Hajj underway as millions of pilgrims arrive in Makkah

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 26, 2023, before heading to Mina in preparation for the Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam and one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. (AP)
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Updated 26 June 2023
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Hajj underway as millions of pilgrims arrive in Makkah

  • On the eighth of Dul Hijjah, pilgrims embark on the journey to Mina and spend an entire day and night
  • Moving forward to the ninth, the pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat, which marks the pinnacle of Hajj

JEDDAH: Millions of pilgrims arrived at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Sunday to perform Tawaf Al-Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival) as the biggest annual pilgrimage in several years began.

It is the first tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) that pilgrims undertake after assuming the state of ihram, a sacred state of ritual consecration. This tawaf signifies the pilgrims’ arrival in Makkah, the spiritual center of Islam and the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage.

On Sunday night, pilgrims will start moving to Mina — a tent city located approximately 5 km east of Makkah that is renowned as the largest of its kind in the world — ahead of the Hajj’s climax at Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon.




A general view shows busses parked at the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca, ready to transport people ahead of the annual haj, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. (Saudi Press Agency via REUTERS)

On the eighth of Dul Hijjah, which is known as the Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims embark on the journey to Mina and spend an entire day and night, utilizing this time to prepare themselves mentally and physically for the profound spiritual experience that awaits them at Mount Arafat.

Moving forward to the ninth of Dul Hijjah, the pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat, which marks the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is in this sacred place that they engage in duaa (prayers) asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.

Additionally, during their time at Mount Arafat, the pilgrims perform afternoon prayers at Namirah Mosque, reinforcing their connection with Allah and taking part in the collective worship that unites millions of pilgrims from around the world.




Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 26, 2023, before heading to Mina in preparation for the Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam and one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. (AP)

During the evening of Dul Hijjah 9, pilgrims embark on a journey to Muzdalifah, a significant location situated between Arafat and Mina. Pilgrims spend the night in Muzdalifah and collect small stones, which hold a special purpose for the upcoming ritual of stoning Satan at the Jamarat pillars in Mina.

After throwing Jamarat Al-Aqaba with the collected pebbles, the pilgrims proceed to the Grand Mosque to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah. This ritual can be carried out at any time between Dul Hijjah 10 and 12.

Once this sacred act is completed, pilgrims are no longer restricted by the regulations of the ihram and are free to engage in all permissible activities. However, it is important to note that they must return to Mina to continue with the remaining rituals of Hajj.




Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on June 26, 2023, before heading to Mina in preparation for the Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam and one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. (AP)

During the days of Tashreeq, which fall on Dul Hijjah 11, 12 and 13, it is essential for pilgrims to remain in Mina and engage in two additional rami rituals. On the afternoon of Dul Hijjah 11, pilgrims collect 21 pebbles and proceed to cast them at the three Jamarat. The stoning begins with Jamarat Al-Ula, followed by Jamarat Al-Wusta, and finally Jamarat Al-Aqaba.

Furthermore, before departing from Makkah, pilgrims are required to perform the Tawaf Al-Wida, also known as the farewell Tawaf. This ritual holds great significance in the Hajj pilgrimage and is obligatory for all pilgrims.

This year’s Hajj is set to be the largest gathering of pilgrims since 2019, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, approximately 2.5 million individuals took part in the Hajj, marking a significant turnout. However, due to the global outbreak, only a mere 10,000 individuals were allowed to partake in the pilgrimage in 2020. The number of participants increased to nearly 59,000 in 2021.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, there were a total of 899,353 pilgrims in 2022, consisting of 779,919 individuals from outside Saudi Arabia and 119,434 individuals from within the Kingdom. This remained substantially down on the pre-pandemic figures.

However, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that this year’s Hajj will welcome a staggering 2 million pilgrims, including 200,000 from within the Kingdom. This notable increase in the number of participants indicates a gradual return to normalcy and the resumption of the Hajj experience for a greater number of individuals.


Jeddah festival celebrates Korean culture

Updated 4 sec ago
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Jeddah festival celebrates Korean culture

  • Event strengthens ties through heritage, fun 

JEDDAH: The Korean Culture Festival, which was organized by the Consulate General of South Korea, has been held at the Korean International School in Jeddah.

This year’s theme, “Enjoy Korea,” drew around 500 guests to celebrate Korean heritage, culture, and the growing friendship between Saudi Arabia and Korea.

Held annually, the festival is part of the consulate’s efforts to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between the two nations.

The event was inaugurated by Consul General Woo Hong-koo, who spoke of the long-standing relationship between South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

He said: “This event provides a valuable opportunity to deepen residents’ interest in Korea. As the world’s 12th largest economy, Korea’s growth has been significantly supported by its long-standing cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

“Through events like this, we hope to inspire more people to explore Korea, a country that warmly welcomes all with its rich culture, dynamic traditions, and the global phenomenon of K-pop.”

One of the festival’s highlights was a pansori concert — a traditional Korean musical storytelling performance — by Chae Soo-jung, the chairman of the World Pansori Association, who traveled from South Korea to participate.

Guests explored various cultural activities, including a kimbap (Korean sushi) cooking class, traditional Korean calligraphy, and a hanbok experience, at which those attending could try on traditional attire.

A new addition this year was the virtual reality corner, offering immersive simulations of modern South Korea.

Han SangJun, principal of the Korean International School, highlighted the festival’s significance, saying: “Beyond showcasing Korean culture and tradition, this festival plays a vital role in building people-to-people connections and fostering mutual respect between our communities.

“It’s especially meaningful to see so many Saudi families and young people actively engage with Korean students, learn through hands-on activities, and create lasting memories. These interactions lay the groundwork for deeper educational and cultural collaboration in the future.”

A highlight was the involvement of Korean school students, who led an interactive segment on traditional games. These included ddakji (a paper-flipping game), gonggi (played with small stones), jegichagi (a Korean version of hacky sack), and biseokchigi (a stone-striking game). The activities encouraged participation from attendees of all ages.

Yeong Na, a representative of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, a government-affiliated organization promoting Korean identity and heritage, attended the festival, and said: “Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of Korea’s historical journey and national values.

“By participating in events like this we hope to build meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and inspire greater interest in Korea’s past, present, and future.”

Ahmed Fatani, a university student, said: “I have always been a fan of K-pop, but this event showed me a whole new side of Korea. I had seen some of the traditional games but watching them live and trying them myself was amazing.

“The calligraphy and hands-on activities were also really memorable. It made me want to learn more about Korean history and hopefully visit the country one day.”


Crown prince holds phone calls with King of Bahrain, Emir of Kuwait

Updated 18 min 38 sec ago
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Crown prince holds phone calls with King of Bahrain, Emir of Kuwait

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the calls, the crown prince reviewed relations between the Kingdom and Bahrain and Kuwait, SPA added. 

They also discussed a number of issues of common interest.


Saudi Arabia, Jordan welcome India-Pakistan ceasefire, urge dialogue

Updated 10 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Jordan welcome India-Pakistan ceasefire, urge dialogue

  • Kingdom commends both parties for prudence, self-restraint amid heightened tensions

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday welcomed the US-mediated ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, expressing hope that the development will pave the way for restoring security and stability in the region.

In an official statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom commended both parties for their prudence and self-restraint amid heightened tensions, and reiterated its support for resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.

Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of good neighborliness in a manner that promotes peace and prosperity for both countries and their peoples.

The ceasefire announcement came on Saturday after both Islamabad and New Delhi confirmed the agreement following a period of escalated hostilities.

The de-escalation followed US-mediated talks late on Friday night, with President Donald Trump stating that Washington had played a key role in brokering the understanding between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the ceasefire agreement, describing it as a key step toward enhancing regional stability, the Jordan News Agency reported.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah emphasized the importance of resolving crises through diplomatic channels and reiterated Jordan’s support for peaceful efforts based on the principles of good neighborliness.

He praised both sides for promoting dialogue and exercising restraint.


Saudi FM receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah

Updated 10 May 2025
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Saudi FM receives his Iranian counterpart in Jeddah

  • Araqchi traveled to Jeddah to meet with senior Saudi officials
  • The visit comes ahead of possible indirect US-Iran talks in Oman on Sunday

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Araghchi was in Jeddah to meet with senior Saudi officials and discuss bilateral issues and regional and international developments.

During the reception, the two ministers reviewed Saudi-Iranian relations and ways to support them in various fields. They also discussed the latest regional developments and the efforts made in this regard, SPA added.

Araghchi is expected to later travel to Qatar to participate in the Iran-Arab World Dialogue summit in Doha, an Iranian ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

The visit also comes ahead of scheduled indirect US-Iran talks in Oman on Sunday and an expected trip to the region by US President Donald Trump.

 


Little Explorer event in Jeddah connects young minds with archeology, heritage

Updated 10 May 2025
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Little Explorer event in Jeddah connects young minds with archeology, heritage

  • Initiative offered interactive, engaging educational experience

Jeddah: The Little Explorer event, which was organized by the Heritage Commission in Jeddah and ran from May 6-10, offered an interactive and engaging educational experience for children.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of archeological excavation and strengthen the connection between younger generations and the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Blending entertainment with education, the event sought to foster a generation that values antiquities and their role in strengthening national identity.

Held in Bab Jadeed, the event was part of the commission’s efforts to engage young people in heritage preservation through educational and hands-on activities, which introduced archeological principles and promoted the protection of historic sites.

The event featured five main pavilions, each designed as an educational and interactive station, according to the SPA.

The Little Explorer’s Tale took place in an interactive cinema screening an educational animation that simulated an exploratory journey to the Al-Faw archeological site, offering an engaging introduction to cultural heritage.

Children at the Explorer’s Academy viewed authentic artifacts from various civilizations and learned about excavation tools and archeological processes.

The Excavation Simulation offered a hands-on experience, allowing participants to search for artifacts using real tools in a realistic sand-filled setting.

The Archeological Workshop provided a space for creative drawing with children learning about historic monuments with the help of iPads.

The Play and Learn area combined recreational games with archeological themes, making heritage exploration both fun and educational for children.