Hajj minister praises men who helped lost pilgrim

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah underscored the importance of the Nusuk Card, which also grants pilgrims access to all holy sites and facilitates their Hajj journey with various services. (SPA/File)
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Updated 12 June 2024
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Hajj minister praises men who helped lost pilgrim

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Hajj minister praised a group of kind-hearted individuals for aiding a distressed pilgrim in Makkah.

A group of men were seen assisting the pilgrim who had become lost and ended up on a highway in the holy city. The men, depicted in a viral video, then drove the pilgrim back to his residence.

Pilgrims are issued an ID card, known as the Nusuk Card, which allows others to assist them if they get lost or separated from their group. The men were observed scanning the barcode on his name tag to find his residence information.

During the drive back to his residence, he attempted to express his gratitude by offering them money, but they declined.

The man in the video mentioned that this was the second time he had encountered such a situation, with the first involving an Indian pilgrim. The clip concluded with the thankful pilgrim entering his residence.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah underscored the importance of the Nusuk Card, which also grants pilgrims access to all holy sites and facilitates their Hajj journey with various services.

The card must be carried throughout the entire Hajj period, from arrival and within the holy sites until departure, according to the ministry.

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


Italy flag carrier ITA Airways starts nonstop Rome-Jeddah flights

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Italy flag carrier ITA Airways starts nonstop Rome-Jeddah flights

  • New route will boost tourism in 2 nations, say officials
  • Follows opening of direct Rome-Riyadh flights in June

RIYADH: Italy’s flag carrier ITA Airways operated its first nonstop Rome-Jeddah flight on Aug. 1, linking Rome Fiumicino Airport with King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The service, launched under the Kingdom’s Air Connectivity Program, or ACP, will run three times a week with an Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Carriers operating services between Rome and Jeddah airports include the low-cost carrier Wizz Air and Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia. ITA Airways added Riyadh to its route network in June.

Rome Fiumicino Airport has seen a surge in traffic to Saudi Arabia, quadrupling volumes since 2019, and this trend has continued this year with a 33 percent annual increase, the Italian airline said earlier.

In a statement, Jeddah Airports chief executive Mazen Johar and ACP chief executive Majid Khan welcomed the opening up of the route.

“We are delighted to see ITA Airways commencing the route between Rome and our coastal and historical city of Jeddah, which will further enhance our air connectivity to KSA.

“Travelers from ITA Airways’ network in Italy, Europe, and the Americas will enjoy a more seamless journey to explore the untapped potential of Jeddah.”

The ACP aims to enhance air connectivity from unserved and underserved markets around the world to the Kingdom.

ITA’s chief commercial officer and Volare chief executive Emiliana Limosani said the new route was “a crucial step in our mission to develop the tourism sector further and increase visitor numbers from Italy, Europe, and beyond to Saudi Arabia.”


KSA’s Fayfa Mountains: A scenic delight at 2,000 meters above sea level

Updated 02 August 2024
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KSA’s Fayfa Mountains: A scenic delight at 2,000 meters above sea level

JAZAN: The Fayfa Mountains in Jazan region are a stunning natural wonder, boasting lush greenery, abundant rainfall, and dramatic cloud formations.

Its iconic agricultural terraces, a cherished heritage passed down through generations, have cemented Fayfa's status as a top tourist destination. This summer, visitors across Jazan and beyond are flocking to this enchanting escape. 

Perched at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, Fayfah offers breathtaking panoramas of mountains, valleys, and the region’s distinctive stone houses. (SPA)

Recent rains have cooled temperatures, drawing more tourists to Fayfa's attractions.

Perched at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, sites like Al-Absiya, Al-Samaa, Al-Khatm, and many more offer breathtaking panoramas of mountains, valleys, and the region’s distinctive stone houses. 
Visitors can also immerse themselves in nature at the local tourist park, which offers green spaces, walking paths, and essential amenities.

Jazan municipality has further enhanced the appeal by developing Al-Dhafra, Bardan, and Fountain parks. 

Perched at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, Fayfah offers breathtaking panoramas of mountains, valleys, and the region’s distinctive stone houses. (SPA)

 


Saudi Ministry signs cooperation agreement with Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs

Updated 01 August 2024
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Saudi Ministry signs cooperation agreement with Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs

JEDDAH: The Saudi minister of Islamic affairs, dawah and guidance, Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, signed an agreement with Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Jeddah on Thursday, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the nations in efforts to promote the understanding of Islam and its message of tolerance, and raising cultural awareness among Muslims.

The deal will include training for Nigerian imams and other religious figures in topics such as preaching and teaching of the Arabic language. It also covers collaboration in affairs relating to mosques, including construction, maintenance and restoration, and the training and development of mosque staff.

The two countries will share their experience and expertise in online preaching and work together to counteract websites that incite violence and extremism, or otherwise misrepresent Islam.

Nigeria was represented at the signing of the agreement by Sheikh Al-Hajj Yahaya Abubakar, a member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and officials from both countries were also present.


Fish farming’s vital food security role in Saudi Arabia highlighted

Updated 01 August 2024
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Fish farming’s vital food security role in Saudi Arabia highlighted

JEDDAH: Fish farming is vital for the Kingdom’s food security needs, according to Riyadh Al-Fageeh, general director of the National Center of Fisheries.

Al-Fageeh said there are significant investment opportunities in the industry, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to boost agriculture, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

He said the center was formed four decades ago in Jeddah, and subsequently developed partnerships with a number of international organizations.

The center has undertaken several projects in collaboration with various universities and other entities, including the use of renewable energy for agriculture.

The center has supported the aquaculture sector with over 3 million saltwater tilapia larvae, he said.

In addition, it has issued more than 80 licenses for aquaculture projects in Makkah, which includes 18 in the first half of 2024, Al-Fageeh added.


Asir’s deputy emir discusses tourism challenges

Updated 01 August 2024
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Asir’s deputy emir discusses tourism challenges

ABHA: The deputy emir of Asir, Prince Khalid bin Sattam, said that it is important to harness all local capabilities to ensure that tourists and other visitors to the region are able to fully enjoy all the attractions and services it has to offer.

He was speaking during his weekly meeting at the Royal Hall in Al-Khalidiya, Abha, that he hosts to discuss with residents and officials the issues and challenges facing the region and its people. Also present were representatives of government departments and the military, tourist guides, students from the College of Tourism and Hospitality at King Khalid University, and tourism operators.

The prince reviewed the efforts being made by government agencies, educators and the media to promote the benefits of tourist destinations and experiences in the region, including the diverse terrain and moderate climate. He highlighted ways in which the sector is developing in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, as part of a strategy to position the region as a global tourism destination all year round.