UNESCO heritage session in Riyadh celebrates region’s history

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Saudi Arabia hosts the event this year from September 10-25 in Riyadh as the current chair of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO. (SPA)
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Updated 11 September 2023
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UNESCO heritage session in Riyadh celebrates region’s history

  • Global efforts to preserve heritage sites, promote sustainable development on agenda

RIYADH: People from around the world gathered for the first time in the Saudi capital to witness the launch of the 45th extended session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at Riyadh’s National Museum on Sunday.

During the session, more than 50 world sites are hoping to be included in the UN’s list of world heritage sites. The session is being chaired by Princess Haifa Al-Mogrin, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to UNESCO, and is scheduled to conclude on Sept. 25.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah, Saudi minister of culture, inaugurated the session and stressed the Kingdom’s belief in the importance of heritage as a cultural treasure and a human and knowledge heritage.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s collaboration with UNESCO on heritage and antiquities programs, including a long-term strategy to support the preservation of global heritage sites through capacity-building initiatives for the next decade.

Prince Badr praised UNESCO and other organizations for preserving global natural and cultural heritage, as well as promoting education, culture and science for sustainable development goals.

He also announced the establishment of the Saudi UNESCO Fund with an aim to support related heritage preservation programs and projects across the globe.

Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay said: “As Riyadh welcomes the world today, it is the world that will be the focus of our discussion, in all its beauty and fragility. We will be speaking of corals, of forests, of biodiversity, of the prehistory of indigenous peoples, of strategy for Africa, but also of memory in a new way — and we will do it here, in Riyadh, with all the voices of the world.”

The World Heritage List, maintained by UNESCO, includes sites that represent the cultural and natural diversity of the world. A yearly meeting is held to review and update the list, accept new applications and make edits. This process puts certain sites, such as Venice and Kyiv, at risk of losing their status as world heritage sites.

The list, currently consisting of 1,157 sites, is highly regarded by many countries as it serves as a major driver for tourism, funding and the conservation of these sites. The meeting in Riyadh could potentially designate six additional locations as “in danger,” adding to the existing 55 sites already on the watchlist.

Azoulay said: “We know what a powerful resource heritage can be — for peace, for ecosystems, for knowledge or our history in all its complexity, for a sustainable economy, for the ties that bind generations, and that bind diverse societies so powerfully, for dialogue, also, among nations and people.”

She also extended her gratitude to the Kingdom for hosting the session of the committee, which marks a historic first. The strategic location of the Kingdom, at the crossroads of the world, and its significant contributions to history, culture and creativity, serve as a driving force for the progress of the session.

Saudi Arabia is home to the historic site of Hegra in AlUla, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ministry of Culture has been working since 2018 to develop sustainable tourism, vocational training and scholarships as part of this partnership.

The logo of the 45th session is inspired by the rock engravings of the Nabataean culture found in Hegra.

The opening ceremony was concluded with a performance showcasing the evolution of civilization in the region, spanning from ancient times to the present day.

The opening scene was a tribute to the late Saudi archaeologist Prof. Abdulrahman Al-Ansary, who played a crucial role in developing the archaeology sector in the Kingdom. Emerging from the depths of the earth, he effortlessly brushes away the dust, unveiling the hidden tales of the world below.

The journey begins in the Stone Age, where petroglyphs created by a Thamoudian artist can still be found in the Hail region to this day. It then progresses to the rise of civilizations, with established trade routes and networks. One such civilization is the gilded Kingdom of THajj, located in the Eastern Province. Additionally, the Nabataean civilization is highlighted for its renowned trade, impressive architecture, and the famous incense route.

The act proceeds to acknowledge the enlightenment that came with the dissemination of knowledge, scientific advancements, poetry, and the influence of Islam. It is followed by a concise introduction to the diverse and intricate cultures found across the regions of Saudi Arabia.

The performance serves as a tribute to a land that has embraced a multitude of civilizations throughout history, resulting in the cultural richness it possesses today.

In her speech, the UNESCO chief expressed condolences to Morocco for the recent deadly earthquake, leaving more than 2,000 dead and thousands injured.

Azoulay said that UNESCO’s team is on site and ready to support Moroccan authorities. “Solidarity is central to UNESCO’s foundation, and international assistance is part of our mission.”

Prince Badr also foreshadowed the expectations of the highly anticipated Expo 2030, saying: “Under the theme ‘Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,’ the Kingdom will share its story of unprecedented national transformation with various communities around the world at Riyadh Expo 2030, where my country will present an exceptional historic edition and an unprecedented global experience in the history of the expo, further achieving the goals of Vision 2030.” 

With 130 organizations in dialogue, the UNESCO sessions will platform collaboration and sustainability in preserving global heritage sites and building common grounds, providing enablers, and uniting to build new paths to strong strategic partnerships.


The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city

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The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city

  • Hajj experience is pathway to lifelong transformation

RIYADH: Every year, millions of Muslims around the world take on a spiritual journey to perform the pilgrimage to Makkah. This religious obligation is only performed once in a lifetime for those who are able, and begins long before the pilgrim arrives in Makkah.

The route to the holy city begins with a deep, personal decision motivated by faith, hope for closeness to God, and the fulfilment of accomplishing one of the five pillars of Islam.

From the moment pilgrims form the intention to perform Hajj, a transformative process begins where they must secure their spot through Saudi officials in their countries.

Some countries request attending educational seminars before the Hajj to prepare them spiritually and physically for the trip.

“We have the administrative facilities that include Hajj registration, application, and all related administrative matters,” said Abdulrahman Mustafa Hamidh, a Syrian living in Turkyie, who is currently working as a religious guide for pilgrims.

“It’s simple. The process starts by applying through the Hajj offices located throughout the city, or by appointing someone for those who are far away in distance and unable to attend. They can appoint someone else, such as a brother, to do the registration process for them and pay a small registration fee,” he said.

Hamidh is currently studying for his PhD in religious studies and has been a frequent traveler to Makkah for Hajj since 2016.

After registration is completed, Hamidh explained the second step, which is the final part of the process. According to him, people take their passports to their guide or group leader to complete their registration applications for them.

“The entire process for pilgrims is very, very simple,” he said.

After this step, pilgrims wait for their applications to be accepted by Saudi officials and to receive their visa and the documents that they need for Hajj.

Once accepted, pilgrims receive the necessary tools such as Ihram, luggage, and all the belongings they will need for the journey.

“As for packing a travel bag, it’s also easy. Hajj pilgrims often receive large luggage from the organizing agency, which contains smaller bags and other Hajj supplies, such as Ihram, as well as Hajj garments for women,” Hamidh said.

When pilgrims complete the logistics, prepare their luggage and say their farewells to their families and loved ones, they leave their homes, carrying with them not only essential supplies but also hopes, prayers and hearts full of devotion.

However, while they arrive in Makkah and engage in this emotional and precious experience, others may face obstacles that hinder them from either completing the journey or arriving early.

One example is the journey of a pilgrim from Libya, Amir Qathafi, who was part of the last group of pilgrims from his country to depart for Makkah this year.

Unfortunately, before boarding, it took some time to go through security due to an issue with his passport. This resulted in the plane taking off, leaving him behind.

Surprisingly, a problem with the plane arose a few minutes after take-off, which required the pilot to return to the airport to solve the issue.

For a second time, Amir was refused permission to board the plane, and the flight took off again. Yet, miraculously, performing Hajj this year was destined for him, and the plane faced another technical issue a few minutes after the second departure.

This time, the pilgrim from Libya was allowed to board the plane to join the rest of his team on the route to Makkah.

Like Amir, millions of Muslims have genuine appreciation for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The journey to Hajj is more than a physical experience. It is a deeply spiritual and emotional commitment that begins with intention and ends with lifelong transformation.


Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

Updated 30 min 8 sec ago
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Hajj pilgrims advised to limit exposure to midday sun 

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Health has advised pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — when temperatures at the holy sites are at their highest — to help avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

The importance of following preventive measures such as using umbrellas, drinking plenty of water and complying with instructions from the authorities has also been emphasized.

The guidelines have been issued to protect pilgrims and ensure their safety during Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

So far, the ministry has reported a 90 percent reduction in the number of cases of heat exhaustion from last season.

The improvement aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, both part of Vision 2030, which aim to ensure a safer Hajj experience.

The Ministry of Health said the decrease was a result of stronger preventive measures, expanded awareness campaigns and effective coordination across relevant agencies.

These actions have included the launch of an awareness kit in eight languages to help prevent heat-related illnesses during Hajj.

The kit includes guidelines, videos, social media posts and printable materials advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and use umbrellas to avoid direct sun exposure.


Saudi AI system enhances Hajj security, management

Updated 49 min 45 sec ago
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Saudi AI system enhances Hajj security, management

MAKKAH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority has supported government efforts for this year’s Hajj season through its Sawaher system, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

Sawaher was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and uses data and AI technology to analyze broadcasts, video recordings, and images captured by smart cameras.

The initiative enhances analytical capabilities and contributes to a safer Hajj experience, the SPA reported.

The system helps manage and analyze large datasets and produces tailored analysis of pilgrims’ behavior. It “uses advanced algorithms for density and crowd counting, supporting government agencies in implementing Hajj plans and estimating pilgrim numbers.” The system also provides real-time updates.

For Hajj, more than 5,000 cameras have been integrated into the Sawaher system, covering more than 80 permanent and seasonal locations across the holy sites and key entry points.

This network supports the work of 18 government agencies and more than 600 personnel, according to the SPA.

The system offers more than 80 services and is operable on 100 workstations in operations rooms and monitoring centers, contributing to improved response efficiency during the Hajj season.


Majority of 1.6m pilgrims begin Tawaf Al-Ifadah as Eid Al-Adha starts

Updated 06 June 2025
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Majority of 1.6m pilgrims begin Tawaf Al-Ifadah as Eid Al-Adha starts

  • Pilgrims reflect on successful Hajj season

MINA: Most of this year’s more than 1.6 million pilgrims had begun performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah by Friday in Makkah — the ritual that marks the final days of Hajj and the beginning of Eid Al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.

Eid day began with masses of pilgrims performing the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina under moderate temperatures nearing 30 C, with the National Center for Meteorology forecasting a high of up to 40 C. The stoning ritual is among the final rites of Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

The Tawaf Al-Ifadah — derived from the Arabic word meaning “to pour forth” — refers to the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba performed by pilgrims after returning from Mina.

It is one of the essential and obligatory rites of Hajj. It involves walking around the Kaaba seven times within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, following the pilgrims’ return from Mina where they perform the symbolic stoning of the devil.

The ritual reflects spiritual submission, physical devotion, and the culmination of the core rites of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Ali bin Faraj Al-Marri, a Qatari pilgrim, told Arab News that the tawaf was smooth and well-organized, saying: “This is my first time performing Hajj, and I had heard that the Grand Mosque used to be extremely crowded. This has been one of the most successful Hajj seasons.”

Saeed Al-Nabit, the head of Al-Marri’s Hajj campaign group, echoed the sentiment, saying everything went as planned, and adding: “This year has been one of the best Hajj seasons ever.”

Leaving the Jamarat Bridge after performing the stoning ritual, Yasmeen Ahmed, a Libyan pilgrim, said with tears in her eyes that she was on the verge of completing one of the pillars of Islam — a lifelong dream she had always prayed to Allah to fulfill.

She said: “This is a moment I will never forget. I never imagined I would live to experience it, but I have always prayed for it. I thank Allah for making it possible, and I would also like to express my gratitude to Saudi Arabia for the beautiful organization of Hajj. There must have been tremendous efforts behind such a successful arrangement.”

The Jamrat Al-Aqaba site, the largest and most prominent of the three stoning structures within the Jamarat facility, stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent development projects at the holy sites, marking a transformative leap in crowd management aligned with the highest international engineering and organizational standards.

With the capacity to accommodate over 300,000 pilgrims per hour, the facility ensures a smooth and safe flow of pilgrims during the peak days of stoning rituals in Mina.

Every year on this day, the Jamarat area in Mina witnesses the arrival of throngs of pilgrims performing this critical Hajj rite  — a solemn act of worship that embodies obedience and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

The stoning ritual is among the most spiritually significant and logistically complex components of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Jamarat area in the past consisted of small stone pillars surrounded by narrow spaces and limited roads, leading to severe congestion and difficulties, particularly with the growing number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

According to the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, a bridge was constructed over the three Jamarat pillars in 1975 to create a second level for the stoning ritual.

Over the years the structure underwent multiple phases of expansion and enhancement.

The current Jamarat Bridge was inaugurated in its first phase in 2006, with full completion achieved in 2010.

The bridge comprises five levels, each 12 meters high, extending 950 meters in length and 80 meters in width. It includes 11 entrances, 12 exits, and can accommodate up to 300,000 pilgrims per hour. The facility also features a range of support services, including emergency helicopter landing pads, 3,289 escalators, advanced surveillance systems, and four tunnels for vehicles and buses.

The facility operates under a sophisticated management system involving specialized field teams working round the clock to ensure safety and provide medical and guidance services, in cooperation with various security and service agencies.

The site is also equipped with multilingual guidance screens and modern surveillance cameras to enhance flow and ensure pilgrim safety.

As part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience, Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, has implemented several key projects this year.

Notable among them is the installation of 200 mist fans in the facility’s eastern square to reduce heat stress from direct sunlight.

In addition, the Towards Mina initiative has been implemented to improve spatial orientation, helping to reduce the number of lost pilgrims and facilitating easier access to camps.

The initiative relies on a color-coded signage system aligned with camp divisions and facility levels.


How Saudis spiritually connect with Hajj remotely

Updated 06 June 2025
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How Saudis spiritually connect with Hajj remotely

  • Livestreamed pilgrimage allows worshippers to embrace spirituality from afar
  • Hajj provides opportunities for reflection, growth even if people are unable to travel

RIYADH: While millions of pilgrims converge on Makkah each year for the pilgrimage which makes up the fifth pillar of Islam, many Saudis are connecting with the spirit of Hajj without ever leaving their homes.

Whether they are not yet eligible, unable to travel, or simply waiting for their turn, these individuals have found meaningful ways to experience the journey spiritually — through screens, rituals, reflections and community.

This evolving form of spiritual connection highlights a growing culture of intentional observance from afar, especially among young Saudis who see Hajj not as a spectator event, but as a season for personal transformation, wherever they are.

For 25-year-old Shatha Al-Jadaan, who has already completed Hajj, the way she engages with the pilgrimage now is more intimate than ever, even when she is not physically there.

“Now that I’ve experienced Hajj, I follow it in a more personal way,” she said. “I keep the Makkah live stream running 24/7 at home. It’s not background noise — it’s a reminder of a moment I lived.”

She adds that her digital engagement with the pilgrimage is deeply structured. “I fast all 10 days of Dul Hijjah (the month of the pilgrimage), and I start my day earlier. I make sure the atmosphere in the house is different — calmer, more reflective.

“My acts of worship are done with full presence. It’s a way to relive the rhythm of Hajj, even if I’m not there.

“Screens can’t replace the feeling — but they do carry the spirit.”

Noor Ahmad, 21, echoed a similar sentiment. She said that seeing Hajj online helped prepare her for the moment she finally went — and now, when she watches others go, it deepens her gratitude.

“I had always seen Hajj on TV, social media, or through others’ stories,” she said. “Those images gave me a glimpse and stirred a longing to go. And when I finally did, I found myself connecting the visual memories with what I was living in real time.”

After her return, the act of watching became a kind of remembrance. “It’s not just nostalgia. It’s a form of spiritual presence,” she said.

Omar Al-Shehri, 33, uses the Hajj season to teach his children about the rituals.

“Every day during Dul Hijjah, we sit as a family, watch the scenes from Mina and Arafat, and I explain each step to my kids. Even though we’re not there, they’re growing up understanding the weight and meaning of it.”

He adds: “They’ll perform Hajj one day, insha’Allah — but until then, they’re growing in awareness.”

Digital platforms have played a huge role in how people spiritually engage with Hajj. Official channels like Saudi Press Agency, Al-Ekhbariya, and digital apps like Haramain Watch allow viewers to follow crowd sizes, ritual timing, and even live fatwas in real time.

Layla Al-Fahad, 29, uses X with mutuals and WhatsApp groups with close friends to share spiritual prompts. “We share reminders, dhikr, and short prayers every day during the ten days. It’s like a mini spiritual retreat — just in group chat form.”

Other Saudis have turned to digital booklets, daily phone reminders, or interactive timelines of the Hajj rituals to stay aligned with the pilgrims’ journey.

The most compelling insight from many of these remote observers is that distance doesn’t diminish intention. In fact, for some, it heightens it.

“There’s something humbling about knowing you’re not there, but still feeling connected,” said Al-Fahad. “You start praying differently, reading differently, even walking differently during those 10 days. Everything becomes softer, more deliberate.”

For many Saudis, participating in the spiritual season does not require boarding a bus, plane, or train. It requires presence of heart, clarity of mind, and intention of soul.