RIYADH: The organizers of Saudi Arabia’s largest events, including the world’s biggest tech conference LEAP and award-winning Black Hat MEA Exhibition, aim to make Riyadh a global events hub.
The InFlavour Expo, Tahaluf’s most recent venture, brought together world-renowned chefs, culinary industry leaders and international investors to address some of the most pressing issues in the sector, including food security and agriculture sustainability, under the theme “Ensuring Abundant Tomorrows.”
Annabelle Mander, senior vice president of Tahaluf, told Arab News: “We are really committed to launching events in Saudi Arabia’s most strategic markets, so that can really be seen with Cityscape in real estate, LEAP in technology, Black Hat in cybersecurity.
“We really felt that the food and beverage and hospitality industry deserved to have a very important event that was backed by the Saudi government, that could really grow into one of the leading food and beverage events, not only regionally but globally over the next couple of years.”
The debut Cityscape Global event, which took place in September, saw 160,000 visitors from 170 countries, according to Cityscape Intelligence. By targeting the country’s most strategic sectors and inviting global industry leaders, these events act as key pillars during the calendar year.
InFlavour was headlined by Marco Pierre White, who trained some of the world’s most prestigious chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay.
White, alongside more than 40 international chefs, took the time to showcase various food creations and innovations made with Saudi produce and featured at masterclasses, live cooking shows and competitions at the Chef’s Arena.
Mander said: “They’ve also been creating their favorite dishes. So, actually telling stories about where these dishes came from, what the heritage is, what the culture is. And I think that’s what’s really inspiring about this event, the fact that it’s so global with so many different nationalities coming in to provide their insights.
“Our ambition was always to bring the most influential people within the sector to InFlavour, and we’ve really done that across the board.
“We brought some of the most promising investors in agriculture and food tech here today to meet with the local and international companies.”
Tahaluf’s shareholders include The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones; the Kingdom’s Events Investment Fund; and UK business intelligence and exhibitions group Informa.
While finding the right government partners, such as EIF, SAFCSP, and Sela, is key to the success of such large-scale events, this does not come without challenges.
Mander said: “The fact (is) that the events are scaling so quickly. If we look at the likes of LEAP and Cityscape, they’ve grown into these huge global brands, and we require 200,000 square meters of exhibition space for these events.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have that in Riyadh yet, but I believe that we will in the future. So, what it means is we are investing significantly in scaling the venues. We have temporary structures, which is great because we can increase the scale and the size of the event, but hopefully in the coming years we’ll have a larger venue to operate these mass events, and scale.”
Tahaluf has a program to train local talent to staff key functions, supported by the EIF through sales, marketing, operations, and production.
The Tahaluf Academy course equips young Saudi professionals with world-class training which, once completed, provides them with a series of placements across Informa offices globally, including in the US, UK, and Asia.
Mander said: “We really want to strengthen and build the talent pool here in Saudi Arabia and also provide all of these individuals with great opportunities to work, go to the academy, go to all of these amazing events globally by Informa, and then come here and work with us on the incredible events that we are building here, and also the new events that we are launching over the next couple of years as well.”
More events will be forthcoming in Saudi Arabia, while the company is also looking to recruit 150 people locally and internationally next year to work in Riyadh.
“The future looks really exciting for us, and I don’t think there’s a better place to do it than Saudi Arabia,” Mander said.
Riyadh to become a global events hub, InFlavour Expo organizer says
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Riyadh to become a global events hub, InFlavour Expo organizer says
- Annabelle Mander, senior vice president of Tahaluf, told Arab News: “We are really committed to launching events in Saudi Arabia’s most strategic markets”
- InFlavour was headlined by Marco Pierre White, who trained some of the world’s most prestigious chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay
Arab Parliament congratulates Saudi leadership on managing Hajj season
- Mohammed Al-Yamahi, the speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
- He said that Saudi Arabia’s use of the latest technologies and innovative services has contributed to safeguarding pilgrims during Hajj
LONDON: The Arab Parliament congratulated the Saudi leadership and the Kingdom for organizing and managing the Hajj season, which nearly 1.4 million Muslim pilgrims undertook from Wednesday.
Mohammed Al-Yamahi, the speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on their great success in managing the pilgrimage this year, the Kuwait News Agency reported.
Saudi Arabia has employed artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to manage the Hajj pilgrimage and provide the 1.4 million pilgrims with water, food, accommodation, as well as transportation and health services in various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Al-Yamahi added that the use of the latest technologies and innovative services has contributed to safeguarding pilgrims and creating an environment for performing rituals in a safe and comfortable manner.
He mentioned that the integration of advanced technologies in the Muslim holy sites in Saudi Arabia has greatly enhanced comfort, security, and safety for pilgrims and the approach serves as a model for effectively managing one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, the KUNA added.
Veteran Mutawwif on serving pilgrims: ‘A privilege, not a duty’
MAKKAH: For more than 30 years, Mohammed Sabgha has witnessed the evolution of one of Islam’s most sacred professions — serving as a “Mutawwif,” or official Hajj guide, a hereditary calling that has shaped Makkah families for centuries.
The Tawafa profession is one of the oldest Hajj-related occupations, practiced exclusively by Makkah residents devoted to welcoming, hosting and guiding pilgrims through their sacred journey.
These guides coordinate every aspect of the pilgrimage — from airport reception and accommodation, to healthcare and ritual guidance — according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
Sabgha described it as a sacred inheritance: “This work passes from fathers to sons through generations. Serving Allah’s guests is a privilege, not a duty.”
Throughout his career, Sabgha has witnessed remarkable changes to Hajj, especially the rapid improvements of recent years.
“The pilgrim service system is enhanced every year — from crowd management and group coordination to medical care, ritual facilitation and overall experience,” he said.
The transformation reflects Saudi Arabia’s systematic approach to service excellence. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah works with government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations in year-round planning cycles that begin immediately after each Hajj concludes.
“Every service is measured and evaluated. We identify areas for improvement and implement changes — all aimed at better serving pilgrims,” Sabgha said.
“The Kingdom invests enormous resources and spares no expense in fulfilling this sacred mission.”
He highlighted the Nusuk digital platform as particularly revolutionary, calling it “the foundation stone for delivering every service pilgrims need, regardless of type.”
Among countless pilgrim encounters, one story deeply moved Sabgha. “A few years ago, I served a man who had converted to Islam just months before his Hajj. He said his conversion was inspired by a specific Qur’anic verse.”
The pilgrim had been profoundly affected by verse 70 of Surat Al-Isra: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created.”
Sabgha said: “He reflected deeply on the verse’s meaning — that Allah, the One God, honored humanity with intellect to distinguish good from evil and benefit from harm, in both worldly and spiritual matters.”
Saudi youth volunteers shine in Hajj
MAKKAH: Saudi youth from across the Kingdom have made significant contributions to serving pilgrims through volunteer work during this year’s Hajj season.
Their initiatives included providing medical care in collaboration with service providers, managing crowds at the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and directing pilgrims to ensure smooth ritual performance.
Volunteers exemplify generosity and support various sectors serving pilgrims, while also developing their skills and capabilities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. is participating with 1,068 male and female volunteer trainees this year in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.
Abdullah Al-Duhailan, the corporation’s director general of activities, said the number of volunteers has increased by over 60 percent in four years, from 655 in 2022 to 1,068 this year.
Volunteers join public service camps organized by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, in cooperation with government and civil society organizations.
Their roles include guiding lost pilgrims, assisting patients at clinics and hospitals, transporting those in need with hospital vehicles, and supporting tasks alongside the Ministry of Commerce and Makkah municipality.
Volunteers also identify lost pilgrims’ nationalities and service office numbers by scanning barcodes on Nusuk cards and guide them to accommodations via the shortest routes under field scout leaders’ supervision.
Scout teams are also stationed at more than 180 mobile guidance points across Mina, providing rapid support and enhancing service quality to facilitate pilgrims’ smooth Hajj rituals.
Saudi Arabia achieves unprecedented integration, efficiency during 2025 Hajj, says minister
MINA: Saudi Arabia has achieved unprecedented levels of integration, efficiency and service excellence during this year’s Hajj, according to the Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Tawfiq Al-Rabiah was speaking at the annual reception for dignitaries and senior Islamic figures who performed Hajj this year, which was held on Saturday in Mina and attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This year saw the launch of the Hajj Transport Center, which served as the central hub for transportation across Makkah and the holy sites and was one of this year’s notable achievements, said Al-Rabiah.
In terms of infrastructure, he added, the electric power capacity in the holy sites increased by 75 percent, with total investments exceeding SR3 billion ($800 million).
Logistically, the minister said: “More than 7,000 flights from 238 destinations around the world were received. In addition, 4,700 Haramain High-Speed Railway trips and 2,500 shuttle bus journeys were operated, supported by the deployment of over 20,000 buses.”
He added: “In the health sector, hospital bed capacity was expanded by over 60 percent. A new emergency hospital was inaugurated, and 71 rapid response units were deployed, tripling the emergency response capacity compared to previous years.”
Al-Rabiah also emphasized the success of the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, which played a vital role in maintaining order, protecting pilgrims and ensuring the safe management of crowds.
He said the campaign was launched to reinforce discipline, protect legitimate pilgrims and facilitate crowd management in a safe environment, enhancing smooth flow and improving organizational efficiency.
On the volunteer front, the Ministry of Health announced the participation of more than 5,000 health volunteers during this year’s Hajj season, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of medical services provided to pilgrims.
This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of God Service Program, launched in 2019 under Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to increase the number of volunteers and enhance their contribution to serving pilgrims.
The ministry said: “The volunteers supported healthcare services across three main areas, preventive, therapeutic and support services, in various locations throughout the holy sites … as well as through active participation in hospitals and health centers.”
Authorities also praised the role of advanced technology and digital platforms that streamlined pilgrims’ movements and access to services, while thousands of security personnel, health workers, and volunteers were deployed to offer support.
Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic’ experience ahead of departure
- As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage
MINA: Most of the more than 1.6 million pilgrims taking part in this year’s Hajj have completed the second day of Tashreeq — a spiritually significant stage marked by the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina on Sunday.
As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage.
June 8, which corresponds to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar and marks the second of the three Tashreeq Days, witnessed a steady stream of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat complex in Mina.
Under the coordination of Saudi authorities, the movement unfolded smoothly, supported by comprehensive security, health and logistical services.
Following the stoning ritual, many pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa, or the farewell circumambulation — the final rite of Hajj. This act signifies the conclusion of the pilgrimage, after which pilgrims begin their journeys back to their home countries.
In Islamic jurisprudence, pilgrims who complete the Hajj rites by the second day of Tashreeq are said to have performed Ta’ajul, or hastened Hajj. This option, permissible under Islamic Shariah, allows pilgrims to depart Mina after completing the stoning ritual on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Those who remain in Mina until sunset are obligated to stay for a third day and do the stoning ritual once more on the 13th, marking the full completion of the pilgrimage rites.
PHOTO GALLERY: Hajj 2025: Pilgrims complete second day of Tashreeq
The temperature recorded in Mina at 11 a.m. was 41 degrees Celsius, with expectations of a rise to 45 degrees Celsius before a predicted 31 degrees Celsius later in the day, according to the National Meteorology Center.
Speaking to Arab News, Sayed Taqi, an Afghan pilgrim on his first pilgrimage, said that he had a “very good” experience for Hajj.
“The security people were helpful, and, honestly, I am very happy. I will be ending my rituals today by noon, as I have a flight tomorrow,” Taqi said.
Mohsin Rasul, a pilgrim from Bangalore, India, who was completing his rituals, said: “The overall experience was very nice and quite peaceful, there was not much rushing with the arrangements by the authorities, and there wasn’t any problem anywhere, whether in the Grand Mosque, Madinah, Mina or Arafat.”
He added: “Everywhere, the arrangement was fantastic, in fact.”
Maqsari Hasni from Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, said that he could not describe the feeling of being in the holy sites to perform Hajj.
He also spoke with a voice filled with gratitude and appreciation: “I thank the Saudi government very … very much. It has done its duty perfectly, and we are truly proud of you. May Allah bless and protect you.”
Azhar Al-Wishah, an Iraqi pilgrim who lives in Canada, said that he and his group performed a smooth and comfortable hajj.
Describing the services provided to the group, he said: “We have really found a truly great service from the security people and all those working here. They have supplied all the services. We would like to thank the government and the people for your good reception and generous hospitality.”
He hoped that peace and security would continue in Saudi Arabia and for its people, “who humbled us with their generosity and who were competing eagerly to serve the pilgrims.”
Al-Wishah added: “May God watch over this country and keep it safe until the Day of Judgment.”
Fatima, a 28-year-old Iranian pilgrim, told Arab News that she took part in a unique experience — witnessing people from all around the world coming together to perform the same rituals, just as Prophet Ibrahim did thousands of years ago. She added that it was remarkable to see individuals of different ages, colors and nationalities united in one place.
Describing the crowd management during Hajj, she said: “I think it is very difficult to manage, but overall, it was very well organized.”
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 147,000 medical services had been provided as of June 7.
In a post on its X account, the ministry reported that during this year’s Hajj, 18 open-heart surgeries were performed, while 248 cardiac catheterization procedures were carried out.
The ministry added that 2,626 pilgrims were referred to its intensive care units, and outpatient clinics treated more than 7,540 pilgrims. Moreover, 5,619 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, while 35,176 patients received care at emergency rooms in Makkah.
The post added that 80,603 pilgrims received medical assistance at the ministry’s various medical centers.
