Pilgrims express joy at selection to perform virus-curtailed Hajj

Those selected for this year’s Hajj had to meet a number of specific requirements which included having been fully jabbed against COVID-19. (SPA)
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Updated 18 July 2021
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Pilgrims express joy at selection to perform virus-curtailed Hajj

  • Just 60,000 of 500,000 Hajj applicants were chosen to participate in the annual pilgrimage

JEDDAH: Pilgrims specially picked to perform this year’s Hajj have described their joy at being given the chance to carry out the holy ritual amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Due to the global health crisis, Saudi Arabia has only allowed a select number of worshippers to take part in the annual pilgrimage.
Just 60,000 of 500,000 Hajj applicants were chosen to participate in the religious event that attracted approximately 2.5 million pilgrims in 2019 alone.
Those selected for this year’s Hajj had to meet a number of specific requirements which included having been fully jabbed against COVID-19 with any of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Um Azzam, 53, and her husband Abu, from Riyadh, were both given the green light to attend Hajj.
She told Arab News: “We received the text message on the night of June 24 and the feeling was completely indescribable joy and happiness. We were hoping and praying to perform Hajj and our prayers were answered.
“Why should we be afraid (of performing Hajj during the pandemic) when we trust in Allah and are delegated to him? On top of that, we have taken our vaccines and trust in the precautionary measures.”

I’m not saying it isn’t possible to get infected, but it definitely wasn’t a concern of mine because I felt safe with the number of people going and the strict precautionary measures we must follow.

Um Mazin

Mariam Mohammed, and her mother Um Mazin, an American citizen living in the Kingdom, were also selected to visit Makkah and the 24-year-old, from the Eastern Province, said it would be her first trip to the holy city as a pilgrim.
“I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to perform Hajj but, for some reason, it just never worked out. But it did this time.
“I don’t feel scared or nervous. I wouldn’t let my fear of being infected (with COVID-19) stop me from taking this opportunity. I could literally get COVID-19 in my own city, so I might as well perform a powerful religious task,” she added.
And her mother said the threat of contracting COVID-19 had never crossed her mind when submitting her Hajj application. “I’m not saying it isn’t possible to get infected, but it definitely wasn’t a concern of mine because I felt safe with the number of people going and the strict precautionary measures we must follow.

We received the text message on the night of June 24 and the feeling was completely indescribable joy and happiness. We were hoping and praying to perform Hajj and our prayers were answered.

Um Azzam

“I also assume that since the government has done so well in controlling the virus, it will be even more careful when it comes to the Hajj season.”
She noted that her daughter’s application had initially been turned down due to her Saudi nationality.
“It was explained to us that there were too many Saudis attending Hajj and they (Saudi authorities) wanted to give the chance for others to perform too. I had no idea that they had a quota for non-Saudis, although it’s actually a great idea.”
Mohammed’s rejection was later overturned due to her relationship with a non-Saudi pilgrim, her American mom.
However, Abu Hassan, 55, from Jeddah, was not so lucky. He told Arab News that he had registered for Hajj online but despite being at first accepted he later received a message to say his application had been unsuccessful.
He said: “It was disappointing at first, of course. The last time I performed Hajj was over 28 years ago, so I was really excited to go this year, especially with this amount of people.
“I appreciate a lot of what they (the government) have done in the process of registering electronically. And attending Hajj this year wasn’t meant to be, Allah has other plans for me, so I’ve fully accepted the outcome,” he added.
But for Mohammed Al-Hokair, 22, from Riyadh, the outcome was better. “We heard on the news that Hajj this year would still be going ahead, so everyone in my family, my parents, sister and I, immediately began the registration process.”
He and his sister’s applications were initially refused but they were then accepted because he was registered as a companion to assist his parents.
“We got the approval three Fridays ago and at first I was feeling nervous. But that didn’t last and now I feel very secure and safe.
“The rule for performing the pilgrimage is at least once in a lifetime for whoever is capable, and I am capable and got the opportunity, so why shouldn’t I go? I mean, this is a plan from Allah and so if I’m meant to attend Hajj this year, no matter what, I will attend it. And this will be my first time, so I am also feeling excited now,” Al-Hokair said.
However, he pointed out that many of his friends and family members had not been so fortunate.


Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach

CEO of Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr speaking at the World Urban Forum in Cairo. (SPA)
Updated 5 sec ago
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Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach

CAIRO: CEO of the Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr has reaffirmed that the initiative places people at its heart.

This human-centered approach drives a range of projects across the Kingdom, aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 to transform urban landscapes, elevate the quality of city services, and foster innovation through the adoption of modern technologies.

The statement was delivered during a dialogue session called “Putting People First in a Digital Era,” which was organized by the UN as part of the 12th World Urban Forum. The session featured the participation of experts and specialists from across the world.


Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive

Updated 18 min 41 sec ago
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Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive

  • The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry
  • The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve

NEOM: The Saudi Falcons Club’s Hadad program has announced a strategic partnership with NEOM to improve falcons’ habitat in the NEOM Nature Reserve.
The partnership, which was signed during Hadad’s annual meeting hosted by NEOM on Thursday, is part of the second phase of the program, which focuses on protecting endangered species and reviving habitats by employing the latest international standards in wildlife conservation.
The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry by preserving cultural and environmental heritage while integrating ancient traditions with modern practices.
The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve and implement effective environmental measures to ensure the sustainability of the species.
The partnership reflects NEOM’s efforts to preserve 95 percent of its land for nature, set new international standards to preserve the environment, and rehabilitate wildlife through its reserve.
It also illustrates the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its global leadership position in sustainable development and environmental protection, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.


AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples

The exhibition at AlUla will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome. (
Updated 47 min 17 sec ago
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AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples

  • Exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments

AlUla: The Royal Commission for AlUla signed a new strategic partnership agreement with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to showcase a collection of antiques in the Kingdom and in AlUla for the first time.

The museum is an addition to the commission’s network of cultural partners, joining leading heritage and education institutions from the United Kingdom, France, China and Italy, to cooperate in preserving, studying and celebrating AlUla’s shared history of 20,000 years.

Built in 1777, the museum is also a landmark in an Italian heritage capital, embracing some of Europe’s richest cultural treasures, including Roman and Greek statues preserved in excellent condition, as well as bronze pieces, mosaics, and other works of art.

The agreement between the royal commission and the museum of Naples allows the transfer of a selection of artifacts from Naples in southern Italy to AlUla, northwest the Arabian Peninsula, to showcase the masterpieces of the museum.

The exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome, and will be one of the main cultural events of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2024, which will take place in AlUla from Nov. 7 to 30.

During the exhibition, visitors will also have the opportunity to attend the AlUla World Archaeology Symposium.


Saudi arts and culture association hosts captivating ‘Ready for Display’ show

Updated 07 November 2024
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Saudi arts and culture association hosts captivating ‘Ready for Display’ show

  • Exhibition showcases impressive collection of works from 47 artists, reflecting rich diversity of styles and artistic approaches 

DAMMAM: The Saudi Arabian Society for Arts and Culture in Dammam began cultural programs with the seventh “Ready for Display” exhibition, showcasing works from 47 artists, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, the Philippines, India and Pakistan. 

The exhibition aims to highlight a range of artistic styles, techniques and approaches while reflecting the beauty and essence of the local environment.

Running from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10, the show provides an important platform for local and resident artists. 

Each artist brings their individual approach to the canvas, with some embracing abstraction while others focus on realistic representations. 

Their works captured a variety of subjects, including people, places, animals and shapes, highlighting the rich diversity of artistic expression and individual creativity. 

Artists display various mediums, with some using stretched canvas while others experiment with materials such as wood panels and clay, adding distinctive textures and dimensions. 

This blend of techniques and media invites viewers to recognize the interconnectedness of art and cultural identity worldwide.

Visitors can appreciate how elements from the land and sea bring life to the displayed artworks’ color palettes and artistic designs.

The still-life drawings also showcase the artists’ attention to detail and innovative creative abilities.

Yousef Al-Harbi, director of the association’s branch in Dammam, said that such exhibitions helped visitors to “gain a deeper understanding of their history and identity,” fostering a sense of pride. 

The event has drawn significant interest, with the selection committee receiving 167 submissions from 98 artists, ultimately selecting 47 artworks for display, each representing different schools of thought and techniques in the art world.

In addition, the exhibition featured interactive events, including a workshop on acrylic painting on Nov. 2 and a live painting session on Nov. 3. 

Al-Harbi highlighted the association’s broader impact, saying: “In the past four months, we have delivered 38 training workshops, held eight art exhibitions and presented 21 theatrical performances,” aiming to establish the Eastern Province as a center of artistic creativity.

The association is dedicated to nurturing local talent in harmony with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on cultural identity and sustainable development.

 


Indonesian-Saudi ties to grow under new government, ambassador says

Updated 07 November 2024
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Indonesian-Saudi ties to grow under new government, ambassador says

  • Abdulaziz Ahmad highlights Jakarta’s commitment to Middle East peace, new trade ties with the Kingdom

RIYADH: Indonesia’s “alliance” with Saudi Arabia will continue to grow under new president Prabowo Subianto, Jakarta’s ambassador to the Kingdom has told Arab News.

Speaking at a diplomatic reception to celebrate 79 years of independence and longstanding Indonesian-Saudi Arabia ties, Abdulaziz Ahmad highlighted the importance of the growing bilateral relationship, reflecting on recent milestones achieved by both countries.

“Last October, during the historic visit of Indonesia’s former president Joko Widodo, we signed four crucial memorandums of understanding — on the Supreme Coordination Council, halal products, sports and youth cooperation, and technical standards,” he said.

“These agreements are paving the way for a stronger, mutually beneficial alliance that supports both our countries’ development goals.”

The ambassador praised the peaceful transition in Indonesia’s government under President Subianto last month.

He expressed confidence in the future of Indonesian-Saudi relations: “With this new administration, the ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia will continue to grow, fostering deeper economic and cultural cooperation.”

Reflecting on the steady growth in trade between the two countries, the ambassador highlighted the significance of Indonesia’s increasing export footprint in Saudi Arabia.

“In 2023, trade between our countries surged to $6.15 billion, marking a 10.81 percent rise since 2019. By August this year, our trade had grown by an impressive 17.32 percent compared to the same period last year,” he said.

“This momentum speaks to the strength of our partnership and the quality of Indonesian exports, particularly in non-oil sectors like palm oil, processed foods and agriculture, which are increasingly meeting the needs of Saudi consumers. Our collaboration emphasizes sustainability and community-based production, aligning well with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

He added that Indonesia is committed to peace in the Middle East, strongly condemning the Israeli aggression in Gaza and advocating for humanitarian access and support for Palestinians, in line with international law and UN resolutions.

Ahmad concluded his remarks by extending Indonesia’s appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of Indonesians living in Saudi Arabia, and for the enduring friendship between both countries.

The Indonesian Embassy hosted the reception at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.

About 500 distinguished guests attended, including diplomats, Saudi officials and business leaders, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia and its growing ties with the Kingdom.

The evening featured cultural presentations, including a remo dance from East Java, the harmonious sounds of a Central Javanese gamelan and captivating performances by Indonesian vocalists.

Guests enjoyed a showcase of batik textiles from across Indonesia’s archipelago and were served an array of traditional Indonesian dishes.

Undersecretary for the Riyadh Region Dr. Faisal Al-Sudairi joined the Indonesian ambassador in commemorating the special occasion as a guest of honor.