Saudi minister attends G20 judicial meeting in Brazil
Updated 14 May 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani took part in the G20 Summit of Supreme Courts and Constitutional Courts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from May 12-14.
Discussions focused on integrating technology, particularly AI, in justice systems, and exploring innovative technologies used by G20 courts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The summit discussed promoting citizenship and social inclusion, climate litigation and sustainable development, and digital transformation to enhance judicial efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Family Affairs Council delegation, led by its secretary-general, Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, took part in the Women’s Empowerment Working Group meeting of the G20 in Brazil from May 14-15.
The first day’s session was titled “Equality, Economic Independence and the Care Economy,” while the second session focused on “Equality and Confronting Violence and Discrimination against Women.”
The meeting will conclude on the second day with the topic “Equality and Climate Justice.”
The Family Affairs Council represents Saudi Arabia in the G20, focusing on women’s empowerment.
The Women’s Empowerment Working Group, initiated under the Indian presidency in 2023, began its work under the Brazilian presidency this year.
MINA: Whether you have lost your way, misplaced a valuable item, or faced a moment of danger in the Makkah region, you can simply call 911, and the first thing you will hear is, “How can I help you?”
However, behind that simple question stands an army of skilled operators and a vast, sophisticated system — the Unified Security Operations Center 911 in the Makkah region, a key division of the National Center for Security Operations under the Saudi Ministry of Interior.
The center is a vital yet often unseen component of public safety, responsible for coordinating emergency responses. Its role becomes especially crucial during major events like the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Normally, the center includes representatives from around 15 security and service agencies, but this number can increase to as many as 30 during Hajj to ensure the effective management of large crowds and potential emergencies.
Located just a few kilometers from the holy sites, the facility is divided into three core sections: the call-taking hall, the dispatch hall, and the surveillance hall, which oversees the city’s extensive network of security cameras.
Speaking to Arab News, Capt. Abdulaziz bin Zuhair Al-Ghamdi, spokesperson for the NCSO, said the center receives around 40,000 calls each day, noting that 80 percent are resolved directly by call takers without the need for further escalation.
“Most of the calls we get are from people asking questions about some of the rules we have like how and when to enter Makkah, or who is allowed to enter Makkah,” Al-Ghamdi said.
During peak periods such as Hajj, the volume of calls increases. On Thursday, June 5 alone, the center handled 46,079 calls. Many of these came from pilgrims seeking assistance with finding their tents or requesting medical help.
Capt. Al-Ghamdi emphasized that only 20 percent of the calls require formal reports and are forwarded to specialized entities for further action.
“As you can see, the center is equipped with the most advanced technology. We answer calls in less than two seconds,” he said.
In addition to speed, the center also ensures accessibility, and male and female call takers are trained to respond in multiple languages, including English, French, and Urdu, to assist the diverse population of pilgrims and residents seeking help.
The spokesperson noted that once a call is received, the caller’s phone number, name, and location are immediately displayed on the center’s advanced monitoring screens. “If there is a serious case, we fill out a form and submit it to the specialized department in less than 45 seconds,” he added.
The NCSO oversees similar unified security operations centers in Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province. It is tasked with monitoring security developments across the Kingdom, analyzing threats, managing large-scale crises, and coordinating response efforts among various agencies.
Beyond reactive operations, the center proactively monitors daily developments, issues alerts to secure key installations and diplomatic missions, and coordinates security plans for national events.
In a city as densely populated and spiritually significant as Makkah, the responsibility is immense. But thanks to the unseen dedication of teams working around the clock, both residents and pilgrims benefit from a rapid and reassuring response when they need it most.
Behind every emergency call answered, there is a quiet promise of safety, delivered by professional men and women committed to protecting lives.
East Arafat Hospital’s mobile unit performs 14 emergency cardiac procedures during Hajj
Onsite response eliminates need to transfer patients to specialized centers
Indonesian pilgrim who suffered cardiac arrest airlifted to Taif
Updated 07 June 2025
Arab News
MAKKAH: A mobile unit of East Arafat Hospital’s cardiology department has successfully performed 14 emergency cardiac catheterization procedures since it began operations on the first day of Hajj, the Makkah Health Cluster has announced.
The procedures are being conducted under the direct field supervision of King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah city, the health cluster said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
Composed of a specialized cardiology team, supported by qualified Saudi professionals in anesthesia, nursing and urgent cardiac care, the mobile cardiac catheterization unit is deployed at the holy sites to provide immediate on-site intervention.
Officials said that the initiative eliminated the need to transfer patients to specialized centers, “thereby enhancing patient safety and ensuring continuous medical care.”
Meanwhile, the Air Medical Evacuation team at the Ministry of Defense rescued an Indonesian pilgrim who suffered a cardiac arrest on June 5 in Makkah.
The patient was airlifted from Al-Noor Hospital in Makkah to King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Taif city.
Air evacuation units stationed near the holy sites ensure a rapid emergency response, improving rescue times and increasing survival rates.
Health officials had earlier announced the successful testing of a new service transporting medicine with drones during Hajj, which started on June 4 and will run until June 9.
As reported earlier by Arab News, Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel said that drone delivery trials over the past two years had tested for safe takeoff and landing, as well as high temperatures. The drones were equipped with cooling systems, he said.
The drone initiative is a part of the comprehensive health care transformation taking place in the Kingdom under the Saudi Vision 2030 program.
Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims
Updated 07 June 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: As Hajj rituals continue to take place in the holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s transport minister on Friday night toured a shuttle bus service used to move pilgrims from Mina to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the shuttle station west of the Jamarat complex, as pilgrims attempt to complete the Tawaf Al-Ifadah inside the holy mosque in Makkah.
The services uses a dedicated lane to transport about 20,000 passengers an hour on 100 buses on the short 20-minute journey northward to the Grand Mosque.
The minister’s visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ensure the quality of services provided to pilgrims, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
More than 1.6 million pilgrims are taking part in this year’s Hajj, which is an annual event and a key pillar of Islam.
Saudi authorities have said that the event has been a success with various ministries and state institutions taking part in ensuring the safety and timely provision of services to pilgrims.
In an address on Friday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors.”
The pilgrims, who are affectionately referred to as the Guests of Allah, are encamped in the tent city of Mina and will be performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual at the Jamarat over the next few days.
They spent Thursday standing at the plain of Arafat, an act considered as the climax of Hajj, supplicating and asking forgiveness from Allah.
On Friday, Muslims across the world marked Eid Al-Adha, which is always celebrated the day after Arafat.
How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact
Hajj generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, making sustainable solutions critical to protecting the holy sites
Pilgrims are being encouraged to think beyond convenience and adopt habits that support the health of the planet and community
Updated 07 June 2025
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for Hajj, concern is growing over the environmental toll of one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings — particularly the vast quantities of plastic waste left behind.
From water bottles to shopping bags, single-use plastics are a staple at major public events, and Hajj is no exception. Given the sheer volume of pilgrims, this waste can have lasting environmental consequences, unless mitigated by more sustainable choices.
Fortunately, awareness is growing among individuals and organizations about the harm caused by plastic pollution. Many are now turning to greener alternatives to reduce their footprint during the holy season.
Among the most commonly used items are plastic water bottles. With millions expected to be discarded during Hajj, experts and advocates say it is important to replace single-use items with reusable options or eliminate their use altogether.
One local company working to address the issue is Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based provider of sustainable packaging. The company provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s move away from disposable plastics.
“We proudly align our efforts with the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to a greener future through both innovation and local production,” Aboobacker Yousuf, chairman and managing director of the GP Group of Companies that owns Green Bags Saudi, told Arab News.
Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based manufacturer, provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s move away from disposable plastics. (Supplied)
Although the company will not be directly involved in this year’s pilgrimage, Yousuf said it strongly advocates for more eco-conscious practices during Hajj.
“We recommend reusable cotton tote bags for carrying personal items, biodegradable hygiene kits, jute or canvas pouches for organizing belongings, and eco-friendly water bottles and cutlery sets,” he said.
“These items not only serve practical needs but also significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable plastics during the event.”
Pilgrims are encouraged to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability. (SPA)
Yousuf also encouraged pilgrims to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability.
“Choosing reusable items over disposable ones, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing plastic use can make a significant difference,” he said.
“By carrying cloth bags, refilling water bottles instead of buying plastic ones, and using compostable or biodegradable products, every pilgrim can contribute to preserving the holy sites and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability vision.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• 506 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2022, but only 9 percent were recycled.
• Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life.
• Plastic waste affects soil quality, damages plants, and contributes to groundwater pollution.
• By 2050, the weight of plastic waste present in our oceans could surpass that of fish.
While private companies are taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the public sector is also playing a key role in aligning Hajj services with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 — a national strategy that seeks to boost quality of life across the Kingdom.
One standout example is the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, launched last month by the Fashion Commission. The program focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets.
By embracing the principles of circular fashion, the initiative merges faith, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship — aiming to provide visitors with exceptional experiences while protecting natural resources.
The Sustainable Ihram Initiative focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets. (SPA photo)
“The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, in comments to the Saudi Press Agency.
As Hajj begins, such efforts underscore a growing sense of shared responsibility for the environment. With the support of private enterprise and government initiatives, more pilgrims are being empowered to make sustainable choices.
By opting for reusable products, minimizing waste, and supporting eco-friendly innovations, pilgrims can help protect the sanctity of the holy sites — and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom and the planet.
The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities
Updated 06 June 2025
SPA
MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to serving pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques.
During the reception, the governor underscored the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensuring exceptional care for pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites.
The ceremony drew a diverse gathering, including senior clerics, government ministers, tribal chiefs, local officials and citizens, who came to offer their best wishes to the prince.
The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities.
