JEDDAH: King Salman issued a directive on Saturday that the Kingdom will host 1,300 Hajj pilgrims from more than 90 countries this year.
The pilgrims will be hosted as part of the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj and Umrah, which covers the pilgrimage expenses of selected participants.
Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, said that the annual program, of which he is the general supervisor, reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to serve Muslims and deepen its relations with other Islamic countries.
“The generous program, rolled out every year at the expense of the Saudi government, enables thousands of Muslims from all over the world to perform Hajj within an organized system that offers top-class services,” said Al-Asheikh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The ministry is coordinating with Saudi embassies and religious attaches abroad to select participants, facilitate visa procedures, and supervise the pilgrims’ journey from their point of departure to the completion of Hajj.
Earlier this month, King Salman issued a directive for the Kingdom to host 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has called on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to be on the lookout for the crescent moon at sunset on the 29th day of Dul Qaada, which falls on June 18. The crescent moon will signal the start of the month of Dul Hijjah. The court urged anyone who sights it to report to the nearest court.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense has intensified its inspections of pilgrims’ residences in Makkah. It conducted a thorough examination of elevators and escalators and verified emergency exit doors and the availability of secure gathering points outside the facilities to ensure the highest possible safety levels, according to the SPA.
Meanwhile, the first group of pilgrims from Senegal — 554 in total — have arrived in Makkah from Madinah and were received by a Hajj service provider for non-Arab Africans. Officials from the Senegalese Hajj Affairs Office expressed their appreciation to the Saudi government for the facilities provided to the pilgrims.
Omar Ahmed, a pilgrim from Egypt, told the SPA that the Kingdom does its best to serve Islam and Muslims and provide care for visitors to Makkah and Madinah.
Abbas Abdel Nour, a pilgrim from Algeria, also hailed the care and services provided to pilgrims.
The General Administration of Statistics, operating under the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, has increased its efforts to measure the satisfaction of visitors and pilgrims at the Grand Mosque via QR codes available in six languages at five stations.
Furthermore, the General Directorate of Health Affairs in the Al-Jouf region has announced that it will once again provide field teams during Hajj at Abu Ajram Center, one of the 14 points of entry to the Kingdom for pilgrims.
According to the Ministry of Health, these field teams have already provided health services to 5,314 pilgrims, including medical exams, vital-sign measurements, ambulatory services, transportation for elderly and sick individuals, dental treatment, X-rays, and the provision of medication.
KSA to host 1,300 Hajj pilgrims from 90 countries
https://arab.news/4u48e
KSA to host 1,300 Hajj pilgrims from 90 countries
- Supreme Court calls on residents to look out for crescent moon on Sunday
- Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, said that the annual program reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to serve Muslims and deepen its relations with other Islamic countries
Riyadh to host Saudi orchestra concert
- Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences
- Concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission is to host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Riyadh for the first time.
Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences.
It will be held under the patronage of Culture Minister and Music Commission Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
The concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour, reports the Saudi Press Agency.
The orchestra and choir have brought Saudi heritage to prestigious stages worldwide, beginning in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet and followed by performances at the National Theatre in Mexico, New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, Central Hall Westminster in London, and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.
The Riyadh concert promises a captivating musical experience, with timeless melodies that guide the audience through the Kingdom’s heritage and highlight its cultural legacy and artistic depth.
Historic exhibit in Makkah spotlights Prophet Muhammad’s journey
- At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad
RIYADH: The Hira Cultural District in Makkah is alive with activities as part of the Hira Winter events, coinciding with the mid-year vacation.
A variety of attractions and services are being offered to visitors until Jan. 10, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad.
The exhibition focuses on the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad, immersing visitors in the pivotal moment of his life, the SPA added.
Guests can explore the revelation story, the Cave of Hira and learn about Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of Believers, and the angel Gabriel through interactive museum displays.
Using cutting-edge technology like interactive screens and realistic simulations, the exhibition offers an immersive experience for visitors.
Historical artifacts are also on display, including a photocopy of the Qur’an attributed to Uthman bin Affan, one of the oldest surviving mushafs, highlighting Muslims’ dedication to preserving the holy book.
The exhibition also showcases ancient stone inscriptions with Qur’anic verses, reflecting Muslim efforts to safeguard sacred texts.
The district also offers a unique shopping experience, with handicrafts and traditional products. It is located near the Cave of Hira and the iconic Jabal Al-Nour.
Oud, sandalwood planting initiative launched in Madinah
- Project aims to cultivate environmentally and economically valuable tree species like coffee and sandalwood
RIYADH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan has launched a project to cultivate agarwood and sandalwood trees across the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was attended by Dhafer Al-Fahad, CEO of the Jazan Mountainous Development Authority, and featured a presentation highlighting the authority’s work, achievements, and partnerships.
Prince Salman emphasized the initiative’s strategic role in promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing the region’s vegetation.
The project aims to cultivate environmentally and economically valuable tree species like coffee and sandalwood, support the local economy, and raise awareness about biodiversity conservation in the Madinah region, aligning with the environmental goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
The green initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March 2021, plans to plant 450 million trees by 2030 and rehabilitate 8 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, which would cut about 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
Saudi cabinet praises results of Syrian delegation talks in Riyadh
The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by King Salman, praised on Tuesday the outcomes of recent talks held between senior Saudi officials and a high-ranking delegation from Syria's new administration.
The cabinet reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Syria's security and stability, as well as continuing its humanitarian and relief assistance to the Syrian people.
In a statement following the session, Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari highlighted the Kingdom's rejection and condemnation of Israeli crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's stance on international law and humanitarian principles.
Domestically, the cabinet reviewed the progress of development programs aimed at enhancing services for citizens and diversifying the economy, alongside updates on various agenda topics, including those coordinated with the Shura Council and other government bodies.
New deal to provide disability support in Yemen
RIYADH: The Children with Disability Association and the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen signed a cooperation agreement to support Yemenis with disabilities and improve the skills of workers in the field.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, special adviser to King Salman and chairman of the association, and Mohammed Al-Jaber, the program’s general supervisor, signed the agreement in Riyadh.
Prince Sultan said that the memorandum builds on the association’s efforts to address disability-related challenges.
It aims to provide advisory services for launching medical rehabilitation centers for people with different disabilities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Prince Sultan acknowledged King Salman’s support for the association, which has helped it expand services across the Kingdom.
The agreement also aims to share expertise, promote partnerships and organize activities to improve community integration for children with disabilities, the SPA reported.
The collaboration is part of the program’s broader efforts to support individuals with disabilities and other groups in Yemen.
