New Jersey governor promotes stronger relations with Saudi Arabia

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy visited Saudi Arabia as the first stop on a three-country Gulf state tour. (AN Photo)
Short Url
Updated 28 April 2025
Follow

New Jersey governor promotes stronger relations with Saudi Arabia

  • Phil Murphy says trade, education, technology are pathways to mutual growth
  • US state’s focus on AI, energy, innovation aligns with Kingdom’s Vision 2030

RIYADH: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has arrived in Saudi Arabia on the first stop of a three-country Gulf tour to strengthen economic ties and expand investment opportunities.

New Jersey, the most densely populated and diverse state in the US, is a leader in the “innovation economy,” according to the governor.

Technology and artificial intelligence, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, film and television, financial technology, and the green economy are top priorities for the delegation’s discussions in the Kingdom.

Murphy said: “We think that with Saudi Vision 2030 we match up very well. So, that is among the other reasons why we’re very excited to be here, to share best practices.”

Murphy’s trip, which is sponsored by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, comes two weeks before President Donald Trump’s official state visit to the Kingdom.

The governor said: “The Kingdom is one of the most important relationships the US has anywhere in the world.

“I know President Trump well enough to know that he would not be coming here unless he thought he could meaningfully build on what is already a good foundation.”

He noted the enormous opportunity to help advance Vision 2030, benefiting not only Saudi Arabia but also the rest of the world.




New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy speaks to the press during his visit to Saudi Arabia, the first stop of a three-country Gulf state tour. (Supplied)

As part of his economic mission, Murphy aims to foster educational growth, witnessed by the signing of a letter of intent between King Saud University and Rutgers University to establish an academic collaboration in public policy research, facilitated by Choose New Jersey.

The letter outlines a collaborative framework between the two institutions in public policy, business administration, management, urban planning, city development, and other fields.

It prioritizes research that supports continued development within the state, attracts businesses, and boosts investment in urban areas.

The partnership aims to introduce students to new academic and cultural perspectives to foster innovative solutions for challenges in both regions, said Antonio Calcado, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Rutgers University.

“King Saud University strategically partners with institutions that share our commitment to innovative research in diverse industries on a global scale,” said Prof. Yazeed Al-Sheikh, vice president for graduate studies and scientific research at King Saud University.

The governor also highlighted a major investment opportunity in the Greater New York-New Jersey area to deploy capital, renewable energy, and alternative energy sources.

When asked how New Jersey and Saudi Arabia can benefit each other in areas of AI and digitalization, the governor recounted a delegation he and first lady Tammy Murphy led in northern California three years ago.

A group of the smartest and most influential leaders in AI gathered to exchange ideas, and from those discussions came the question of creating an AI hub in New Jersey.

Murphy said: “If you look three years ago, the overwhelming AI presence was in the greater San Francisco Bay Area … that’s now begun to shift a little bit.”

With the No. 1 public education system in the US, the highest concentration of scientists and engineers per square mile, and respected institutions of higher education such as Princeton University and Rutgers University, the governor wanted to shift the conversation.

He added: “The two words that drive us are talent and location.”

The NJEDA — whose CEO Tim Sullivan is also on this visit — along with Princeton University, Microsoft, and CoreWeave, a New Jersey company, have come together in a joint venture with the state of New Jersey to drive AI innovation forward.

Murphy said: “I know Saudi Arabia is as invested in generative AI as any country in the world … my guess is this could easily be a memorandum of understanding, maybe a cross-investment, maybe an investment into our fund, maybe something on our side into an investment here, talent exchange, let’s say all of that is on the table.”

As New Jersey now requires all state employees to train in generative AI to improve government efficiency, a lot can be learned from the Saudi approach, Murphy said.

Considering the current economic climate with Trump’s tariffs, which range from 10 percent to 40 percent based on country and industry (10 percent on Saudi Arabian imports), “there is too much volatility in the system right now,” the governor said.

“I am not a big tariff guy,” he said. “Unless they are deliberately punitive on somebody who’s a bad actor.”

He added: “OK, I get it. Let’s continue to pursue smart ways to manufacture more in the US. Let’s make our government as lean and efficient and as impactful as possible. I am good with both, but let’s do it in each case in a strategic way, in a smart way.

“I think it is headed that way. I pray that it gets there soon.”

The governor wants the volatility in the markets to decrease. The objectives are there, but the methods need to change. He believes that the Kingdom and the region as a whole will be strong allies in an increasingly challenging world.

He also mentioned a bill he is sponsoring, and hoping to get signed in the next month, that will put a significant manufacturing incentive in place to encourage the production of goods in New Jersey.

Murphy also hopes that global conflict and geopolitical tensions will be addressed in the same statesmanlike, tactical way, citing Trump’s brief talks with President Zelensky in Rome on Saturday.

The governor was scheduled to meet the US-Saudi Business Council on Sunday to introduce the delegation to several prominent private sector players, opening the door for further conversations.

Other areas of cooperation with potential for expansion are sports, film, and television.

New Jersey will host eight matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026, one of which will be the final. It is an experience it can use to advise Saudi Arabia ahead of its hosting of the competition in 2034.

Murphy said: “We have a very good relationship with FIFA, which has been important. But thanks to FIFA we’ve had a very good relationship with Qatar, and lessons learned from their World Cup that we can benefit from.

“And I am sure the same will be true as we learn to pass (information) on to the Saudi delegation.”

The state of New Jersey will also be hosting the first World Club Cup this summer, a tournament Saudi club Al-Hilal is expected to take part in.

Murphy added: “We are (also) making New Jersey a global player in film and television, and that means we are not just making content in New Jersey, but we are also building sound stages and campuses.”

Since the cinema ban was lifted in Saudi Arabia in 2018, the Kingdom has made significant strides in developing its film industry, with efforts such as the Red Sea Film Festival and the growth of local productions and stars, aiming to make it a $1 billion industry by 2030.

Following his visit to the Kingdom, Murphy is set to visit Bahrain and the UAE for similar talks on economic and cultural cooperation.


Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File
Updated 09 June 2025
Follow

Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

  • In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light”

JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith.

In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light.” At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.

The mountain’s distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)

Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: “There’s something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it’s not just a climb, but it’s a spiritual awakening.”

To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider’s web and a dove’s nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.

Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da’wah and the great spiritual responsibility.

FASTFACTS

• Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. 

• Programs like ‘Hala,’ launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. 

Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay’ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.

Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma’la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet’s beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.

“Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,” Khan added.

Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.

Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: “We’re planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage. It’s a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.”

Further west of the Prophet’s Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam’s critical battles.

Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.

Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi’ Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions. Located near the Prophet’s Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam’s formative years.

Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet’s leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.

Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: “I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur’anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.”

Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like “Hala,” launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.

Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: “Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.”

 


MWL, GCC chiefs praise Saudi Arabia’s Hajj success

Updated 09 June 2025
Follow

MWL, GCC chiefs praise Saudi Arabia’s Hajj success

  • Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies

RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, has congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a successful Hajj season.

“This success reflects the Saudi government’s great efforts and capabilities in serving pilgrims and ensuring they perform rituals with ease, safety and security,” he said.

Al-Budaiwi praised the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure, precise organization, use of modern technologies — including artificial intelligence — and skilled workforce.

“These efforts delivered an exceptional Hajj experience and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in serving Islam and Muslims,” he added. The secretary-general also lauded the Kingdom’s continuous development of the Hajj system.

Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies.

He praised the generous care provided to pilgrims, highlighting the smooth movement between holy sites and the commitment to ensuring their comfort and spiritual focus.

 


Maldivian president leaves Saudi Arabia after official visit

Updated 09 June 2025
Follow

Maldivian president leaves Saudi Arabia after official visit

  • Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present

JEDDAH: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu departed Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and several other officials accompanied Muizzu to King Abdulaziz International Airport to wish him farewell, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present.

 


Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs

As Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts. (SPA)
Updated 09 June 2025
Follow

Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs

  • Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance
  • Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an

MAKKAH: Throughout their profound journey of faith, especially as Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts.

They flock to the malls and markets of Makkah, particularly those around the Grand Mosque. This tradition expresses their spiritual fulfillment and prepares them for their return home, blessed by Allah for having performed the sacred rites, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Gift buying represents joy at Hajj’s successful conclusion and strengthens social bonds between relatives, SPA added.

Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance. Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an.

Pilgrims also frequently buy perfumes like incense and musk, along with various types of dates — ajwa dates being especially sought after.

The markets of Makkah and Madinah see a significant boom after Hajj, bustling with pilgrims of diverse nationalities.

These vibrant markets include modern malls in the Haram area, the traditional Aziziyah Market, the Hijaz Market, and bazaars near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Merchants actively meet this demand, offering a wide range of products, special offers for pilgrims, and often discounts on bulk purchases.


Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj

Ministry of Interior is supporting families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with humanitarian program.
Updated 09 June 2025
Follow

Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj

  • A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense
  • Psychological, medical and social care is provided to relatives of martyrs and injured personnel throughout the year

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior, through the Agency for Military Affairs, is supporting the families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with a humanitarian program reflecting the leadership’s commitment to citizens.

A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense, along with providing psychological, medical and social care throughout the year.

One beneficiary speaking from Mina, Ibrahim bin Abdulkarim Al-Zahrani — injured in the line of duty and brother to two martyrs — expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s support.

He said such care reassures families that the Kingdom stands by them and gives them strength to continue serving, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Al-Zahrani added that the ministry’s efforts, under Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, represent the state’s respect for the sacrifices of martyrs and its commitment to their families.

Chief Sgt. Salem Al-Qahtani of the General Department for the Care of Martyrs and Injured Families shared his 14-year experience serving the group, highlighting the department’s close, familial bond with their families.

“We have followed the children of the martyrs since their early years, watching them grow — some are now our colleagues, while others are performing Hajj through this program under the leadership’s close supervision,” he said.

The department develops support programs for beneficiaries, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to honoring those who gave their lives for the nation and continuing support for their families.

It also reflects the leadership’s approach to supporting citizens and honoring the sacrifices of martyrs.