DAMMAM: A security expert has warned against disclosing password for one's Absher account or being lax in protecting the security of personal mobile.
He said the electronic system of the Ministry of Interior, which aims to provide e-services for citizens and residents in the Kingdom in a safe and accurate manner, can’t be easily hacked unless access is gained to the mobile phone of the account holder.
Digital evidence expert Abdulrazzaq Al-Murjan said failing to protect the mobile phone and access to the secret number needed for double authentication were the reasons behind the escape of the three Daesh sisters to Lebanon last week, before Saudi security authorities reached them.
He said Absher, through which the General Passport Directorate offers e-services in a safe and accurate manner around the clock, has two protection levels, which are the password and verification code.
He added the system offers a lot of services such as issuing residency visas, issuing exist and re-entry visas, and offering travel permit services for women and minors. One of the system’s main goals is to curb forging and counterfeiting.
He said that the three sisters' break-in into Absher was the subject of public debate on the social media. According to the Ministry of Interior, their travel procedures outside the Kingdom were regular, since they were able to get access to Absher data related to their guardian and issue e-travel permits for themselves and their children.
Al-Murjan said getting access to the password was not enough to get access to the account of the guardian. It was necessary to get the secret verification code which is delivered to the mobile phone linked to the account, in this case their guardian’s phone.
Al-Murjan said that there are many theories about how the guardian's account was hacked. It could be that one of them betrayed the guardian’s trust, either because he is ignorant about technology or because he trusted one of them. He might have sought the help of one of the sisters to create his password, and they might have exploited the chance to link their phone numbers to his account. They might have stolen the number to get access to the system and took the phone to get the verification code and issue the travel permit.
He said that getting access to the guardian’s account is an electronic crime, stressing that the hacking came from the guardian’s side, either because of his ignorance or weak protection or trust. This is an inside job and all the more difficult to stop.
He cited the case of a Saudi teacher, who is the mother to three children and divorced. She fled from Makkah to Jeddah and traveled to Turkey to join Daesh, but security authorities couldn’t stop her because they weren’t notified about her escape until after she left the country.
He said it is important to educate society about these risks and activate departure messages to the guardian, especially since the travel permit includes children under 21 years of age, which is the target group of terrorist organizations.
Expert: Guard Absher password and mobile
Expert: Guard Absher password and mobile
Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic’ experience ahead of departure
- As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage
MINA: Most of the more than 1.6 million pilgrims taking part in this year’s Hajj have completed the second day of Tashreeq — a spiritually significant stage marked by the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina on Sunday.
As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage.
June 8, which corresponds to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar and marks the second of the three Tashreeq Days, witnessed a steady stream of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat complex in Mina.
Under the coordination of Saudi authorities, the movement unfolded smoothly, supported by comprehensive security, health and logistical services.
Following the stoning ritual, many pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa, or the farewell circumambulation — the final rite of Hajj. This act signifies the conclusion of the pilgrimage, after which pilgrims begin their journeys back to their home countries.
In Islamic jurisprudence, pilgrims who complete the Hajj rites by the second day of Tashreeq are said to have performed Ta’ajul, or hastened Hajj. This option, permissible under Islamic Shariah, allows pilgrims to depart Mina after completing the stoning ritual on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Those who remain in Mina until sunset are obligated to stay for a third day and do the stoning ritual once more on the 13th, marking the full completion of the pilgrimage rites.
PHOTO GALLERY: Hajj 2025: Pilgrims complete second day of Tashreeq
The temperature recorded in Mina at 11 a.m. was 41 degrees Celsius, with expectations of a rise to 45 degrees Celsius before a predicted 31 degrees Celsius later in the day, according to the National Meteorology Center.
Speaking to Arab News, Sayed Taqi, an Afghan pilgrim on his first pilgrimage, said that he had a “very good” experience for Hajj.
“The security people were helpful, and, honestly, I am very happy. I will be ending my rituals today by noon, as I have a flight tomorrow,” Taqi said.
Mohsin Rasul, a pilgrim from Bangalore, India, who was completing his rituals, said: “The overall experience was very nice and quite peaceful, there was not much rushing with the arrangements by the authorities, and there wasn’t any problem anywhere, whether in the Grand Mosque, Madinah, Mina or Arafat.”
He added: “Everywhere, the arrangement was fantastic, in fact.”
Maqsari Hasni from Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, said that he could not describe the feeling of being in the holy sites to perform Hajj.
He also spoke with a voice filled with gratitude and appreciation: “I thank the Saudi government very … very much. It has done its duty perfectly, and we are truly proud of you. May Allah bless and protect you.”
Azhar Al-Wishah, an Iraqi pilgrim who lives in Canada, said that he and his group performed a smooth and comfortable hajj.
Describing the services provided to the group, he said: “We have really found a truly great service from the security people and all those working here. They have supplied all the services. We would like to thank the government and the people for your good reception and generous hospitality.”
He hoped that peace and security would continue in Saudi Arabia and for its people, “who humbled us with their generosity and who were competing eagerly to serve the pilgrims.”
Al-Wishah added: “May God watch over this country and keep it safe until the Day of Judgment.”
Fatima, a 28-year-old Iranian pilgrim, told Arab News that she took part in a unique experience — witnessing people from all around the world coming together to perform the same rituals, just as Prophet Ibrahim did thousands of years ago. She added that it was remarkable to see individuals of different ages, colors and nationalities united in one place.
Describing the crowd management during Hajj, she said: “I think it is very difficult to manage, but overall, it was very well organized.”
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 147,000 medical services had been provided as of June 7.
In a post on its X account, the ministry reported that during this year’s Hajj, 18 open-heart surgeries were performed, while 248 cardiac catheterization procedures were carried out.
The ministry added that 2,626 pilgrims were referred to its intensive care units, and outpatient clinics treated more than 7,540 pilgrims. Moreover, 5,619 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, while 35,176 patients received care at emergency rooms in Makkah.
The post added that 80,603 pilgrims received medical assistance at the ministry’s various medical centers.
Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim
- After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely
MAKKAH: A Moroccan pilgrim who had suffered a “severe” heart attack was admitted to King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, where she received “urgent care supported by smartwatch technology and continuous virtual monitoring,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The hospital, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, reported that the patient also suffered from chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes.
She “underwent cardiac catheterization, during which a drug-eluting stent was placed in the left anterior descending artery,” the SPA reported.
After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely.
Later, in Mina, the smartwatch detected abnormal readings as the patient experienced chest pain again, triggering an alert. The virtual care team directed her to Mina Al-Jisr Hospital, where she was evaluated and admitted for observation. Once stable, she was discharged with a treatment plan and continued virtual follow-up.
This case “illustrates the strength of Saudi Arabia’s digital health infrastructure during Hajj and reflects the Ministry of Health’s progress toward Vision 2030, prioritizing high-quality, smart healthcare for pilgrims,” the SPA wrote.
Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha
- Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals
MAKKAH: The Nusuk app — developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, played a “key role” on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, helping to guide more than 35,000 Hajj pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The app “highlights the ministry’s commitment to using technology for smooth pilgrim movement and effective crowd management at the holy sites, reflecting integrated technical and operational services during Hajj,” the SPA wrote.
Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals. With direct links to 25 government agencies and 10 private sector entities, Nusuk — a part of the ministry’s digital-transformation drive in line with Vision 2030 — “has become a comprehensive platform for the pilgrim journey,” the SPA reported.
For this year’s Hajj, the ministry added more than 30 new services to the app, including Nusuk AI — a digital assistant that provides guidance and responds to pilgrims’ inquiries via voice and text in multiple languages.
Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza
- Prince Mohammed made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina
MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday reaffirmed “the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences” of Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza.
He made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The suffering of our brothers in Palestine continues as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, he said.
“We reaffirm the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences of this aggression, protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality in which Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions.”
The crown prince was speaking during a meeting with Eid Al-Adha well-wishers at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.
“God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and other guests,” he said, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia places this sacred duty at the forefront of its priorities, harnessing all its capabilities to serve the guests of God and ensuring that they are able to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.
The crown prince reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, recognizing both the great honor and the immense trust it entails.
“We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, in all Muslim countries and across the world,” he said.
“May He accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the House of God and return them safely to their families.”
MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister
- They discussed a variety of topics of common interest
RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with the Syrian Arab Republic’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abu Al-hair Shukri to discuss “a variety of topics of common interest,” the MWL wrote in a post on X on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh recently met with the Malaysian delegation of Islamic leaders participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
