there were moments where each one felt a connection to the true meaning of Hajj, unity.
“I saw an old man in his wheelchair and as I approached him to take a picture, he smiled and spoke words in his Iraqi accent that I still vividly remember: “You are really sweet, my girl. Are you taking pictures of us so that you can come and visit us in Basra when you miss us?” Tears welled up and I kissed him on his head and told him “we will meet again soon,” said Bashatah.
Al-Ameri recalls one incident when the flooding shut down the power and she was forced to write her report on her mobile phone. Sitting quietly in a corner at their accommodation, dripping wet from the rain and up against her Dubai deadline, the reporter was tapping away on her phone when out of nowhere she was offered help in the kindest manner.
“A kind young woman saw me, and graciously put a towel on my head to keep me warm as I worked. And it was that kind gesture that represented to me the meaning of this journey. To be selfless and to help those around you, a strong message in Islam,” she said. 


On their last stop before returning to Jeddah, the trio performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah, the act of going around the Kaaba seven times to end their pilgrimage. Mesmerized by grandeur of the holy Kaaba, this was Al-Ameri’s first visit to the Holy Mosque and in keeping with the spiritual connection of the pilgrimage, it made sense to complete her journey by touching the walls of the holiest site in Islam. Passing through the crowds toward the magnificent structure with the help of her fellow colleagues, Al-Ameri finally reached the high walls of the holy Kaaba and with that, her journey was complete. A surreal moment that she hopes to experience again.
The trio helped one another along, lifting each other’s spirits, laughing, crying and bonding over Saudi Arabia’s famous spiced fried chicken, Al-Baik, and huddling together under an umbrella to protect themselves from torrential rains. When they didn’t have a place to sleep, they talked their way into a makeshift mosque and slept alongside 20 other people, using their shoes as pillows. They used cookies to persuade an officer to help them find a ride back to their camp after they were stranded. It all made for an exhilarating and exhausting experience but, as far as a journalist’s job goes, that’s exactly the way it should be.


“To choose a single moment that shaped my view of the experience is impossible,” said Tashkandi. “Everywhere you look during Hajj, you see kindness, you see pilgrims sharing their umbrellas with strangers to shield them from harsh sun and sudden rain, people having intense conversations in different languages but still managing to get their points across. You see charity. You see laughter. You see shared joy. You see the very best of humanity.”


Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (SPA)
Updated 07 June 2025
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Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

  • After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely

MAKKAH: A Moroccan pilgrim who had suffered a “severe” heart attack was admitted to King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, where she received “urgent care supported by smartwatch technology and continuous virtual monitoring,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The hospital, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, reported that the patient also suffered from chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes.

She “underwent cardiac catheterization, during which a drug-eluting stent was placed in the left anterior descending artery,” the SPA reported.

After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely.

Later, in Mina, the smartwatch detected abnormal readings as the patient experienced chest pain again, triggering an alert. The virtual care team directed her to Mina Al-Jisr Hospital, where she was evaluated and admitted for observation. Once stable, she was discharged with a treatment plan and continued virtual follow-up.

This case “illustrates the strength of Saudi Arabia’s digital health infrastructure during Hajj and reflects the Ministry of Health’s progress toward Vision 2030, prioritizing high-quality, smart healthcare for pilgrims,” the SPA wrote.

 


Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

Updated 07 June 2025
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Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

  • Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals

MAKKAH: The Nusuk app — developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, played a “key role” on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, helping to guide more than 35,000 Hajj pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The app “highlights the ministry’s commitment to using technology for smooth pilgrim movement and effective crowd management at the holy sites, reflecting integrated technical and operational services during Hajj,” the SPA wrote.

Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals. With direct links to 25 government agencies and 10 private sector entities, Nusuk — a part of the ministry’s digital-transformation drive in line with Vision 2030 — “has become a comprehensive platform for the pilgrim journey,” the SPA reported.

For this year’s Hajj, the ministry added more than 30 new services to the app, including Nusuk AI — a digital assistant that provides guidance and responds to pilgrims’ inquiries via voice and text in multiple languages.

 


Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

  • Prince Mohammed made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday reaffirmed “the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences” of Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza.

He made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The suffering of our brothers in Palestine continues as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, he said.

“We reaffirm the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences of this aggression, protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality in which Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions.”

The crown prince was speaking during a meeting with Eid Al-Adha well-wishers at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.

“God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and other guests,” he said, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia places this sacred duty at the forefront of its priorities, harnessing all its capabilities to serve the guests of God and ensuring that they are able to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.

The crown prince reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, recognizing both the great honor and the immense trust it entails.

“We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, in all Muslim countries and across the world,” he said.

“May He accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the House of God and return them safely to their families.”


MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

Updated 07 June 2025
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MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

  • They discussed a variety of topics of common interest

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with the Syrian Arab Republic’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abu Al-hair Shukri to discuss “a variety of topics of common interest,” the MWL wrote in a post on X on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh recently met with the Malaysian delegation of Islamic leaders participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

 

 


Saudi Crown Prince meets Maldivian, Mauritanian presidents to discuss partnership opportunities

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi Crown Prince meets Maldivian, Mauritanian presidents to discuss partnership opportunities

  • Two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations

MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on Saturday with President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between their countries across various fields, SPA added.

The meeting reflected ongoing efforts to bolster Saudi-Maldivian ties and explore new avenues for partnership.

A number of senior Saudi officials attended the meeting, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From the Maldivian side, the delegation included several ministers including Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel.

The high-level talks come as Saudi Arabia continues to deepen engagement with nations across South Asia, in line with its broader diplomatic and economic outreach initiatives.

Also on Saturday, Prince Mohammed held talks with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

Prince Mohammed held talks with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. (SPA)

They also exchanged congratulations on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, in addition to discussing overall relations and ways to enhance them in various fields, SPA reported.