Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Chairwoman of Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) and wife of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday set the foundation stone for the AED 400-million Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital at Dubai Healthcare City.
The 200-bed facility that will take shape over an area of 175,000 square feet is projected to signal a massive shift in the UAE integrated health care industry.
The new Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital at Dubai Healthcare City will include an integrated center for cardiac surgery comprising of diagnostic clinics and a cardiac catheterization unit. It will additionally feature emergency units for cardiac patients and more than 32 integrated intensive care units for all ages and various medical conditions (ICU, CCU, and NICU for newborn and preterm children).
Once complete, it will prove a strong addition to Dubai’s health care portfolio and significantly strengthen the Emirate’s health care infrastructure.
The facility will be fitted with state-of-the-art emergency departments, as well as surgical theaters, delivery rooms and hypnosis suites. The hospital will integrate an electronic filing system for the benefit of patients and to provide doctors with updated and easily retrievable medical history and pathology results.
Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib, chairman of Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Group, said: “Our continuous success in the projects we implement, design and operate in the GCC region has set a benchmark among health care facilities in the Arab region. This has strengthened our ambitions and increased our responsibility toward our patients to continue providing the highest quality of medical care and services.”
Al-Habib assured that the new facility would endorse a unique model and serve as a distinct extension of the Group’s hospitals and centers in the GCC region. Leveraging latest developments in all medical specialties, the hospital is set to represent a quantum leap in integrated health care services provided in the UAE.
He added that the medical personnel attached to the Group are leading professionals who remain updated on latest developments in the implementation, operation and development of health facilities through participating in specialized forums and exhibitions.
Al-Habib added: “Our continuous keenness has resulted in several strategic partnerships with major international companies such as GE for diagnostic radiology devices, and Drager for medical gas. Stryker will provide the best types of beds at the new multidisciplinary hospital. We also share a strong association with Roche Laboratories of Germany and other medical companies that have a long tradition in this area.”
Princess Haya, together with Al-Habib and HE Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson of DHCA and HE Essa Al Maydour, director general of Dubai Health Authority and the DHCA Board Members, visited the facilities at the Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Center.
Princess Haya was given a brief tour by Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Center’s medical director, Dr. Naji Yazbek, as well as other doctors at the facility, where She was shown the medical center’s Dental Department, including the latest dental machines from Sirona, and ophthalmology suites with Visumax, the latest eye vision correction technology in the Middle East.
Afterwards, Princess Haya was escorted to the Radiology Department, which includes the latest MRI and CT Scan Angiogram from GE, and lastly, and the Laboratory, where patients are able to do up to 160 different tests on just one blood sample.
Al-Habib also expressed his appreciation of the efforts and support extended by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority and Dubai Government. He particularly acknowledged their role in promoting concerted investments in the health care sector, adding that such initiatives are outcomes of professional strategic thinking.
Pointing out that the establishment of the new multispecialty hospital is a testimony to the enabling investment environment offered by DHCC, Al-Habib said the destination’s ambition to raise quality standards will eventually benefit the UAE residents as well as media tourism travelers.
Princess Haya sets foundation for Al-Habib Hospital
Princess Haya sets foundation for Al-Habib Hospital
Unity in diversity among global pilgrims celebrating Eid in Makkah
- Worshippers relish the festive spirit of the holy city on the first day of Eid
- Throngs of pilgrims complete their Umrah rituals at Grand Mosque
MAKKAH: An atmosphere of love, diversity, and joy permeates the sacred precincts of the Grand Mosque as pilgrims from across the globe converge to experience Eid in this unique spiritual setting.
The first day of Eid commenced with dawn prayers at the mosque, where throngs of worshippers in white ihram garments — symbolizing unity and detachment from worldly matters — gathered in devotion.
Pilgrims exchanged warm congratulations and prayers, asking Allah to accept their worship and bless them in the coming year.
Following the Eid prayer, jubilation spread throughout Makkah’s streets, which teemed with pilgrims expressing their happiness through prayers and greetings in numerous languages.
This vibrant display embodied the rich cultural diversity that characterizes the Grand Mosque, creating an atmosphere of profound spiritual tranquility.
Many pilgrims took the opportunity to complete their Umrah rituals or circumambulate the Kaaba.
The celebrations included both religious observances and social activities. After prayers and circumambulation, some pilgrims visited other sacred sites like Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light) and the Cave of Hira, while others explored Makkah’s bustling markets to purchase gifts and souvenirs.
These marketplaces pulsed with energy as worshippers bought prayer beads, copies of the Qur’an, oud, and traditional Makkah sweets.
Nasser Bukhari, a clothing merchant in the central district, observed that pilgrims proudly wear attire traditional to their homelands, transforming the Grand Mosque into a living canvas of Islamic diversity.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Following the Eid prayer pilgrims expressed their joy through prayers and greetings in numerous languages.
• Makkah’s hotels and restaurants thrive during Eid, offering celebratory meals.
• Visitors gather around breakfast tables laden with dates, maamoul cookies, and Saudi coffee, while others seek out popular local dishes.
Some don white jalabiyya dresses, while others appear in vibrantly colored, embroidered traditional garments.
Women often choose colorful abayas adorned with intricate patterns reflecting their cultural heritage, with some combining traditional dress with abayas as a celebration of the joyous occasion.
The city’s hotels and restaurants thrive during Eid, offering special celebratory meals. Visitors gather around breakfast tables laden with dates, maamoul cookies, and Saudi coffee, while others seek out popular local dishes.
Traditional Makkan confections such as laddu, mushabbak, zalabiya, and debyaza are abundant, as pilgrims of all nationalities unite as one family bound by faith.
The humanitarian spirit of Eid is evident throughout the city, with volunteers distributing gifts and sweets to children and providing meals to those in need, while some pilgrims visit hospitals and orphanages bearing gifts and assistance.
The organization is impeccable, with the flow of millions of pilgrims proceeding smoothly and efficiently.
Yahya Noor, Syrian physician
As night falls, the illuminated Grand Mosque creates a breathtaking spectacle. Pilgrims continue their devotions or stroll through the mosque’s courtyards, savoring the atmosphere.
Yahya Noor, a Syrian physician, described the Eid celebrations in the city: “Here in Makkah, Eid extends beyond congratulations and festive foods to encompass charitable works and solidarity.
“Witnessing volunteers distribute gifts and meals to the needy made me feel part of a vast Islamic community that genuinely cares for its members.
“The organization is impeccable, with the flow of millions of pilgrims proceeding smoothly and efficiently,” he continued.
“When I entered the Grand Mosque at Eid dawn, I was moved to tears. Seeing the illuminated Kaaba surrounded by reverent worshippers made me truly appreciate this sacred place’s magnificence.
“The exchange of blessings and the atmosphere of love made me feel as though I were among family.”
Worry-free worship: Children’s clubs lighten pilgrims’ load
- Saudi authorities are spearheading efforts to provide top-tier childcare services for worshippers
MAKKAH: With more pilgrims making the journey to Makkah, a Children’s Club initiative is offering a secure, fun space for youngsters, freeing parents to focus on their rituals.
Childcare centers offering top-notch childcare services are available at the Two Holy Mosques, as well as hotels near the Grand Mosque.
Razan Dahlawi, an adviser to the chairman of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and a key figure overseeing the childcare centers, told Arab News: “The authority established several childcare centers during the holy month of Ramadan this year.
well as nearby hotels. (SPA)
“They operate 24/7 and seek to provide safe childcare services in an enriching environment by utilizing educational and recreational programs that develop children’s capabilities and promote good values.”
According to the authority, children can enjoy a packed schedule, with Qur’an and Athkar lessons, storytelling that informs and sparks imagination, sensory and creative activities, and healthy meals.
These seasonal childcare centers are found in the third Saudi expansion (areas 12-15), facing gates 100 to 104. They welcome boys aged from 18 months to 6 years and girls from 18 months of age to 9 years.
A specialized team of counselors oversees the centers, which include a dining area, a space for visual displays, educational models depicting the landmarks of the Two Holy Mosques and the process of performing the religious duties, as well as private sleeping rooms.
Hotels near the Grand Mosque are stepping up, too, enhancing their own childcare offerings to ensure a level of service that matches their prime location.
Abdullah Hazzazi, assistant front office manager at Dar Al-Tawhid Hotel, said that the Children’s Club “creates a secure and comfortable environment for children, allowing parents to perform Umrah without worrying about their little ones.”
Entertainment and learning are combined under the supervision of childcare professionals, he added.
“The club features entertainment, educational activities, and games that contribute to their development and art workshops suitable for all ages, while also providing healthy meals and comprehensive medical care.
“We make sure to update parents regularly on their children’s well-being, so they can perform the rites with peace of mind,” Hazzazi said.
Hadeel Al-Harbi, Shaza Makkah Hotel’s children’s club manager, said that children are welcomed for up to two hours at a time, with the service free for hotel guests.
“We are keen to offer a variety of activities suitable for different age groups, including educational games, art workshops and entertaining activities that help develop children’s skills and make use of their time there,” she said.
Al-Harbi said that she would encourage all pilgrims to take advantage of the service.
“The club is an ideal solution for families seeking to comfortably and safely perform their rites,” she said.
Taif governor receives officials for Eid Al-Fitr
- Prince Saud conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
TAIF: Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar received Eid Al-Fitr well-wishers, including dignitaries, military leaders, directors of government departments, sheikhs, and a group of citizens.
Prince Saud conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
He noted the great efforts and services provided by the Kingdom to the millions of visitors and pilgrims from within the country and around the world who visit the Two Holy Mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.
Saudi project clears 607 Houthi mines in Yemen
- The total included 561 unexploded ordnances, 21 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines and five explosive devices, according to a recent report
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 607 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included 561 unexploded ordnances, 21 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines and five explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 486,108 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Saudi Arabia launches Hajj packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk app
- Priority given to Muslims undertaking Hajj for the first time
- Only those with mandatory meningitis vaccination eligible to book packages
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched this year’s Hajj packages for citizens and residents of the Kingdom, now available for booking through the Nusuk app and its dedicated electronic portal.
In line with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding access to the annual pilgrimage, the ministry has launched Hajj packages with priority booking for first-time pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to the ministry, pilgrims must have completed the mandatory meningitis vaccination to access packages, with appointments available through the Sehhaty app.
The Nusuk platform offers a user-friendly experience, allowing pilgrims to browse and book packages with various payment options.
The Nusuk app also enables pilgrims to purchase essential Hajj items, including ihram clothing and personal necessities, as well as book flight tickets within their packages, streamlining the entire pilgrimage journey.
Welcoming the announcement, Arif Anwar, an Alkhobar resident, told Arab News: “It’s great news, I was waiting for it. Now I will make the booking via Nusuk for me and my family, and (we are) looking forward to it as priority will be given to individuals who have not previously performed this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, to allow more Muslims to fulfil this one of the five pillars of Islam in a spiritually inclusive and accessible environment.”
Abdulrahman Qahtani, a Jeddah native, said: "It was awaited. I am keen to perform Hajj this year, and by fulfilling the requirements mentioned by the ministry, I will now apply via Nusuk to perform this one of the five key pillars of Islam."
Wissam Dekmak, a Lebanese resident in Riyadh, said: "It is exciting for all residents to hear this announcement, allowing us to plan and book Hajj well in advance. We can now easily reserve packages through the Nusuk app and portal. It is an amazing initiative that simplifies the process and prioritizes those who haven't yet experienced Hajj."
Packages are accessible through the electronic portal at masar.nusuk.sa/individuals/local-pilgrims.
"We offer pilgrims a variety of Hajj packages provided by authorized service provider companies, ensuring a seamless Hajj experience," according to Nusuk portal.
The Hajj package starts at SR8,092 ($2,157) for the Al-Diyafah camp in Mina with shared accommodation. The second package is offered at SR10,366 with an upgraded camp providing high-quality service.
The third package costs SR13,150 for the six towers in Mina, located near the Jamarat bridge. The fourth package, Kidana Al-Wadi Towers, is valued at SR12,537, offering luxurious accommodation in modern towers with advanced facilities and meals.
The launch is part of a wider digital transformation of the Hajj experience, with the Nusuk platform serving as a comprehensive digital companion.
The ministry receives pilgrims’ inquiries via the Pilgrims’ Care Center at 1966 (available 24/7) or the beneficiary care account on X (@MOHU_Care).
