First Saudi to work in Maldives hospitality sector brings home her expertise

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The drive to develop the Saudi tourism industry is one of the main pillars of the Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 April 2021
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First Saudi to work in Maldives hospitality sector brings home her expertise

  • Sara Al-Marghalani wants to play her role in introducing the Kingdom’s hidden treasures to the world

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform plan celebrates its fifth anniversary, citizens nationwide are looking at the many ways the ambitious plan has affected their day-to-day lives.

The overarching goal of the plan, to move the Kingdom away from an oil-based economy, has had the entire nation looking toward new industries and re-evaluating their perceptions of how Saudi Arabia could achieve success, and one of the biggest and most successful industries has been tourism and hospitality.
For some Saudis, working in the hospitality sector is a dream they have harbored for a long time, and they have taken great pains to find ways to break into the field. But some, like industry pioneer Sara Al-Marghalani, just “stumbled” into the industry almost by accident.
Al-Marghalani initially dreamt of a career in academia, even going so far as to obtain a master’s degree in linguistics to achieve that goal. However, things changed when she became the first Saudi to land a job in the hospitality sector of the Maldives.
An unexpected interview for a banquet coordinator position with a local hotel group started what would become her new passion, working in a field that very few Saudis had ventured into.
“I didn’t anticipate how fast-paced and dynamic life would be working with hotels and the hospitality industry, or how much my life would change during my career in tourism,” she told Arab News.
Within a few months of landing the job, she found her ambitions shifting focus, especially after a rapid promotion to sales executive as a result of her newfound passion. And when her direct manager applied for a general manager’s position in the Maldives, he asked her to join him as part of his team.

FASTFACTS

• A recent research study found that 90 percent of Saudi youth surveyed were interested in tourism and hospitality jobs.

• The study also stated that Saudi youth were starting to acknowledge the vital role that tourism and hospitality will play in the country’s new diversified economy.

“I received notice from the Maldives government and the Saudi Embassy that I would be the first Saudi citizen to work in the hospitality industry in the Maldives,” she said. “I lived and worked as a guest relations officer on a small island with a respected Maldivian hotel company called Coco Collection for nearly two years.”
Al-Marghalani said that the experience seemed to trigger “endless opportunities” for learning, and she continued to climb up the hotel management ranks.
She was later promoted to front office supervisor at the German hotel company Seaside Finolhu, where she spent a further 18 months.
One of the highlights of the experience for her was introducing herself to the guests at the resorts, who came from many countries worldwide. Most reacted with amazement when she said she came from Saudi Arabia and they asked a lot of questions.
“I told them of the Kingdom’s hidden treasures and its natural beauty, as well as its significant tourism potential,” she said. “This was before Saudi Arabia announced plans to economically diversify into tourism and promote its beautiful destinations. Tourists in the Maldives were eager to know what was hidden in Saudi Arabia and were enthusiastic to discover it for themselves.”

It is a dream to play a part in the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project and support the growth of Saudi tourism.

Sara Al-Marghalani

It was this passion that prompted her to return to the Kingdom and join up with the Red Sea Development Co. as a hotel front office assistant manager, something she said makes her incredibly proud and excited.
“It is a dream to play a part in the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project and support the growth of Saudi tourism,” she said. “I had planned to continue my work abroad in the Maldives, but after hearing about this luxury project and understanding its high standards in sustainability, as well as the regenerative approach to tourism, I had no other option but to come back and be a part of this ambitious team.”
Al-Marghanlani said that after several years working in the Maldives, one of the top luxury travel destinations in the world, she has brought back “endless emotions of passion and drive” and believes that she can be a driving force of change in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector.
“I have the experience to further the vision of the developer in creating a new luxury resort destination here in our Kingdom. I think I’ve grasped the concept of what a luxury resort is, what it means and how it operates. I gained invaluable insight into what guests need and how can we meet the high expectations,” she said.
Al-Marghalani also said that the tourism and hospitality industry has the potential to boom here in the Kingdom.
“As we become a globalized society, more and more people find passion in traveling. We are one of the few countries left which, up until now, has been relatively unexplored and I believe this is an advantage for us. Saudi Arabia has an incredible history and countless hidden treasures, which include the Red Sea itself, our unexplored massive deserts, and our extraordinary and hospitable people,” she said.
The Ministry of Tourism said in December that domestic tourism had exceeded expectations, despite the pandemic and 2020 being, in the words of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), “the worst year on record in the history of tourism.”
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb told Bloomberg in September that a sudden surge in domestic travel — 50 percent more than officials had projected — helped to save businesses and jobs, as well as boost the economy.
Saudis’ attitudes toward the industry are beginning to change as well. A December research study commissioned by the Red Sea Development Co. found that 90 percent of Saudi youth surveyed were interested in tourism and hospitality jobs.
The study also stated that Saudi youth were starting to acknowledge the vital role that tourism and hospitality will play in the country’s new diversified economy.


Saudi interior minister commends security forces for Hajj efforts

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has praised security and military sectors for dedication during Hajj.
Updated 11 sec ago
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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. (SPA)

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 

Updated 48 min 9 sec ago
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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

A view of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
Updated 50 min 10 sec ago
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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.


Gulf leaders congratulate Saudi leadership for organizing successful Hajj

Updated 08 June 2025
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Gulf leaders congratulate Saudi leadership for organizing successful Hajj

  • Leaders from UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait commend King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations have congratulated the Saudi leadership on successfully managing and organizing the Hajj pilgrimage, which nearly 1.4 million Muslims have undertaken since Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Sunday congratulatory messages from the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar, and Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia has employed artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to manage this year's Muslim pilgrimage, one of the world's largest annual gatherings.

The Kingdom's authorities provided over 1 million Muslim pilgrims with essential services during the Hajj, including water, food, accommodation, transportation, and healthcare at various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.


Centuries of Hajj documented in travelers’ chronicles

Updated 08 June 2025
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Centuries of Hajj documented in travelers’ chronicles

  • Pilgrims’ writings provide valuable insights into the history of Muslim civilization
  • Journeys of barefoot pilgrims, seafaring voyagers and desert caravans preserved

MAKKAH: For centuries, the Hajj pilgrimage has stood as Islam’s most profound convergence of spiritual devotion and physical endurance.

This sacred journey, where the trials of travel merge with the sanctity of worship, has been meticulously documented by countless travelers, scholars and rulers whose written accounts have become invaluable chronicles of the history of Islamic civilization.

From barefoot pilgrims to seafaring voyagers and desert caravans, the Hajj experience has been preserved across generations through detailed testimonies, books and manuscripts that illuminate both the ritualistic and human dimensions of this transformative journey.

From barefoot pilgrims to seafaring voyagers and desert caravans, the Hajj experience has been preserved throughout history. (SPA)

According to researcher and historian Saad Al-Joudi, the Hajj transcended its purely ceremonial function to become a comprehensive documentation project that captured the essence of Islamic society across different historical periods.

The Andalusian explorer Ibn Jubayr was one of the most meticulous chroniclers, providing exhaustive accounts of his maritime route from Andalusia through Alexandria to the Hejaz from 1183-1185.

His writings detail every stage of the pilgrimage sequence: The ritual consecration at designated boundaries (Ihram), the circumambulation of the Kaaba (Tawaf), the Sa’I (running between Safa and Marwa), the overnight vigil in Mina, the standing at Mount Arafat, the symbolic stone-throwing ceremony, and the final farewell circumambulation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• This sacred Hajj journey has been meticulously documented by countless travelers, scholars and rulers.

• Their written accounts have become invaluable chronicles of the history of Islamic civilization.

• The Andalusian explorer Ibn Jubayr was one of the most meticulous chroniclers, detailing every stage of the pilgrimage sequence.

• Ibn Battuta, who set off on his pilgrimage in 1325, focused extensively on the logistical infrastructure supporting the routes to Makkah.

The renowned traveler Ibn Battuta, who set off on his pilgrimage in 1325, focused extensively on the logistical infrastructure supporting the routes to Makkah.

Hajj journeys were cultural, spiritual and humanitarian occasions that motivated numerous writers and travelers to document their rich details. (SPA)

His accounts express wonder at the remarkable unity displayed by Muslims of diverse languages, ethnicities and cultures as they performed identical rituals in perfect synchronization.

He documented the overland passages from the Levant to Madinah, describing rest stations, temporary pilgrim markets and mobile medical facilities.

Majed Al-Yazidi, of Umm Al-Qura University, said that Hajj documentation extended beyond travel writers to include sultans and kings.

From barefoot pilgrims to seafaring voyagers and desert caravans, the Hajj experience has been preserved throughout history. (SPA)

Abbasid caliph Harun Al-Rashid is said to have performed the pilgrimage several times, notably traveling on foot as an expression of humility.

The 13th-century Mamluk ruler, Baibars, established comprehensive supply networks and security installations for pilgrim caravans throughout the Levant and Arabian Peninsula, transforming the Hajj into an integrated socio-political undertaking.

The geographic scope of the pilgrimage routes reflects the civilizational breadth of the Islamic world.

From barefoot pilgrims to seafaring voyagers and desert caravans, the Hajj experience has been preserved throughout history. (SPA)

Al-Yazidi said that pilgrims from Andalusia and Morocco predominantly traveled by sea, while those from Yemen and the Indian subcontinent used both sea and land routes.

Pilgrims from the Levant, Iraq and Egypt followed established paths, including the famous Darb Zubaidah, Darb Al-Kufa and Egyptian corridor.

These pilgrimage highways catalyzed the development and prosperity of numerous cities along their paths.

Hajj journeys were cultural, spiritual and humanitarian occasions that motivated numerous writers and travelers to document their rich details. (Supplied)

Al-Joudi highlighted how these travel accounts provided systematic documentation of Hajj rites.

These chronicles also captured behavioral patterns, regional clothing styles, commercial activities and accompanying cultural practices with remarkable precision.

Humanitarian and social dimensions of the pilgrimage are exemplified in the works of Abdul Ghani Al-Nabulsi, the scholar who began his journey in 1693.

Hajj journeys were cultural, spiritual and humanitarian occasions that motivated numerous writers and travelers to document their rich details. (SPA)

Al-Nabulsi documented the extensive cultural exchanges occurring between pilgrims from East Asia to North Africa, recording gift exchanges, manuscript trading and intellectual discussions.

Al-Joudi emphasized that Hajj journeys were cultural, spiritual and humanitarian occasions that motivated numerous writers and travelers to document their rich details.

He said that among the most prominent was Ibn Battuta, who dedicated extensive passages in his book the Rihla to describing Hajj rituals, sanctuary conditions and caravan movements.

Hajj journeys were cultural, spiritual and humanitarian occasions that motivated numerous writers and travelers to document their rich details. (Supplied)

Al-Yazidi also highlighted scholar Mohammed Al-Amin Al-Shanqiti, who authored “The Hajj Journey to God’s Sacred House.”

His writings combine precise descriptions with jurisprudential insights and religious rulings, alongside personal observations and interactions with pilgrims from across the globe.

Modern Arabic literature has been enriched by numerous Hajj memoirs. Abbas Mahmoud Al-Aqqad’s “The Hejazi Journey” captures the spiritual atmosphere through a literary lens, while Ibrahim Abdul Qadir Al-Mazini’s “Journey to Hejaz” employs contemplative prose to explore both humorous incidents and profound spiritual experiences.

Mohammed Hussein Haikal’s “In the House of Revelation” offers intellectual and spiritual analysis of his Arabian journey.

Shakib Arslan’s “Pleasant Impressions in the Pilgrim’s Mind” and Ali Al-Tantawi’s “To the Land of Prophecy” combine travel narrative with reformist and educational perspectives.

The documentation tradition extends beyond Arab authors to include remarkable accounts by converts to Islam.

Leopold Weiss (Muhammad Asad) in “The Road to Makkah” and Takeshi Suzuki (Muhammad Saleh) in “A Japanese in Makkah” provide insights into the pilgrimage experience from the perspective of recent converts, demonstrating Islam’s universal appeal across cultural boundaries.

Al-Yazidi said that these diverse travel accounts, despite variations in language and approach, constituted a living historical archive of the Hajj across centuries.