UK ambassador to Saudi Arabia sees coronation as an opportunity for the British to see their history come to life

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Updated 06 May 2023
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UK ambassador to Saudi Arabia sees coronation as an opportunity for the British to see their history come to life

  • Neil Crompton says King Charles III “has some slightly different interests which everyone is looking forward to seeing”
  • The British monarch has ties with Saudi Arabia and the Arab world dating back to his time as Prince of Wales

RIYADH: On May 6, King Charles III will officially be proclaimed as the UK’s new monarch in a grand ceremony broadcast around the world from Westminster Abbey in London.

“This is the first coronation that has taken place in my lifetime, my mother is 87 and talks to me about the coronation,” British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton told Arab News.

The ambassador visited the Arab News headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday to celebrate the coronation with Arab News reporters and the assistant editor in chief, Noor Nugali.




Crompton at Arab News HQ in Riyadh. (AN Photo)

Crompton highlighted some of the ways people will celebrate the coronation in the UK and also detailed the festivities hosted by the UK Embassy in Riyadh.

“Most people will watch it live on television, a lot of people will go to London to line the streets, but I believe normally on royal events like this, big communities come together and have street parties and it’s nice to get together with tables and cakes and flags,and children running around.”

In Saudi Arabia, the UK Embassy will be hosting friends who have supported the bilateral relationship between the two kingdoms, and Saudi alumni of UK universities at a reception to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort.

“Obviously it’s a very big day for the United Kingdom and British embassies around the world,” the ambassador said.

Also in attendance at the UK reception celebrating the coronation will be previous Saudi ambassadors of the UK as well as Saudi businessmen and women that have a close connection to the UK.

The ambassador highlighted the status of Saudi-UK relations, stating: “The relationship is probably as strong as it has ever been, I would say that it is a historical relationship.

“But I think that it has become a very modern partnership we have, and changes like Brexit, you have an exciting reform program Vision 2030,” he said.

Crompton added that King Charles is expected to continue the legacy of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II while also carrying on his own interests and work in inter-faith dialogue, youth development, and environmental action.

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“I expect there to be lots of continuity in terms of that we have a constitutional monarchy so part of the emphasis is on monitoring continuity. But of course, he will bring a slightly different style, he has some slightly different interests and I think everyone is looking forward to seeing,” Crompton told Arab News.

Among the continued interests of the king will be his work in promoting harmony and respect among different religions and cultures as well as his work in the Arab world.

“He (King Charles) has made seven official visits to Saudi Arabia and, of course, there is an old relationship between the two royal families,” Crompton said.

“King Charles has always taken an interest in the Arab world and in matters of faith and Islam in particular,” the ambassador added.

“He has always had an interest in interfaith dialogue.”

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One of King Charles’s commitments has always been strengthening and building bridges between diverse faiths and cultures.

“I remember just before I joined the foreign embassy in 1995, King Charles did a famous speech or lecture in Oxford called ‘Islam in the West’ in which he talked about the sort of common heritage between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism which I think won a lot of appreciation,” Crompton said.

The ambassador imagines that the King will continue his new legacy along these themes while also adding his interests in youth development programs.

The coronation, set for Saturday, will be attended by many dignitaries from around the world, and thousands of Brits will surround Westminster Abbey to experience it.

As announced so far, King Charles’ coronation will differ in certain aspects from the late Queen Elizabeth’s, whose procession was 5 miles long with more than 8,000 guests attending the ceremony.

King Charles’ procession will be shorter at 1.3 miles and 2,000 guests in attendance.

When the ambassador was asked what he looks forward to seeing most during the coronation, he said: “We are fascinated by the ceremony, we haven’t seen it and sadly the late Queen Elizabeth died, and we had the funeral, so many of the ceremonies have been for that.”

The ambassador added that much of the pageantry during the late queen’s funeral were witnessed for the first time by people in their lifetime, and were an opportunity for the British to see their history come to life.

“We learned a lot, we re-learned a lot about our history, and that is something we are looking forward to,” Crompton said.

 


Saudi Ministry of Defense deploys evacuation aircraft to safeguard pilgrims’ health during Hajj

Updated 4 sec ago
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Saudi Ministry of Defense deploys evacuation aircraft to safeguard pilgrims’ health during Hajj

  • The ministry will provide advanced ambulance services for transferring emergency patients from Hajj destinations
  • Its logistical and medical teams will oversee aerial evacuations in coordination with the Ministry of Health

MAKKAH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense will deploy a fleet of aerial evacuation aircraft to respond to emergency medical cases during this year’s Hajj season, set to start on June 4.

The ministry will provide advanced ambulance services for transferring emergency health cases from Hajj destinations to hospitals inside and outside Makkah.

An estimated 1.25 million Muslims are taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage, and between June 4-9, they will visit Makkah as well as Mina, Muzdalifah and Mount Arafat, key holy sites for pilgrims.

The ministry’s logistical and medical teams will oversee aerial evacuation operations in coordination with the Ministry of Health. Each aircraft is equipped with devices and supplies similar to a hospital’s intensive care units, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Stationed at locations near the holy sites, the aircraft will quickly respond to emergency cases to safeguard the health of pilgrims. The ministry’s announcement is part of broader health initiatives launched by Saudi authorities and companies during the Hajj season.

On Monday, Saudi authorities announced the use of drones to deliver medicines and other medical supplies to patients during Hajj, cutting delivery times from an average of one hour to just six minutes.

The initiative, covering a network of more than 136 locations at several sites, will be able to provide more than 2,000 types of medicines and other medical supplies.


Smart Hajj: How authorities are preparing for crowd control

Updated 24 min 48 sec ago
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Smart Hajj: How authorities are preparing for crowd control

  • Safeguarding pilgrims and managing their movement takes careful planning

MAKKAH: Each year, the eyes of the world turn to Makkah, where millions of pilgrims from a range of nationalities, ethnicities and cultures gather in a remarkable spiritual gathering that symbolizes the unity of Islam.

In this vast diversity and sheer scale, the foremost challenge lies in managing the movement of crowds in a brief timeframe and a geographically constrained area encompassing the Grand Mosque and the Holy Sites.

Alhough Hajj is, at its core, an act of worship, safeguarding pilgrims and managing their movements requires meticulous planning, technical precision, and close coordination between security, health, service and technology organizations.

The movement of crowds in Makkah and the Holy Sites is managed by a centralized, data-driven strategy that relies on real-time inputs from surveillance cameras, aerial monitoring and location-tracking applications. (SPA)

Preparations for this year’s season underscored Saudi Arabia’s ability to integrate advanced technologies, institutional expertise, and forward-thinking initiatives to successfully orchestrate one of the most complex logistical operations in the world.

The movement of crowds in Makkah and the Holy Sites is managed by a centralized, data-driven strategy that relies on real-time inputs from surveillance cameras, aerial monitoring and location-tracking applications.

This integrated approach allows authorities to respond effectively to emergencies, proactively reroute pedestrian flow, anticipate congestion points and guide pilgrims with precision, ensuring the seamless and dignified continuation of rituals at every stage.

Coordinating the movement of over 2 million pilgrims in such a densely concentrated setting is a remarkable global accomplishment by any standard.

Akram Jan, Crowd management expert

Crowd management expert Akram Jan spoke to Arab News about the efforts that went into organizing the Hajj season.

“Coordinating the movement of over two million pilgrims in such a densely concentrated setting is a remarkable global accomplishment by any standard,” he said.

Saudi Arabia, he said, has become a global leader in crowd management, offering valuable insights for other countries.

Crowd control for the pilgrimage includes carefully calibrated timetables, which significantly reduce congestion and enhance overall safety.

He said that such crowd control is achievable only through high-level inter-agency coordination, intensive field team training, and the ability to respond swiftly to changing conditions on the ground.

Hotelier Mohammed Hakim spoke to Arab News about how the Kingdom’s Hajj and Umrah preparations have progressed over the years.

These changes have redefined the sector, shifting it from a seasonal service model to a comprehensive, year-round industry.

He said: “It is now evident that the experience of pilgrims extends far beyond the performance of rituals; it has evolved into a comprehensive, well-orchestrated journey that meets the highest standards of service and excellence.”

“We are now in the era of ‘Smart Hajj,’ where crowds are managed through applications, meals are distributed via digital platforms, and the quality of camps and accommodations is continuously monitored through real-time sensors and data analysis,” he added.

“Pilgrim satisfaction is measured from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom until their departure, all with an unprecedented level of digital transparency.

“We are entering a new era for Hajj and Umrah — one that transcends boundaries and is no longer confined to specific seasons. It is driven by a vision of continuous growth, institutional integration, and human empowerment, moving toward a values-driven economy rooted in a deep commitment to renewal and progress.”

 


Traditional Saudi crafts adorn pilgrimage route

The billboards feature designs inspired by traditional motifs and crafts such as weaving, reflecting national identity. (SPA)
Updated 25 min 5 sec ago
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Traditional Saudi crafts adorn pilgrimage route

  • Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s largest and most interconnected road networks, facilitating pilgrim and tourist movement across the Kingdom

MAKKAH: Traditional arts and crafts through a modern visual lens can be seen along the Hijrah Road between Makkah and Madinah.

The recently completed billboard project, carried out by the Roads General Authority in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, known as Wrth, aligns with the Year of Handicrafts 2025.

The billboards feature designs inspired by traditional motifs and crafts such as weaving, reflecting national identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The billboards feature designs inspired by traditional motifs and crafts such as weaving, reflecting national identity. (SPA)

Illustrations highlight the beauty of local arts and regional patterns with the aim of enriching pilgrims’ cultural experience and promoting heritage tourism.

Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s largest and most interconnected road networks, facilitating pilgrim and tourist movement across the Kingdom, and strengthening efforts to highlight its cultural heritage across the regions.

The Roads General Authority has also launched a “mobile sites” service on the Hijrah Road to help pilgrims if their buses break down, ensuring their comfort and safety as they travel between Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.

The service operates 24/7 during Hajj on the Hijrah Road and can accommodate around 40 pilgrims. It includes air conditioning, rest areas, restrooms, cold beverages and meals.

 


Strict permit checks, heat safety rules in focus ahead of Hajj

Updated 03 June 2025
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Strict permit checks, heat safety rules in focus ahead of Hajj

  • The Day of Arafah, the most significant day of Hajj, falls on Thursday, June 5 this year

MAKKAH: Pilgrims without a Nusuk card will not be granted access to the Grand Mosque, the holy sites or transportation services during this year’s Hajj, Saudi authorities have said.

Speaking at a meeting with heads of official Hajj missions during the 49th Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah highlighted the importance of adhering to movement regulations to protect pilgrims and enhance their spiritual experience.

He described the Nusuk card as a “fundamental regulatory tool to ensure orderly performance of the pilgrimage and prevent violations,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Addressing concerns about extreme weather, the minister advised pilgrims to remain in their tents on the Day of Arafah from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to avoid heat-related illnesses.

He warned that uncoordinated group movements compromise safety and disrupt the flow of pilgrims.

The Day of Arafah, the most significant day of Hajj, falls on Thursday, June 5 this year.

Al-Rabiah added that pilgrims must not walk from Arafat to Muzdalifah and should use designated transport systems instead.

He said that effective crowd management and transportation plans are essential for safety and require collective compliance.

Al-Rabiah added that this Hajj season will see stricter enforcement of permit regulations, in line with the Kingdom’s commitment to a safe, organized and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

The Nusuk card, issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is a mandatory ID and entry pass for pilgrims and workers at the holy sites.

In addition to identification, it aids logistics, facilitates communication with Hajj missions, grants access to schedules and services, and allows pilgrims to submit feedback.

It also helps authorities monitor crowd movement and send alerts to ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage. Pilgrims receive the card through their service provider, which is responsible for its distribution.

A digital version is available via the official Nusuk app, but it does not replace the printed card, which must be carried at all times.

According to the ministry, the card expires at the end of the Hajj season, with all data erased. However, pilgrims may keep the physical card as a souvenir and proof of completing Hajj.

 


Digital solutions to support Hajj sacrifices this year

Adahi has finalized preparations at seven specialized field complexes spanning more than 1 million sq. meters. (SPA)
Updated 03 June 2025
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Digital solutions to support Hajj sacrifices this year

  • So far, 770,000 livestock have been received, surpassing the initial target of 750,000, with continuous deliveries from supplier farms underway

RIYADH: The National Platform for Charitable Work, Ehsan, continues to provide sacrificial animal services for the Hajj season in partnership with the Kingdom’s Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi.

The initiative offers pilgrims a seamless and reliable way to fulfill the ritual through trusted digital solutions, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The operation is coordinated with more than 500 charitable and civil society organizations to ensure that sacrificial meat reaches those most in need, both locally and internationally. (SPA)

Adahi has finalized preparations at seven specialized field complexes spanning more than 1 million sq. meters. These are supported by more than 25,000 trained personnel, including 600 Islamic scholars, more than 500 veterinarians, 16,500 butchers and assistants, and 400 technicians.

Advanced technologies have been integrated into the operation, such as automated weighing, real-time tracking, and modern refrigeration and sterilization systems, to ensure the safety, quality, and efficiency of meat processing and distribution.

Sacrifices will be carried out at a rate of one every seven seconds using a fully digitized system, enabling donors — both inside and outside the Kingdom — to perform the ritual through the Ehsan platform with ease and peace of mind.

The project offers a secure, three-language website for the convenient purchase of sacrificial bonds, catering to people of diverse nationalities. So far, 770,000 livestock have been received, surpassing the initial target of 750,000, with continuous deliveries from supplier farms underway.

The upcoming humanitarian distribution will cover all 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom and extend to more than 27 countries worldwide. The operation is coordinated with more than 500 charitable and civil society organizations to ensure that sacrificial meat reaches those most in need, both locally and internationally.