First group of Sudanese pilgrims arrives in Makkah

1 / 2
The 305 pilgrims, out of 8,000 Sudanese expected to perform the rituals, were received with gifts and roses upon their arrival. (SPA)
2 / 2
The 305 pilgrims, out of 8,000 Sudanese expected to perform the rituals, were received with gifts and roses upon their arrival. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 03 June 2024
Follow

First group of Sudanese pilgrims arrives in Makkah

RIYADH: The first group of Sudanese pilgrims arrived in Makkah on Sunday for Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The 305 pilgrims, out of 8,000 Sudanese expected to perform the rituals, were received with gifts and roses upon their arrival.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires every adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able.

Sudan’s Hajj and Umrah official Mohammed Othman Al-Khalifa extended his thanks and appreciation to the Saudi leadership and people.

He commended the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s efforts to facilitate performing Hajj for the Sudanese people amid the crisis their country is going through.

On Monday, the first group of pilgrims from Italy, consisting of 130 people, also arrived in the holy city for this year’s pilgrimage. 




A pilgrim from Italy arrives in Makkah on Monday. (SPA)

 


Saudi FM, Secretary Blinken discuss Lebanon escalation

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Saudi FM, Secretary Blinken discuss Lebanon escalation

  • Israeli attacks intensified on Saturday on Beirut’s southern suburbs

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they discussed the escalation in the region, developments in Lebanon, and the efforts being exerted in this regard.

Israeli attacks intensified on Saturday on Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern towns.

According to a Higher Defense Council report, the death toll in the past 24 hours had reached 37, with 151 injured, raising the total number of victims in Lebanon since the confrontations began to 2,011 dead and 9,535 wounded.


King, crown prince congratulate Sultan of Brunei on accession anniversary

Updated 05 October 2024
Follow

King, crown prince congratulate Sultan of Brunei on accession anniversary

RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Saturday to the Sultan of Brunei on the anniversary of his accession to the throne, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The king wished the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Brunei steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable of congratulations.


Saudi FM discusses Lebanon with French counterpart

Updated 05 October 2024
Follow

Saudi FM discusses Lebanon with French counterpart

  • The two ministers discussed efforts exerted to achieve ceasefire in Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting on Saturday with Jean-Noel Barrot, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, to discuss relations and key regional developments, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their talks, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Barrot emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between Saudi Arabia and France, focusing on shared interests.

High on the agenda were the ongoing situations in Gaza and Lebanon and the international efforts being made to address them.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati and Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the foreign minister for political affairs.

The exchange highlighted both nations' commitment to working closely on pressing international matters, SPA added.


Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh brings interactive experiences to life

Updated 05 October 2024
Follow

Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh brings interactive experiences to life

  • Business Hub to serve as a center for signing agreements, forging partnerships

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has announced the activities accompanying the second Saudi Film Confex, which is set to take place from Oct. 9-12 in Riyadh.

These activities will include interactive experiences, with the Business Hub as a key highlight. The space will serve as a center for signing agreements and forging partnerships among companies in the film industry.

In addition, Consultation Platforms will offer specialized advice on various aspects of filmmaking, from financing to production, and provide an area for freelancers to register and connect with companies needing their expertise.

An interactive activation will also be available, giving visitors hands-on experience in roles such as actors, photographers, directors, and other key positions within a film crew at the On-Set Challenge.

The Film Talk segment will bring together prominent figures in the film industry to share their success stories, insights, and experiences. Alongside this, an exhibition will showcase cutting-edge equipment used in aerial cinematography.

The Junior Filmmaker zone will provide children with an engaging introduction to filmmaking through interactive and simplified activities, while the Cinematic Arts zone offers insights into the art of makeup and costume design, demonstrating the process of transforming a character from concept to screen.

The Saudi Film Confex also features an exhibition representing key locations across the filmmaking value chain. It will showcase a specialized conference with 30 panel discussions and 15 workshops covering various aspects of the industry.

The activities are expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience, offering a deeper understanding of the film industry’s diverse aspects and shedding light on the untapped potential within this burgeoning sector.


Kingdom arrests 22,094 illegals in one week

Updated 05 October 2024
Follow

Kingdom arrests 22,094 illegals in one week

  • The report showed that among the 1,337 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 22,094 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 13,731 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,873 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,490 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,337 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 53 percent were Ethiopian, 44 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 37 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 23 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.