UK one of ‘most important regions’ in Saudi bid to enhance pilgrim experiences: Hajj minister

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Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah speaks at the Umrah+ Connect event on Sunday. (@MyNusuk)
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Updated 07 November 2022
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UK one of ‘most important regions’ in Saudi bid to enhance pilgrim experiences: Hajj minister

  • Kingdom was “now focused on creating seamless experiences for visitors to Saudi Arabia”: Hajj minister
  • Al-Rabiah pointed out that serving pilgrims from around the world was an honor for the Kingdom

LONDON: The UK was “one of the most important regions” for Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom embarked on a journey to enrich the experiences of Umrah pilgrims, the minister of Hajj and Umrah said on Sunday.

Speaking at the Umrah+ Connect event in London during his first visit to Britain in the ministerial role, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah noted that the Kingdom was “now focused on creating seamless experiences for visitors to Saudi Arabia.”

He said: “It is this spirit which led to the design of Nusuk, launched (in September) by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.”

Nusuk is a unified government platform through which pilgrims can plan and book their visits to Makkah and Madinah, and is among the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to better the quality of services provided and enrich the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims.

“The UK is home to more than 3 million Muslims and one of the most important regions for us as we embark on our journey to enrich and enable the spiritual and beautiful experience of Umrah for Muslims across the globe,” the minister told the Umrah+ Connect audience.




(L to R) Nusuk Managing Director Fahd Hamidaddin, MP for Bolton South East Yasmin Qureshi, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, and CBHUK CEO Rashid Mogradia. (Mohammed Rashid)

Umrah+ Connect is an annual business-to-business event, this year jointly hosted by the Council of British Hajjis (CBHUK) and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hajj and Umrah.

Al-Rabiah pointed out that serving pilgrims from around the world was an honor for the Kingdom that had witnessed an “unprecedented rise” in the number of people visiting Makkah and Madinah this year.

He said this was a “direct result” of efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure to enrich visitors’ experiences.




Guests listen to a presentation being delivered at the Umrah+ Connect event on Sunday. (Mohammed Rashid)

“We have a goal to continue advancing technological tools, or to use more advanced technological tools to provide solutions, services, and visas that will create seamless experiences to make the pilgrim visit easier than ever before,” he added.

The minister said that among steps taken to make the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah more accessible to pilgrims, COVID-19 and age restrictions had been lifted, the duration of Umrah visas had been extended from 30 to 90 days, and the need for a male guardian no longer existed.

“Saudi Arabia is eager to serve the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims from all over the world and this is why we have also worked to digitize the process for all visa types,” Al-Rabiah added.




Guests listen to a presentation being delivered at the Umrah+ Connect event on Sunday. (Mohammed Rashid)

Chief executive officer of CBHUK, Rashid Mogradia, said it was an honor to host Al-Rabiah at the Umrah+ Connect event.

“We saw over 250 travel and tour operators and service providers from the Kingdom and around the world gather in the heart of London for a productive day of learning, networking, and providing solutions for challenges faced by the Umrah industry,” he added.




The CEO of CBHUK Rashid Mogradia delivers a speech at the Umrah+ Connect event on Sunday. (Mohammed Rashid)

And he noted that the team at Umrah+ Connect was “ready to deliver on the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in enriching and enhancing pilgrim experiences and numbers.”

During the event council officials signed memoranda of understanding with Shomukh Aviation, and the Saudi Company for Visa and Travel Solutions.




A memoranda of understanding is signed at the event. (Mohammed Rashid)

Mogradia said: “We are creating partnerships and connecting with partners in Saudi Arabia that can offer value and service for British pilgrims.

“We’re looking at ways to develop products and initiatives that will enhance the pilgrimage experience in line with Vision 2030.

“Today we got to learn more about the Nusuk brand, what it means, and how it is an enabler for both the business-to-consumer and business-to-business markets and complements traditional businesses who offer Umrah packages,” he added.


Makkah mosques discovered during the Hajj season: Untold stories of sacred sites

Scattered throughout the city are historic mosques that witnessed pivotal moments in Islamic history. (SPA)
Updated 6 sec ago
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Makkah mosques discovered during the Hajj season: Untold stories of sacred sites

  • Al-Dahas highlighted the significance of Namirah Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage

MAKKAH: In Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, spiritual significance extends far beyond the Grand Mosque. Scattered throughout the city are historic mosques that witnessed pivotal moments in Islamic history.

Yet, amid the dense crowds and the rapid pace of modern development, many pilgrims and Umrah performers remain unaware of these sacred sites, quietly tucked away within the city’s expanding urban landscape.

Fawaz Al-Dahas, professor of history at Umm Al-Qura University, said that Makkah is home to several mosques of profound historical and religious value, yet they remain largely overlooked, receiving neither the media attention nor the organized religious visits they merit.

Al-Dahas highlighted the significance of Namirah Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage. He said that this mosque was not merely a physical structure, but a sacred site where the foundational principles of Islam were proclaimed. He also referenced the Bay’ah Mosque in Mina, which commemorates the pivotal moment when the Ansar pledged allegiance to the Prophet, paving the way for the Hijrah and the establishment of the Islamic state.

According to Al-Dahas, the importance of these mosques transcends their geographic locations, reflecting their profound political and religious significance in Islamic history.

Al-Dahas shed light on Al-Rayah Mosque: “Located in the Jarwal neighborhood, where the Prophet’s banner was raised on the day of the Conquest of Makkah, a powerful symbol of victory tempered by forgiveness.”

He also drew attention to Al-Hudaibiya Mosque, situated west of Makkah, where the historic Bay’at Al-Ridwan pledge took place, an event referenced in the Holy Qur’an. He said that while the mosque still stands on the original site of the Treaty of Hudaibiya, it remains largely unknown, with few visitors aware of its exact location.

Mohammed Al-Joud, a Hajj and Umrah specialist, said that these mosques were not merely historical structures, but vital educational landmarks that enrich a pilgrim’s understanding of the deeper spiritual dimensions of Hajj. He pointed to Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina, where the Prophet and prophets before him are believed to have prayed, as a powerful symbol of the continuity of prophethood: “Yet, many pilgrims remain unaware of its significance outside the Hajj season.”

Al-Joud also highlighted Al-Mashar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, which is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, emphasizing that awareness of such sacred sites bridges the rituals of Hajj with their Qur’anic and historical roots, enhancing the spiritual journey.

Al-Joud also drew attention to Al-Kabsh Mosque in Mina, linked to the story of the sacrifice of Ismail. He explained that the mosque symbolizes the values of sacrifice and obedience, yet remains largely overlooked in media coverage and excluded from most pilgrimage programs. He described it as an essential part of a broader, interconnected network of sacred sites that trace the prophetic journey — from revelation to migration, and from peace to conquest.

Al-Dahas underscored the importance of launching awareness initiatives to shed light on these mosques and restore their rightful standing. He said that safeguarding Makkah’s Islamic heritage was not limited to preserving its prominent landmarks, but also required reviving these historically significant mosques, which once stood as pivotal markers along the journey of the prophetic message.

He said that reconnecting pilgrims with these sacred sites revived the educational and historical depth of Hajj, enriching the journey with a more profound, informed, and spiritually immersive experience.

 


Saudi leadership hails successful Hajj 2025 and praises efforts of all involved

Updated 38 min 39 sec ago
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Saudi leadership hails successful Hajj 2025 and praises efforts of all involved

  • The king and crown prince sent separate cables to Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the authorities involved in organizing the 2025 Hajj season, praising the efforts that contributed to its success, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In separate cables sent to Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, both leaders thanked the minister, regional governors, committee members, and all security, civil, and government personnel who took part in delivering a smooth and safe pilgrimage for nearly 1.7 million worshippers.

King Salman described the season as a success by the grace of God and the coordinated execution of comprehensive security, health, organizational, and service plans.

He highlighted the pilgrims’ ability to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, in a secure and spiritual atmosphere.

“We followed with pride the great efforts made by all sectors in serving the pilgrims of the house of Allah,” the King said. “We were pleased with the dedication and excellence shown by everyone in attaining the honor of serving the guests of the most Gracious.”

The king also thanked all those involved for their Eid Al-Adha greetings, prayed for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj, and asked God to grant continued success in serving Islam and Muslims.

Prince Mohammed echoed the sentiments, expressing thanks for the congratulations and for the collective commitment shown throughout the season.

He attributed the successful management of the Hajj to divine support, the leadership of King Salman, and the tireless work of all entities involved in executing the wide-ranging plans.

He also praised the careful monitoring by relevant authorities to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims.

“We pray to God to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to sustain the blessings of security on our homeland, and to accept the Hajj of all pilgrims,” the crown prince said.

The Hajj season this year saw 1,673,230 pilgrims perform their rites.


Saudi FM meets with Egyptian, Iranian counterparts to discuss Gaza crisis at Oslo Forum

Updated 11 June 2025
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Saudi FM meets with Egyptian, Iranian counterparts to discuss Gaza crisis at Oslo Forum

  • Meeting came as death toll from ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza reportedly climbed above 55,000

OSLO: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks on Wednesday with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, on the sidelines of the Oslo Forum 2025 in Norway.

The two ministers discussed Saudi-Egyptian relations as well as key regional developments, with a particular focus on the worsening situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting came as the death toll from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war climbed above 55,000, according to figures released Wednesday by the Gaza Health Ministry.

The ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and fighters, said women and children accounted for more than half of the fatalities.

Prince Faisal and Abdelatty reviewed the efforts being made to de-escalate the crisis and support humanitarian relief.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister also met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Oslo on Wednesday. 

The two officials reviewed relations between their countries and discussed regional and international developments.


Several arrests made in drug crackdown across Saudi Arabia

Border Guard patrols in the Al-Raboah sector of the Asir region arrested 14 Ethiopians for smuggling 260 kg of qat. (@BG994)
Updated 11 June 2025
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Several arrests made in drug crackdown across Saudi Arabia

  • Border Guard patrols in the Al-Raboah sector of the Asir region arrested 14 Ethiopians for smuggling 260 kg of qat
  • In a separate incident, four Ethiopians were arrested for smuggling 28 kg of qat in Al-Farsha governorate

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have made numerous drug-related arrests throughout the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Border Guard patrols in the Al-Raboah sector of the Asir region arrested 14 Ethiopians for smuggling 260 kg of qat. In a separate incident, four Ethiopians were arrested for smuggling 28 kg of qat in Al-Farsha governorate.

Security patrols in Asir also arrested a citizen with 11 kg of qat in the same governorate.

In the Al-Dayer sector of the Jazan region, authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle 600 kg of qat. In another case, Border Guard patrols arrested an Ethiopian trying to smuggle 80 kg of qat.

The General Directorate of Mujahideen in Jazan arrested two citizens for selling hashish, while the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two Pakistanis and an Indonesian in Jeddah with 1.5 kg of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu.

A citizen was also arrested in the Baha region for selling amphetamine.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed for all individuals, and the seized narcotics have been handed over to the authorities.

The Saudi government urges anyone with information about smuggling or customs offenses to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number +966114208417, or email 1910@zatca.gov.sa.

All information is treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for valid information.


KSrelief’s role in global aid efforts praised at UN donor support meeting

Updated 11 June 2025
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KSrelief’s role in global aid efforts praised at UN donor support meeting

  • The meeting was organized by the UN Pooled Fund Working Group

RIYADH: Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor general for planning and development at the Saudi aid agency KSrelief and Saudi Arabia’s representative in the Donor Support Group for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, participated in a high-level meeting in Jersey, UK.

The meeting was organized by the UN Pooled Fund Working Group and attended by senior representatives from donor countries and international humanitarian organizations.

In his speech, Al-Ghamdi emphasized the need to strengthen joint action and coordination among donor countries and UN institutions to ensure equitable and effective aid access, especially for the most vulnerable.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the meeting was a key milestone in global efforts to improve financing mechanisms and responses to humanitarian needs.

Al-Ghamdi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to continue supporting global humanitarian efforts, helping to protect lives and improve living conditions in affected communities.

He noted that the Kingdom is among the world’s largest humanitarian donors and has led significant initiatives through KSrelief in recent years. These efforts have reached more than 100 countries and were implemented in partnership with UN agencies and international organizations.

At the meeting’s conclusion, participants praised Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in humanitarian support and stressed the need to sustain international momentum for effective and lasting impact.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion in 107 countries, in collaboration with at least 318 organizations.

These programs cover food security, early recovery, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, camp coordination, education, protection, emergency aid, logistics, telecommunications, and nutrition.