Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Muhammad Naeem Khan reiterated that his nation’s ties with Saudi Arabia were growing stronger by the day and that consistent efforts in nurturing the relationship were yielding positive results.
Addressing select members of the Pakistani community in the Eastern Province yesterday, Khan said: “We are constantly engaged in talks with the king, the crown prince, members of the royal family, ministers and businessmen, and all these indicate that our ties with Saudi Arabia remain strong and special.”
Khan praised the Saudi leadership for excellent arrangements during the recent Haj. “We want to thank Saudi Arabia and its able leadership for providing the best possible facilities to pilgrims coming from all over the world and especially to the 180,000 who came from Pakistan this year,” he said.
He referred to the special invitation extended to Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. “He was among the select heads of state who were invited as personal guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah … it was a big honor for Pakistan,” said Khan.
The ambassador said during the reception hosted by the king in Mina, the prime minister had the opportunity to meet important members of the Saudi leadership. “In his interactions with the Saudi hosts, the prime minister underlined the special relationship that Pakistan enjoys with Saudi Arabia,” said Khan.
The ambassador referred to the recent visit to Pakistan of a power-packed business delegation headed by Commerce and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. “We were very happy to arrange this particular visit of the delegation to Pakistan,” he said. “The Saudi delegates were very impressed by the investment, growth and joint venture opportunities in Pakistan. We will soon have a follow-up meeting with the delegates.”
The ambassador inaugurated a clinic which is run by a group of committed and well-known Pakistani expatriate doctors. “I appreciate all the doctors who are involved in this project and would like to especially thank Tamimi Group and its Vice President Sardar Mohammed Ilyas Khan for providing the basic infrastructure to run it,” he said.
The ambassador said the clinic would not have been possible without the support and permission from Eastern Province Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Fahd. “He was very gracious in promptly accepting our request to run this clinic for members of the Pakistani community. We will remain very thankful and grateful to the governor for his concern and constant support to the community,” said Khan.
The clinic is open to Pakistanis who do not have the luxury of health insurance. “The well-equipped clinic will run every time the consular team from Riyadh visits Alkhobar,” said Khan. “Right now only consultation services are being offered, but in time and with help from the community we will dispense medicines as well,” he said.
The ambassador said Pakistani expatriates have always played an important role in raising the profile of the country in Saudi Arabia. “When it comes to charitable activities and welfare services, our people are always in the forefront,” he said, and pointed out that during the recent flood disaster, the community rose to the occasion and contributed handsomely to relief efforts.
He appealed to the Pakistani businessmen and professionals to continue doing the good job.
Saudi-Pakistani ties growing stronger
Saudi-Pakistani ties growing stronger
Umm Al-Qura University: Training students to work with millions of Hajj pilgrims
- Makkah-based institute plays significant role in developing Hajj experience under Saudi Vision 2030
- One of the institute’s most important contributions is its seasonal field studies, says official
MAKKAH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve the experience of Hajj, a specialized institute at Makkah’s Umm Al-Qura University is training thousands of professionals to work with the millions of pilgrims expected to travel to the two holy cities.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research plays a significant role in national development efforts under Vision 2030.
Director Khalid Al-Ghamdi spoke to Arab News about how the institute is working to improve the experience of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
“The institute remains a key driver in enhancing the pilgrimage experience through applied research and strategic capacity building,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.
“As an advanced scientific arm, it plays a vital role in improving the efficiency and safety of services at the Grand Mosque and the holy sites.”
HIGHLIGHTS
The institute also trains thousands of field personnel annually to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, in roles including security and healthcare staff, drivers and volunteers.
Training is delivered through immersive rehearsals that closely mirror real-world conditions in the field.
The institute is a globally unique research center dedicated to serving a gathering of unparalleled scale and significance.
One of the institute’s most important contributions is its seasonal field studies, Al-Ghamdi said.
Carried out annually during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, these studies document and analyze real-time challenges in key areas such as crowd movement, transport flow, environmental hazards, emergency response and overall efficiency.
He added that the outcomes of these studies serve as a vital technical reference for authorities, offering data-driven recommendations that support more effective planning for future seasons — a crucial function as crowds throng at holy sites in high temperatures.
The institute also trains thousands of field personnel annually to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, in roles including security and healthcare staff, drivers and volunteers.
Training is delivered through immersive rehearsals that closely mirror real-world conditions in the field.
The institute also operates in close coordination with various government entities, including the Ministry of Interior, Civil Defense and the Transport Authority, to align its training with official guidelines.
Al-Ghamdi also discussed the institute’s advisory role in shaping regulatory and operational frameworks for Hajj and Umrah services.
The advisory role includes evaluation studies and environmental impact assessments, which inform strategic decisions on infrastructure development and service quality enhancement.
The institute is a globally unique research center dedicated to serving a gathering of unparalleled scale and significance.
Its research priorities are uniquely tailored, setting it apart from its international counterparts through a specialized focus on the Hajj, the holy sites, the two holy cities and related areas including urban planning, environmental sustainability and humanitarian services.
Additionally, Umm Al-Qura University offers academic programs in medicine and administration, specifically designed to prepare students for managing the unique operational demands of the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
King Salman receives letter from Russian President Putin on Saudi-Russian ties
- Message was delivered to Deputy Foreign Minister Walid bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during his meeting in Riyadh with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov
RIYADH: King Salman received a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday regarding relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The message was delivered to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji during his meeting in Riyadh with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov.
The two officials reviewed Saudi-Russian relations and discussed regional and international developments, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts on key issues, SPA added.
Elevating the comfort and dignity of Hajj pilgrims
- Premium amenities on offer for ease, safety, accessibility
- Hajj operators say VIP packages within Islamic guidelines
JEDDAH: A number of premium amenities are available for Hajj pilgrims seeking greater comfort, safety and accessibility during the pilgrimage.
Some of the offerings include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits, and 24/7 medical support.
Hajj operator Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz spoke to Arab News about some of the new services introduced this year.
“We have enhanced our services in very small things,” he said. “Like the pillow, which now weighs 1,100 grams, and the mattresses, which are more comfortable for rest.
“We’ve also set up specialized tents that include mosque praying areas, which were previously located outside. One entire tent is equipped with massaging chairs to provide added comfort to the pilgrims.”
These upgrades allow pilgrims regardless of age or physical condition to perform their rituals with dignity.
“Our trained staff are available to support pilgrims at every stage, with special care provided for those with mobility needs.”
Wheelchair users are offered dedicated support during essential movement between the holy sites, and the operator also offers 24-hour meal and medical services.
“The Islamic sermon is provided in English, Arabic and Urdu, ensuring that everyone can understand and connect with the spiritual message,” Mahfouz added.
Mohammed Hamed, representing another Hajj operator, highlighted efforts to provide a comfortable pilgrimage.
“We have designed beds in a style with dividers so pilgrims are not disturbed by others in the tent,” he said.
“Each sleeping space includes charging points and reading lamps, allowing pilgrims to rest and recharge both physically and electronically.”
To minimize crowding and waiting, the company brings meals directly to pilgrims. “We will provide food to them wherever they are sitting ensuring a peaceful environment,” Hamed added.
Critics of VIP Hajj packages sometimes raise concerns about preserving the pilgrimage’s spiritual essence. However, providers insist these services are aligned with Islamic values and are merely accommodating varying needs among the faithful.
Salim Mansour, another Hajj service provider, defended the rise of VIP offerings. “The VIP packages are carefully designed to remain within the accepted religious guidelines of Islam.
“Many pilgrims opt for VIP Hajj packages to enjoy added conveniences, such as accommodation near the Jamarat area in Mina and dependable transportation services.”
These services are part of a wider initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing and modernizing the nation’s pilgrimage and tourism offerings.
Saudi Hajj gift association Hadiyah to serve 2.9 million pilgrims this year
RIYADH: The Hajj and Mutamer’s Gift Charitable Association, or Hadiyah, has launched its field and creative service programs to benefit nearly 3 million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to SPA, the initiative aims to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims by upholding human and moral values from the moment of arrival to departure. Hadiyah’s efforts extend across all points of entry — land, sea and air — facilitating access to Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.
Turki Al-Hetershi, Hadiyah’s executive director, said that the association was preparing to serve 2.9 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors this year.
He said that Hadiyah would focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience through innovative initiatives and strategic community partnerships.
Saudi minister of Islamic affairs inspects new projects at holy sites ahead of Hajj
- Misting fans, air quality monitors among upgrades as worship sites prepare to receive pilgrims
- Eight development projects worth over $9m inaugurated during minister’s inspection tour
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs inspected holy sites on Thursday to ensure preparations were complete to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh inaugurated eight development projects worth more than $9 million (SR33.7 million) as part of the tour.
The development projects include upgrades at Namira Mosque in Arafat.
These feature the installation of 19 structural umbrellas, similar to those at the Prophet’s Mosque, and heat-reflective coatings applied to floor surfaces in the mosque’s courtyard, reducing temperatures by up to 10 C in shaded areas.
The tour also marked the second phase of the courtyard cooling project, including the installation of 98 misting fans in and around Namira Mosque.
In Mina, 57 misting fans were installed as part of improvements at Al-Khaif Mosque and public restrooms.
A total of 70 cold water production units, each with a capacity of 1,000 liters, were installed to supply as many as 140,000 pilgrims per hour.
Other upgrades include the installation of an integrated audio, surveillance and lighting control system managed via a centralized electronic unit.
Carbon dioxide monitoring devices have also been installed for the first time to ensure indoor air quality for worshippers.
Additional upgrades included the modernization of air conditioning and ventilation systems at Namira and Al-Khaif mosques; restoration of Namira Mosque, including improved insulation and operational efficiency; and the renovation of Hajjaj Al-Barr Mosque in Mina. The total value of these projects exceeds $9 million.
Following the tour and projects inauguration, Al-Sheikh praised the generous support of the country’s leadership for pilgrims attending Hajj.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that pilgrims can perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility.
The minister said that continuous support has empowered the ministry to fulfill its responsibilities in preparing the sites of worship, developing infrastructure and delivering services.
